Top 10 Things To Do with Kids in the Catskills: Fall 2016
Looking for things to do with kids in the Catskill Mountains? We think the Catskills are the easiest and most fun place to bring the kids for a weekend trip. Here are our ten favorite spots for the perfect fall getaway.
1. Send little kids on a pony ride or go horseback riding together
For beautiful horses in an idyllic setting, we love K&K Equestrian at Ravine Farm in East Durham. They've also got a bunch of friendly farm animals on site -- a built-in petting zoo.
K&K Equestrian: The prettiest place for a pony ride or horseback riding
2. Get a crazy-delicious kid-friendly meal -- with great cocktails, too
We are totally obsessed with Gracie's Luncheonette in Leeds, just outside of Hudson. It's the perfect spot for all ages, whether you go for dinner or their new weekend brunch.
Gracie's Luncheonette: Cocktails for you, milkshakes for the kids
3. Eat brunch al fresco and frolic with alpacas
Dine outside while you still can! There's no better spot than Preston Hollow's Heather Ridge Farm, where the lavender picnic tables overlook the most beautiful fall foliage. They've also got a cozy indoor space and some adorable alpacas.
The incomparable chorizo breakfast skillet at Heather Ridge Farm's Bee's Knees Cafe
4. Meet some farm animals while you pick up eggs and produce
Visiting a farm is more fun when you've got kids around. As an grown-up, it feels weird to ask a farmer for a little tour, but our friends at East Durham Farms are always happy to introduce our kids to the pigs, turkeys, kittens, and chickens. Don't forget to grab a dozen eggs -- they've got the most gorgeous golden yolks we've ever seen.
Archer checks out the pigs at East Durham Farms
5. Take a little hike through a fairy-tale forest
At the Catskill Mountain Country Store in Windham, you can sit down for a very kid-friendly lunch, do a little shopping at a well-stocked toy store, and then follow this stone path to meet some ponies and rabbits in the woods.
A kid-friendly hiking trail at the Catskill Mountain Country Store in Windham
6. Explore the Catskill Creek and find a waterfall
The creek may roar a little more after a rainy spring season, but if you stay at Gavin's Irish Country Inn during the fall, you'll still get to see this hidden waterfall behind their family-friendly resort.
The waterfall behind Gavin's Irish Country Inn
7. Pick up some pumpkins, gourds, and other fall goodies at a roadside farm stand
There's no better place to celebrate the fall harvest than Story Farms in Catskill. While you're there, check the refrigerator and see if they've got any of Sidney's Best Salted Caramels in stock. They're the best caramels we've ever tasted, but they're not easy to find!
Story Farms in Catskill, NY
8. This one's important: take a nature walk
In the words of my 5-year-old son, Archer, "If you're on the sidewalk, there's no way you could take a nature walk." Take Archer's advice, and soak up the bright-colored leaves, the pine cones, and the sounds and smells of autumn in the Catskills. There's really nothing better.
Archer takes us on a nature walk
9. Make the ultimate road trip snack: Trashy Trail Mix
Or, you know, make some really healthy granola with organic ingredients. But if you don't have access to a full kitchen, you can easily whip up our Trashy Trail Mix with the help of some very small children and some snacks from a local grocery store. (Our favorite is Hannaford in Cairo.)
Trashy Trail Mix: Cookie Crisp, Teddy Grahams, Goldfish, M&M's, popcorn, and pretzel sticks
10. If you get a rainy day, plan a DIY treasure hunt
The Catskills are less fun when you're stuck inside. Be prepared by bringing pens, post-its, tiny treasures, and our treasure hunt guidelines. Or get everything you need at a local mom-and-pop shop, like Lawyer's General Store or the Milk Run.
Clues for a kid-friendly treasure hunt
Got more ideas for a kid-friendly trip to the Catskills? Please share in the comments! We're always looking for new places to explore.
