You’ve made the summer “bucket list” and are excited to hit the local beaches, pools, and parks but Mother Nature has other plans. The rain can stop us from doing a lot things we have planned with our families this summer but rainy days can’t stop us from having fun! There are many things to do right here in Southern Dutchess, NY whether your a kid or adult!
Think of it this way, the plants are getting a good drink and you can take a break from the heat and sun and feel less guilty about staying indoors in the summer. So, pack up the kids and don’t let a rainy day stop you from having fun! We have rounded up the top 10 places from Hopewell to Pawling, to Beacon to Wappingers Falls, where you can find something to do on a rainy summer day. And when the sun comes back, click here for the Best Spots to Swim, and Splash in Southern Dutchess!
1. Enjoy an Art Museum
Dia Beacon is a museum of contemporary art right along the beautiful Hudson River offering family-friendly workshops and free days for Hudson Valley residents. This summer, I highly recommend checking out Dia Beacon’s Saturday Studio days where children age 5+ and their families receive free admission and participate in artist-led art-making, material experimenting, and play. On most Saturday mornings, children can also attend Play Sets, a morning of exploring the gallery through an in-depth, hands-on exploration of a single artist. Check our calendar for more dates and info.
2. Shop “the strip”
While we have quite a few cute “Main Streets” in Southern Dutchess County, Pawling tops the list as one of the best. The eclectic “main street” is filled with interesting shops selling everything from olive oils, to vintage toys, clothes and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the shops here!
3. Enjoy a movie
All summer, you can catch a movie at Regal Cinemas in Fishkill on Tuesday or Wednesday morning for only $1! Summer movies include popular children’s films such as Clifford, Trolls, Sonic, The Minions, and more.
4. Visit the library
Cool off all summer long or spend a rainy day at the library. Your local library offers various youth programs as well as special events each week.
5. Go to the Theater
Catch a show at County Players in Wappingers Falls. Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B By Kate Hamill and directed by Parker Reed plays through the end of July and a new show begins in early September.
6. Go Bowling
It’s a staple for family fun all year but a particularly great place to take a break from the summer sun. Spins Bowl in Wappingers Falls and Fishkill Bowl have traditional and cosmic bowling plus Spins has a gaming lounge with air hockey, pool tables, foosball, and darts. You can also play in the arcade or have a bit to eat at the attached restaurant.
7. Learn to play an eSport
Whether your child is a seasoned gamer ready to join a league or just wants to play with friends, Contender eSports is a great place for gamers to hang out this summer - they even have a special 3-hour Parent’s Night Out for kids 6+.
8. Go on an adventure
An escape room adventure! Escape Time Adventures offers a fun time for families or a group of friends this summer. Five uniquely themed rooms allow for different mystery-solving adventures for all levels.
9. Have fun to the MAX
Check out Fun Max Adventure Park for rainy-day fun! This awesome indoor play space features walls of trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, soccer, zip lines, ninja course, rock climbing, ball pits, and so much more! There is a large toddler section too!
10. Visit a historic site
Sprinkle a bit of education into your summer by visiting one of the many historic sites local to Southern Dutchess including the Van Wyck Homestead, Beacon Historical Society, Hopewell Depot Museum, the John Kane House, Madam Brett Homestead, Mesier Homestead and Museum, Miss Fanny’s Victorian Party House, Mount Gulian Historic Site, Oblong Friends Meeting House, Quaker Museum at Akin Free Library, The Brinkerhoff House, or for a truly unique experience visit Bannerman Castle. Take a boat ride to the island to enjoy nature paths and breathtaking views, or a show (recommended for teens and adults). The tours are filled with remarkable history and facts about the area.
Southern Dutchess MacaroniKID is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in Southern Dutchess County, NY
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