An amazing playground with something for everyone! My 2,3 and 4 year old grandchildren were…read morethrilled. The only hard part is getting them to leave!

Since my wife and I became parents, I feel like we've both become playground connoisseurs. We've…read moremade quite a list of good playgrounds in the tri-state area, but one of our absolute favorites is Julie's Jungle in Hopewell Junction, New York. Inceptioned in 2012, the playground was named after Julie Keating. Young Julie was afflicted with both physical and cognitive disabilities and was often unable to join in on the fun at her local park. She tragically passed away in 2007 at the age of 15. Her younger sister Natalie later wrote a letter to the East Fishkill recreation committee asking them to build a handicapped-accessible playground. The town accepted the proposal. Phase I of the playground opened in 2016 and Phase II was completed in 2018. Julie's Jungle was the first fully accessible playground built in Dutchess County. It was built for children of all abilities to play and learn together. It's equipped with accessible routes and paths throughout, ramps, spacious decks, short stair heights, Braille play panels, and even a sensory garden. Whenever my family and I are passing through the area, we always make a point to stop at Julie's Jungle. Both of my sons love playing here. They have so much fun that our visits seem to end in the blink of an eye. We wish that more playgrounds were like this. FUN FACT: For those parents like me who enjoy good craft beer and wood-fired pizza, Sloop Brewing Company is just a three-minute drive away!

Advice: arrive early for a parking spot. Sometimes the parking lot is full because there is a…read morehiking group, other times it's individuals or families. This is a great short hike about 45 mins per the park ranger but without stopping you probably can finish around 30-40 minutes just strolling. You can climb up the hill for a better view though the climb down is a bit steep and rocky, not recommended for toddlers. There is also a beach that is full of tree trunks for a nice break. Go breathe the fresh air and get away from the city.

This is the perfect spot to unwind after conquering one of the bigger hikes nearby like Bull Hill…read morejust across the street or Breakneck Ridge about a mile up Route 9D. I'd been to the beach a few times before I realized one of the trails climbs up the small cliffs, offering a stunning vantage point overlooking the river. Wish I'd known about that hidden gem before. On a summer evening with a glowing sunset, it's a prime spot to snap some memorable photos. So, make your way to Little Stony Point an ideal way to cap off a day of hiking around Cold Spring. Even if you're wiped from your earlier trek, I promise you'll make it there. This place is fantastic. Split by Route 9D, it offers two distinct experiences: on one side, a Hudson River beach where people swim and relax; on the other, a hiking trail that winds through the intriguing ruins of an old estate. This was easily one of the most captivating spots we explored.

This playground is one of my favorite in the area. It seems to be on the newer side, as the…read moreequipment is in great shape. There's an area for younger kids, and an area for older kids; and both sections have robust options. (That's not always the case!) There's also ample shade here. I cannot stress how delightful that is, especially in the summer. There's an area of musical instruments, which I've seen at a handful of other playgrounds, but, again, it's in pretty great shape here. The sand area is relatively clean. At least for now! It's also close to downtown in case you have any errands you need to do on your way.

This is a very nice playground. It's an interactive space with plenty of different areas to explore…read morefor children that may have different interests. There are musical instruments, swings and multiple structures to climbs, as well as a small sand park area. Many of the structurs have ages printed on them. I would suggest that parents definitely watch smaller kids on some of the structures so they don't hurt themselves. There's a structure with rolling pieces and I would definitely see a kid falling and hurting themselves or getting a finger pinched while moving across. The swingset has swings for different stages and abilities which I love. People form the community gave back to build this wonderful park and it's a great addition to the neighborhood. Be careful walking across the street. The multiple stop signs make drivers impatient and they speed up almost as if to scare you out of the way, despite rushing to another stop sign.

Great playground for the kids. Has a great area for sports like soccer or softball playing…read more Bathrooms and ample parking available.

Twin Brooks Park is a very beautiful and well maintained park. It has a nice paved walking/bike…read morepath with flowers and trees that bloom in spring and summer. There are a total of 5 ponds/lakes, two of which people sometimes fish at. There are swings (in very good condition) and a playground that is suitable for kids around age 4-13. In the winter Twin Brooks has easily the best sledding hill in a 10 mile radius. It's such a good sledding hill that it can actually be dangerous due to the sheer distance. With most sleds you don't have to worry but with high quality inner tubes you can generate a lot of speed. Sledding not your thing? No problem! There is also an extensive network of mountain biking/hiking trails in the woods to the north of the park. In fact you can mountain bike or hike from Beach Memorial Park all the way to Twin Brooks! Twin Brooks is beautiful in all 4 seasons, just don't forget your Trumbull parking pass. If you don't have one there is street parking on Franklin Street.

What a stunning beautiful park , so clean with plenty of parking , picnic table and a beautiful…read morewaterfall-river . It's an amazing place to spend the day on a romantic date or with the family .

I definitely recommend going early and having your own transportation to get there because signal…read morecan be spotty. The croton gorge and its bridge was beautiful. Beautiful views , the sound of the water and trees all around. I saw a deer and many people picnicking in the grass. A lot of lantern flies unfortunately. I wish there was a way to get rid of them in a eco friendly manner because the trees don't deserve this haha! They had portopotties , a playground, and some food trucks. On a beautiful day this is a hidden gem not too far from the city.

10/10/25 Visit. Riverfront Green Park has a little something for all ages!…read more It's right by the Peekskill train station *Kids- A wonderful and colorful playground area with swings and slides. Decent restroom facilities are nearby. *Adults- Seating areas to view the beautiful waterfront and stunning sculptures. Please see attached sculpture photos. Saw several men out fishing the day we visited. Across from the park, there's several places to eat. Unfortunately, cleanup needs to be done due to the Canadian geese droppings in the children's section.

Peekskill has some great perks, especially Riverfront Green Park, with much to take in. A…read moreplayground is just a short distance from the train tracks, which I've seen numerous times when riding the train. For anyone who's into art sculptures, etc., they have a number of them throughout the park, which seems fairly recent and an additional upgrade I'm assuming. The boardwalk near the Hudson River is beautiful, with plenty of room to fit people. Decent views from that area. Some areas are a bit messy, which could be improved upon. This is a great stop in the Hudson Valley.

My visit to Untermyer Gardens Conservancy this year was a highlight. It is such a majestic place…read more Although our trip was short, we made the best of it. The weather was absolutely beautiful. It was a crowded day, and the traffic entering and leaving the Gardens was intense. For anyone who enjoys natural beauty and has a whole day to relax and explore these grounds, you will absolutely love it. The fact that this garden is free is also a great gift to the community. One drawback is that you can't bring your fur babies.

I had the opportunity to visit the gardens twice in the past month. Each time it was just perfect…read more Easy parking, free admission, not crazy busy and beautifully cared for grounds. Take time to spend a few hours and read what you can about its most interesting history. There's flowers, architecture, sculpture/art, grottos, views, and peaceful surroundings. Lots of places to sit and rest. Great for professional picture taking.

I found this spot to be pretty cool, right in the Cold Spring Train Station parking lot with a…read morelittle pull-off. There are only two parking spots in the area, one for handicapped and also general. The view is very decent, observing the Hudson River in the west and south, being the only highlight. Benches are also provided in the park, to rest and take in the wonderful creation all around. Even though the park is small, Foundry Dock Park is the place to en[joy]!

Not too much detail to give besides it's a cool spot by the Hudson (always a plus) with some local…read moreflair, not too much traffic, and overall a basic and easy stroll. Some older historic buildings in the area and parking is fairly ample all around.

I visited Hudson Highlands State Park for the first time to hike the Blue Trail, also known as the…read moreCornish Trail. It was only my third time hiking, and that's when I realized how much I love hiking. I definitely plan to hike more often. The Blue Trail is considered beginner-friendly, I found parts of it a bit challenging because of the incline. Still, the effort was worth it, the view of South Beacon Mountain was absolutely beautiful. The hike itself was a great experience, especially with friends. Near the train station, there are small shops where you can grab food, drinks, or any last-minute supplies. There are also restrooms by the station and portable toilet near the trail areas. I would definitely come back to hike there again, maybe do the red trail.

One of the best hikes that I have gone on this year! Initially, we were going to do the Bull Hill…read moreFull Loop which is an estimated 3-4 hours. This is definitely a moderate trail. If you go in the winter, take caution with the ice when climbing to the top. After about an hour into the trail, you will see a sign to continue on the Full Loop or the Short Loop. When we reached that point, we switched to the Bull Hill Short Loop. It took around 3 hours to complete. The trails have beautiful views! You will see other hikers, but everyone keeps a safe distance. Take time to stop and enjoy the surrounding. There are portable toilets at the beginning of the trail with hand sanitizers if you need to use a bathroom.

FDR park is a spacious 960 acre park. This open park has nice trails for long walks, jogging, and…read morebicycling. There are basketball courts, fields for playing soccer or softball, and a children's playground. I could not believe the many areas for barbecuing with plenty of picnic tables, charcoal grills, and some areas even had volleyball nets,. Perfect for cookouts, and nice pavilions for events. There is also a beautiful scenic lake where you can rent row boats, and fish. It is also home to the largest pool of all New York State parks that can accommodate 3,500 people.

Came here for the pool, really nice when it's not crowded. Clean and friendly staff! Entrance fee…read moreis $3 per person and you can spend a whole day here!