ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (April 20, 2022) – With LEGOLAND® New York Resort now open, Orange County, N.Y. holds a brighter spot on the map for family fun. But the Northeast’s first theme park in four decades is only one of a host of destinations in the county where families can find fun, adventure and history.
“When families look for places to make memories together, Orange County, N.Y. has it all!” said Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism and Film. “Theme parks, woods to hike in, boating, fishing and museums to explore history from this country’s earliest days are all right here. With so much to see and do it just makes sense to book a night or two at one of our many kid-friendly lodging destinations and make a weekend out of it. You’ll want to come back again and again!”
Here are some of the destinations that are fun for the whole family:
LEGOLAND® New York Resort, One Legoland Boulevard, Goshen: The theme park is open for its second season with seven themed areas creating a wonderland of bold primary colors, with rides and attractions. It features several dining options and 250-room hotel with whimsically themed décor. All hotel rooms include kids’ own sleeping area with entertainment unit, LEGO bricks to build with and more. READ MORE
The Castle Fun Center, 109 Brookside Ave. Goshen. Just down Route 17 from LEGOLAND® New York Resort, this longstanding family favorite offers classic fun and excitement. Zoom around three go-cart tracks, zip down a zipline, and ram friends and family members in bumper cars. Try the Dragon Coaster and the Free Fall and hit the junior links at two miniature golf courses. Working up an appetite? Grab a bite at Jesters Restaurant and Pub. READ MORE
Urban Air Adventure Park, 1 North Galleria Drive, Middletown: The ultimate indoor adventure park with trampolines, climbing walls, tube playground, virtual reality and much more. The park provides a safe place for the whole family to jump, soar, race, climb, bounce and play. It’s the perfect venue for unforgettable kids’ parties. READ MORE
George Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, 84 Liberty St., Newburgh; Visit the nation’s first publicly owned historic site and tour the rooms where American history was made. Consider the decisions General George Washington made in just a few months here. He rejected the idea of an American monarchy; ended the Newburgh Conspiracy, preventing potential military control of the government; created the Badge of Military Merit, forerunner of the Purple Heart; and more. Also explore the Museum, which houses the award-winning exhibit, Unpacked & Rediscovered: Selections from Washington’s Headquarters’ Collection. The exhibit features more than 1,300 objects. Finally, take a tour of the Tower of Victory and climb the steps to the newly restored belvedere. (Access to the Tower may be limited based on staffing and weather conditions.) READ MORE
West Point Museum, 2110 New South Post Rd., West Point: Learn the history of the United States Military Academy at West Point, beginning with the garrisoning of West Point during the Revolutionary War. Highlights include a First World War tank and murals by a D-Day veteran depicting the Allied Invasion of Europe in 1944, an atomic bomb of the type dropped on Nagasaki and the cannon which fired the first American shot of World War I. READ MORE
Bear Mountain State Park, Palisades Parkway or Route 9W North, Bear Mountain.
With shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, Trailside Museums and Zoo, hiking and biking, there is more than enough to fill a day at Bear Mountain. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April through late November, weather permitting.
Bear Mountain’s one-of-a-kind Merry-Go-Round features hand-painted scenes of the park and 42 hand-carved seats of native animals including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more. (Can be booked for birthday parties.) READ MORE
About Orange County Tourism & Film
Orange County Tourism & Film, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. Additionally, a fun, free, 56-page travel guide is available for digital download at https://orangetourism.org/travel-guide/.
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