HudsonValleyGoodStuff

Detour: South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center in Bridgehampton for quiet family fun

A  friend who lives in Sag Harbor suggested that I visit the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center (SoFo) in Bridgehampton. I have been going to the Children's Museum of the East End, which is right across from it, for a few years now.  I like SoFo because it is a very quiet space, and has that college marine biology atmosphere, but with much nicer decor. Kids really enjoying looking at the animal exhibits through the small holes on the ground floor, and cute gift shop.

For my family, the real fun was downstairs in their Touch Tank where kids get to reach down in the tank and get a close-up look at the crabs, horseshoe crabs, seastars, seaweed, and other marine life. The staff are extremely friendly and patient, and let the kids pet the crabs, while telling them about food the creatures eat, how to tell the difference between a boy and a girl crab, sleeping patterns, etc.  

Visit the museum's website to get on their email list, and find out about SoFo educational workshops for kids of all ages. (There is everything from how to build your won bat cave, to a Blue Bird watching. There is a beautiful field right behind SoFo is one of the classrooms.  Admission is $7 for adults. $5 for 3-12 year olds, and the under 2 set are free.  Family membership for the year is $50. South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center, 377 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Sag Harbor, NY (631) 537-9735

Hoffman's Playland in Latham, NY: Kiddie rides, budget-friendly & an old-school amusement park

It was a perfect day to take the kids to Hoffman's Playland today.  It was my first time, and there is plenty to like about the 60-year old Hoffman's Playland. Things I like: easy parking, no admission fee, they take credit cards, ride tickets are reasonable. (We got a 25 tickets for $28.50 which gave us about 90 minutes of fun: carousel, choo-choo train tour, helicopter kiddie ride, spinning booth, and a rickety kiddie roller coaster). The staff were very cheerful.  

There is a good ice cream place called Dairy Freeze adjacent to the parking lot too. After 2 hours of Hoffman's Playland, we all needed a treat. I would recommend this small amusement park if you don't need flashy heart-racing rides, and are looking for a smaller amusement park that won't overwhelm (or over-stimulate) the little ones. We didn't have the courage to go on the few major rides they have there. Sorry I can't report on those! Hoffman's Playland, Route 9, 608 Loudon Road, Latham, NY (518) 785-3842. The park is open weather-permitting 7 days a week during the Summer until September 6th, then open weekends only until October 1st.

Stay cool idea: Fun-E Farm now offering Bouncy House & Water Slide rentals in the Hudson Valley!

 

I'm very excited to tell you about what's new at Fun-E Farm, one of Hudson Valley Good Stuff sponsor.  They are now offering bouncy house and water slide rentals any special event, fundraiser, or party.

They have a brand new double waterslide, a perfect way for kids to stay cool on a hot summer day. (If I had a kid with a summer birthday, I'd check this out!)   You can choose to rent bounce and slide combos, obstacle courses and even our interactive sports bounce too. I've been a fan of Fun-E-Farm ever since they opened. It's great to have an indoor place for the kids to bounce and unwind.  They can deliver just about any place in the Hudson Valley. The rental fee includes 8 hours of fun, delivery, set-up and take-down. Call them to get the rate. Fun-E Farm, Hudson Valley Mall, 1300 Ulster Avenue, Kingston, NY (845) 514-2431.