The reason most people come up. All of it is family-friendly, though a couple of the trails want sturdy shoes and an eye on little ones.
Kaaterskill Falls
One of the tallest waterfalls in the Catskills and an easy favorite. There is a viewing platform up top and a trail down toward the base, with a swimming hole that is glorious on a hot afternoon. The descent is steep in spots, so hold small hands.
Saugerties Lighthouse
A working 1869 lighthouse you reach by a flat half-mile trail along the creek, with big Hudson River views at the end. Check the tide before you set out, since the path can flood at high water. You can even book a night in it if you fall in love.
Esopus Bend Nature Preserve
More than 160 acres of gentle creekside trails along the Esopus, the right speed for little legs and a stroller-friendly wander. Easy to pair with a stop in Saugerties village.
Saugerties Village Beach & Playground
A warm-weather spot for a swim, a paddle, and a proper playground, all in one place. Easy, low-key, and built for kids.
When you need a plan that the little ones will actually remember.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary
A 100-plus-acre haven for rescued farm animals, with weekend public tours from roughly April through October. Kids get to meet the pigs, goats, and roosters up close, and parking is free.
Opus 40
A sprawling bluestone sculpture park one man built by hand over decades, full of ramps, terraces, and pools to roam, with mountain views all around. Genuinely unlike anywhere else, and kids love having room to explore.
Puttin Plus
The classic rainy-or-sunny-day family fun center: mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, laser tag, and an arcade. Open seasonally and reliably a hit.
Cantine Field & the Saugerties Library
Cantine Field has several playgrounds, ball fields, and a skate park, and the Saugerties Public Library nearby is a lovely place to wait out a shower or catch a kids' story time.
Woodstock Playhouse
A beloved performing-arts theater with a season that often includes family-friendly musicals and shows. A nice way to round out a day in Woodstock.
Arm-of-the-Sea Theater
A Saugerties mask-and-puppet company known for inventive, family-friendly waterfront performances in the summer. Keep an eye on their schedule if you are up in the warmer months.
Woodstock Flea Market
Antiques, vintage, and local makers, open weekends through the warmer months. Easy to fold into a morning in Woodstock.
Saugerties Farmers Market
The best of the Hudson Valley in one place: produce, cheese, eggs, maple, honey, and baked goods, plus lunch. Seasonal, and worth timing a morning around.
Woodstock & Saugerties villages
Two of the best main streets in the Catskills for a slow wander, with galleries, shops, and cafes. Saugerties for antiques and the lighthouse walk; Woodstock for music, art, and people-watching.
Our actual rotation, not a tourist list.
Maestri's Prime Italian Steakhouse
One of our all-time favorites. It is tucked into a gas-station lot right off the highway and easy to miss, but do not let that fool you. Some of the best Italian we have had anywhere, consistently excellent every time.
BINA's Cafe
A must if you love Indian and Middle Eastern food. The Indian dishes are some of the best we have ever had, full of flavor and beautifully done. A wonderful choice for something a little different.
Shelter
A wood-fired oven turning out some of the best empanadas we have had, plus pizza, chicken, and ribs. A relaxed but memorable meal.
Tibet Pho
Our favorite restaurant in the whole Hudson Valley. Enough said.
Cone E Island Ice Cream
By far the best ice cream in the Catskills, with excellent gluten-free and vegan options. Get the chocolate-dipped cone. You will not regret it.
Bluestone Coffee Roasting Co.
Our morning go-to for quick coffee and pastries. Fast and easy, which matters when you are traveling with kids.
Smoke House of the Catskills
Less than five minutes from our front door and the perfect place to stock up. Incredible cold cuts for sandwiches, great meats to cook at home, and enough grocery basics to save you a bigger run.
Inquiring Minds Bookstore & Cafe
A great bookstore with good coffee and a place to kick back and disconnect for an hour. Right in the middle of town.