Top Things To Do In Kingston With Kids

Kingston, NY, is rich in history, and much of its old-world flair is still alive today. Kingston was New York’s first state capital in the late 18th century, and visitors will be charmed by its stately Victorian homes, fun museums, and charming shops. 

We’ve gathered 20 things to see and do with the family while visiting the city, highlighting kid-friendly dining, and giving you options for turning a day trip into an overnight stay.

Find more Hudson Valley inspiration in our rundown of 35 things to do in the Hudson Valley with kids and our ultimate 3-day Hudson Valley itinerary written by a local mom. 

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Best Things To Do in Kingston, NY, with Kids

1. Hudson River Maritime Museum

The Hudson River Maritime Museum has a mission of sharing the maritime history of the Hudson Valley, and offers lots of great ways to explore that history. The museum offers films, exhibits online and in-person, sailing lessons, and educational programs. Look into purchasing tickets for a boat tour, which visits three lighthouses, including the Rondout Lighthouse, one of few still fully operational lighthouses along the Hudson River. Open Wednesday through Sunday.

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Hop aboard a Hudson Valley Boat Tour to marvel at the region’s many breathtaking sites. Photo courtesy of the company

2. Hudson Valley Boat Tour

Glide along the Hudson River on a two-tier boat with a Hudson Valley Boat Tour. From bridges to castles to lighthouses, there are lots of impressive sights to take in. 

3. Kingston Farmer’s Market

Explore the Kingston Farmer’s Market every Saturday in the Ulster County Court House parking lot (it moves indoors to the Dutch Church during the cold season). With vendors from farms surrounding Kingston, there are heaps of local produce, farm-fresh delights, and artisanal wares like baby clothes.  

4. Volunteer Fireman’s Hall and Museum of Kingston

The Volunteer Fireman’s Hall and Museum of Kingston offers up history, artifacts, and documents related to the Kingston Firehouse and Firemen. Admission is FREE. 

The Reher Center celebrates Hudson Valley immigrants’ contributions. Photo courtesy of the center

5. Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History

All cultures “break bread” when they come together at the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History. Visit this center, which is housed in a bread bakery that the Reher Family kept for two generations. Learn the stories of the different immigrants who helped build the structure and follow all the different cultures who worked there over the years. Take a tour and visit the indoor and outdoor exhibits on Fridays-Sundays (tours are suggested for children 6 and up)

6. Matthewis Persen House Museum

Take a walk through time at the Matthewis Persen House Museum, which is located in Kingston’s Stockade District and open Thursday-Saturday. Burned and rebuilt at least once, this building survived wars and housed workers ranging from doctors to grocers.

7. Trolley Museum of NY

Visit the Trolley Museum of NY on weekends to view trolleys from around the world, see the exhibits, and visit the gift shop. Then take a trolley ride, which leaves every half hour from T.R. Gallo Park during museum hours. Children 5 and under are FREE. 

8. Senate House State Historic Site

History lovers will appreciate walking the grounds of the beautifully kept Senate House State Historic Site, which was where the first New York State Constitution was drafted in 1777. Walk the paths through the manicured grass, sit on one of the many benches, and visit the historic house for a peek at Colonial life. Children 12 and under are FREE.

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Explore the playground at the Forsyth Nature Center. Photo by the author

9. Forsyth Park and Forsyth Nature Center

With over 20 animal exhibits to view plus gardens to walk, Forsyth Nature Center’s main goal is for its visitors to experience nature. Along the beautifully landscaped paths, there are tables to picnic and a huge “dinosaur dig” pit that will keep the kids interested while you sit and take in the beauty. You can visit the center Mon-Fri for FREE with a suggested donation. The playground, just a short walk from the nature center, is large and completely fenced-in.

The Seed Song Farm & Center offers educational programs for children throughout the year. Photo courtesy of the center 

10. Seed Song Farm & Center

Seed Song Farm & Center goes beyond pumpkins in the fall and flowers in the summer. The center offers educational programs for children throughout the year and camp in the summer. Gardeners who appreciate filling their property with native plants will swoon over the annual plant sale, which offers all kinds of native herbs, grasses, and perennials for purchase.

11. Play Haven

Need a few hours to get some stuff done or grab a drink (at nearby Hutton Brickyards) without the kids? Play Haven is a gem, a one-of-a-kind place offering play areas for the kids both inside and out in a clean, safe space. Pay for an hour or more. “Drop and play” is $15 per hour.

12. Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC)

Ulster Performing Arts Center hosts entertainment from music and dance to ballet and theater. Tickets per performance are available online or through Ticketmaster.

14. Boice Bros Ice Cream

Founded in 1914, the family-owned Boice Bros Ice Cream is a one-stop shop for both soft-serve and hard ice cream, as well as cakes, pints, and other pre-made frozen treats. The staff is friendly, the ice cream is mouth-watering, and the baby cone is only $1! 

You’re in for delicious diner fare at Dietz Stadium Diner. Photo courtesy of the diner

15. Dietz Stadium Diner

The servers at Dietz Stadium Diner are friendly, the menu has all the fan faves (turkey club lovers should be sure to try the house-smoked turkey) and there’s even outdoor seating.

16. Ole Savannah Southern Table and Bar 

Ole Savannah Southern Table and Bar severs up Southern-style BBQ for all taste buds and all ages. There are plenty of yummy items available off the main and kids menu. Try out the Sunday buffet brunch, lunch, or dinner.

17. Picnic Pizza

Classic pizza makes Picnic Pizza a favorite for everyone in the fam. Friendly service, a laid-back atmosphere, and delicious Italian food will fuel your crew. 

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The affordable Courtyard Marriott has a beautiful pool. Photo courtesy of the hotel

Family-Friendly Kingston, NY, Hotels

18. Courtyard Marriott and Hampton Inn

Both Courtyard Marriott and Hampton Inn have locations in Kingston. For reliable and affordable overnight stays, either spot is a great option. Bonus: they each have an indoor pool!

19. Hotel Kinsley

If historical architecture is something that interests you, one of the four different locations of buildings that comprise Hotel Kinsley is sure to impress. The buildings are originally from the 17th to 19th century, and all have been restored and modernized for a one-of-a-kind, memorable stay. 

20. Hutton Brickyards

Ever wanted to rent your very own luxury cabin overlooking the Hudson River? That’s just what Hutton Brickyards offers. If you’re not spending the night, you can still experience the view while enjoying food from the brunch (Sat/Sun) or dinner (Thurs-Sat) menus.