Adventures for Preschoolers in New York

We pulled these 34 preschooler adventures out of our full catalog of kid-friendly spots in New York. Every listing has the ages it suits, what it costs, how long to budget, parking notes, and what to pack.

34 adventures found

Albany Institute of History & Art

Albany, NY

Museum
Ages 4–18+ Paid

Small Albany museum with two ancient Egyptian mummies, Hudson River School landscapes and drop-in …

Dia Beacon

Beacon, NY

Museum
Ages 5–18+ Paid

Vast daylit factory in Beacon filled with room-size contemporary art including Richard Serra steel …

Kane Mountain Fire Tower

Caroga Lake, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Free

Quick and easy fire tower hike perfect for young or beginner hikers. Free. Best from about age 4. …

Sam's Point Preserve

Cragsmoor, NY

Hiking
Ages 5–18+ Paid

Ice caves, dwarf pine barrens, and cliff-top views on the Shawangunk Ridge. Paid entry. Best from …

Cascade Lake Trail

Eagle Bay, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Free

Easy loop trail around a scenic Adirondack lake with lean-tos and swimming spots. Free. Best from …

Pilot Knob Preserve

Fort Ann, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Free

Gentle nature trails with lake views above southern Lake George. Free. Best from about age 4. About …

Shelving Rock Falls Trail

Fort Ann, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Free

Short family hike to a beautiful waterfall near Lake George. Free. Best from about age 4. About two …

Hadley Mountain Fire Tower

Hadley, NY

Hiking
Ages 5–18+ Free

Fire tower hike with views of Great Sacandaga Lake and the southern Adirondacks. Free. Best from …

Finger Lakes National Forest

Hector, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Free

The only national forest in New York with free camping and 30+ miles of trails. Free. Best from …

Indian Lake Islands Campground

Indian Lake, NY

Camping
Ages 5–18+ Paid

Paddle-in island camping on scenic Indian Lake in the central Adirondacks. Paid entry. Best from …

Clark Reservation State Park

Jamesville, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Paid

Glacial plunge basin with cliff-rimmed lake and unique geology near Syracuse. Paid entry. Best from …

Baxter Mountain

Keene, NY

Hiking
Ages 5–18+ Free

Moderate short hike near Keene with excellent High Peaks views. Free. Best from about age 5. About …

Beaver Meadow Falls Trail

Keene Valley, NY

Hiking
Ages 5–18+ Free

Scenic river trail to a beautiful 30-foot waterfall in the High Peaks. Free. Best from about age 5. …

Vernooy Kill Falls Trail

Kerhonkson, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Free

Easy forest hike to a beautiful waterfall with a swimming pool at the base. Free. Best from about …

Mirror Lake Paddle

Lake Placid, NY

Kayaking
Ages 4–18+ Paid

Paddle a kayak or canoe on the calm motor-free waters of Mirror Lake. Paid entry. Best from about …

Frick Pond Loop Trail

Livingston Manor, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Free

Peaceful forest loop to a quiet Catskill pond with lean-tos. Free. Best from about age 4. A half-day …

Vroman's Nose

Middleburgh, NY

Hiking
Ages 5–18+ Free

Short hike to a cliff-top meadow with sweeping Schoharie Valley views. Free. Best from about age 5. …

Grimes Glen Park

Naples, NY

Hiking
Ages 5–18+ Free

Wade up a fossil-filled creek to reach two hidden waterfalls in a narrow gorge. Free. Best from …

Camp Santanoni Historic Area

Newcomb, NY

Hiking
Ages 5–18+ Free

Carriage road hike or bike to a historic Great Camp on pristine Newcomb Lake. Free. Best from about …

Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower

Newcomb, NY

Hiking
Ages 5–18+ Free

Family-friendly fire tower hike with interpretive signs and High Peaks views. Free. Best from about …

Panama Rocks Scenic Park

Panama, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Paid

Ancient rock formations with caves, crevices, and passageways kids can explore. Paid entry. Best …

Azure Mountain Fire Tower

Santa Clara, NY

Hiking
Ages 5–18+ Free

Family-friendly fire tower hike with northern Adirondack wilderness views. Free. Best from about age …

Floodwood Pond

Saranac Lake, NY

Kayaking
Ages 4–18+ Free

Motor-free interconnected ponds perfect for family kayaking and canoe adventures. Free. Best from …

Harriman State Park

Stony Point, NY

Hiking
Ages 4–18+ Paid

Massive park with 200+ miles of trails, swimming lakes, and mountain views. Paid entry. Best from …

WonderWorks Syracuse

Syracuse, NY

Indoor-Play
Ages 4–16+ Paid

Indoor science-and-illusion attraction at Destiny USA in Syracuse with a hurricane simulator, ropes …

Chimney Bluffs State Park

Wolcott, NY

Hiking
Ages 5–18+ Free

Otherworldly clay spires sculpted by erosion on the shore of Lake Ontario. Free. Best from about age …