Feet on the ground, imaginations in the air
It is said that families give our children roots to feel a sense of shared history and belonging, and wings so that they can soar as their highest selves in the world. This weekend, an outing to these two local airports can provide a sense of both!
On Saturday, June 14, the Dutchess County Airport holds its third annual Open House from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (verify hours before heading out). Admission is free, and activities available include a Wings and Wheels car and bike show, aircraft displays, antique firetrucks, face-painting, a bounce house, a kids’ crafting workshop and more. And remember to bring a nonperishable food item, which will be donated to Castle Point veterans.
The Dutchess County Airport is located at 263 New Hackensack Road in Wappingers Falls. For more information, call (845) 463-6000 or visit https://dutchessny.gov.
On Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15, Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome presents its Air Show Season Opening Weekend and Fathers’ Day Special: $85 for a ride and admission for fathers! This living museum features air shows, aircraft displays and early engine memorabilia from 1900 to 1939.
When he was younger, my son always did better with ear protection at shows like this with a wide volume range, and they’re fun for all ages to watch. Air shows take place only on weekends. Weekend air show admission is free for children age 5 and under, $5 for children 6 to 12 years or in Scout uniform, $15 for teens 13 to 17 years, $20 for adults 18 to 64 years, $15 for active or retired military with military ID and $15 for seniors 65 and over. Weekday admission rates range from $3 to $10 for the grounds and museums.
The Aerodrome is located at 9 Norton Road in Rhinebeck. For more information, call (845) 752-3200 or visit https://oldrhinebeck.org.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
Summer exhibition opening at Art Omi in Ghent
Just perusing the Omi International Arts Center website feels like an eclectic experience; I hope that you are able to visit in person. On Saturday, June 14 from 1 to 5 p.m., check out Omi’s Summer exhibition opening, which highlights new works on-site and offers activities for children such as hayrides, art workshops, live performances and more. While you’re there, find out more about the interesting summer and year-round Saturday youth programs.
Art Omi is located at 1405 County Route 22 in Ghent. For more information, call (518) 392-4747 or visit www.artomi.org.
Outdoor Youth Expo at Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson
If you have any children age 16 or under who enjoy archery, air rifles and trout fishing; and would be interested in watching fly-tying and casting demos and other outdoor activities, then the fourth annual Ulster County Outdoor Youth Expo is for them. On Saturday, June 14, head to Kelder’s Farm between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for some outdoor country fun – and did I mention free food for all kids?
Kelder’s Farm is located at 5755 Route 209 in Kerhonkson. For more information about the Expo, call (845) 594-4471.
Vanaver Caravan performs Earthbeat at the Rosendale Theatre
Keep your calendars clear for the Rosendale Theatre’s three-part summer family series, because not only are these events geared specifically toward kids, but each performer is also a quintessential Hudson Valley artist. Plus, they all take place in the cool comfort of the newly renovated historical theatre.
On Saturday, July 14 at 11 a.m., enjoy the Vanaver Caravan’s Earthbeat, an hour of dance and live music from around the world. The full version premiered in 2012 at Jacob’s Pillow. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for children under 12 and are available online at https://summerfunjune.brownpapertickets.com.
Additional series dates include David Gonzalez’s Aesop Bops on July 12 and Dog on Fleas on August 9. You can save money by buying a subscription to all three events online here: https://summerfun.brownpapertickets.com. The subscription package costs $30 for general admission; $25 for children under 12.
The Rosendale Theatre is located at 408 Main Street in Rosendale. For more information, call (845) 658-8989 or visit https://rosendaletheatre.org. To learn more about the artists, visit www.vanavercaravan.org, www.davidgonzalez.com and https://dogonfleas.com.
Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz screens Rent
“Where is the power you once had to ignite the air?” sings Roger in the title song of the movie Rent. The Elting Memorial Library invites teens to come find and experience that power this Saturday, June 14 at 6 p.m. at the Rent movie night, co-sponsored by the New Paltz High School Gay/Straight Alliance. Snacks will be available for sale, and drinks will be provided by the library.
The Elting Memorial Library is located at 93 Main Street in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 255-5030 or visit www.eltinglibrary.org.
Free tours at West Point Foundry Preserve in Cold Spring
As I learned from the incredible, paradigm-shifting movie Maleficent (which I wish everyone would please go see), iron hurts fairies. Ironworks hold important power to the Moors and King Stefan’s kingdom throughout this fairy-tale movie, but they also played a major role in our own Hudson Valley history, at both the local and national levels. Learn more this Saturday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. as part of New York State’s Path through History Weekend, when Scenic Hudson offers 90-minute tours of the West Point Foundry Preserve: an “outdoor museum” that examines some of the fascinating history of this ironworks site.
The West Point Foundry Preserve is located at 68 Kemble Avenue in Cold Spring. For more information or to reserve your spot on the tour, call (845) 473-4440, extension 273, or visit www.scenichudson.org.
Join the family! 
