“I like to take this time to take the path of thanks less traveled.”
– Paula Poundstone
Winter break
Slotcar racing in Hyde Park
Oh, sure, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh – but how about riding in a slotcar and zipping around a track at the Hudson Valley Raceway? During the winter break this week, stop by the Hudson Valley Raceway for thrilling, safe, indoor racing fun. I’d recommend this activity for ages 5 through adult, due to the dexterity needed to operate the car controller. Rental cars are available, and walk-ins are welcome.
The Hudson Valley Raceway’s new location is in the Haviland Shopping Center at 870 Violet Avenue (Route 9G) in Hyde Park. For more information, call (845) 838-5333 or visit https://hvraceway.net.
Snow fun in Kingston & Campbell Hall
For skiing and tubing, check out these local options!
Weather permitting, the Sawkill Family Ski Center is open for skiing and tubing beginning December 26 and operating on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sawkill is perfect for young skiers and snowboarders, beginners or folks with special needs because the carpet lift is easier to manage than a chair or rope tow, and the size of the facility is not overwhelming. Rental equipment and lessons are available.
The Sawkill Family Ski Center is located at 167 Hill Road in Kingston. For pricing or more information, call (845) 336-6977 or visit www.sawkillski.com.
Snowtubing opens at Thomas Bull Memorial Park on Saturday, January 3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather and conditions permitting. With multiple tubing runs and a large lodge area, this is a fun winter activity for almost all ages. Thomas Bull Memorial Park is located at 211 New York 416 in Campbell Hall, and residents of Orange County receive a discount. For reservations, pricing or more information, call (845) 457-4910 or e-mail tquinlisk@orangecountygov.com.
Day at the Museum in Albany
Visit the New York State Museum for a different free program each day during winter break. From Saturday to Sunday, December 27 and 28 and Tuesday, December 30, children and youth can make birchbark baskets, experience a planetarium show and more.
The New York State Museum is located at 260 Madison Avenue in Albany. For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.
Children’s Winter Arts at Kingston’s Cornell Street Studios
Craftmaking, hula-hooping, a New Year’s Eve party and more at Cornell Street Studios await your children during CSS’s second annual Children’s Winter Arts Program. The registration deadline is December 27. Sessions take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 30 and 31 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at a cost of $100 per child for both days; $65 for one day; or $75 per member for both days.
Cornell Street Studios are located at 168 Cornell Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 331-0191 or visit www.cornellstreetstudios.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25
Christmas Day Walk in Chatham
Treat yourself to a gift that cannot be wrapped: Christmas Day Walk. On Thursday, December 25 at 10 a.m., head to the Ooms Conservation Area, located at Sutherland Pond, and connect with nature.
The Ooms Conservation Area is located at 480 Rock City Road in Chatham. For more information, call (518) 392-5252 or visit https://clctrust.org.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
Capital Kwanzaa at New York State Museum
Join in on Capital Kwanzaa on the fourth floor Terrace at the New York State Museum on Friday, December 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and includes a candle-lighting ceremony, activities for children, an African marketplace and local performers. The New York State Museum is located at 260 Madison Avenue in Albany. For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.
Open House at Knox’s Headquarters in Vails Gate
Bring the family to this weekend’s Open House at Knox’s Headquarters, open from Friday through Sunday, December 26 to 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with hourly tours until close. Knox’s Headquarters is located at 289 Forge Hill Road in Vails Gate. For more information, call (845) 561-1765, extension 22.
Rosendale Theatre screens The Book of Life
The Book of Life movie doesn’t come out on DVD until the end of January, so for a chance to see it beforehand, head over to the Rosendale Theatre on Friday, December 26, Monday, December 29 and Wednesday, December 31 at 2 p.m. and Saturday, December 27 at 11 a.m. Admission costs $5.
The Rosendale Theatre is located at 408 Main Street in New Paltz. For more information, call (845) 658-8989 or visit Rosendale Theatre at www.facebook.com.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
Mouse houses & Holiday Whodunits at Mills Mansion in Staatsburg
Visit Staatsburgh State Historic Site twice this weekend! On Saturday, December 27 and Tuesday, December 30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., ages 6 to 10 can tour the house to see mouse houses on display, then build their own mouse house. Reservations are required. On Sunday, December 28 from 1 to 4 p.m., children solve the Holiday Whodunit by examining alibis and clues on the estate.
Staatsburgh State Historic Site is located on Old Post Road in Staatsburg. For more information, call (845) 889-8851 or visit https://nysparks.com.
Join the family! 
