Summer Fun Guide: Camping For Families

Bear Mountain State Park; photo by EJP Photo

Veteran families know that great camping lies just outside the city. An hour north of NYC near Hudson River—and accessible via public transit—Bear Mountain State Park features large fields, picnic areas, biking trails, and swimming pools. We recommend the pet-friendly Black Bear Campground in Orange County, complete with basketball courts, hayrides, and much more.

For the adventure seekers, the famed Catskill Mountains offer everything from horseback riding and rock climbing to safaris and water parks. (Scenic train rides let you take a breath in between.) Try starting from Mongaup Pond in Livingston Manor, a campground situated on a 120-acre lake. The remote location, dense forest, and boating-ready waters are only a few of the area’s attractions.

Or go Appalachian at the Delaware Water Gap, a 90-minute hop away from the city, for stunning mountain views and a menu of activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. Amenities like clean water and electricity at The Dingmans Campground in Dingmans Ferry (Pennsylvania) make for an easy stay at any of the 133 sites. Time your visit to the fairs and festivals in the area throughout the summer.

Dance Workshop - Long Island

Nestled in the heart of Lynbrook Village, Dance Workshop is a community-focused studio committed to dance education in a loving and safe environment. Dance Workshop offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and Acro for ages 2+. They also offer a Pre-Professional Company track for dancers interested in taking their technique to the next level. Trial classes may be scheduled with the studio at the start of the season. Dance with the Dance Workshop! MaryAnn Grasso founded Dance Workshop in 1979. Her daughter Nanci later joined her at the helm and in 2016 established Dance Workshop on the Upper East Side of NYC. MaryAnn and Nanci have devoted their lives to dance education, community and the development of children; raising dancers and sound human beings alike. Dance Workshop has seen thousands of dancers pass through the doors. They believe dance has the power to elevate and change lives!

Music Together

Music Together&reg; is for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregiver. The classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes and movement, and instrument play activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children and easy for parents and caregivers, regardless of their own musical ability.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.