Big Kids

Andes, Delaware County

If you need a low-key stop with room for kids to spread out while parents catch a breather, this is it! There's a big outdoor picnic area in the front and you can order right at the counter window.  Andes General Store has classic counter fare that's actually worth stopping for: we tried the grilled chicken sandwich, chicken cutlet, and the Cuban, and all three were delicious. The donuts are exceptional, and don't skip the ice cream—they scoop it right from the same window! It's also genuinely convenient: stock up on household essentials while you're there, or grab one of their grain bowls (also delicious!) if you need something premade and easy.

💡 Best donuts around!

Delhi, Delaware County

Birdsong welcomes visitors during their popular seasonal market on Saturdays (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May through September) featuring local goods in the market barn and around the vegetable garden. Note: The garden is closed to the general public at all other times. They also host holiday markets in November and December.

Oneonta, Otsego County

This hidden gem is a small children's library in Oneonta with two cozy reading and play areas. This place is inviting, low-key, and the kind of place where kids settle in without much prompting. Huntington Children's Library is open to anyone holding a card from the 4-County Library System, which covers 43 branches across Delaware, Broome, Otsego, and Chenango counties. The return-anywhere policy is worth knowing: check out a stack here and drop them at any other branch in the network when you're done. **Good for**: Toddlers through tweens **Town**: Oneonta **Cost**: Free **Hours**: Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm; Sat 9am–12pm and 1:30–4pm **Good to know:** Street parking; stroller-accessible (no steps); restrooms unconfirmed

💡 Note: Saturdays they close at 12pm for a lunch break then reopen at 1:30pm.

Andes, Delaware County

Cozy public library in Andes, NY.

Cooperstown, Otsego County

Playground • Open space for scenic enjoyment (park benches and picnic tables provided) • Open space for outdoor activities • Ice skating rink in the winter time • Basketball and other blacktop-oriented activities in the summertime Playground with swing & climbing equipment (designed for children ages 2-6, and 6-up) • Warming hut during ice skating • Blacktop with basketball goals; converted into an ice rink in winter • Picnic tables • Park benches • Mural painted by CCS students on the back of the grocery store

💡 Note: Spring/Summer/Fall park closes at dusk; Winter ice skating rink hours, weather permitting: M/W/F 3pm-7pm mixed-use; T/Th 3pm-6pm mixed use, 6:30pm-9pm Hockey; Weekends and Holidays 10am-12noon Family skate; 12:30pm-6:30pm mixed use.

Delaware County

A nature-based Montessori School in the heart of Delaware County, New York

Maplecrest, Greene County

CD Lane Park has many fun attractions and amenities, including: Pavilion with many picnic tables BBQ grills Bathrooms Children’s Playground Softball field Beach Volleyball Frisbee Golf Basketball Court Beach Fishing with a license that can be obtained from the Town Clerk Walking trails Hiking access Swimming in designated areas when a lifeguard is on duty Kayak rentals

Delhi, Delaware County

Public library in Delhi, NY with a wonderful kids space and multiple children's programs each week.

Arkville, Delaware County

A Clean recreation center featuring a large, heated indoor pool plus a gym and yoga classes. Catskill Recreation Center's mission is to offer year-round swimming, fitness, and recreational opportunities that promote healthy lifestyles for people of all ages from the surrounding communities. Important to note: Pool hours differ from regular operating hours; check the website for pool-specific hours. Minimum age required to use the gym is 13 years old.

💡 We love Family Swim Nights, every Friday from 4 - 7pm in the family pool - just $15 per family!

Deposit, Delaware County

Arkville, Delaware County

The East Branch Nature Preserve has trails and interpretive stations, covering 33 acres between the East Branch of the Delaware River and the historic Delaware & Ulster train’s railroad tracks in Arkville.

Cooperstown, Otsego County

World-class collection of American folk art and Native American art overlooking Otsego Lake.

Fleischmanns, Delaware County

Great community park on Wagner Ave in Fleischmanns Village, including a modern playground, two tennis courts, soccer/baseball field, restrooms, gardens and two picnic tables. A stream borders one side of the park (next to the playground).

Oneonta, Otsego County

Fortin Park is Oneonta's largest park and offers multiple uses that include picnics, hiking, cross-country skiing, fishing, softball, walking, soccer, and playground fun for children. **Amenities include:** • Three pavilions available to rent for graduations, birthdays or receptions • Two playgrounds, including one just for tots • Horseshoe pits and a volleyball net • Hiking and ski trails • Handicap-accessible fishing pier • Regulation softball diamond

Hamden, Delaware County

Delicious food, a staple kids menu, activities corner with books and toys and an outdoor seating area with picnic tables under string lights make Hamden Inn a great kid-friendly restaurant in the Catskills.

Hobart, Delaware County

Cobleskill, Schoharie County

💡 The older wooden playground is no more but has since been replaced with a modern playground.

Hopewell Junction, Dutchess County

Julie’s Jungle is the first fully accessible playground built in Dutchess County, NY. It was built for all children of all abilities to play and learn together. It boasts a gorgeous 16,000 sq. ft. accessible playground and a 5,500 sq. ft. accessible serenity garden. A public park, free of charge, open daily from dawn to dusk.

Ulster County

Public library in Kingston, NY that offers programming for adults, kids and teens.

💡 Wonderful Children's Library and Teen Room

Selkirk, Albany County

This busy neighborhood park features large grass areas, a playground, a basketball court, walking path, picnic areas, and a sledding hill.

Arkville, Delaware County

One of the best kid-friendly restaurants in the Catskills. With a dedicated kids room filled with toys off the main seating area, kids can roam and play while parents enjoy a delicious meal just a few feet away. Located in the heart of Arkville, Cafe Mornings is a cozy, family-run Korean café where kids can enjoy a playful corner all their own, pups are greeted with treats, and their in-house market is stocked with unique pantry staples, Asian spices, and thoughtful gifts to take home.

Narrowsburg, Sullivan County

Oneonta, Otsego County

Neahwa Park offers plenty of recreational opportunities within walking distance of downtown Oneonta. Try the newly completed 1.2 mile loop around the park, or extend your walk through Catella Park to the trails at New Island. **Neahwa Park features:** • 1.2 mile loop trail • Playgrounds • Picnic pavilions (reservations recommended) • Hodges Pond • Skateboard park • Two dog parks (one for small dogs, one for large dogs) • Tennis and basketball courts • Sand volleyball court • Multi-use fields • Softball field • Damaschke Field, home of the New York Collegiate Baseball League’s Oneonta Outlaws (Catella Park, which is next to Neahwa Park, features multi-purpose fields used for baseball, softball and soccer. )

Prattsville, Greene County

Town park with an outdoor playground, covered sandbox for kids, basketball courts and picnic table pavillions.

Hancock, Delaware County

The Nature preserve offers groomed nature trails that allow visitors to identify flora, fauna, a wide variety of trees, and the observance of bird and animal life. Located throughout the trails you'll find various picnic areas to relax and enjoy the outdoors. If you are visiting during undesirable weather a covered pavilion and picnic area is available at the science center. The Science Center is complete with study facilities, worktables, study lights, and science room equipment that provides an enhanced science-based educational experience for scheduled visits. They offer monthly programs for children and families and the building is available to use for private parties and events for a nominal fee.

Andes, Delaware County

The Andes Hotel is nestled in the heart of a charming Catskills town and invites locals and visitors alike to experience the warmth and timeless hospitality of this historic community. They offer ten stylish, cosy rooms, landscaped gardens and outdoor bar for alfresco eating and drinking in the warmer months. The hotel is the scene of many great happenings throughout the year, including live music performances, curated feasts, parties, firework displays, karaoke nights and private events.

💡 Hours shown are for the restaurant.

Arkville, Delaware County

The Delaware County School of Performing Arts (DCSPA) connects Young Artists and professional Performing Arts educators for world class learning experiences, with unlimited tuition assistance.

Delhi, Delaware County

Great modern playground in Delhi, NY. Conveniently located near the town's ice cream shop for those hot summer days.

Oneonta, Otsego County

Located near downtown Oneonta, Wilber Park provides a rustic, woodsy atmosphere. The upper level of this park can be accessed via Center Street and has a large picnic pavilion, basketball court, modern playground structure and the beautiful Applebaugh Gardens. The lower level is accessed via Spruce Street and includes a small picnic pavilion, Briggs Swimming Pool, the George Waddington Tennis Courts, pickleball courts, and two multi-use practice fields. Intermingled throughout Wilber Park's 56 acres are a host of quiet walking and biking trails.