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Oneonta, Otsego County

The A.J. Read Science Discovery Center, located in the Physical Science building on the SUNY Oneonta campus, is a free, hands-on science museum open to the public Tuesday-Saturday (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.). It features over 80 interactive physics-based exhibits for all ages. There's also a planetarium nearby*! *The planetarium isn't free, just the Science Discovery Center. You can expect to spend about $4 per person for a show but as with all activities listed here we recommend checking their website before you go to confirm.

Kingston, Ulster County

Forsyth Nature Center is a handicapped accessible outdoor learning center more than two-dozen animal exhibits and beautiful gardens that foster a connection to the natural world for visitors of all ages. The center is open year-round and is free to the public.

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.

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

Bovina, Delaware County

Brushland Eating House is a favorite among locals, weekenders and travelers alike. The food here is fantastic, featuring local, seasonal fare and a menu that changes weekly. On Thursday and Fridays you can order from their a la carte menu but on Saturdays they offer one seating and serve a three course, family-style meal. Tickets for Saturday seatings need to be purchased in advance (beer & wine is served a la carte). Doors open at 6 pm and dinner begins promptly at 7 pm.

💡 While they don't offer a kids menu, coloring pages or toys like other restaurants on our list, they are very accommodating and welcoming to kids and parents with children of all ages in-tow!

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!

Arkville, Delaware County

💡 Open by appointment - call to schedule

Delhi, Delaware County

Delaware Academy is a K-12 public school in Delhi, New York.

Delhi, Delaware County

Outdoor public pool in Delhi, NY featuring kids programs, swim school and open swim in the summer.

💡 Check their website for the latest 2026 Pool Schedule. As of April 2026, the pool schedule hasn't yet been announced.

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.

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.

Delhi, Delaware County

Working 19th-century water-powered sawmill. Watch historic machinery in action and explore rural life of the past.

💡 The ice harvest in winter is spectacular. Bring boots!

Hobart, Delaware County

Margaretville, Delaware County

A family owned and operated farm since 1848, Hubbell Family Farms offers a range of seasonal products like naturally raised highlander beef and Berkshire Pork, maple syrup, honey, and apple cider-grown in the heart of the Catskills. They also host a few kid-friendly events throughout the year like their Maple Weekend Open House where visitors can see how maple syrup is made.

💡 Note: They're closed for lunch from 12-1pm.

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.

Margaretville, Delaware County

Family farm with pick-your-own apples, pumpkin patch, farm animals, and corn maze.

💡 The baby goats are friendliest in spring. Bring quarters for the feed machines.

New Paltz, Ulster County

Over 8,000 acres of protected land with 70+ miles of trails, perfect for family hikes and nature exploration.

💡 The Bonticou Crag trail is challenging but worth it for older kids. Pack snacks!

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. )

Otsego County

Noah’s World is a locally owned, unique indoor play space for the recommended ages of children 10 years and under. It offers a ball pit, sensory cave, indoor jungle gym, gross motor toys and more in a clean 3800 square foot space. **Note: Their open play drop in times change every week, call them to confirm their hours before visiting.

Otsego County

Affordable after-school, summer, and school-break care with structured activities and supervision for kids and teens. The Oneonta Boys & Girls Club is a trusted community organization providing safe, structured, and affordable programs for children and teens in the Oneonta area. Built to support working families, the Club offers dependable after-school care, enrichment activities, and seasonal programming in a supervised, community-centered environment. Kids can expect a mix of academic support, physical activity, creative outlets, and social development—designed to meet them where they are, from early elementary through the teen years. Programs often include: - After-school care with homework support - Sports, games, and indoor recreation - Creative arts and enrichment activities - Summer and school-break programs - Teen leadership and life-skills opportunities This is a strong option for parents looking for consistent after-school coverage, affordable full-day care during breaks, or a positive place for kids to spend time outside of school. Good to know - Membership is free to children ages 6 to 16. - Registration is required - Offerings vary by age and season Best for Families who need reliable care during the school year, summer, or unexpected schedule disruptions—without overcomplicating logistics.

Roxbury, Delaware County

Plattekill Mountain offers big mountain skiing across 41 exciting trails and 1100′ of vertical, and the best part is you’ll enjoy it all in a laid-back family atmosphere. They're the last family-owned and operated ski mountain in the Northern Catskills of New York offering skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing fun, plus great events and après too!

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.

Stamford, Delaware County

Public library in Stamford, NY with free events for adults and kids like: **Little Ones Storytime ** - Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join Ms. Lindsay for stories, songs, movement, bubble time, and more!

Oneonta, Otsego County

Otsego County

The SUNY Oneonta planetarium offers family-friendly shows for the public on select Friday nights and Saturdays from now until May 15, 2026. Show schedule and topics are listed on their website, along with what ages each show is best suited for (e.g. "Suitable for all children and adults", "Best for ages 8 and up" etc.) Tickets are $4 per person per show and can be purchased online through the University Ticketing System (linked on their website). Purchase your tickets online ahead of time to guarantee your seat since they don't guarantee seating for walk-ins. They recommend arriving 10 minutes early as doors close promptly at showtime.

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.

Walton, Delaware County

Public Library in Walton that offers free adult and kids programming including, Sensory Play, Story Time, Cereal Cinema and Lego Club.

Woodstock, Ulster County

💡 If you plan on stopping by during a holiday, be sure to check their holiday schedule on their website before you go.

Cooperstown, Otsego County

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