Location: Kingston
Top Things to do in Kingston
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Kingston That You Shouldn't Miss
Kingston is a city in and the county seat of Ulster County, New York, United States. It is 91 miles (146 km) north of New York City and 59 miles (95 km) south of Albany. It became New York's first capital in 1777, and was burned by the British on October 13, 1777, after the Battles of Saratoga. In the 19th century, the city became an important transport hub after the discovery of natural cement in the region, and had both railroad and canal connections. Passenger rail service has since ceased, and many of the older buildings are part of three historic districts, such as the Stockade District uptown, the Midtown Neighborhood Broadway Corridor, and the Rondout-West Strand Historic District downtown.
Restaurants in Kingston
1. Volunteer Fireman's Hall & Museum of Kingston
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By tremp160 - Kingston, United States
The building itself, authentic, maintained and staff by volunteers is worth a visit - but the collection, the collection is noteworthy as well. Mission furniture in the meeting room is easily over a hundred years old, records of service, awards, sleeping quarters intact, the pole still in place - it's as if the firefighters of 1900 just left the building to answer a call and will be back in a few minutes. One of the few intact firehouse museums anywhere.
2. Tivoli Sailing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 154 reviews
Hudson River sailing, in the Hudson valley, if done properly, is a truly unforgettable and sublime experience. Whether it be Epic sunsets over the ancient Catskill mountains, basking in the sun as gentle breeezes caress you, or living it up with friends and dancing on the foredeck as you cruise down the river in complete style and comfort, Tivoli sailing company has the perfect boat and crew for you! We are the only sailing company in the Hudson Valley to have a fleet of boats, so we can scale up or scale down depending on our clients needs. Whether it be a romantic Champagne Sunset Sail for two, on our 29 foot yacht Helen, a large group on our 44 foot luxury yacht Songbird, or a week of Adventure Sailing school for your children on our 24 foot sloops, Leda and Cortney, we can accommodate all of our clients, and their children’s needs. Come see why sailing in the Hudson valley with Tivoli sailing truly is a “Posi Tivoli” sailing experience!”
3. Hudson Sailing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Hudson Sailing is New York's premier destination for sailing excursions. We take your group of up to 6 passengers on our modern, safe, fun, spacious and fast, sailing trimaran, Cirrus, for a 3 hour tour of the Hudson River! We are the most sustainable sailing company in the state as we derive nearly all of our power from the Because of our speed, we can sail instead of motor even when the wind is light! Sailing is green. We are the greenest. We serve you delectable hors d'oeuvres made from highest quality products, some from my own farm! Your safety is ensured because we are the most experienced and highly rated crew and captain on the river!
4. The Den of Marbletown
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By suedE4771ZS - Albany, United States
My best friend and I just had a wonderful time at The Den of Marbletown. It’s a fantastic Steiff teddy bear museum and cafe. They have an amazing number of Steiff teddy bears and animals, a room full of Madame Alexander dolls, a collection of Barbies, a tempting gift shop and a cafe with yummy treats. All of this is nestled in a historic farmhouse. We had a pleasant ride from Albany NY and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Interesting and fun for all ages. You’ll come away with a big smile on your face!
5. Rondout Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
You can reach this historic 86-year-old lighthouse by boat tours from the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Reviewed By 662stevec - Washington, United States
If you enjoy the tranquil beauty of a lighthouse, then this one is a must-see. The current structure was built-in 1913 & it was 1st lite-up in 1915. To see the lighthouse you can take a boat tour that originates at the Hudson River Museum or by walking the Kingston Point Rail Trail.
6. Hudson River Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Tour Hudson River Lighthouses aboard SOLARIS- Our 100% Solar Powered Tour Boat! Take a sailing lesson on the beautiful TIDBIT. Take a class in the wooden boat shop. Take a trip up the Roundout for local history tour. Check out our variety of beautiful spaces for events that including boat tours. 2020 Exhibit - "Mary Powell: Queen of the Hudson" Built in 1861, decommissioned in 1917, the Mary Powell remained a Hudson Valley constant during a period of incredible social and technological change in the United States. She saw the Civil War, the industrial revolution, Gilded Age, Progressive Era, and the start of World War I. Called “Queen of the Hudson” before construction was even completed, the Mary Powell, iconic symbol of “America’s Rhine.” Operated for most of her career by one enterprising family - the Andersons - Mary Powell also represented the best of Hudson River travel- the speed, elegance, safety, and attention to detail that made travel by water preferable.
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
The Hudson River Maritime Museum is one of those underrated museums that you come across that is packed with interesting information, interesting exhibitions and engaging displays. If you are interested in the history of the maritime exploration, the history of the canal systems and the growth of the manufacturing industry of the Hudson River Valley, this museum has all the answers and in a interactive way. The displays are very interesting and there is a lot of reading to do (not very Gen Z). They explain not just the shipping industry but the whole history from when the Indians traded with the Dutch up to the changes in the towns with modern day gentrification and the growth of 'cottage' artist communities. It is a very underrated museum that you should visit when you are at the Kingston Roundout or visiting the Kingston area.
7. Hudson River Cruises, Inc.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 846 reviews
Explore the majestic Hudson River aboard the M/V Rip Van Winkle. Enjoy narrated cruises past quaint lighthouses, great estates, and a magnificent view of the Catskill Mountains. Weekends in the summertime offer sunset cruises, live music and DJ Dance Cruises as well as dinner cruises and special theme events. The Rip Van Winkle makes the perfect venue for cocktail receptions, weddings, family events, corporate outings and anything in between!
8. Forsyth Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By lifeisafieldtrip87 - Saratoga Springs, United States
This Nature Center is right in the middle of a big city park with all the fixin’s. There is a big track and football field, baseball field, open space to run around and play catch, plenty of covered picnic tables, and a super fun wooden playground area with plenty of things to climb, explore, and swing on. We parked our car and passed all of these things with our eyes on the prize…animals! Just for some extra fun, somewhere there was a loudspeaker blasting party music throughout the park so we strutted our way to the Nature Center, half moving to the beat, and half embarrassed that we were dancing through a parking lot. Full disclosure, my husband later said he would have preferred a quiet animal experience, so I invite you to weigh all the pros and cons before choosing your own adventure. However, we were not in a remote spot in the woods; we were deep in the city of Kingston and the place was packed. I thought the music was quite fitting. The Nature Center is free to enter and very sweet. Right away you see peacocks to your right and farm animals to your left. Per COVID guidelines, we turned left and began our circle. We showed our toddler goats, llamas, chickens, and even a bull. He may have seen them. Or he may have been so very distracted by all the children around him. What. Are. Children? You know you’re a pandemic baby if… After our tour of the animals, we made our way to one of the big fields in the park where some of us practiced walking while others dance-walked to the rhythm of that music. I’ll let you guess who did what. So, if you’re in the Kingston area with kids, stop by Forsyth Park and Dietz Stadium. Bring a ball for the fields, a hurdle for the track, or just enjoy the playground and Nature Center. So many ways to design your own field trip!
9. Ulster Performing Arts Center
10. Trolley Museum Of New York
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By R4960NKjustinw - Hasbrouck Heights, United States
Don't underestimate this interesting little museum in the Kingston Roundout. I had only passed the museum a few times during the week when it was not open so on this trip to Kingston NY I made the effort to visit the museum. What an interesting little museum! I started my visit by making the first trip of the day on the trolley. Our first stop was down the street to the Kingston Roundout to pick up other passengers. I could not believe the crowds did not take the time to take a ride with us. Then we travelled along the tracks up to the side of the Hudson River to Kingston Point Park and what views of the foliage. The park was at peak and the colors were of gold and red and with the leaves falling and the sunshine in the background it was quite the site. What views of the Hudson River! The museum has interesting cases of uniforms, trolley history not just in Kingston but all over the country and a history of the progress of the trolley from the horse drawn to the electric. Outside the museum building there are all sorts of subway cars, Path train, and buses to climb through which the kids seem to love. It is a really unique museum with a friendly staff. Don't miss this little gem at the Kingston Roundout.
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