Location: Kingston
Top Things to do in Kingston
Top 6 Free Things to do in Kingston, New York (NY)
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. 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!
2. Kingston Uptown Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By 251wesleyc - Tucson, United States
The Stockade District (Uptown Kingston) dates back to 1658. Site of many historical buildings -- Senate House, Old Dutch Church, Matthewis Persen House, Hoffman House, etc. Now a entertainment district of unique shops, restaurants and bars. Park your car and take a walking tour of the area.
3. Old Dutch Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Timzorrr - Edmonds, United States
The original chruch was built in 1679 but was burned by the British in 1777 along with what was the village. General George Clinton and roughly 70 Revolutionary War soldiers were buried in the grave yard on the church property. The church that is here now, was built in 1852 in Renaissance Revival style. Well worth a stop if you are into history!
4. Forsythe Nature Center
5. T.R. Gallo West Strand Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By V553GTcarolynh - New York City, United States
This was the bustling heart of town when barges hauled cement, slate, coal and whatever else needed to be moved along the Hudson. Now it's a beautiful and peaceful vantage point to watch the river. What's left of Rondout's beautiful architectural details are still preserved in the faced of the buildings facing the waterfront. lots of places to eat, things to see right here, but definitely take a walking tour of the neighborhood around this spot, which was nearly completely destroyed in a misbegotten fit of "urban renewal" madness in the late 1960's. This spot is a small triumph and a must see for a trip to KIngston.
6. Heritage Area Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
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