If you’re looking to explore the Hudson Valley for fun and excitement, be sure to learn a little bit about the history of the area as well. The area is full of museums and attractions that offer historical information that is fun and educational for all ages. During your visit, be sure to stop in at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting in Hudson. The Museum is the home of the premiere collection of American Firefighting objects in the world. With 50,000 square feet of fire engines, equipment and gear, children and adults can learn about the heroic history of the firefighter. Children can play on various fire engines and take part in hands-on interactive activities. Not only will you learn about the history of firefighting, you can begin to learn about the majestic Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains which can be seen from this location.

To learn more about this pristine area of water, visit the Hudson River Museum, which is known as the largest cultural institution in Westchester County. Here you can explore galleries devoted to American arts from the 19th century to the present, the Glenview historic home, the planetarium and the Hudson Riverama; a permanent gallery devoted to the environment of the Hudson and its shores. This is a great museum to visit during any time of the year and offers a wide variety of programs for children.

The D&H Canal Museum, located in High Falls, is another great place to visit in the Hudson Valley. The museum is housed in a former Episcopal Church and presents exhibits that highlight the Delaware and Hudson canal’s history. The children can enjoy the exploration of the working model of a lock, a life-sized recreated canal boat cabin, a moving model of a gravity railroad brake car and various other exhibits and displays. The museum also has a store and bookshop complete with nostalgic 19th century flavor including canal-related maps, cards, posters, and children’s toys and games.

If you’re visiting the capital of Albany, the New York State Museum should definitely be a stop along the way. Not only is the museum free, it offers extensive history of New York State through exhibits, displays, programs and activities. The Museum also has a Museum Shop where you can shop for gifts or souvenirs, a Discovery Place for the little ones and a carousel. The Museum hosts more than 750,000 visitors each year, making it one of the largest cultural attractions in the state.

Whichever part of the Hudson Valley you are visiting, you'll love exploring the beauty, the fun and the history of this area.