New York Day Trips: Columbia County. There are many things to do in Columbia County with kids. There are also plenty of pet-friendly activities if you want to take your dog with you on a day trip to Columbia County.
Columbia County is approximately 2.5 hours from NYC and only 30 minutes from Albany. It borders Massachusetts so it is a short drive from Pittsfield and the Berkshires.
High Falls Conservation Area
High Falls Conservation area offers a really nice fairly easy 1.5-mile round trip hike to see the highest waterfall in Columbia County. There’s also a path that goes along the stream for some additional exploring. Pets on leashes are allowed. If you stay right to stay on the falls view trail you can head to the waterfall first. on the way back head down to the stream and walk along exploring it. Just be prepared for about 40 wooden steps at the end to take you back up the trail.
Art Omi
Art Omi presents contemporary art over its 120-acre Sculpture & Architecture Park in Columbia County, NY. Admission to Art Omi is by donation. Pets are welcome on leash.
There’s a variety of our door art spread out on a beautiful field. There’s an architecture area off to the left you can also explore. While there are wooded areas a lot of the art is in an open field so bring sunblock and hats if it’s a sunny day.
Home Range Winery
Home Range Winery is located in Canaan, NY right along the Massachusetts border. The winery has a bar/tasting room and lounge area where there is often live music. They also bring in a food truck on weekends making it a great place to enjoy a Saturday evening. Their homestead has ducks, chickens, and goats. The kids can enjoy the farm animals while the adults relax with a glass of wine out on their lawn and deck. The Winery is Dog friendly but make sure your dog will tolerate being around the livestock and birds which are fenced but of course a low fence. There are also 2 wonderful resident dogs.
Columbia County 1 Day Itinerary with Kids
11 am High Falls Waterfall Hike
This Hike will only take you about an hour and a half. it’s fairly easy and this includes time to explore the stream a bit.
Next head about 15 minutes away to Art Omi.
1 pm Art Omi
Pack a picnic and find a good spot to have lunch. Then enjoy the art.
3:30 pm Home Range Winery
There’s often a food truck and other special options for food on weekends so if you want a snack or even a meal there are several options. Check their schedule to see what will be offered.
Other Options
FASNY Museum of Firefighting
FASNY Museum of Firefighting is a great museum for kids. As you enter the museum you will see a display or antique fire trucks. Head upstairs to explore more. There’s a firefighter training center for kids. An additional activity center and more trucks. There’s even a fire truck you can drive while watching a screen to feel like you are really driving to a fire. There are often special events so check out their events calendar.
New York State Parks in Columbia County
- Taconic State Park
- Lake Taghkanic State Park
- Clermont State Park
- Schodack Island State Park
Historic Parks in Columbia County
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site (temporarily closed)
- Olana State Historic Site
New York Day Trips: Columbia County Summary
There are many things to do in Columbia County with kids. There are also plenty of pet-friendly activities if you want to take your dog with you on a day trip to Columbia County. If you are looking for other Great New York Day Trips check out Cooperstown or head just over the board to Salsbury, CT
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