Top Family-Friendly Activities near Patterson, NY

Patterson may only be located two hours or less from Albany, New York City, Hartford, and New Haven, but it has plenty to offer in its own right. The variety of appealing activities is one reason families with young children choose to live in this charming suburban town. In addition to its highly rated school system, Patterson is filled with parks, cultural attractions, restaurants, and other venues that people of all ages can enjoy. Check out some of the most popular family-friendly activities in Patterson, NY.

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Outdoor Activities 

Outdoor activities in Patterson, NY, are one reason families love living here. From beautiful parks and green spaces to its beloved ski hills, the area is a great place for staying active or simply enjoying a little nature.   

Thunder Ridge Ski Area 

For anyone who loves to ski, Thunder Ridge Ski Area is the place to be. It is home to 90 acres of hills, which includes 22 trails of varying difficulties, three chair lifts, and four magic carpets. Private and group lessons are available for new skiers and snowboarders along with rental equipment for both sports.  

Visitors are sure to work up an appetite, and Thunder Ridge has numerous options for food, including a cafe, food truck, snack shops, and a full restaurant. Just remember that Thunder Ridge keeps seasonal hours, so plan ahead to ensure the park is open.    

Wonder Lake State Park 

When it comes to Patterson, NY, parks, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Wonder Lake. The New York State Park sits on 1,133 acres of beautiful woodlands, which includes just under nine miles of trails, including a portion of the Highlands Trail, that meander throughout the area. It’s also home to the three-acre Laurel Pond and its namesake, the 30-acre Wonder Lake.  

The area is a popular place for hikers of all ages, as well as a great spot for fishing, birding, and hunting. You can even bring your furriest family members as long as they remain on leashes.  

Patterson Veterans Memorial Park 

Patterson Veterans Memorial Park is a bit smaller than Wonder Lake, but it’s a great local park for relaxing and unwinding and letting the kids just enjoy being kids. Grab a pavilion and enjoy a picnic or barbecue, bring a ball to play in the fields, or let the little ones climb around and swing on the playground. It also has a pond with a small beach for swimming.     

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Indoor Activities  

While many Patterson, NY, attractions are outdoors, you can also find plenty of ways to have fun indoors on a cold or rainy day.  

Patterson Library 

The highly rated Patterson Library is fun for the whole family. Not only does it house more than 25,000 books and other materials for all ages, but it hosts a variety of events for both kids and adults. Little ones are sure to enjoy Story Time and various pop culture-themed activities held throughout the year. The library always has something going on for teens and adults as well, such as presentations on everything from cooking to local history. The library even has its own little park that is open daily until dusk.    

Patterson Recreation Center 

For even more family fun in Patterson, NY, head to the Patterson Recreation Center. This community facility has an arcade, air hockey, pool tables, and several gyms, and it regularly hosts “open gym” time for anyone to play in these areas. Throughout the year, the rec center hosts festivals, shows, and other fun events for the whole family.   

Educational and Cultural Attractions 

Some of the best things to do with kids in Patterson, NY, also double as an opportunity to learn a little something. Both the local history museum and the Tilly Foster Farm are nearby and ideal for family visits.   

Putnam History Museum 

Learn more about the area and its history at the Putnam History Museum. It’s home to the permanent West Point Foundry exhibit as well as a museum store. Throughout the year, it also hosts various other exhibits and artwork related to Putnam County along with other special events. Kids will enjoy the museum’s take-and-go kits that are filled with crafts, activities, and information.   

Tilly Foster Farm 

Tilly Foster Farm calls itself Putnam County’s “premier destination for culinary arts, natural beauty, and historic attractions.” The working farm is a great place to learn about animal care and the origin of food, and visitors can even purchase fresh produce. It offers nature trails for hiking and a pond for catch-and-release fishing. Don’t forget to stop by the restaurant for a delicious farm-to-table meal or check the schedule for a list of concerts and other events that are held throughout the year.   

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Dining and Refreshments 

There are several kid-friendly places to eat in Patterson, NY. Take the family out to enjoy everything from pizza to ice cream.    

Family-Friendly Restaurants 

Located in the heart of Patterson, Sauro’s Town Square Pizza Cafe is popular for its family-friendly atmosphere and authentic Italian cuisine. Rocco’s Pizzeria is another local favorite for pizza, burgers, subs, and pasta dishes.  

The Farmhouse offers kids’ favorites like hotdogs and hamburgers, but it’s most famous for its ice cream selection, which includes soft serve, hard ice cream, sundaes, floats, and vegan options. Don’t forget to add some delicious toppings!   

Choose Stack-N-Stor – Patterson for your self-storage needs 

Patterson is a family-friendly place filled with activities for people of all ages. That’s just one reason why many choose to call this town home.  

If you’re planning to move to the area or you already live here and you’re searching for self-storage near Patterson, NY, choose Stack-N-Stor – Patterson. Whether you need a temporary place to store your furniture while you’re waiting to move into your new home or you need help getting organized, the company offers climate-controlled units in a variety of sizes, allowing you to select the best one for your unique storage needs.