In search of the perfect family vacation…where there really is something for mom, dad and tyke alike?  Where families can go on safari, board a fairy-tale train ride, play cowboys on a dude ranch, float on tubes, soar the mountains and walk back into history all in one place?  The Catskill Region is this place, as diverse as any family can imagine for all seasons. 

Summertime fun in the region is made up of game farms, petting zoos and railroad rides through the scenic Catskill Mountains. 

A Safari, So Near
No jet lag is required to go on a “safari” to see more than 2,000 exotic and tame animals, representing over 150 species from all over the world, at the Catskill Game Farm.   Kids will love the interactive zoo, playground, splash pad and amusement rides.  Healing Waters Farms feature the farm’s special collection of domestic and exotic animals and birds from faraway lands, including llamas, emus, zebra and a camel (named “Phil,” whose birthday is celebrated every year).  This is a great chance to visit farm animals in their natural setting and enjoy nature trails, picnics and the beautiful countryside.  Fall hayrides and holiday special events round out the offerings.

History Made Fun
To relive a part of history, visit Fort Delaware, a replica of a colonial-era settlement from 1775 to 1785.  Nearby, Minisink Battlefield offers a Revolutionary War history lesson with an interpretive center and trails on 57 acres.  The stone and brick Gomez Mill House, built in 1740, is the oldest surviving Jewish homestead in North America – and offers special tours for children.  At Hanford Mills Museum, kids can not only see a working sawmill and gristmill powered by a waterwheel in action, but also join hands-on activities and workshops to learn about skills from the Industrial Age.

Lure of the Railroad
“Kids” of all ages will enjoy The Delaware & Ulster Railride an excursion train with scenic rides through New York's legendary Catskill Mountains.  Families can be a witness to special train robbery escapades with “desperados and deputies.”  In addition to special events with live music, food and murder mysteries, the vintage train cars offer scenic tours.  The depot is a great rest stop with a family-friendly café in a vintage car and places to rest in the shade. 

A six-mile ride alongside Esopus Creek in the Catskill Forest Preserve offers scenic beauty and photo opportunities while riding The Catskill Mountain Railroad.  For more history on the rails, visitors can explore the Empire State Railway Museum and see exhibits and old cars being restored.  Housed in a caboose at an old restored railroad station, the O&W Railway Museum showcases large-scale models and exhibits. 

Water Pleasures
Families can cool down at Zoom Flume Waterpark, the Catskills Region’s largest water park with giant winding water slides, rapids and a giant lagoon activity pool.  Water attractions offer a full day of fun.  Hudson River Cruises features 300-passenger motor vessels for two-hour sightseeing cruises on the Hudson with views of the majestic surroundings and lighthouses.  It also features specialty cruises, such as Kids’ Kruise.  Other water pleasures include tubing the white waters of the Esopus Creek and canoeing, kayaking and rafting on the Delaware River.