For those parents looking for something to do with the children during the dead of winter, there is an option right in your own backyard – Bear Mountain State Park. “We are still a hidden treasure to the locals,” says Park Manager Liz O’Loughlin. Bear Mountain State Park may not come to mind when you think of places to take the kids in January, but it should.
Bear Mountain State Park opened in 1913 and is comprised of more than 5,000 acres bordering Orange and Rockland counties. Hiking, skiing and running are available choices, but if you’re looking for more controlled outings, where you can sip a hot chocolate and still watch junior, then this is the place.
Skating Rink
I love a good park especially one that has skating options. Blame that on my Canadian upbringing.Nothing compares to skating on a rink nestled in the mountains. Even for the non-skaters there isn’t a better place to watch your child practice crossovers around the rink.
The skating rink is open for 90-minute sessions. I recommend taking a few turns on this outdoor rink to take in the beautiful vistas. Don’t own your own skates? There are skate rentals, skate sharpening and you can even sign up for lessons if the mood strikes you. The Bear Mountain Inn has been renovated so you’ll enjoy your hot drinks in a phenomenal rustic setting after the main event.
Zoo
Another option to check out is the Trailside Museum and Zoo. The zoo is open year round and is home to orphaned animals or those in need of rehabilitation. The zoo entrance is deceiving, getting there takes some effort. When we made it down the winding road and steps you realize you are crossing Rte. 9W underground, which is great for the animals living there (less traffic noise, etc.) but a longer walk especially for parents with little ones. We ended up turning back halfway through visiting the animals, because it was exhausting for our toddler. If you decide on visiting the zoo, get bathroom stops out of the way first and make it your only destination for the day.
The black bears are the stars, but you will come across other animals indigenous to the area. Expect to see foxes, otters, beavers, bald eagles and owls to name a few. There are four museums at the end of the zoo with Native American artifacts, geology information and more facts about the wildlife. Make sure you dress everyone warmly, with walking shoes and stroller if necessary.
Merry-Go-Round
For the indoor crowd a good activity is the merry-go-round. What’s there to say about a merry-go-round? It’s indoors and warm, and features hand-painted scenes of the park. For families who want the park experience, but want to stay dry this is your destination. What better winter activity can wear my daughter out and keep her parents dry at the same time.
If you visited the zoo you may recognize some of the same animals replicated on the ride. There are 42 hand-carved seats, including horses, black bears, wild turkeys and banquettes. Those 42-inches and taller, can ride solo and smaller ones must ride with an adult.
Party Options
For those doing an indoor merry-go-round party you’ll get help from the Bear Mountain Inn staff. There are two party sessions in three-hour intervals, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. The cost is $18 per person with a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 40 guests. Staff helps in setting up the festivities, everyone enjoys unlimited merry-go-round rides and a skating voucher is issued to guests to use anytime you want. Food options are typical kid fare such as pizza and hot dogs. The only outside food permitted is a birthday cake.
So with plenty on offer, bundle up and enjoy Bear Mountain State Park.
Karen Roberts has been a news reporter, producer, host and writer during the last 20 years. Recently, she’s anchored a nightly newscast and developed a lifestyle web series to help busy women find the best local shops and services in their own backyard. She lives in Nyack with her husband and 2-year-old daughter.
When You Go…
Bear Mountain State Park
3006 Seven Lakes Dr.
Bear Mountain, N.Y.
845-786-2701
parks.ny.gov/parks/13/details.aspx
Admission
Vehicle Admission: $8
Rink Admission: $5 for ages 12 and up,
$4 for ages 4 to 11, $2 for those under 4
and non-skaters.
Zoo Admission: $1 suggested donation
Merry-Go-Round Admission: $1
Hours
Park Hours: Open year round 8 a.m. to sunset
Ice Rink: November to March, 90-minute sessions start at 10 a.m. See website for additional hours
bearmountainicerink.com
Trailside Museum & Zoo: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Merry-Go-Round: Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
