Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

The Mid-Hudson Children's Museum is a great option for those traveling around Poughkeepsie with young children ages 0-6. The exhibits focus on a variety of themes, including science, nature, literacy, and music. This museum provides children and their families the opportunity to play, learn, and have fun while enjoying the view from the banks of the Hudson River.

Best and Worst Times to Go to the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
The weekends are the worst time to visit as the museum is very busy. Morning to mid-afternoon is the best time to visit during the week as school is still in session and attendance is lower.

Must See/Do at the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
The museum is home to a variety of educational and interactive exhibits. A featured exhibit is the Hyde Park Mastodon. It is an accurate replica of the mastodon skeleton that was unearthed several miles away in the town of Hyde Park. Children are able to view the skeleton from all angles and can learn all about these pre-historic creatures.

Admission to the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
Both children and adult admission tickets are $8.00. Museum members always get in for free. Children under the age of 1 years old also are permitted free admission. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Parking and Public Transportation to the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
Paid admission to the museum grants visitors free parking. The main parking lot is located right next to the museum. Visitors must have their parking ticket validated at the main desk in order to have their parking fee waived. The museum is located within walking distance of the Poughkeepsie Train Station and Metro-North.

Food at the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
The museum itself does not provide any food to purchase. Visitors are encouraged to bring meals and/or snacks to enjoy out on the picnic tables by the river bank or in the snack room inside. There are also a number of restaurants nearby including the River Station , Amici's, and the Ice House.

Insider Tip for Visitors to the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
The museum holds Free Family Nights on the third Saturday of every month. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. there is no admission charge and visitors experience the same as they would with a paid admission.

Author's bio: Krista Miller, a 26-year Poughkeepsie area resident, is excited to bring her knowledge of the area to all those interested. She is a board member at a small, local museum and enjoys learning as much as she can about the history of the Hudson Valley.