New York City isn’t called the Big Apple for nothing. It has many attractions, including museums, theaters, upscale restaurants and hotels, and many shops to buy almost anything. But it’s also one of the most expensive cities to live in — and visit, especially if you want to do some fun family activities.
Fortunately, life is different in the suburbs of New York. There are some relatively inexpensive activities to do there. These include parades, miniature golf, trails, and more. Who says you need to spend a lot of money to have a good time? One such suburb is Orangeburg, New York (population 49,000).
Should you want to visit the Big Apple, Orangeburg is within an hour’s drive. So you don’t have to stay where all the hustle and bustle is — instead, you can choose one of the attractive hotels in the area. This makes it easier to travel and it costs less, too.
How About a Small-Town Parade in the Suburbs?
In Orangeburg, the fire department puts on at least two annual parades, the Halloween and the Holiday parades.
The Halloween Parade is set for Oct. 31. The parade, which begins and ends from the firehouse, starts at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m. Youngsters can join in the fun and collect candy along the parade route.
The Holiday Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 8 this year. In the past, Santa has visited the firehouse to hear children’s wish lists. Look for the parade to start at 6 p.m.
Looking for Some Hiking Trails?
Image via Flickr by L Baha’i Views / Flitzy Phoebie
After staying indoors, do you get the desire to get out and walk? If so, there are some trails in the area that you can try. One that is only a mile long is the Raymond G. Esposito Trail. This trail is open not only for hikes but for mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
The Raymond G. Esposito Trail is actually part of a contiguous trail to two other trails — the Old Erie Path and Joseph B. Clark Trail. Altogether they run about 8.3 miles.
Love Go-Karts, 18-Hole Miniature Golf, or Batting Cages?
Then your family should check out the Tappan Golf Center. Miniature golf is $7 per adult (10 years and older); $6 for children younger than 10. The 18-hole course has an attractive landscape with multiple elevations and hazards. Its open year-round, weather permitting. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Go-karts are available year-round as well (weather permitting) and offer single-seaters and double-seaters. They’re battery powered and can travel up to 20 mph.
Looking for a great place to practice that batting swing? The Tappan Golf Center has indoor heated batting cages so you can practice your swing when it’s too cold to do so outside. The center has more activities, too, so be sure to check out its site.
There are many activities to do as a family in the suburbs of New York. Orangeburg has many fun things to offer, so consider coming here for your next getaway.