Ah, the fresh country air! The kids are in the mini van, the mini van’s winding its way into the Catskills, and you’re wondering what to do on a day after a day hitting slopes that won’t have the same sticker shock value as a whole family’s worth of ski lift tickets. Fortunately, Mine Kill State Park offers lots of free family fun activities and is less than ten minutes from the Colonial Motel.

Mine Kill is a local institution. Even though the park is better known for its boating, fishing, Olympic-sized swimming pool, and other warm weather activities, there’s plenty to do in the winter, too. Kids will love the ice skating, snow shoeing, sledding, and tubing. For teens who are more of the serene, contemplative sort, Mine Kill’s many hiking trails – including one overlooking the beautiful Mine Kill Falls – provide plenty of inspiration.

Best of all, Mine Kill’s many kid-friendly activities are free! Ice skates and other equipment can be borrowed for a refundable $5 deposit.

Mine Kill State Park is located in North Blenheim, NY. If you’ll be in the area on March 9th, don’t miss the Winter Wildlife Program. The little ones will have a chance to meet and learn all about local wildlife and do some exciting arts and crafts projects. Please check out the park’s Facebook page (or ask anyone of us here at the Colonial Motel!) to learn more about this and other free family events.