Art Omi is a 120-acre sculpture park — an ideal spot for any child who needs more room to run than an art museum allows. It also promises more visual delights than a traditional nature hike. Located 20 minutes outside of Hudson, Art Omi is a must-visit for fans of Storm King, a 500-acre outdoor museum in the lower Hudson Valley. Art Omi’s smaller size makes it more manageable if you’re visiting with kids. Best yet — unlike Storm King, it’s free to the public.
- Must-See Spots to Explore
An adult could cover the entire Art Omi loop in an hour or so. But exploring Art Omi with little kids can make it impossible to cover a lot of ground. Art Omi’s Explore Map will lead you directly to all the interactive exhibits on the grounds. Kids love to weave through Will Ryman’s Pac-Lab, a technicolored Pac Man-inspired maze. Peek inside Beverly Pepper’s Paraclete, a steel pyramid structure. And overlook the wetland pond from the swing inside Matthew Gellar’s Babble, Pummel, and Pride II. From there, it’s worth looping around the pond to seek out a few sculptures along the woodland trails. Make sure to strike a pose beside Biana Beck’s untitled sculpture, which captures the essence of a sassy young child.
- Outdoor Workshops and Classes for Kids
For creative kids with a deeper curiosity in the sculptures they see, Art Omi often offers hands-on learning programs to encourage children to study and create their own art. Workshops are often led by teaching artists. Check their website for current offerings.
- What to Know Before Your Go
Arrive early:
The grounds of Art Omi open at 9am daily. On a sunny Saturday or Sunday, it can fill up fast. Keep in mind that once the parking lot is full, the park is at capacity. Any additional visitors will need to return after the lot empties out a bit. Parking on the road is prohibited and violators may be ticketed or have their cars towed.
Prepare for unpaved trails:
Although we saw a few all-terrain strollers in the park, it seemed like it would be easier to get around with a wearable baby carrier. And although bicycles are permitted in the park, it looked like rough terrain for novice cyclists. For ease, we’d advise families to wear weather-appropriate footwear and explore Art Omi by foot.
Food is allowed:
The best thing about an outdoor art museum is that your kids can snack to their hearts’ content. While the café is closed until further notice, picnic blankets and lunches are welcome here.
Bring a four-legged friend:
Dogs are welcome in the park from 9am to 4pm, as long as they are kept on leash at all times.
- Where to Eat Nearby
Bartlett House is just a few minutes away in Ghent – a former railroad hotel that was transformed into a warm inviting restaurant with an incredible culinary experience featuring seasonal plates “inspired by the bounty of the Hudson Valley”. In nearby Chatham, you’ll find The People’s Pub — a unique spot with a cool community and diverse menu. If pizza’s your thing — Baba Louie’s in Hudson offers online ordering and curbside pick-up of their pizzas, salads, and pastas – including a kid-sized buttered pasta plate.
- Written by: By Kara Zuaro
Exploring the less traveled (and less expensive!) Catskills, in and around Greene County. Farms, drive-in movies, kids, food, beer, shopping, home design, and real estate. Brooklyn DoubleWide