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12 Hudson Valley Parent ■ June 2015 Summer staycations 15 of the region's best family day trips By ELORA TOCCI V acations can be exhausting. By the time you pack up, get the kids ready, double and triple-check that everyone has their toothbrushes and bathing suits, and arrive at your destination, you could need a vacation from your vacation. This summer, skip the hassle without compromising the fun at our favorite Hudson Valley staycation spots. Orange County The Castle Fun Center 109 Brookside Ave., Chester 845-469-2116 thecastlefuncenter.com Bring your A game to The Cas- tle. Games you can challenge your family to include laser tag, go-kart racing, mini golf, rock climbing, arcade favorites, and more! Washington's Headquarters 84 Liberty St., Newburgh 845-562-1195 nysparks.com/historic-sites/17 The nation's fi rst publicly owned historic site is right here in the Hudson Valley. Explore the very spot where George Washington insisted on democracy and wrote a letter to state governors that infl uenced the Constitution. Afterward, stroll along the Hudson riverfront, just a short walk away. Storm King Art Center 1 Museum Rd., New Windsor 845-534-3115 stormking.org Kids of all ages love this giant outdoor sculpture park, where its pristine 500-acre landscape of fi elds, hills, and woodlands provides the setting for a collection of more than 100 sculptures. There's lots of room to run around while getting a dose of culture, and the outdoor café provides boxed lunches if you want to picnic on the grounds. Check out this year's newest installation "Water Source" by artist Linda Benglis, which includes large-scale water sculptures and fountains. Bannerman Castle Pollepel Island, Hudson River 845-831-6346 bannermancastle.org Check out the remains of the Hudson River's own historic castle, a staple of the region since the Amer- ican Revolution. Just like back then, the castle is only accessible by boat. You can work your muscles and kayak there yourself, or settle in for a passenger ride. Tours leave from Newburgh or Beacon. Ulster County Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa 220 North Rd., Milton 845-795-1310 buttermilkfallsinn.com If you need a getaway that will have you home before lunch tomor- row, sneak over to Milton's very own bed & breakfast and spa for beautiful views, world-class spa treatment, and delicious meals cooked from locally grown ingredients. Families can troll through the orchards, visit the livestock barn and their herd of rescued alpacas, and check out their honey bee apiary. Lake Minnewaska 5281 Rte. 44-55 Kerhonkson 845-255-0752 parks.ny.gov/parks/127 Lace up your hiking boots and fi ll up your water bottles for a day at Minnewaska. Located on the Sha- wangunk Mountain ridge, the park offers 25 miles of hiking trails with waterfalls and scenic views all along the way. You can also bring your The Castle Fun Center Storm King Bannerman Castle Photo by Dave Rocco