Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/545664
4 Hudson Valley Parent ■ August 2015 ON OUR COVER This month's cover kid is Gabbie, 8, from Hyde Park. Gabbie loves horses, karate, reading books, gymnastics, being outside, and doing her barn chores. Photo by Michael Bloom In this issue COLUMNS FEATURES 6 Editor's Journal: Roam ... if you want to BY KATY WEBER 34 Calendar: Great places to go and things to do 42 Marketplace: Hudson Valley products and services HV PARENT READER FEEDBACK A Pennsylvania father of two elementary school kids recently received a letter from their school telling him a 3-day family trip to Boston was not an excusable absence from school. Do you think some school absences are justi ed? "When did the world become so black and white with no thought or consideration for the given situation? Should children be pulled out of school so they can lie on the couch and play video games? Probably not. For a family trip, especially one involving museums or other cultural experiences? Absolutely." — AnneMarie Andrews, Poughkeepsie "I am 100 percent with that dad. Oh man, I'm not looking forward to public school because a bunch of four-letter words came to mind when I read the school's letter home." — Katie Angel, Hopewell "If the child and family are willing to make up the work, it should not be a problem." — Mary Ann McCullough, Newburgh "I'm all for an education but kids need to breathe. I see nothing wrong with playing hooky every now and again for some family time. The schools are responsible for educating my children but I'm responsible for hands-on life experiences and just some good ole plain fun!" — Gena Lisanti, Nanuet 8 I am a Hudson Valley parent Kim Quimby: Mom on the run BY BRIAN PJ CRONIN 10 Annual Enrichment Guide The very best in after-school and weekend programs 12 'Mom's taking us to the zoo tomorrow!' 11 great small zoos for learning and fun BY PAMELA PERRY 16 Room to roam How to safely take your kids from 'cooped up' to 'free range' BY DAWN GREEN 22 Raising vegans When ethics and parenting collide BY LINDA FREEMAN 28 Sweet treats! The scoop on where to nd the Hudson Valley's best ice cream 30 Living small How downsizing our home helped our family grow BY BETH MACKEY 16 28