Kids & Family

Dance, sing, and jam out on Father's Day Weekend! 

  • A captivating large-scale environmental puppet performance that blends visual storytelling with live music. Founded in 1982 by Marlena Marallo and Patrick Wadden, Arm of the Sea uses original works of mask and puppet theater to inspire insight and uplift communities.

    Their performances explore the deep connection between humans and the life-support networks of our blue-ocean planet, reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect the environment.

  • A tribute to the traditional Clearwater Festival, the Circle of Song features all-day folk music performances in a cozy tent by the river. Experience the rich sounds of acoustic music as artists come together to celebrate the spirit of community and environmental activism that Pete and Toshi Seeger championed.

  • The Rock and Roll Playhouse is the largest national kid-friendly live concert series having performed to hundreds of thousands of kids and their families. It has hosted over 1,000 shows in more than 35 leading live music venues across the United States, filling the void for shared musical experiences between parents and children across the country.

    Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children aged 1-7, games, movement, stories and most importantly an opportunity to rock out. It allows parents to enjoy the music they love while little fans are encouraged to explore their creativity and have fun!

  • GET ON A BOAT ON THIS BROAD OLD RIVER.

    Pete Seeger and some friends had a vision that the Hudson should be clean enough for people to enjoy. He sang up and down the river to raise funding to launch the flagship of the environmental movement in 1969 from South Bristol, Maine.  The Working Waterfront carries this concept to you and invites you to get closer to the river by going out in a rowing or sailing boat during your visit to our festival. You can row or sail a boat provided by Rocking the Boat. 

  • The Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration highlights the awe-inspiring annual fish migration up the Hudson River, blending art and community engagement with Riverkeeper’s mission to protect the river and its life. 

  • Hands-on boat and kayak training that offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, build skills, and foster a sense of community.

  • Come visit the Woody Guthrie Center and Bob Dylan Center Tent at Hudson River Music Festival! Located inside the tent, guests can explore special “Woody at 100!” exhibit panels from Woody Guthrie Publications. The tent will also feature an on-site activity, “All You Can Write Is What You See,” a hands-on creative writing experience inspired by Woody Guthrie. Participants will use observation, imagination, and creativity to turn the world around them into songs, poems, or stories, while younger children will be encouraged to draw what they see. It’s a fun and interactive activity for families and music lovers of all ages!

  • Join Strawtown Studio artists and teens at the “Voices for the River” Printmaking Project! For ALL AGES! You’re invited to create a poster that gives a voice to the animals and habitats of the Hudson River Valley with hand-designed stamps and your own messages. Then parade with your poster in Riverkeeper’s Fish Migration Celebration and become a friend to the river!

  • “Where water flows and creatures return, balance is remembered.”

    Join Heather Henson and friends in a combination of puppetry performance, community singing, and hands-on activities to connect to your local land and waterways. Participants will get into the flow to explore planetary movements, water transformations, and seasonal rhythms. With puppets, masks, and dance props, the audience will journey together through the interconnected waterways and shifting landscapes of the planet guided by the cultural keystone animals; Sturgeon, Cranes, Whales, and Bison.

  • Talented musicians bringing their performances to life as they stroll throughout the site, creating an immersive and dynamic musical experience.

  • Out of Hand is a talented collective of exceptional circus performers. This lineup features Tony Duncan, Melissa K. Knowles, Finn Ann Cotton, and Nate Olson. Their performances blend expert juggling, acrobatics, unicycling, contortion, stilt walking, balancing acts, and captivating displays of unique skills with playful comedy. Throughout the day, they’ll be strolling the festival grounds and performing small shows, offering festivalgoers the chance to try their hand at some basic circus skills.

  • The Hudson Valley Birth Network is proud to sponsor the Baby Care Cabana, conveniently located next to the medical tent. This welcoming space offers a private and comfortable area for parents to relax, nurse, and change their babies during the festival. 

  • A creative space for young festivalgoers to explore hands-on arts and crafts activities throughout the day. Designed with families in mind, this area offers a fun, relaxed environment where kids can get inspired, make something of their own, and take a break from the main stage excitement.

  • Bash the Trash makes musical instruments from trash, connecting to science and the environment, with family-friendly performances and hands-on participation.

  • Dad’s Club exists to build community belonging and brotherhood among dads

    At this event, Dads Club will host a dedicated Parent Chill Zone. This space will be available to Dads Club members first, with additional spots opened to the broader community as space allows.

    Our goal is to make your Father’s Day festival experience truly parent-friendly—so you can relax, be present, and fully enjoy the day.

  • The Homespun Merry-Go-Round is a portable solar powered amusement ride, built by Al Gori. This one-of-a-kind merry-go-round is built from a 1968 Dodge Dart rear axle, a washing machine motor, and a collection of reclaimed mechanical parts. With snake and monkey figures twitching to life via windshield wiper motors, while the sturdy file-cabinet base supports an infant seat for the tiniest riders.

  • Come meet Princess Penelope and enjoy a special story time at the Hudson River Festival! Alyssa Tucker of Live From Snack Time will be reading both books from the new Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things series for families and children. Join us for a fun-filled celebration of imagination, adventure, and kindness!

    Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things

    Once upon a time, in the twinkling world of Storybook Meadow, lived Penelope, a kind little kitten who loved to help her friends – from teaching frogs to flip to cheering bunnies who sing! But when Dragon’s fiery roar threatens The Castle Ball, Penelope’s bravery (and kindness!) are put to the test. With the help of a mysterious gift from Mother Nature – a sparkling purple purse filled with the most preposterous things – Penelope sets out to turn fear into friendship. Through teamwork, creativity, and a few fire-toasted marshmallows, Penelope proves that a little kindness can make even the fiercest dragon feel right at home. And just when the ball ends happily ever after… her purse wiggles again! Could another adventure be about to begin?

    Dragon’s Marshmallow Mess

    The Castle Ball is in full swing! Music, dancing, and laughter fill the air ― until SPLAT! Marshmallow goo explodes across the ballroom! Who’s the culprit? None other than Dragon, whose excitement to toast treats for his friends gets a little out of control. Soon, everyone is stuck to the floor, and the grand ball is one big sticky mess! But never fear ― Princess Penelope is near! With a twirl and a sparkle, she's ready to save the night with her trusty Purse of Preposterous Things. With teamwork from Sil the Silliest Frog (who takes center stage for some laugh-out-loud juggling), and Dragon’s new water-spraying trick, the friends clean up the mess, free the dancers, and save the night! But as Penelope’s purse wiggles once more, we know there’s another magical adventure just around the corner…