Kids on the Canals – Event Details

Registration required for all participating children (ages 12 and below)
Registration for each program will open 2 weeks before the excursion date.

  • Attendees will meet at the Hudson Crossing Park pavilion (across from the parking lot)

  • All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

  • Please bring:

    • Appropriate footwear and attire

    • A (full) refillable water bottle

    • Bug spray

    • Sun screen

  • Hudson Crossing Park is a carry in, carry out facility – please take all trash with you

  • Directions to the park can be found HERE.

  • All abilities and disabilities are invited! Please check out our Accessibility tab for more info, or contact our Inclusion Point of Contact at wdelacruz@hudsoncrossingpark.org with specific questions or requests.

  • Questions? Contact us at info@hudsoncrossingpark.org

Nature- May 14, 2026 10am

This nature-themed excursions will have kids hiking and exploring along Hudson Crossing Park’s trails, looking for signs of the park’s animal residents and their habitats. Participants will take an easy hike looking for signs of Northern Map Turtles, beaver, osprey, and more! They will learn about the behaviors and habitats of the animals who call the canal home before heading back to the pavilion to create a nature themed craft.

  • Approximately 2 hours long.

  • Best suited for ages 3-6 (but older kids are welcome!)

  • Group size is limited to 16, Children must be accompanied by an adult (not included in the group size)

  • Registration is required! Register at the button below.

Nature- May 14 @ 10am

Wild for Life- July 10, 2026, 5pm

This nature-focused program features special guests- both human and animal- from Wild For Life, Inc.! Children will learn about wildlife rehabilitation, why it matters, and how humans can help protect local species from Alexis and Bo the Beaver.

  • Approximately 2 hours long.

  • All ages welcome

  • Group size is limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult (not included in the group size)

  • Registration is required! Register at the button below.

Wild For Life- July 10 @ 5 pm

Boats and Barges- September 14, 2026, 10am

Explore the Champlain Canal Lock C5 and the remains of the original junction lock while learning about the history and ongoing importance of the NY State Canal System. This program connects engineering, transportation, and regional history through hands-on exploration of historical canal infrastructure.

  • Approximately 1 hour long.

  • Best suited for ages 7-11

  • Group size is limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult (not included in the group size)

  • Registration is required! Register at the button below

Boats and Barges- Sept. 14 @ 10 am
 

Engineering with Water- June 20, 2026 10am

Explore the Science and Engineering principles of water through hands-on activities focused on erosion precention, buoyancy, and basic engineering concepts. Experiment, problem-solve, and play while learning how water shapes both natural environments and human-made systems.

  • Approximately 2 hours long.

  • Best suited for ages 7-11

  • Group size is limited to 16. Children must be accompanied by an adult (not included in the group size)

  • Registration is required! Register at the button below.

Engineering- June 20 @ 10am

Boat Building Lab- August 1, 2026, 10am

Design and build your own boat using cardboard, duct tape, or recycled materials! A local boat-building expert will guide the session, explaining the engineering principles that allow boats to float and offering hands-on advice. This is the perfect program to help get ready for the 20th Annual Cardboard Boat Race! Participants will be invited to take part ion the race at a reduced registration rate.

  • Approximately 2 hours long.

  • Best suited for ages 6 and up

  • Group size is limited to 16. Children must be accompanied by an adult (not included in the group size)

  • Registration is required! Register at the button below.

Boat Building- August 1 @ 10 am