Head to a farm for a birthday party the kids won't forget.
Central New York offers many unique birthday party opportunities, particularly those that take advantage of the natural beauty of the state. State parks are speckled throughout the region, and the finger lakes provide many miles of wetland habitat ripe for exploration. For a more calming birthday activity, the region's many farms and apple orchards provide unique and educational kid-friendly activities year-round. Does this Spark an idea?
Apple Picking
During the fall months, apple orchards from Schoharie County to Oswego open their gates for apple pickers. Many orchards offer hay rides, pumpkin carving and face painting on the weekends. Apple picking is an inexpensive birthday activity that encourages kids to explore the outdoors while eating the healthy fruits of their own labor. Bring a barrel home and use some of the less pristine pickings for apple bobbing.
Hawk and Eagle Watch
The banks of the Hudson River have seen an upsurge in hawk and eagle numbers from 2008 to 2010. Take your birthday boy and his friends on a picnic at one of central New York's state parks that border the Hudson, like Clermont State Park in Columbia County. Get a guide book and some binoculars and challenge guests to search for hawks and eagles and look up what they find. There is a pair of nesting bald eagles at Clermont that has been returning to the area every year since 2007. They can often be seen soaring high above the river and diving dramatically for snacks.
Fishing
Central New York is known for its fishing holes. Take a small group out on the boat for an educational and inspirational afternoon of birthday fishing. The Hudson River in Ulster County is teeming with private charter companies, happy to book their boats for special events. If you are not a fisherman, you can hire an experienced guide to provide you with equipment and take you to the prime fishing locations. You may also want to consider visiting the famous Salmon River in the Finger Lakes.
Tags: apple orchards, birthday activity, birthday party, Hudson River