What Can Families Do in the Sullivan Catskills in Summer?
If you are planning a family trip to the Sullivan Catskills and wondering what is here and where to start, here is what you need to know.
Sullivan County is not a theme park. It does not script the fun or rope off the wonder. It hands your family a river, a forest, a fire tower, and a hundred-year-old county fair and invites you to go find it. Two hours from New York City, the Sullivan Catskills offers a full summer’s worth of outdoor adventure, free festivals, live theatre, and rainy-day options for every age and pace.
Quick Answer: What Can Families Do in the Sullivan Catskills in Summer?
Families visiting the Sullivan Catskills in summer can enjoy:
- Rafting, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing on the Delaware River
- Swimming and picnicking at Lake Superior State Park
- Hiking family-friendly trails to waterfalls, mountain lakes, and fire towers
- Visiting The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark, New York’s largest indoor water park
- Watching Broadway-quality musicals at The Forestburgh Playhouse
- Experiencing concerts and history at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
- Attending free summer festivals including the Trout Parade, Tractor Parade, and RiverFest
- Exploring farm stands and farmers markets across the county
- Camping and glamping at riverside campgrounds along the Delaware
- Visiting the Museum at Bethel Woods for an immersive look at the 1969 Woodstock era
Delaware River Adventures
The Delaware River sets the rhythm for a Sullivan Catskills summer. Multiple outfitters operate daily from 四月 through 十月, offering trips of one hour to several days at all skill and experience levels. Life jackets are provided. No experience needed.
- Lander’s River Trips: rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing from three riverside campgrounds
- Kittatinny Canoes: operating on the Delaware for 80 years, with multiple launch locations
- Indian Head Canoes: day trips from one to six hours with on-site campground
- Reber River Trips, Jerry’s Three River, and Soaring Eagle Campground: additional options across the county
- Upper Delaware River Hotline at 845-252-7100 for daily conditions during boating season
Lakes and Swimming
Prefer still water? The county has quiet beaches and calm paddling options the whole family can enjoy.
- Lake Superior State Park in Wurtsboro: supervised swimming beach, boat rentals, fishing, and picnic areas
- Trout Pond near Livingston Manor: a peaceful mountain pond at the end of an easy hike
- The marina at Swinging Bridge Reservoir in Monticello: offers dock slips, dry dock, boat launch, and rentals.
Family-Friendly Trails
Sullivan County trails start as short as a half mile and range up to full-day ridge hikes. The easiest options reward young hikers with waterfalls and mountain lakes without asking too much of small legs.
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- Russell Brook Falls: 0.3 miles near Livingston Manor to a plunge pool waterfall
- Alder Lake Loop: a gentle 1.7-mile trail around a mountain lake with historic mansion ruins, also near Livingston Manor
- Basha Kill Tower Trail: flat 2.3-mile walk through the largest freshwater wetland in the Hudson Valley, outstanding for birding
- Red Hill Fire Tower: a 2.6-mile climb for older kids, with 360-degree Catskill views and volunteer stewards on summer weekends
- Full trail details at sullivancatskills.com
Camping and Glamping
Camping in the Sullivan Catskills means fireflies before the stars come out, mornings on the river, and kids who discover that a creek beats a screen every time.
Campgrounds:
- Lander’s Narrowsburg Campground (Narrowsburg): riverside tent sites with direct Delaware access
- Neversink River Campground (Woodbourne): tent sites along the Neversink, neversinkrivercampgrounds.com
- Maple Woods Farm (Hurleyville): farm-setting camping with teepee sites, maplewoodsfarm.horse
- Beaverkill State Campground (Roscoe): NYS DEC sites on the famous Beaverkill trout stream
Glamping:
- Domes at Catskills (Swan Lake): geodesic domes with ridge views and wood-fired hot tubs, domesatcatskills.com
- Catskill Conestoga Wagon Outpost (Roscoe): canvas wagons on the Willowemoc Creek, catskillwagonoutpost.com
- Unique Escapes (Monticello): curated glamping domes and cabins across the county, uniqueescapesny.com
Festivals and Free Events
Sullivan County’s summer calendar runs 六月 through 八月 with free, family-welcoming events in towns across the county. Mark the calendar and show up. No tickets needed for most of these.
- Livingston Manor Trout Parade (六月 13): street fair and parade, theme Cirque du Trout, free
- Callicoon Tractor Parade (六月 14): 200-plus tractors down Lower Main Street at noon, free
- 七月 4th countywide (七月 4-6): parades and fireworks across more than a dozen towns
- Narrowsburg RiverFest (七月 26): 35th annual, 40-plus artist booths, live music, and River Dogs on Parade, free
- Monticello Bagel Festival (八月 9): 100-plus vendors, two music stages, and a car show, free
- Grahamsville Little World’s Fair (八月 14-16): the longest-running independent fair in New York State
Live Theater
The Forestburgh Playhouse has staged Broadway-quality productions in a garden setting in Forestburgh since 1947. The 2026 season is the Playhouse’s 80th Anniversary, with productions running 六月 through 九月 including Hairspray, Dear Evan Hansen, and Million Dollar Quartet. A family fun series serves younger audiences.
39 Forestburgh Road, Forestburgh. Tickets and schedule at fbplayhouse.org or call 845-794-1194.
贝塞尔伍兹艺术中心
Summer at Bethel Woods means major touring acts at an outdoor amphitheater on the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. The Museum at Bethel Woods brings that era to life through artifacts, films, and immersive exhibits. The Bindy Bazaar Trails lead to the original stage marker on the concert grounds.
200 Hurd Road, Bethel. Museum open daily Mon-Sat 10am-5pm during concert season. Full 2026 concert schedule and tickets at bethelwoodscenter.org.
Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre
HPAC on Main Street in Hurleyville brings a full arts campus to a small community. The Cinema at HPAC shows first-run films with sensory-friendly screenings, making it a welcoming option for families with children who benefit from a calmer experience.
219 Main Street, Hurleyville. Cinema, dance classes, gallery, Tango Cafe, and live events year-round. Schedule at hpacny.org.
Inside Activities
When the weather turns, Sullivan County has good indoor options that keep the day moving.
- The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark (555 Resorts World Drive, Monticello): 80,000 square feet at a constant 82 degrees, 11 water attractions, lazy river, surf simulator, toddler splash zones, laser tag, ropes course, and arcade. Day passes available at thekartrite.com.
- Museum at Bethel Woods (200 Hurd Road, Bethel): immersive exhibits on the 1969 Woodstock era. bethelwoodscenter.org.
- Cinema at HPAC (219 Main Street, Hurleyville): first-run and independent films. hpacny.org.
Accomodations in the Sullivan Catskills
Options range from riverside tent sites and glamping cabins to family-friendly inns, vacation rentals, and the all-suite Kartrite Resort with water park access included. Many families rent a house or cabin for a long weekend or full week.
- Family inns: Callicoon Hills, The Arnold House in Livingston Manor
- All-suite resort: The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark, Monticello
Full lodging directory at sullivancatskills.com
Planning Your Visit
A few things worth knowing before you pack the car.
- Book ahead for the Forestburgh Playhouse and Bethel Woods concerts; both sell out regularly
- River outfitters fill up on summer weekends; reserve in advance
- Most street festivals and outdoor events are free with no advance tickets needed
- Several event dates are tentative; check sullivancatskills.com/events before heading out
- Cell service runs thin in parts of the county; download maps and confirmations before you leave
- The Sullivan Catskills Visitor Center is at 15 Sullivan Avenue, Liberty, NY 12754; call 845-747-4449
常见问题解答
What can families do in the Sullivan Catskills in summer?
Families can raft and tube the Delaware River, hike to waterfalls and fire towers, swim at Lake Superior State Park, visit The Kartrite Indoor Waterpark, attend free summer festivals, watch live theatre at the Forestburgh Playhouse, and explore farm stands and farmers markets across the county.
How far is the Sullivan Catskills from New York City?
The Sullivan Catskills are approximately 90 miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan, a drive of roughly 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic and your destination within the county.
Is the Delaware River safe for families with young children?
Yes, with the right preparation. Multiple outfitters offer family-friendly river trips with life jackets and age-appropriate float options. For current conditions, call the Upper Delaware River Hotline at 845-252-7100 before heading out.
What free things can families do in the Sullivan Catskills in summer?
Free options include the Livingston Manor Trout Parade, Callicoon Tractor Parade, Narrowsburg RiverFest, 七月 4th celebrations countywide, the Monticello Bagel Festival, and hiking trails across the county.
Is The Kartrite Resort worth it for families?
The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Monticello is New York’s largest indoor water park, held at a constant 82 degrees year-round. With 11 water attractions, toddler splash zones, laser tag, a ropes course, and an arcade, it offers a full self-contained family day or overnight. Day passes available at thekartrite.com.
Are there family-friendly hiking trails in the Sullivan Catskills?
Yes. Easy options include the 0.3-mile Russell Brook Falls walk, the 1.7-mile Alder Lake Loop, and the flat Basha Kill Tower Trail. The full Hiking Trail Guide at sullivancatskills.com covers all difficulty levels with distances, elevation gain, and parking details.
What festivals happen in the Sullivan Catskills in summer?
Free summer festivals include the Livingston Manor Trout Parade in 六月, the Callicoon Tractor Parade in 六月, 七月 4th countywide events, Narrowsburg RiverFest in 七月, the Monticello Bagel Festival in 八月, and the Grahamsville Little World’s Fair in 八月. Visit sullivancatskills.com/events for the full calendar.
Where should families stay in the Sullivan Catskills?
Options include riverside campgrounds, glamping cabins, vacation rentals, and family-friendly inns. The all-suite Kartrite Resort in Monticello includes water park access. Visit sullivancatskills.com for the full lodging directory.
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