Where to Go & What to Do in Monsey, New York

You don’t have to go far to have a trip full of lots of activities and beautiful sights.

Not always is an exotic destination the answer to vacation. Sometimes a change of scenery (literally and figuratively:) At times a light vacation or staycation is in order.

As a Monsey native, I am privy to some beautiful nature spots and fun activities in the area. Monsey has the added bonus of easy access to Kosher food and minyanim. Whether you rent a house in the area, live in Greater Monsey or decide to do a day trip to the area, there is so much to do and enjoy. Here are some of my favorites close by.

Some Great Outdoor Trips in the Monsey Area:

West Maple Farm: Monsey, NY

Address: 179 West Maple Ave, Monsey, NY 10952
Phone Number: (845) 288-1978
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Price:
Petting Zoo Admission – $8 per person
Hay Rides – $4 per person
Animal Feed – $5
Children under 1 are free
Website: westmaplefarm.com

It is amazing to have such an incredible farm experience right in Monsey on West Maple Avenue. The 15 acres of farmland was transformed into a fun family attraction after Zev Oster, owner of Rockland, acquired the overgrown empty farm and had a vision of a place where children (and adults) can visit animals, play in nature and even pick vegetables.

The farm has so many animals to visit and feed including Cows, Sheep, Donkeys, Chickens, Alpaca, Goats, Peacocks, & Rabbits. There are informational signs with interesting tidbits posted by each type of animal. We especially enjoyed counting how many freshly laid eggs we were able to find in the chicken coup. We fed the animals ice cream cones filled with feed (sold at the office). It was so much fun to see the animals reaching out and biting the cone after eating the feed. 

Behind the petting zoo is a picnic area with a playground that boasts unique equipment including a firetruck and army truck (not in use anymore) that children can climb aboard and play pretend on. There are other structures to play on and many picnic tables (enough to accommodate groups or parties.)

Hayride Tours are offered by the knowledgeable manager, Mr. Deutsch. He has so many interesting tidbits to share about the farm.

Mr. Oster has big plans for the farm. They grow fresh vegetables which they sell. Some vegetables can be picked on site. The fresh squash, kohlrabi and garlic we saw today looked really fresh and tasty. They also have tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and eggplant growing there. 

Diagonally across the street from the farm is Manny Weldler Park (Formerly Viola Park) with a new playground, a picnic area, tennis, paddleball and baseball courts.

Ramapo Valley Reservations: Mahwah, NJ

Ramapo Valley Reservation is a popular nature walking and hiking area. I love the many lakes, river and even waterfall that run alongside one of the paths.

If you have a fear of dogs, Ramapo Valley Reservation is not for you. It is a popular place for owners to walk their dogs. There are many, many dogs around although all dogs are on leashes.

The trail begins at the far corner of the parking lot, the corner closest to the yellow service house. The path leads over a  bridge and continues alongside a beautiful lake.  At the end of the lake you can either turn right and continue around the lake or continue straight on an uphill path to the scenic reservoir up on top. The hike to the top is not very long but since it is uphill it is tiring.

I usually go up to the lake. About halfway to the reservoir there is a waterfall on the side of the path. There are narrow paths allowing access to the waterfalls. When we visited recently, there were people swimming in the cool refreshing water in a pool in the middle of the waterfall. It is possible to take a stroller on the path to the lake (not down to the waterfall) but I would not recommend it since it is all uphill and would be difficult to push.

Address: 608 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Phone Number: (201) 327-3500 
Price: Free
Approximate Distance Monsey: 20 minutes

Kakiat Park: Montebello, NY

Kakiat Mountain, just at the edge of the Monsey area is a popular 376-acre park with hiking paths and the Mahwah River at the bottom. The Kakiat Trail stretches into Harriman State Park and meets up with the Suffern Bear Mountain Trail.  The Kakiat Trail is an uphill trail, not too long or too difficult. It starts straight ahead of the footbridge which crosses the Mahwah River right at the pathway entrance. Down at the entrance of the park near the river is a picnic table. A large grassy field with a picnic pavilion.

Over ten years ago I started the hike up Kakiat Trail for the first time. While on the trail we met up with a snake, which seems to be a common sight at the park. There are a few species of snakes spotted there, but if they do not feel threatened, they generally do not bother people. We were a bit shaken when we spotted the snake hissing. It was a hot day when we visited so we continued a little while longer and turned around when we had enough. What we were unaware of was the view we were missing out on just a little bit higher up. 

Recently, I decided to check out Kakiat Park again. I heard from so many people how much they enjoy hiking there. This time we made sure to continue the hike until we made it to a clearing on large rocks with a magnificent view of the area and the NYC skyline. There was some rock scrambling before getting to the clearing but it was definitely worth it. We had toddlers with us and they were able to do the hike with help of the adults. The Kakiat Trail does continue higher up but we were advised that the nicest view is at the fist clearing.

After enjoying a picnic lunch we headed down back toward the Mahwah River and over the footbridge to the parking lot. We noticed some people looking at something on the side of the path right near the Trailhead. When we came closer someone pointed out a snake on a rock sunning near the path. It was the perfect time to spot the fascinating snake because we were leaving the park just then and it wasn’t on the wide paved path but near it.

Address: 668 Haverstraw Rd, Montebello, NY 10901
Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Approximate Distance Monsey: 15 minutes

Demarest Farm: Hillsdale, NJ

Imagine biting into a juicy sweet nectarine or peach just picked off the tree. That’s exactly what we experienced when we visited Demarest Farm, featured in this post along with other farms to enjoy in NY and NJ!

Demarest Farm is a family-owned picking farm since 1970. In the summer they offer peach picking, and in the fall, apple picking. There is a tractor that transports visitors to the orchard to pick the fruit. There is a per person fee of $5 for the tractor ride. $15 is the price for a bag to fill with freshly picked fruit. After you fill your bag, the tractor driver takes a longer more scenic route back to the stop across the Farm Store.

Demarest also has a petting zoo with a variety of farm animals such as goats, llamas, pigs and chickens. There are also some adorable fuzzy bunnies in cages. There is a beautiful picnic and play area outside near the petting zoo. There is no extra charge for the petting zoo and play area. (I’m not sure if this was reopened yet after covid.)

Address: 244 Wierimus Rd, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
Phone Number: (201) 666-0472
Hours: Advance online reservations for picking required.
Price:
General Admission: $5 per person (Age 2 and over), includes Free Parking and Entrance to the Peach Orchard
+$15 for a Bag to Hold the Peaches that You Pick! (Peach Bag holds approximately 10-12 lbs.)
Children under 2 – FREE
Approximate Distance Monsey: 20 minutes

Tappan Golf Center and Go Karts: Tappan, NY

We visited the Tappan Golf Center for a game of 18-hole miniature golf. We enjoyed the game despite the overcast weather. It was fascinating to watch people practice their golf swings on the popular driving range. There are also batting cages and a golf simulator there. We weren’t able to try the go karts during our visit because it had started to rain.

We returned on a day with better weather to enjoy the go karts. Tappan Go Karting has the only outdoor track in Rockland County. They have both single and double karts. The maximum speed of the karts is 20 mph.

In order to drive a kart it is mandatory to be at least 54″ and 10 years old. In order to drive a double kart with a child, the driver must be at least 18 years old. A passenger of a double go-kart must be at least 36″ tall. The steering is a bit heavy and children sometimes find it difficult even when they meet the height and age requirements.

Address: 116 NY-303, Tappan, NY 10983
Phone Number: (845) 359-0642
Hours:
Mini Golf: Open all year. Hours 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and may vary depending on weather.
Go Karting: Tuesday-Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Price:

Mini Golf:
Adults (over 10 years old): $9.00
Children (10 years and under): $8.00

Go Karting:
Price Per Race: (Approximately 4 Laps)
Single Go Kart: $10
Double Go Kart: $15

Coupon Books 🙁6 Coupons per Book)
Single Go Kart: $54
Double Go Kart: $84

Approximate Distance Monsey: 20 minutes

There are some great parks alongside the Hudson River, about 25 minutes from Monsey, although most of the parks are not near each other. Here are some of my favorites:

Memorial Park: Nyack, NY

Memorial Park in Nyack is a great family destination. On the bank of the Hudson River, there are magnificent views of the marina, the river and of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

There are lots of picnic tables near the water and a beautiful pier built for fishing and viewing the Hudson River.

There is a large grassy field as well as baseball, basketball, tennis courts and a skateboard practice area with obstacles. At the far end of the grassy area is a sprinkler area and a gated in playground.

Behind the playground is a slide built into the hill. All the way on the side of the playing field near the river is a hidden waterfall coming down the rocks.

Address: Piermont Avenue, Intersection of Depew Avenue, Nyack, NY 10960
Parking is at the marina and there is a foot bridge to walk over to get to the park.
Price: free 

Nyack Beach State Park: Nyack, NY

One of the first scenic nature local places I think of when someone asks me to recommend a place to go in the Monsey area is Nyack Beach State Park. Although the actual beach is miniscule and no swimming or wading is allowed, there is a magnificent walking path near the Hudson River with views of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

The path goes alongside the river on one side and has towering cliffs on the other side. There is a 5 mile out and back hike. At the 1 1/2 mile mark, the path has an option to veer left and continue to Rockland Lake State Park. There are plenty of picnic tables both by the parking lot and alongside the trail. Grilling is allowed at this park.

Address: 698 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack, NY 10960 
Phone Number: (845) 358-1316
Hours: Open year round for day use. Dawn to dusk. 
Price: free
$8 parking fee

Rockland Lake State Park: Valley Cottage, NY

Rockland Lake State Park is a very large pretty lake with a 3.2 mile paved path that is popular for walking, biking and rollerblading.

A new and  beautiful playground was added in recent years. There are lots and lots of benches and picnic tables with bbq stations scattered all around the lake.

Fishing is permitted and boating can be enjoyed if you bring your own car top boats. When we visit we enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and the mountains surrounding it.

Congers Bike Shop offers bike rentals. The storefront is a 6 minute car ride or 15 minute bike ride from Rockland Lake. Bikes can be rented and enjoyed around the lake. 

Address: 299 Rockland Lake Road, Valley Cottage, NY 10989
Phone Number: (845) 268-3020
Hours: Open year-round, from daylight to dusk.
Price: Free. $8 per vehicle for parking 

Congers Bike Shop Address: 107 Lake Road, Congers, NY 10920
Congers Bike Shop Phone Number: (845) 268-3315

Pedego Electric Bike Rentals: Nyack, NY

After enjoying a trip with Pedego eBike Rentals in Arizona, Simon Kaff decided to look into how he can bring this amazing experience to the locals in New York. Before long, Simon started his own Pedego branch in Nyack, NY, just minutes from the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

On one beautiful spring day I went with my girls to Pedego Bike rental.  Simon was extremely helpful. He helped us all find a bike that was right for each of us and gave us a helmet to wear. He gave us instructions on how to use the bikes and quick pointers of which path to take to the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

The bike rental is little more than two blocks away from the bridge. The paths are clearly marked and set up in a safe way. The bridge path is marked half for pedestrians and half for bikers. 

Riding across the 3.6 mile bridge was exhilarating! One side of us had the cars speeding by and the other side offered some of the most amazing views of the Hudson River and the Hudson Valley. 

There are six overlooks modernly designed for the pedestrians and bikers to view the area and sit if they choose. There is also lots of information about the area on computerized boards at each overlook. We enjoyed the ride across and then back again. We spent about an hour including the stops we made at the overlooks.

After enjoying the ride across the bridge we headed back in the direction of the Pedego storefront and continued past until we got to the end of Franklin Street. From there we continued to Broadway (street parallel with Franklin) and continued to the end of the Street to one of my favorite spot in the area: Nyack Beach State Park.

We rode down the hill to the path between the Hudson River and Hook Mountain. I enjoyed this even more than riding across the bridge. The views were magnificent. There was nothing like biking in quiet nature without having to expend too much energy pedaling the entire time. (The park patrol requested that we do not go too quick on the path). 

We biked to the end of the Nyack Beach path where there was a sign pointing to Rockland Lake. At that point we turned around to head back. We got to enjoy another ride on the trail. With a view of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and the towns across the Hudson River.

Address: 73 S Franklin St Suite 1, Nyack, NY 10960
Phone Number: (845) 675-0444
Hours: Check online for current hours
Price: Reservations are suggested especially during weekends and holidays.
$25 per hour – $75 half day – $100 full day

Haverstraw Bay Park: West Haverstraw, NY

Haverstraw Bay Park is a combination of wholesome fun and natural beauty.

The 27 acre park is set on the shore of the Hudson River and features three playgrounds, each geared to a different age. The fields can be used for playing games or flying kites, while the path alongside the river is a great place for a relaxing walk while enjoying nature.

There are plenty of picnic tables spread around the park which also boasts a big gazebo in middle of the field. There is a freshwater pond used for fishing. The 9/11 Memorial salutes the local heroes that perished in the attack. 

Haverstraw Bay Park is a great all around park for a day out.

Address: 21 Gagan Road, West Haverstraw 10993 
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Price: free

Indoor Attractions

The Palisades Mall

The Palisades Mall is only a 20-minute drive from Monsey and is not far from the parks in Nyack. There are lots of things to do there as previously covered in this post.

High Exposure: Northvale, NJ

I was completely blown away by the quantity and variety of climbing options in the 14,000 square foot of climbing area at High Exposure. Although High Exposure is technically in New Jersey it is only a 25 minute  drive from Monsey.

Each of the different elements is designed in exciting ways. There aren’t just rock climbing walls, although there are plenty of those too. There are walls with frames of all sizes and shapes, see if you can get to the top of the wall using frames as your foothold. There is a wall with “knots and bolts”, a wall with pipes and even a toilet seat up on top! There are holes all the way up one wall and spinning wheels on another. If you are really brave you can try the 32 foot stunt jump and if you are really skilled you can try the most difficult 42 foot Crazy Climbing Cube.

In addition to all the climbing in the Action Adventure section, there is the Ninja Warrior section with warped walls are also different ropes and swings to hang from, vaulting boxes, Devil Steps and cliff hanger. These are just a sampling of the many exciting and challenging activities at High Exposure.

Before entering the facility every guest must have a signed waver. The waver can be signed online before visiting and the staff can pull it up on their computer when you arrive. This saves lots of time. Once you’ve checked in the friendly staff will help fit you with a harness and you can begin your climbing adventure!

Address: 266 Union Street, Northvale, NJ 07647
Phone Number: (201) 768-8600
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Price: Standard day pass: $27

Look here for additional ideas and local parks in the Monsey area.