Youth Tours

Great for school trips, scouts team outings, homeschool groups, and more!

Walkway Over the Hudson is a place where children are free to learn, create, play, and be inspired by their surroundings. We offer tours to children and students of all ages covering the history of the Walkway, information about surrounding landmarks, ecology of the area, and the story of Sojourner Truth.

You can also sign up your elementary age students for an Explorer Tour. The Walkway Explorer Program, is a hands-on, activity-based educational initiative designed for youth ages 6-12. This program offers an interactive tour of the Walkway, that includes STEAM-aligned activities that deepen students’ understanding of environmental science, geography, and New York State history.

Tour Highlights

Enjoy stories about the past, present, and future of the Walkway.
Appreciate breathtaking river and mountain views, and scenic Hudson Valley vistas.
Learn detailed history about the bridge and surrounding area.
Connect with classroom learning.
View interpretive signage and historic images.
Gain fresh air and exercise while enjoying the amazing landscape.
Create unforgettable memories with friends and family on the Walkway!

Details

Contact: tours@walkway.org or call 845-454-9649.
Dates & times: April – November, 9 a.m. – one hour before sunset
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Length: Approximately one mile.
Cost: $5 per student in grades K - 12 ($6 per student for Explorer Tours - includes Walkway Explorer booklet and activities).
*May be eligible for Connect Kids Reimbursement (more information below)
Accessibility: ADA handicapped accessible; no stairs required. Ask us about renting our wheelchair-accessible electric tram.
Access: Due to construction, most tours will begin on the west (Highland) side of the Walkway.
Payment: Tours may be paid via check or Paypal. If paying via Paypal after confirmation of your tour, pay online here. Your date is not confirmed until we receive your contract back.

Walkway Explorer Booklets

What is a Walkway Explorer Booklet and how is it significant?

Modeled after the National Park Service’s Junior Rangers program, the Walkway Explorer Program is a hands-on, activity-based educational initiative designed for youth ages 6-12. This program offers an interactive tour of the Walkway, led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers, including STEAM-aligned activities that deepen students’ understanding of environmental science, geography, and New York State history. Several activities are tailored to New York State Social Studies standards, including Your Community for second grade and New York State History for fourth grade.

Children who complete the program earn a Walkway Explorer patch and sticker, celebrating their achievements and fostering a sense of accomplishment.

For more information on this program, please visit our Walkway Explorers page.

Tours can last 60-90 minutes depending on your group’s preferred length and areas of interest. Most tours will start at the West entrance. From there, Docent(s) and Docent Assistant(s), will be assigned to smaller groups for ease of listening. Groups will be guided along the Walkway to the center of the bridge and back. There are picnic tables for lunch and restrooms available.

We would love to know what your students are learning in class! Sharing this information allows our Docents to relate what the kids already know to the Walkway. Educators will receive access to resources and activities to support their field trip before and after the tour.

Escorted Youth Tour Features

Qualified docents, about one assigned for every 20 students, for ease of listening and learning. Many Ambassadors are former educators themselves!
Hands on learning experience that will enhance each of your student’s experiences on the walkway!
Breathtaking, unobstructed 360-degree views of the Hudson River and surrounding scenic valley from 212 feet above the Hudson River.
Substantial chest-height safety railing on both sides of this wide, flat and smooth concrete walking surface.
Designated bus parking available free of charge to school groups.

Connect Kids Reimbursement Program

Are you a teacher, scout group, or nonprofit youth leader? You and your students may be eligible for reimbursement of field trip fees including program fees, gas for buses, bus driver costs, and more. Each grant provides reimbursement of up to $80 per student (and $160 for Special Education students) for field trips. It is available for K-12 students in Title 1 and BOCES schools.

Ask us how to apply to the Connect-Kids-to-Parks Field Trip Grant program today!

*The dates of your tour must be confirmed with Walkway Staff before applying for the grant.

Ready to book your youth tour?
Make your reservation today!

Tours are guided by trained Walkway Ambassadors and staff members.
Booking: We suggest booking at least two months in advance to ensure we have adequate coverage of volunteers.

Contact: Tamara Palmateer
tours@walkway.org • 845-454-9649 ext. 4