The Big Duck is 20 feet of concrete weirdness on Long Island, and my kids argued about whether it was a duck or a chicken for the entire ride home.
Day Trip
Roadside Oddities
Kid-Approved
Under 2 Hours
Free Fun
I’ve driven past the Big Duck a dozen times before finally stopping. Now I make a point of it. These aren’t the kind of attractions you’d build a whole trip around, but they’re the ones your kids will remember longer than the skyline. The catch? They’re scattered hours apart, and some are better for a 6-year-old than a 13-year-old. For more oddities, browse what I Love NY’s list of unique roadside attractions has to offer.
The best roadside stops are the ones you don’t plan for — but with kids, you kind of have to plan.
— Sophie Bennett
What It’s Really Like on the Ground
Physically, none of these stops are demanding. You stand, you stare, you take a photo. But the drive between them can wear everyone down. Emma (6) starts wiggling after 45 minutes in the car. Sofia (13) can handle longer, but she needs her headphones and a promise of something weird at the end.
At the Secret Caverns, Emma was fine with the stairs until the lights went out — Sofia actually had to hold her hand. The guide didn’t blink; he just handed Sofia a flashlight. That’s the kind of thing that makes a difference. The cave’s 100-foot underground waterfall is impressive, but the 103-foot descent is steep. Kids who don’t like tight spaces might struggle.
The Best Stops Within a Few Hours of the City
| Attraction | Location | Drive from NYC | Best For | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Big Duck | Flanders, Long Island | ~1.5 hours | All ages, quick photo stop | Free | 15 min |
| Secret Caverns | Howes Cave, Catskills | ~2.5 hours | Ages 8+ (steep stairs, dark) | ~$15 adult, less for kids | 45 min tour |
| World’s Largest Garden Gnome | Kerhonkson, Catskills | ~2 hours | All ages, giant photo op | Free | 10 min |
| Emerson Kaleidoscope | Mt Tremper, Catskills | ~2 hours | All ages, colorful light show | ~$5 | 10 min show |
| Catskill Animal Sanctuary | Saugerties, Catskills | ~2 hours | Younger kids, animal lovers | ~$15 adult, kids under 12 free | 1 hour tour |
The Big Duck
This 20-foot concrete duck on Route 24 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places — the term “duck architecture” actually started here. Emma (6) thought it was a chicken; Sofia (13) corrected her, then took a photo for Instagram. The gift shop inside sells duck-themed souvenirs, and it’s free. It’s a five-minute stop, but it’s the kind of weird that sticks with you. (Source: Taking the Kids’ article on quirky NY roadside attractions).
Secret Caverns
The hand-painted billboards along the highway are half the fun. Inside, a guided tour takes you down 103 feet to a 100-foot underground waterfall. The stairs are steep, and the cave is dark — Emma (6) needed a flashlight and a hand. Sofia (13) loved the dramatic lighting. The tour lasts about 45 minutes, and it’s cooler underground, so bring a light jacket. Reservations are recommended on weekends. (Additional details from Family Destinations Guide’s list).
Emerson Kaleidoscope
Inside a converted grain silo at the Emerson Resort, this is the world’s largest kaleidoscope. The 10-minute light show uses colored glass, music, and mirrors. Both Emma and Sofia were mesmerized. It’s short — almost too short — but it’s a perfect palate cleanser between longer drives. Admission is around $5 per person.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary
If you need a break from statues, this rescue sanctuary in Saugerties lets kids meet pigs, cows, horses, and goats. Guided tours last about an hour, and kids under 12 are free. Emma (6) spent most of the time trying to pet a chicken; Sofia (13) asked the guide about the rescue stories. It’s a good option for animal lovers, but note that the tour is scheduled, so plan to arrive on time.
Getting There, Costs, and Timing
Most of these stops are within a 2–2.5 hour drive from Manhattan. The Big Duck is the easiest — straight out on the Long Island Expressway. The Catskills attractions require a bit more winding road, but the scenery is worth it. None of these are expensive: the Big Duck and the gnome are free; cave tours and the kaleidoscope are under $20 per person. The animal sanctuary charges around $15 for adults, kids under 12 free.
- Visit the Big Duck early — the lot fills by 10:30 a.m. on summer Saturdays, and the gift shop is tiny.
- The drive to Secret Caverns from NYC is about 2.5 hours, but the last 30 minutes are winding roads. Keep a bag handy for car-sick kids.
- Pack a picnic — most spots have grassy areas, but few have food options. The animal sanctuary has a small snack bar, but it’s limited.
- Combine the kaleidoscope and the animal sanctuary in one day — they’re only 20 minutes apart.
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What to Pack and Know Before You Go
Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable — the caves have uneven stairs, and the animal sanctuary involves walking on gravel. Bring a light jacket for the cave (it’s cool year-round). A tablet or book for the car can save the drive. Cash is helpful at smaller stops that don’t take cards.
- Check hours online — many attractions are seasonal or close early in winter.
- Download offline maps; cell service can be spotty in the Catskills.
- Bring cash for small admission fees.
- Pack water and snacks — only the animal sanctuary has a café.
- Charge the camera or phone — these are photo stops.
What Parents Always Ask About Roadside Stops Near NYC
How do I keep a 13-year-old from being bored by a giant duck?
Let Sofia take the photo and post it. The Big Duck is on the National Register of Historic Places — that’s a trivia point she can use. The gift shop has weird duck memorabilia, and she’ll probably enjoy the “duck architecture” backstory more than you expect.
Is the Secret Caverns tour too scary for a 6-year-old?
It depends on the kid. Emma (6) was nervous until she saw the waterfall. The guide gave her a flashlight, which helped. The stairs are steep but manageable. If your child is afraid of the dark, skip it and try the kaleidoscope instead.
Can we do the Big Duck and the Giant Gnome in one day?
They’re on opposite ends of the state — the duck is on Long Island, the gnome is in the Catskills. You’d need a full day of driving. Better to pick one region. For a weekend in the Hudson Valley, see our guide to the prettiest Hudson Valley towns.
What’s the best season for these?
Spring and fall avoid the summer crowds. Some attractions are seasonal — the waterwheel at Haines Falls stops running in winter, and the animal sanctuary has shorter hours in cold months. Summer is fine, but plan for heat and crowds.
One Last Thought
The best part of these stops isn’t the giant duck or the gnome — it’s the way the kids talk about them for weeks. Next time you’re heading upstate, pick one and see what happens. For more ideas on what to do with the family in the city or on the road, check out the full NYC guide.
Sources
Quirky New York Roadside Attractions Your GPS Won’t Tell You About. Taking the Kids.
Wonderfully Attractive New York. Family Destinations Guide.
Unique Roadside Attractions in New York State. I Love NY.
