Are you thinking about visiting Opus40 sculpture park with kids? We’ve got you covered!
Of all the fun things to do in the Catskills, Opus40 Sculpture Park is definitely the most unique and is a can’t miss.
This massive bluestone sculpture was assembled by artist Harvey Fite using a dry-stacking technique. That means there is nothing holding the stones together except for gravity!
The Opus40 park is a beautiful site but also fun to explore. There are several paths, stairs, and subterranean trails to enjoy. They all connect and intertwine, making it feel like a huge maze. We spent over an hour enjoying the property and the amount of work that was put into it.
Of course, there are other things to do at Opus40! The guide below shares everything you need to know before you visit.
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Opus40 Location
Opus40 is located in Upstate New York, in the Catskill Mountains, in Saugerties.
It’s an easy day trip from New York City, and it’s such a unique attraction in the Hudson River Valley that it could be a fun addition to your visit to Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.
Opus40 Sculpture Park History
Before Harvey Fite created what is now Opus40, the land was a blue stone quarry. Fite purchased the property in 1938 and began to build the sculpture park in 1939.
He named the park Opus40 because he believed it would take 40 years to complete. Unfortunately, Fite passed away in year 37, so some of the park remains unfinished.
Opus40 Sculpture Highlights
Opus40 is a massive bluestone structure that only uses gravity and stones to stay together. This in itself is impressive. But as you explore the property, you’ll find some interesting spaces that stand out.
Monolith
The centerpiece of the sculpture is the 13-foot-tall, 9-ton monolith. This replaced the original centerpiece, “Flame,” in 1964. Fite felt the original piece was too small for the massive size of the sculpture.
Stairs and Pathways
Ops40 feels like an open maze, with several staircases and paths that intertwine. Many lead below the ground, although they are open above. There are even some “bridges” that cross over the lower paths.
Ponds
In addition to the stone, there are several ponds that were formed by the artist. Some of the stairs and paths lead directly to the water, where you’ll find koi fish swimming around.
Visiting Opus40 With Kids
Safety
Children are allowed to visit Opus40. However, due to the steep drop-offs, they ask you to hold the hand of any child 5 and under. Of course, if your children are “runners,” no matter the age, you might want to keep them close by.
They do not allow strollers on the sculpture, so if you’re visiting with a real little one, consider using a carrier.
What To See and Do
There are plenty of things for kids to enjoy at Opus40! It has a maze-like feeling, with stairs leading down below the earth’s surface, tunnels, and ponds. Kids will enjoy following the paths around the sculpture and squeezing through some of the tight spaces.
Take your time to explore the structure. It is so unique, with many different places to enjoy. And if you visit during the warmer months, take the stairs below the ground to cool off. You’ll feel the temperature difference!
Kids can also try their hands at building their own stone sculptures. There is an unfinished area of the sculpture where guests can “Be a Sculptor“. This is the only place you can move stones around.
Around the property, there are several statues, as well as a stone wall, where you can learn more about the dry stacking technique. You can also enjoy a short trail through the woods.
In addition to the outdoors, there is a small museum featuring the tools that Harvey Fite used to create his masterpiece.
Amenities at Opus 40
Restrooms
Opus40 does not have formal restrooms. However, they have several portable toilets on the property. You’ll want to bring hand sanitizer and wipes!
Gift Shop
In the same building as the museum is a small gift shop. They also sell snacks and drinks like coffee and sodas.
Picnic Tables
You are allowed to picnic at Opus40 during the day. There are several tables near the gift shop and museum, and a few others scattered around the property. You could also bring a blanket to sit on outside of the sculpture.
Things to Know Before You Visit Opus40
No Dogs
No pets are allowed at Opus40. Service dogs are permitted.
When to Visit
Opus40 is typically open on select days from April through December. Visit their website for the most up-to-date information and admission costs.
Timing
Plan to spend a minimum of one hour at Opus40, more if you plan to explore the trails and have a picnic.
Other Things to Do With Kids Near Opus40
There are so many fun things to do in the Catskills with kids, even if it’s just for a weekend getaway. Opus40 is close to both downtown Saugerties and Woodstock. In Saugerties, you can check out the lighthouse and the nature trail. You can also enjoy lunch or a fun treat in town.
Woodstock is a cute town with lots of art and antiques. And plenty of delicious places to eat.
You also aren’t too far from the Ashokan Reservoir and the easy path converted from a railroad.
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