A Fun Emergency…

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to the Fire Museum.

If you have a daughter or son who loves trucks like I do then you have to check this place out!!! Recommended to me by a good friend, I decided that other people had to know about it. The FASNY Museum of Firefighting in Hudson, NY is a must visit!!! The exhibits are amazing, informative and interactive, the people are very nice and so helpful, and the fun is endless.

As it is two hours away from Rockland County it is perfect for a day trip (yes it will take you the good part of the day). My husband was a little skeptical, he thought it was just going to be a giant garage with Fire trucks that you cannot touch. When you first enter, that’s what it looks like, but it is not all that it is. Luckily (A) really likes these things, so he was very excited from the get go. There are amazing trucks. (A) who loves trucks kept running around the maze of trucks clapping his hands and yelling, “Mom over here!” Attached to each setup is a laminated sheet that tells you about the history of the trucks. It was really interesting to read. Some of the shapes of the trucks and the innovations that were used in their creation was really awe inspiring. On the same floor there is a display with patches from all over the United States and beyond. These were also neat to see, and fun to search for your local departments. Up a set of 5 stairs is where things get more interesting. When you first walk into the room you see VERY OLD trucks. Those which were hooked up to horses to get to their emergencies or hand pulled. There are lots of historical items to check out (most of which (A) said cool and ran on).   But then we encountered the truck with the leather buckets. At this area there is a simulation that shows how the “bucket brigade” works. (A) actually got to fill up a bucket with foam balls run it to a lit up thatch building and “put out the fire” by bringing enough buckets to the hut. There is a timer that you can log your best time on too. Very cool.

Turn the corner and there is even more for you to explore! I won’t get into all of the details about each station, because you should really see for yourself, but if your child would enjoy dressing up like a firefighter and “driving” trucks, digging for treasure, or playing in a marching band, then this is the place to be! By the time we moved on from this room (I think it was more than an hour) (A) was sweating from head to toe and breathing heavy. I think that he would have stayed even longer if I had let him.

There is also a great fire safety room with crafts to do. In this same area kids can learn to “stop drop and roll”, dial 911, crawl under smoke, watch fire safety cartoons, take in a puppet show (during the summer and group trips), and a lesson on the Science of Fire (also arranged for larger groups). Additionally, there are interactive games throughout that you can complete and check your answers…

What could be more fun than that?? Perhaps what is not yet there (well it’s started) is even better than what the museum already has… They are in the process of building a junior firefighter challenge interactive display. Where kids can climb a ladder, slide down a poll, put out a fire, and more. This new exhibit will debut late this summer. It was very difficult to keep (A) away from it (it was roped off, but that wouldn’t have held him if I weren’t diligent). As if all of the interactive and educational fun you had wasn’t enough there is also a great gift store. This is fire toy heaven. There are books, stuffed animals, DVDs, costumes, hats, clothing, trucks galore, water packs, pencils, pens, candy, postcards, magnets, and so much more! I thought we were going to have to purchase the whole store. The prices were reasonable too, we purchased a birthday boy ribbon, two hats, two mugs, a pencil, and a fire truck for less than $20. If you don’t plan to purchase souvenirs make sure to ask for your free folder on the way out. This includes more fire safety information and activities for your child.

I recommend a baby carrier if you also have a little one like I do, as there are two floors, but there is a ramp that can be used for strollers if you would rather. It was not crowded when we were there so there were no space issues, but I could imagine that if it were a little busier than it would be really tight. The carrier allowed me to easily put (E) down for the trucks and activities that she could participate in as well. There are no concessions available on the premises so you will have to eat before and/or after. There are some beautiful grounds where a picnic would be nice. At the entrance there is also a book that tells you about local restaurants that you can go to. Recommended to us was the American BBQ which is a family restaurant that was opened in a former fire house!!! We didn’t go because we had to come home for a previous engagement, but we plan to go there when we visit this summer to try out the new exhibit. This is a great little secret that more people should know about, it’s amazing!!!

For more information about The FASNY Firefighting Museum visit their website at: http://www.fasnyfiremuseum.com/ , they are also on social media (Facebook, twitter, Instagram). Make sure to check often or sign up for their emails as they often have special events that you can attend. They also have distance learning classes that you can use in the classroom, or for a scout troop. Need some supplies for a fire themed birthday party? You can also purchase their gift store items online http://www.fasnyfiremuseum.com/store/index.asp .