Nature

Apr 6 2013

Happy Campers: Family Camping and Campgrounds in New York's Catskills

Things to do with kids: Happy Campers: Family Camping and Campgrounds in New York's Catskills

I love camping and thankfully so does my husband.  And, it looks like we are raising a happy little camper of a son even though we live in New York City.  We started our son out on an overnight camping trip to the Catskills at the tender age of two, and now at 5 years old he has a few multi-night trips under his belt.  

I don’t know why more people don’t like camping; yes, you get dirty and need a lot of stuff to do it, but camping trips are really great for kids – especially city kids.  They get to spend the entire time outside and learn new self-esteem building skills, like how to canoe, fish, chop wood, cook over a fire, pitch a tent, and more.  Camping trips are low-tech (although I have recently seen electrified tents), so they allow families a time to unplug and reconnect with each other.  Plus, in this economy, a tent can be an affordable alternative to a hotel. There are tent sites all over the world in family vacation destinations like Disney World and Hershey Park.

We recently wrote about how you can go camping right in NYC, but if you're ready for a trip upstate, read on and find out how to get started.

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Feb 17 2013

Maple Sugaring Weekend Day Trips Near New York City

Things to do with kids: Maple Sugaring Weekend Day Trips Near New York City

As much as we love NYC there are some things you just can’t do here. One those things is maple sugaring, the process of transforming sticky, tasteless tree sap into sweet syrup. Maple trees only grow in the Northeast region of North America, so it's the one place that produces real maple syrup.

Maple sugaring season starts the last weekend of February and runs through March, when climbing temperatures allow the sap to begin running in the trees or "sugar bushes" as they're sometimes called. Seeing how the sap is collected, cooked and stored (and tasting the yummy final product) is a great way for kids to learn about the farm-to-table movement that's spreading across American dining tables. New York City is close to many farms and nature centers where families can watch maple sugaring demos, indulge in pancake breakfasts, enjoy maple syrup festivals and other seasonal fun. So as winter winds down, enjoy one of these sweet maple sugaring season day trips.

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Jan 15 2013

Cross-Country Skiing Near NYC: Where to Nordic Ski with Kids

Things to do with kids: Cross-Country Skiing Near NYC: Where to Nordic Ski with Kids

While we've written plenty of posts about downhill skiing with NYC kids, we've never covered cross-country skiing. Also known as Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing is a great winter sport for families. Children as young as five can ski alone, and parents can tow tots in a sled or carry them in a backpack while on the trails. You can't do that while swooshing down a mountain!

Cross-country skiing is a fun way for active kids to burn off energy in the colder months and spend time outside. While you use most of the same equipment that you'd need for a day on the slopes—skis, boots, bindings, poles, goggles, helmets and warm clothing—cross-country skiing is nowhere near as dangerous or as expensive as downhill skiing. You won't be at risk for slamming into a tree at full speed, and trail passes usually cost about $20 per person.

After a good snowfall in New York City, you can cross-country ski just about anywhere. I've seen people doing it in parks and even right down the middle of Fifth Avenue before the snow plows cleared the street. But if you're looking to go cross-country skiing in a more scenic (and less bumpy) environment, there are tri-state area destinations that offer many miles of well-groomed trails, as well as amenities like warm lodges where you can sit back, relax, sip on hot cocoa and enjoy a family meal.

Unlike traditional ski resorts, most cross-country trails aren't in the business of making their own snow. So you're going to have to wait for the white stuff before you can get out there. Once that happens, here are six spots where families can enjoy cross-country skiing, most less than a two-hour drive from New York City.

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Sep 30 2012

Animal Care Classes for NYC Kids: Feed, Care and Talk to the Animals

Things to do with kids: Animal Care Classes for NYC Kids: Feed, Care and Talk to the Animals

My kids, like so many others, are obsessed with animals. My son in particular has been campaigning hard for a puppy, but so far, we’ve remained an animal-free household. Of course there's only so long I can put him off. That's why I was thrilled to find out that there are lots of animal care classes for kids, so he can get his cute critter fix, and I can keep my sofa free of fur and scratches.

Taking an animal care class is a lot more hands-on than visiting a petting zoo. Children find out how much work goes into looking after them and what a big responsibility they are. They also learn respect and compassion for all creatures. So next time your child asks for a four-legged pal, consider signing them up for one of these animal care classes for kids instead (hey at least you'll find out if they're ready to clean up poop).

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Sep 1 2012

Pick Your Own Guide : Where to Pick Your Own Fruits and Vegetables in New York, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut

Pick Your Own Guide : Where to Pick Your Own Fruits and Vegetables in New York, New Jersey, Long Island and Connecticut

As New Yorkers, we're lucky to have all the benefits of living in an amazing city with a nearby countryside filled with farms and great agricultural experiences. More and more, parents are looking to teach their children about the farm-to-table experience, and there's no better lesson than harvesting your own food. But beyond that, picking your own fruit and vegetables is tons of fun, and makes for a great day or weekend trip.

Below are our favorite places to pick apples, pumpkins, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables in and around New York City, as well as info on other fun farm outings.

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