Keeping tabs on the changing landscapes of Westchester businesses and attractions is no small task, but we've kept our ear to the ground to help you stay in the know. Below is our news roundup for Westchester and Hudson Valley families. Read on to learn about the future of dining, kids’ clothing, FREE days and more.

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Forget the Enchanted Forest and even Sherwood Forest. Now, there’s Geek Forest, a hybrid electronics retail store and maker space, and it’s located—where else?—in Brooklyn.

Founded late last year as a pop-up, Geek Forest is celebrating its move to a new, permanent space in Williamsburg with a grand-opening on Saturday, April 2. Founder Carmen Sutton envisioned a retail and educational space similar to Maker Faire, welcoming all those who want to invent, create and learn (and then buy the stuff to do so). As a parent with an interest in the tech field, Sutton believed her neighborhood could benefit from a year-round STEM site for kids and worked diligently to make it happen.

Spring classes began on March 28. In advance of the grand opening, we got a sneak preview (and playtime). 

While socialization comes naturally to some kids, others may need help developing the skills necessary to make and keep friends. If you’re concerned about your child’s ability to socialize with peers, you may want to consider a social skills group which fosters self-confidence through activities such as role-playing, cooperative games and group interactions. They’ll learn important skills such as sharing, taking turns and resolving conflict, and most importantly, they’ll have fun doing it! And for more enrichment opportunities, check out our Enrichment Programs, Classes and Activities Guide for NJ Kids.

Summertime means swimming–the kids cool off, get exercise, and are entertained all at once–triple bonus! While NJ abounds with beaches and lakes, many of us prefer the plain old comfort of a chlorine-enhanced, lifeguard-protected swimming pool. For you, the pool-lover, we’ve assembled a list of NJ swimming pool options—some public, some private, summer-only, year-round, indoor, outdoor....take your pick—and then, take the plunge! And for more summer awesomeness, check out our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide.

Toys can be found nearly everywhere these days - convenience stores, pharmacies, and groceries stores - but there is something really special about shopping at an independent toy store. Such places are characterized by personalized service from people who truly love toys and do not take their presence in the community for granted. Consider visiting these family-owned establishments in the Hartford area, which help sustain local communities and guarantee places where your children's names and preferences are remembered.

Many parents recognize the value of being a “team player,” but what if your kid’s team isn’t on the soccer field or in the swimming pool? What if he prefers singing to soccer? Writing to running? Maybe her team is more creative or curious than competitive. Westchester colleges welcome these teens and pre-teens with summer and after-school enrichment programs that let these artistic or scientific individualists come together with like-minded peers.

The MBTA's Blue Line gets a bad rap: It's shorter than the other T lines, such as the Orange and Green lines, and doesn't pass through any particularly hip neighborhoods. But there is a surprising amount of sights families can enjoy at most of the Blue Line's dozen stations. Here's a quick look at the top eight kid-friendly stops along this subway line.

Summertime splashing is right around the corner. Queens parents looking to give their kids a pool refresher or just introduce their tot to the water, will find a number of affordable and grow-with-you swimming classes across the borough. Kids can advance from baby-and-me sessions on up to competitive racing at these community and private pools. 

Read on for great swim classes in your neighborhood, from FREE sessions hosted by the city to a safety-first nonprofit that offers a 30-minute basics lesson. Be sure to check out our Queens Kids Guide for even more ways to explore the borough with kids and find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.