Best Batting Cages in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

The batting cages at V.E. Macy Park in Ardsley are open to the public. Photo by the author

Batting cages in Westchester and the Hudson Valley let you experience the particular summertime joy of the sound and the feel of a bat hitting a ball. The fun is not limited to warm weather, either, as there are indoor and outdoor batting cages to keep the hits coming all year round.

Read on for the top batting cages in the region, and check out our Guide to Sports in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for more stories like this.

Best Bowling Alleys on Long Island for Families

Bumpers and ramps make it easier for little kids to knock down some pins at Long Island bowling alleys. Photo by Gina Massaro

We’ve put together this list of the best bowling alleys for Long Island families so that you can find a great bowling spot no matter where you live on LI. From bumpers and ramps for toddlers to glow-in-the-dark game nights for tweens and teens, each venue offers a little something extra.

Most of these bowling alleys also offer specials during school breaks and some have after-school youth bowling leagues. 

Find more fun family outings in our Guide to Indoor Fun and on our always-updated Event Calendar.

31 Free Games and Activities for August

August 10 is S'mores Day! Photo by Maureen Wilkey

It’s the dog days of summer, back to school, and gearing up for maybe getting out of town for Labor Day Weekend! With so much going on, it’s easy to find new things to do at home every day with kids, whether it’s getting ready for school with lunches your kids will actually eat or celebrating National S’Mores Day on August 10.

So any day this month, just check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day! For more ideas for fun summer activities, check out our Ultimate Summer Vacation Guide.

10 Dual-Language and Immersion Preschools in Brooklyn

These NYC preschools promote knowledge and language learning in one neat package.

Whether your child already speaks two languages or you merely want to expand their intellectual horizons, dual-language preschools can help. These NYC preschools promote knowledge and language learning in one neat package. Lucky for us, NYC is packed with immersion preschools.

We've pulled together a sampling of immersion preschools in Brooklyn, the city's most populous borough. To find more preschools with dual-language programs or other preschool options, visit our NYC preschool directory.

Where To Go Peach Picking near NYC

Get your hands on some juicy stone fruits at family-friendly farms for peach picking near NYC like Alstede Farms..

The season for peach picking near NYC is upon us, and nabbing these sweet stone fruits is the perfect excuse for local families to plan a summertime day trip. Starting in July or early to mid-August—depending on the farm and the weather—the peaches begin to ripen, and peach-picking season typically runs into September.

Peach picking near NYC follows berry picking season. It is often a less commercial and more straightforward outing than some of the more popular fruit seasons like apple picking, meaning you're not going to run into as many hayrides, face painters, or crowds. Still, you will get a more authentic farm experience.

We've rounded up 12 orchards offering peach picking near NYC, all less than two hours by car from Midtown Manhattan. Several are even accessible by mass transit. You can find more farm fun in our Guide to Farms and Pick Your Own Fun for Families.

Roller Skating Rinks in Chicago and the Suburbs Worth a Spin

Roller skating at Maggie Daley Park. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

Whether you want to introduce the kids to an iconic activity or relive the glory days of your youth, a roller skating rink in Chicago or the suburbs is quite possibly one of the best ways to do it. These classic spots are also great for large birthday parties, scout field trips, and team outings. Good for an afternoon or weekend adventure, the Chicago area boasts an array of fantastic roller skating rinks.

Here’s a rundown of the best roller skating rinks near Chicago and the suburbs for kids, and don't forget your '80s outfit!

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