About 100 miles north of Manhattan, the quaint town of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County is a prime destination for a family day trip. Steeped in Dutch history, Rhinebeck is home to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, where numerous fairs and family-friendly productions are held annually, as well as a performing arts center, an aerodrome, the oldest hotel in the country, great eateries, family shopping, and nature excursions.

We've gathered up some of our favorite Rhinebeck attractions culled after a recent visit. These include both year-round opportunities and some seasonal excursions, as well as a sampling of the creative shops and eateries that remind visitors of the quaintness afforded by a town supportive of independently owned businesses.

Read on for our inside scoop on all the great fun that lies ahead for your family in beautiful Rhinebeck! And for more great days out, check out our guide to family fun in Hudson Valley.

Looking for the best family-friendly vineyards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for 10 picks worth a day trip. 

While apple picking season is winding down, the rich orchards of Westchester and the Hudson Valley are more than one-trick ponies. Many of the orchards we flock to for farm fun also feature vineyards and hard cider houses. Some are particularly appealing to families, making a visit a fun outing for all ages.

Below we've rounded up 10 destinations for hard apple cider and wine that are suitable for kids. If, however, you are more of a beer connoisseur, there are plenty of Hudson Valley breweries for you to visit as well. Once you've sampled your way through Westchester and the Hudson Valley, be sure to check out our roundup of family-friendly wineries on Long Island. We've also got plenty more seasonal picks in our Fall Fun Guide.

If you’ve ever gone apple picking at Harvest Moon Orchards in North Salem, New York, it's worth revisiting this holiday season. You'll be astonished by the orchard's transformation into the region's newest holiday attraction, Lumagica. The orchard’s winding trails and slopes have been repurposed to provide a pastoral setting for a twinkling holiday lights display. In fact, with apples still clinging to some trees, the combination of fall harvest and winter wonderland converge almost surreally.

Read on to learn more about the magic of Lumagica and find more attractions to get your glow on at these drive-thru holiday light shows. We've got more magical picks to carry you through the season in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events.

Formerly an uber-popular walk through experience, Westchester’s Winter Wonderland has been reimagined for safe, seasonal fun and returns for a second consecutive year as a drive-thru holiday lights extravaganza.

Read on for our full review and a sneak peek at some of the stunning displays, and remember our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide are overflowing with curated picks to celebrate, whether you want to venture out or need some ideas for a festive night at home.

Since 2005, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze has been a must-do Halloween attraction for our neighbors in Westchester County, its popularity multiplying annually along with its sizable, stunning installation. In 2020 the Blaze added a second location at Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island.

Read on for the inside scoop on Long Island's own Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze, which opens on Wednesday, September 22, and learn why this visually striking, aesthetically inspiring walk-through exhibit belongs on your fall bucket list. Stay tuned to our Halloween Guide for more seasonal, spooky fun.

Given the popularity of petting zoos, it should come as little surprise that dedicated alpaca farms are a destination-worthy attraction in the Hudson Valley. In addition to learning about these long-necked farm friends, visitors might have the opportunity to feed, pet, or even trek with alpacas.

Alpacas are raised for their luxuriously soft fleece, which varies in color from white and black to rose-gray and fawn. Their springtime shearing results in a dramatically different appearance, prompting some visitors to vary the time of year when they visit. Budget both time and money to visit the farms’ gift shops, where artisanal creations might include blankets, winter accessories, and stuffed animals. Just be forewarned: The softness is addictive to the touch!

We’ve rounded up six Hudson Valley alpaca farms for your family’s next day trip. Advance reservations are generally required, and details should be confirmed before heading out. Remember to dress for outdoor conditions, including close-toed shoes, and advise your children to be calm and patient with the animals to optimize their rapport. Masks are generally being worn due to COVID-19. 

A village within Westchester’s Town of Mamaroneck, lovely Larchmont is an upscale community on the Long Island Sound. There is a happening downtown and the most bustling streets for families and kids are Boston Post Road, Palmer Avenue, Chatsworth Avenue, and Larchmont Avenue.

Situated on the Long Island Sound, the town of Mamaroneck offers waterfront recreation and a hearty downtown, all of it walkable and destination-worthy. Whether you’re living here or just visiting, this desirable suburban community, encompassing the villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont, packs plenty of family-friendly things to do.

The primary artery of Mamaroneck's business district is L-shaped: Mamaroneck Avenue, or the Avenue to locals, runs east to west and is loaded with shops and multicultural eateries. It intersects with Boston Post Road, which runs north to south along the Long Island Sound. While new businesses frequently arrive, a fair number have been entrenched for 50 to 100 years. The Mamaroneck Recreation Department offers inventive family programming year-round, and its harborfront park provides tons of summertime fun.

Read on for our favorite things to do in this charming waterfront town and find highlights of other local spots in our Guide to the Best Places to Live in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.