We’ve said it before but it bears repeating: There are plenty of wonderful playgrounds in Westchester County for kids.

And it looks as if the variety is getting even better: We’ve noticed an uptick in renovated playgrounds in the area lately, including one of the newest: the playground at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

We visited recently and came away impressed. Read on, and for even more outdoor fun check out our guide to playgrounds and parks in Westchester, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters.

While some people bemoan the end of summer, I have always preferred the fall: cooler, less humid weather, changing leaves, apple picking, pumpkin spice, and football.

Plus the kids are back in school; and if your kids are like mine, that just makes them more anxious to get outside. So why not take them on a nature hike, where they can blow off steam and you can enjoy the natural splendor of autumn. With that in mind, here are some great fall hikes for families in and around Westchester County.

And for more seasonal fun, be sure to see our guide to fall fun in Westchester.

When some people think of karate, they imagine epic martial arts battles seen in movies or on TV.  But those images don’t really represent what karate is all about. Westchester County has a number of karate classes to introduce kids to the self-discipline, mental attitude, coordination, spirituality, and respect the sport requires.

So whether you are looking for a fun and healthy activity for your child, or you want to expose them to the full range of skills martial arts offer, Westchester County karate classes have a program that is right for your child. With that in mind, read on for details on some of the best local karate classes available.

See our guide to kids classes in Westchester for even more inspiration.  

For fall fun, nothing neats a hayride. And while the pandemic has whittled down our list down of participating farms a bit, these eight great Westchester and Hudson Valley farms offer great seasonal entertainment in 2021.  

Pair a visit to one or more of these farms with other traditional autumn activities, including apple picking and corn mazes.

Kids love to run, jump, flip, and play. Not so great when it's your sofa, their bed, or each other they're jumping on. Looking for a class in Westchester to channel that energy into something more constructive?Gymnastics can be a great way for kids to exert energy, increase confidence and discipline, and yes, show off to their friends.

There are plenty of great options for gymnastics classes in Westchester, and we've rounded them up for you here.  And for more options, see our post on gymnastics classes in the Lower Hudson Valley.

Whether you’re in the “please don’t color on the walls” phase or your tween is serious about honing her painting skills, you’ll find a creative and enriching art class available in Westchester. The best part? There are classes for any and all interests—from painting and cartooning to clay-making and silk screening.

We’ve rounded up destinations in Westchester where kids can get creative. Have a writer or musician instead? We’ve got them covered too. Check out our full Classes Guide for even more picks.

Whether you’ve been eager to introduce your little one to ballet or hip hop, or your ballerina or hip hop star is eager to hit the stage, there are plenty of options for dance classes in Westchester.

We’ve rounded up a number of dance classes in Westchester that offer both ballet and hip hop classes for toddler ages and older. Also cool? While all of these classes have in-person options, some provide private, at-home, or pod classes for families, along with several that have virtual classes, too. Plus, a number of the studios, including New York Performing Arts Center and Steffi Nossen, offer adaptive classes for kids with special needs.

For even more great kids' classes, check out our Westchester classes guide, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters to stay in-the-know on what’s new.

It’s well documented that kids love water—whether that’s of the pool, beach, or splash pad variety. And if you’ve ever seen your child’s eyes light up at the sight of a waterfall, you know they don’t even need to be in the water for it to be worthwhile. Westchester and the Hudson Valley are home to some stunning waterfalls. Some of them can be seen by simply visiting the park, while a few others require a walk or a waterfall hike to see them. Almost all of these destinations offer other activities to do during youe visit, from playgrounds to spots to stop for a sweet treat.

Looking for even more water fun? Check out our guide to Westchester summer activities, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know.