Westchester

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 02/11/2024 - 11:07am

Aspiring artists love the 3-hour workshops at MADE Art Studio in Mamaroneck,

Fun summer camp options abound in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, from traditional day camps to STEM-focused programs to a variety of sports camps. But no matter your child's interests, camp can be a pricey proposition. If you're looking for especially budget-friendly options, we’ve rounded up a selection of the most affordable day camps in the area.

For this 2024 list, we've capped the cost at $500 per week, but most of these are well below that. Many of these camps offer half-day sessions as well as early-bird or sibling discounts. Plus, there are often options for financial aid or scholarships. Even if you don’t see that information listed, you can always ask to see if it’s a possibility.

For even more options, check out our Summer Camps Guide for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids, or search our Camp Directory.

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Amy Growney on Fri, 02/09/2024 - 10:00am

Soaring high above the Hudson is part of the thrill at Spins Hudson. Photo courtesy of Spins Hudson

Little daredevils don't have to go far to experience extreme sports. We've rounded up 11 destinations for extreme sports in Westchester and the Hudson Valley where families can experience a thrilling adventure ranging from skydiving to ropes courses, go-kart racing, ax-throwing, and more.

Read on for our top picks for extreme sports destinations for kids nearby, and find more fun things to do in our Guide to Sports Centers, Gyms, and Fun Zones.

25 Best Things To Do in Warwick, NY, with Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 02/02/2024 - 10:34am

The Village of Warwick hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, including a free summer concert series. Photo courtesy the Village of Warwick

Warwick, New York, is the southernmost town in Orange County. Bordering New Jersey, it's geographically, one of New York state’s largest towns—is a perfect family-friendly destination for a daycation. It boasts a cute, walkable village, plenty of shops and restaurants, and it is a great destination to visit with kids.

Warwick also has an agriculturally rich environment, with numerous orchards and wineries within its borders—perfect for pick-your-own outings with kids. It's also an official Appalachian Trail Community, making it a great place for hiking and other outdoor fun.

Read on for our in-depth look at Warwick, and all our picks for the best things to do with kids during a visit to this picturesque Hudson Valley town. Find more local fun in our Guide to the Hudson Valley.

Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids February 2024

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 01/28/2024 - 10:36am

Step into the enchanting realm of Cirque Zuma Zuma, a mesmerizing spectacle that has earned acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Photo courtesy of Cirque Zuma Zuma

Whether sending valentines or planning a Presidents Day weekend getaway—there is plenty to love about February in Westchester and the Hudson Valley!

No need to get cabin fever this February as Westchester and the Hudson Valley is filled with fun, family-friendly things to do, including many FREE events. Families can indulge in the beauty of the great outdoors during the Lake George Winter Carnival or warm up at a FREE Cocoa Crawl in downtown Port Jervis.

February marks the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, and families can enjoy multiple festive celebrations, including the Lunar New Year Celebration at Chappaqua Performing Arts Center and a FREE Children's Lunar New Year Celebration at the Scarsdale Library. We can't forget Valentine's Day: Kids are invited to celebrate with Peppa Pig at Shake It Off's Valenswine's Day Party or craft DIY decorations at a FREE Children's Art Workshop at Blue Door Art Center.

26 Things To Do for February's Winter Break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 01/26/2024 - 1:15pm

Delight in the scenery and artwork at Teatown Lake Reservation. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

If you’re worried about keeping the kids busy during a February winter break staycation, we've got you covered. We've rounded up two dozen fun things to do during the February winter break with Westchester and Hudson Valley kids.

These picks for Presidents Day week include in-person events, outdoor activities, and fun anytime excursions. We've also got an entire post dedicated to February's top to-dos, and our Family Activity Calendar is constantly updated.

Where To Go Maple Sugaring in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 01/21/2024 - 7:39am

Discover the magic of maple sugaring with a Maple Lanes tour at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Maple sugaring is a popular winter activity in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Maple sugaring events include education about the age-old tradition, which began with Native Americans and evolved to include the use of modern evaporator machinery. Kids love helping collect the sap and getting to taste the sweet rewards after the maple syrup is made. At some venues, maple sugaring events are rounded out with a pancake breakfast, maple syrup on snow, or other family-friendly fun.

We've rounded up 2024 maple sugaring events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, plus one pick over the border in Connecticut. These events include maple tree tapping to collect the sap, sugaring-off parties, where it is cooked into syrup, and even a cooking class for kids to learn what to do with the tasty syrup after it's made.

School Break Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Winter and Spring Break Camps to Keep Kids Busy on Days Off

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 01/19/2024 - 11:23am

Nory STEM camps offer plenty of educational, hands-on fun. Photo courtesy of NORY Stem

When school is not in session, these local school break camps help provide enriching care for kids. Whether you're looking for winter break camps or spring break camps, we've rounded up 13 camps that are open during major school holidays with options for kids who want to get their hands dirty in the great outdoors, build STEM skills in a classroom, or even hone their sports skills.

Be sure to check out our Family Activity Calendar for more fun things to do during the upcoming school break. And if you're looking ahead to the end of the school year, bookmark our Guide to Summer Camp for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.

30 Best Things To Do this Winter in Westchester and the Hudson Valley 2024

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 01/14/2024 - 9:10am

A day on the slopes is the perfect way to enjoy the winter season. Photo by Ally Noel

Stave off cabin fever this season with this ultimate guide to fun things to do this winter in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We've uncovered 30 fun ways to spend the cold winter days and keep kids active and entertained all winter long.

Whether you're looking for winter sports, weekend getaways, workshops, nature programs, or indoor activities, we’ve got you covered with this list of fun things to do this winter. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Indoor Fun and our Westchester and the Hudson Valley Winter Fun Guide for more fun this freezin' season.