White Plains has long been the "seat" of Westchester County--home to the county courthouse, county center and headquarters of some major companies like PepsiCo, IBM and Nestle. It is also the county's commercial hub. Inside this small city are five separate shopping centers--City Center, the Westchester Mall, the Galleria, the Source at White Plains and the Westchester Pavilion--along with more individual stores, restaurants and businesses than one could possibly visit in a day. We've mentioned White Plains many times when highlighting fun things to do with kids, including ice skating, cooking classes, miniature golf and more. 

The  5,000 seat Westchester County Center is a stopping point for hundreds of shows, sports competitions, expos, markets and events every year--two events made our June Go List--and several smaller venues provide culture and classes for residents and visitors alike. Just outside a bustling downtown, families can take refuge in a charming town and scenic county parks. 

In June, we'll take a closer look at White Plains and all it has to offer kids and families including the best places to play, eat and shop, starting with our list of 30 things to do with kids in White Plains. 

This fun to make and non-messy project is a great idea for end of the year teacher gifts from your kids! We found cardboard chip canisters of different heights, and also some regular ole' glasses we got at the dollar store. Washi tape can be found at art supply stores or online. It's super fun, colorful, and can be used in so many ways!

From pristine beaches and the start of Big Sur to missions and kid-friendly wineries and even some wildlife, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great relaxing family destination that adults and children will both enjoy. Imagine, if you will, spending the weekend someplace so laid back that comfortable shoes are mandated by city ordinance. For real. A place where businesses don't have street addresses and Main Street has more trees than signs. Or stop imagining and just hop on the 101 toward Carmel-by-the-Sea. We did just that and recharged the family batteries with a Carmel weekend - a treat of a getaway that I had not indulged in since I was a kid myself (decade to remain nameless). 

Exposing kids to engaging, hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities is a big priority for parents in our increasingly tech-driven world. So it's no surprise that the New York Hall of Science, already one of the best places in NYC to get geeky with kids, is jumping on the trend with its brand-new permanent installation Design Lab.

Comprised of five distinct activity areas, NYSCI's Design Lab invites families to get creative with projects that give your engineering and design skills a real workout. After visiting on opening weekend with my three children ages 7, 10 and 14, I'd actually argue that it's a STEAM'D-themed workspace (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math and Design). However you define it, the goal is clear: to inspire kids (and grown-ups) of all scientific backgrounds to be inventive with everyday materials.

Here they come again! The amazing, life-size dinosaurs that took Manhattan by storm in 2009 and 2010 return for a limited engagement at Brooklyn's Barclays Center this July. Inspired by the BBC's super-popular television series of the same name, Walking with Dinosaurs is the closest you can get to traveling back in time as you meet 20 prehistoric creatures in a thrilling spectacle that's entertaining and educational.

I always regretted that my son and I missed the previous tours of Walking with Dinosaurs but we won't be making that mistake this time around. I've already scored tickets to opening night and we expect to be blown away by the enormous, realistic-looking dinos. Since there are only nine performances, tickets are going fast. So get yours today and save some money with our exclusive discount for Mommy Poppins readers.