Whether you’ve a newcomer to Westchester, in town for the weekend, or just looking for a day trip, there are plenty of family-friendly destinations in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley that are worth the trek. We’ve rounded up our top five picks of places to visit with kids in this area, all of which are easy to plan and easy to reach.

The annual World Science Festival opens June 1 at venues across New York City. Now in its ninth year, the festival adds to its already engaging, kid-friendly lineup a new traveling, interactive mini-fest that debuts in the Bronx and will continue on to other boroughs later this spring.

Forget what you know about Florida. As I learned on a recent visit to Tallahassee, the Sunshine State's capital is the other side of Florida and I don't mean just geographically. Twenty miles south of the Georgia border, this isn't where families go to hit the sand and surf or to visit one of the state's famous town-sized amusement parks. Instead, Tallahassee is a vibrant college-city packed with outdoor adventures, nature and wildlife, art and culture and great eats.

Tallahassee is a perfect weekend getaway (or mid-point break on a trip to Orlando, Tampa or Miami) with something for everyone: Spanish colonial and American Civil War history can be found at every turn, kayaking, hiking, fishing and cycling beckon the outdoor enthusiasts, and critters like alligators and manatee can be spotted in their natural habitats. Plus, there are a couple of cool things you can only see in "Tally" such as the spot where Hollywood filmed the 1950s sci-fi flick Creature from the Black Lagoon and a graveyard full of early generation, rusting Ford trucks.

Read on to find out what else there is to do on a Tallahassee family vacation. 

Going out for Mother’s Day brunch sounds like such a treat, but you may fear you’ve missed your chance if you didn’t make reservations weeks in advance. Not so. There are plenty of restaurants all over the Boston area welcoming walk-ins for breakfast and brunch on Mother’s Day. Some of them are even near a few of the spring festivals happening that Sunday, so you can stroll over after your meal to make a day of it. 

Thinking about a last-minute Memorial Day weekend getaway with the family? Or plotting an escape with the kids when school comes to an end in late June? With a slew of kid-friendly escapes just a few hours from New York City, the hardest part could be deciding whether you want a woodsy outdoor adventure, a quiet beach town, an island escape or a historical expedition. Here are four picks for a weekend of fun, all less than three hours from NYC by car.

You can find more travel inspiration in our Day Trips Guide and on our US Travel Guide.

Spring is here and hopefully warmer weather isn't far behind. Get fit as a family with these fun runs and walks across Long Island. And be sure to look out for our list of Summer Fun Runs coming next month. For more family-friendly activities, check out our Events Calendar and Spring Fun Guide.

Therapeutic massage offers both physical and psychological benefits for an expectant mother. It's a great way to relax, feel good, and help relieve many of the aches and stress of pregnancy, especially for NYC mamas who are hoofing it all over town and up and down those subway stairs.

We recently rounded up great options for prenatal massage in Brooklyn, and now we're spotlighting places in Manhattan where you can enjoy the healing and soothing benefits of prenatal massage. All offer side-lying positions and some also have special pillows and tables that allow you to lie face down, even with a pregnant belly.

Check out our NYC Baby and Pregnancy Guide for more new mom info, including fun baby and me classes and where to meet other parents.

Sure, going all out for Mother's Day with an extravagant brunch can be nice, but if a decadent feast doesn't fit your style or budget, there are plenty of other festive ways to celebrate. From taking a stroll on the Greenway to seeing other species of moms at the zoo (and getting in for free!), here are 15 ideas for how to enjoy a fun-filled and budget-friendly Mother's Day with the kids.