White Plains is often referred to as the heart of Westchester County for good reason. It is a city chock full of life, diversity and an abundance of family-friendly events and activities sure to keep the entire family busy and learning all year round including several dynamic parks, playgrounds and walking trails that can be enjoyed by residents and non-residents alike. Read on for more details on where Westchester kids can run, jump, play and explore in White Plains. Admission is free for all the parks and no park pass is required, except where noted for certain activities or features. 

Looking for fun beyond White Plains? Be sure to check out our Event Calendar to keep up with what's happening throughout Westchester this month.

Normally I put strict limits on my nine-year-old son's screen time, especially in summer when he should be outside playing and experiencing the world. But when I catch him playing Habitat, I make a screen-time exception. The brand-new FREE app encourages kids to go outside and explore nature (which is what I want) while simultaneously challenging them to a fun, save-the-environment game (which my son loves). No wonder he's been obsessed with Habitat since we were invited to try it out at the Central Park Zoo earlier this month.

Just in time for summer, we have lots of great seasonal news, including the addition of the first-ever water fountains on Governors Island, the reopening of a long-closed Staten Island beach and the scoop on tickets for one of summer's most sought-after concerts for kids. Plus, New York Comic Con expands, autism-friendly theater and an important heads up about hours for NYC public school students.

As a new parent I devoured books about babies, trying to understand the tiny new life in my charge. How far can he see? What is going on in his little mind when he is playing with that toy? And then I started to wonder how all these experts on babies knew anything. So when I learned that many of Boston's universities recruit parents and their kids to participate in research studies, I thought it would be fun way to engage in science with my little one.

Summertime is for lazy days and sleeping late. There is nothing quite like staying out on a school night - especially when there is no school the next day. If you’re not a night owl, be sure to check Mommy Poppins’ event calendar. There is plenty to do during the day: toddler sing-a-longs, clubs for kids, and story time at the bookstore. If you are up for resetting the family’s circadian rhythms, here are few ways to enjoy our glorious summer evenings.