Memorial Day Weekend in Westchester: Circus, Playland, Beaches

Photo courtesy of the Zerbini Family Circus

For those of you staying in Westchester for Memorial Day weekend, there's no shortage of events worth attending, both here and in the Hudson Valley.

Many towns and villages throughout the county celebrate the occasion with parades and ceremonies. Standouts include the Memorial Day Races & Fair, with fun festivities rounding out the occasion.

The three-day weekend is also a great time for animal encounters, with the Memorial Day Dog Parade & Show leading the pack. A couple of the many seasonal festivals we previously told you about also take place this weekend, and there’s a performance by the The Zerbini Family Circus.

And, while all of the above are annual affairs, this Saturday is the only chance we’ll have to celebrate Playland's 90th Birthday, and loads of perks are planned for the occasion. While there, head next door (or to Croton or New Rochelle), when Westchester beaches open for the season.

So let everyone else deal with the traffic and hassle of heading out of town; there’s plenty to do right here at home! Read on to see all of our top weekend picks, and consult our Event Calendar for even more options.

29 Things To Do with Kids in Culver City

Photo courtesy of reDiscover Center

By now you've probably already checked a few items off our LA bucket list of 100+ things to do with Angeleno kids before they become Angeleno adults. But some days Mom can't face the 405; sometimes we just need ideas to fill an hour or two without leaving the 'hood. That's the inspiration for our series of neighborhood fun lists; and speaking of fun neighborhoods, how about that Culver City? Once a well kept secret, these days Culver City is a Westside gem in great demand. But with so much going on, a busy parent could miss some of these great activities around Culver City.

Memorial Day Weekend in NJ: Theme Parks, Beach Fests, Parades

Field Station: Dinosaurs opens this weekend at Overpeck County Park. Photo courtesy of the venue

Memorial Day weekend has arrived, and there's no better place to spend it than New Jersey! Whether you're looking for a taste of summer at a strawberry festival or a display of patriotic pride at a Memorial Day parade, our calendar is loaded with three days worth of holiday weekend fun.

As the unofficial summer kickoff, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to head to the Jersey Shore. Check out the massive display of beautiful kites at Wildwoods International Kite Festival; enjoy rides and games at the Bradley Beach Memorial Day Festival; or catch local artists and musicians at the 2018 Waterfront Arts Festival in Perth Amboy.

Not headed to the beach? Cool off at a lake, pool, or water park, many of which open this weekend, too.

And don't forget the amusement parksField Station: Dinosaurs and The Land of Make Believe open for the season this weekend, while Great Adventure hosts the Garden State Comic Fest.

Check out our Spring Guide for New Jersey Kids for more options for Memorial Day weekend fun, including 10 Themed Playgrounds and 10 Great Picnic Spots  And look to our event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

It's Farm-to-Table Fresh at These Great LI Farmers' Markets

Sample the fresh produce at the New Cassel Farmers' Market, which is actually in Westbury.

There's something about a farmers' market that inspires even the pickiest eater to try something he or she otherwise would not. Perhaps it's the fun of meeting a farmer, the spectacle of all the bold, colorful displays of produce, or maybe it’s simply the freedom of an outdoor market filled with delicious aromas and live music.

Spring is the traditional opening of farmers' markets across Long Island. So we’ve rounded up markets from Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End sure to supply you and your family with delicious locally grown fruits and veggies, as well as inspiration for how to prepare them once you get home. Bring reusable bags so you and the kids can comfortably tote your bounty. Bring your appetite, too: You'll want to snack while you shop.

Times are as of May 2018. But be advised: Times and locations can change, and inclement weather can postpone markets. If you're traveling some distance, call ahead or check websites before heading out. 

For more outdoor activities as the weather warms up, check out our Summer Fun Guide.

City Island with Kids: Best Things to Do on This Bronx Isle

Play sailor at the island's Nautical Museum.

Minutes from Pelham Bay Park, City Island is known for its seafood restaurants, Victorian architecture, and quaint fishing village vibe, making it an excellent destination for families looking to take a break from NYC's busy pace without straying too far from home.

Originally purchased from the Lenape Indians in 1654, the isle has evolved from an oyster epic center to a shipbuilding and yachting hub and is now a day-tripper's paradise. Located in the Bronx and a short 30-45 minute ride (via car or train from midtown Manhattan), City Island is an accessible destination to add to your family’s NYC bucket list.

Coding and Computer Science Classes to Prepare Kids for the 2030s

As parents, we hear about the growing importance of STEM education all the time. Specifically, Computer Science which is getting more and more attention as the technology boom shows no signs of stopping (and fears about robots snatching up our children's future jobs continues to grow...). But can parents rely on schools to prepare our kids? Technology is evolving so fast, it’s hard to stay on top of it all. Let alone, understand how it might impact our children’s futures.

To help provide insight into the best coding and STEM education practices, we sat down with Holly Horrigan, a computer science instructor at CS Recitations, a year round after school program in Natick that features a comprehensive curriculum for grades 3 through 12. Read on to learn why exactly these types of programs are so important, and how to make sure you're setting your child up for major STEM success.

The Grove Resort Orlando (and Water Park) Is a Worthy Disney Alternative

The new Orlando resort has gorgeous pools. Photo courtesy of the resort

When planning a family vacation to Orlando, Florida, you and the kids might have just one destination on the brain: Disney. But actually, as we’ve pointed out before, there’s more to Orlando than theme parks, including plenty of family resorts from which to choose.

If you’re looking off-park for a hotel, consider The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando. The 106-acre resort is just a few miles down the road from the entrance to Walt Disney World, but sits on a pretty tract of land set back from the major highways in a natural marsh and wooded landscape. It has all the favorite perks of a great family resort, including suites for housing extended family, pools, on-site restaurants, a spa, activities for kids, and even a water park.

We just returned from a long weekend at the resort and are happy to share our review.

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