Janine Annett

Latest posts by Janine Annett

Hayrides and Fall Farm Fun for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 4:10pm

Hayrides are our favorite mode of transportation when it comes to fall fun, but unfortunately, the pandemic has whittled our normally robust list down to just a handful of hayrides for 2020. Still, if you can't let the harvest season pass without a hayride, we've found seven farms willing to give you a scenic, seasonal lift. These spots in Westchester and the Hudson Valley offer hayrides plus plenty of other awesome autumn activities, including apple picking and corn mazes.

13 Kid-Friendly Outdoor Restaurants in Westchester

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 06/19/2020 - 11:58am

Venturing to Westchester's outdoor restaurants is an annual right of passage, marking the turning of the seasons. But, in 2020, diners are coming out of the woodwork, flocking to these popular family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating because, right now, it's the only option for a sit-down meal with the county firmly in Phase 2 of the state's reopening plan.

We've updated our list of kid-friendly outdoor restaurants to note each restaurant's safety protocols. Things may look a little different, with restaurants limiting seating capacity to allow for social distancing; single-use menus or online ordering are the new norm, and contact-free payment may be preferred. Some of the perks we've come to enjoy at these restaurants, like family-friendly games and entertainment, have been put on hold, too. You'll also be expected to wear a mask any time you're not seated at your table. Increased demand means making a reservation in advance might be required to snag a coveted seat.

Read on for our list of 13 family-friendly outdoor restaurants in Westchester—there's a mix of price points, atmospheres, and cuisines—where families can get their alfresco fix. Looking for more family-friendly dining options? Check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Top Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Westchester

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 12/13/2019 - 1:00pm

If you and your kids are feeling cooped up during the cold weather, we have some good news: Westchester offers plenty of indoor play spaces where kids can bounce, jump, climb, and explore.

We've gathered a big list of locations where you can take the kids to let off some steam, from trampoline parks and indoor amusement parks to play spaces that are just right for little ones. No planning? No problem. Most require no advance registration to attend or have open hours where you can stay and play for a while.

For even more ideas for indoor activities, make sure to check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook!

See Baby Animals and More at Kid-Friendly Farms in Westchester and Hudson Valley

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 04/12/2019 - 12:00pm

Have an animal lover on your hands? Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley are filled with opportunities to see animals up close and personal—including farms, nature centers, orchards, and animal sanctuaries. Many of these spots also offer kid-friendly activities in addition to the chance to see, touch, and feed horses, goats, cows, pigs, chickens, alpacas, and more.

Read on for our top picks, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters for more family-friendly activities. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook!

Free, Family-Friendly Halloween Parades and Events for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Janine Annett on Sun, 10/07/2018 - 11:00am

If you think Halloween town and library programs are only about storytime and paper pumpkins, think again! Many towns in Westchester offer standout events that are frightfully fun—not to mention the parades, parties, and more free activities for families who love Halloween.

Below we’ve listed two dozen places with fun Halloween programs. Best of all—they’re all FREE! (And, OK, there are storytimes and crafts, but we do like those, too.)

Read on for our top picks, and then continue on to our Event Calendar for many more fun October happenings.

13 of the Best Places for Families to Get Pizza in Westchester

Submitted by Janine Annett on Mon, 11/27/2017 - 3:07pm

Whether your family likes to kick it old-school when it comes to pizza—or you prefer a gourmet take on the tried-and-true formula of crust, sauce and cheese—Westchester has plenty of pizza options. Slices, pies and more can be found in this baker's dozen of pizzerias—there's even a mobile pizza truck!

For more great ideas on places to dine out with the family, check out our Westchester Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide and sign up for our newsletters.

Special Campgrounds With Kid-Friendly Extras Near Westchester

Submitted by Janine Annett on Thu, 08/10/2017 - 10:00am

"Getting away from it all" and spending time camping in the woods sounds idyllic, but let's face it: Sometimes—especially when kids are involved—you just need something a little extra.

Whether it's a place to do laundry or a game to keep the kids happy, these campsites are all within a reasonable distance and have plenty of amenities and activities. You'll still feel like you're getting away from civilization, but with any luck you won't hear the never-ending cries of "I'm bored!"

For more summertime fun, like us on follow us on Facebook and sign up for our sign up for our newsletters.

Swim Time at 'The Brook': Summer Visits at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 07/14/2017 - 5:00pm

One of Westchester County's official parks, Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers features a jewel of a water area—calling it just a "pool" really doesn't do it justice.

Families with kids of all ages can find ways to splash, play, slide, float and cool off at "The Brook." We're frequent visitors to this awesome water spot, and we recently took another trip to see how 2017 is shaping up. Read on for the inside scoop and on how to get the most out of your visit.

Looking for even more summer fun? Sign up for our newsletters and be sure to follow us on Facebook.

Janine Annett

Janine Annett

Latest posts by Janine Annett

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