Janine Annett

Latest posts by Janine Annett

13 Kid-Friendly Outdoor Restaurants in Westchester

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 05/07/2021 - 12:55pm

Venturing to Westchester's outdoor restaurants is an annual rite of passage, marking the turning of the seasons. In 2021, outdoor dining never really waned, but the time has come to lose the outdoor heaters and let the sunshine hit your face as you indulge in a meal out.

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.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley This Spring

Submitted by Janine Annett on Wed, 04/14/2021 - 10:51am

Spring is in the air, and that means it's cherry blossom time. These beautiful flowers typically bloom in late March through early June in the New York region. In addition to the opportunities to see cherry blossoms in New York City—including the famous blooms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden—there are some great spots north of the city.

Read on for our favorite cherry blossom-filled spots nearby and find more fun springtime destinations and outings in our Spring Fun Guide.

See Baby Animals and More at Petting Zoos in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 04/09/2021 - 3:31pm

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 petting zoos at local 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 find more seasonal fun in our Spring Fun Guide.

Top Indoor Play Spaces Open Now for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 01/15/2021 - 6:06pm

Indoor play spaces have long been the stuff of winter fun for Westchester kids, but this season is undeniably different. Still, there are times when you need a change of scenery to beat the winter blues, and these local play spots are ready to meet the moment with safety top of mind.

Our updated list is lighter than in recent years; many venues remain temporarily closed while a couple of favorites—FunFuzion in New Roc City and Great Play of Scarsdale—have permanently closed.

If you're looking for other ways to keep kids busy indoors this winter, try our list of 30 at-home activities, visit a cultural institution like DIA Beacon, and bookmark our favorite virtual happenings and Event Calendar for more resources!

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.

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.

Janine Annett

Latest posts by Janine Annett

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