Katherine Dhurandhar

Latest posts by Katherine

Tennis in Lower Westchester: 7 Great Centers for Westchester Families To Learn and Play Tennis

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Mon, 10/03/2022 - 11:42am

Photo courtesy of The New Rochelle Racquet Club

It's never too early (or late) to learn to play tennis. Whether your child aspires to be the next Serena Williams or is just looking for some great exercise and healthy fun, Westchester County offers some of the best tennis centers offering lessons, camps, and so much more. And since the courts go indoors for the winter, this is a sport the whole family can enjoy all year round.

Tennis classes are available for all ages and skill levels, so if tennis is a sport you’re looking to learn, or even if your kid is already a seasoned tennis player, read on for our picks of the top tennis facilities in lower Westchester. Grab your racket and get ready for fun, great exercise, and professional instruction close to home.

You can find more sports classes–and even book a class online–in the Mommy Poppins directory of classes and listings. Check out our Westchester Classes for Kids Guide for classes for kids of all ages.

Pregnancy and Parenting Classes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Families

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 09/23/2022 - 7:26am

Take a prenatal class with a partner at Prana Prenatal Yoga. Photo courtesy of the studio

Looking for pregnancy and parenting classes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for some of the top options in the area.

Parenting is not an easy job, and we could all use some help sometimes, whether you are expecting a new baby or going through the difficult teenage years. Thankfully, there are plenty of parenting classes right here in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, from pregnancy and birth classes to positive discipline and special-needs parenting classes. Many of the classes also offer additional support groups for parents to share their experiences and be part of a community.

You can find more parenting classes–and even book a class online–in the Mommy Poppins directory of classes and listings. Check out our Westchester Classes for Kids Guide for classes for kids of all ages. And find more new-parent resources in our Westchester Baby Guide.

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Pregnancy and Parenting Classes in NYC

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Mon, 08/15/2022 - 6:38pm

Hypnodoula Maeva offers newborn care classes. Photo courtesy of Hypnodoula

Parenting classes are a great way to learn about your child and connect with other parents. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, but for most of us in the modern world who don't have that village, parenting classes can provide much-needed knowledge, plus a support network. Thankfully NYC has plenty of pregnancy and parenting classes for new and expecting parents covering topics ranging from pregnancy and childbirth to sleep training and positive discipline. Many of these institutions also offer play spaces and support groups where parents can share their experiences, make lasting friendships, and even organize play dates.

In the wake of the pandemic, many pregnancy and parenting classes are still offered only virtually, but we have gathered together the best small-group, in-person classes in NYC as well as those offered as private, in-home sessions. You can find more parenting classes, and even book a class online, in our directory of classes and listings. Check out our NYC Classes for Kids Guide for more kids' activities and classes for kids of all ages. Find more new parent resources in our NYC Baby Guide.

Best Cooking Classes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 8:10am

Fiddleheads offers personalized cooking lessons. Photo courtesy of Fiddleheads

Cooking classes are a fun way for kids to explore and develop their culinary talents while also learning about where food comes from and developing healthy eating habits. The abundance of local farms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley makes it a great place for young chefs to learn and cultivate their skills. Whether your child has an interest in cooking as a profession or just likes to have fun in the kitchen and make their own snacks, there is something for everyone.

We have rounded up several businesses in the area that offer kids cooking classes, many of which focus on using farm-to-table, locally sourced ingredients. Some have their own teaching gardens where kids can learn to grow, harvest, and cook with fresh ingredients, and one is held on a working organic farm.

You can find more cooking classes for kids–and even book a class online–in our directory of classes and listings. And be sure to check our Westchester Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

The Best Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball Classes for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 08/07/2022 - 7:27am

Young kids learn fundamental soccer principles at Soccer Shots. Photo courtesy of Soccer Shots

Looking for the best soccer, basketball, and baseball classes and camps in Westchester? Check out our top picks for sports classes throughout the county.

Whether you are looking for classes to help your kids develop skills for the big leagues or just a place to take part in fun and healthy recreation, Westchester County offers a bounty of sports programs for boys and girls of all ages.

Read on for a roundup of our favorite soccer, baseball, and basketball classes and camps in Westchester. You can find more posts about kids' sports classes in our Classes Guide and class directory. And don't forget to also see our list of great virtual camps and classes for kids.

Goshen with Kids: Legoland New York and More Things To Do in the Hudson Valley Town

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 07/17/2022 - 12:19pm

Goshen's lovely, walkable downtown is but one of the charming draws in this Hudson Valley town.

Located in the heart of Orange County, Goshen is now well-known as the home of Legoland New York. However, the town of Goshen is a family-friendly destination in its own right. In 2021, Smithsonian Magazine named it one of the 15 best small towns to visit in America. Goshen boasts a vibrant downtown and arts community, and it is surrounded by the natural wonders of the Hudson Valley.

Goshen is also home to the oldest active harness racing track in the world. It is surrounded by picturesque horse farms, and horses are a recurring theme in the town's activities and artwork. Visitors can take a stroll through the quaint downtown, which is festively lit in the evenings, and check out one of the many restaurants and gastropubs. Or take the kids for some thrill rides at the nearby Castle Fun Center or Urban Air Adventure Park. For outdoorsy adventures, get out and explore the local nature on the Heritage Trail or at the Stewart State Preserve.

Read on for our favorite things to do with kids in this historic Hudson Valley town, conveniently located off Route 17 and just south of I-84. And for more family fun ideas in the Hudson Valley and Westchester, check out our Family Day Trips Guide.

Baby Swimming Classes in Westchester: Swimming Lessons for Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Wed, 07/13/2022 - 8:46am

Small-group baby swimming lessons are a trademark of Goldfish Swim School.

Looking for the best baby swimming lessons in Westchester? Here are eight great mommy-and-me swimming classes to add to your list.

There is nothing cuter than a baby's first reaction as they dip their toes in the water. However, those initial experiences with water should be enjoyable and take place in a comfortable and safe environment. Parent-and-me swimming lessons are a great way to introduce babies to the water and teach basic swimming skills in a fun setting that establishes a lifelong love of swimming. These baby swimming classes also provide a great bonding experience for parents and their little ones.

We have gathered the details on the top swim schools in Westchester that offer baby swimming classes. Classes are offered for babies as young as 4 months, and many offer toddler transition classes to prepare toddlers to attend more advanced swimming lessons on their own. Many classes include water games, toys, and songs to make learning fun. For more swimming lessons in Westchester aimed at all ages, see our roundup of the top swim lessons for Westchester kids and find more classes in our Guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in Westchester.

Best Sports Summer Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Wed, 03/09/2022 - 11:45am

House of Sports' multisports camps include lacrosse instruction. Photo courtesy of the camp

Looking for a great sports day camp for kids this summer? Westchester has a variety of options, from camps offering traditional sports such as soccer, baseball, and football to more extreme sports camps featuring rock climbing and parkour.

We’ve rounded up several multisports camps in and near Westchester, where kids ages toddler to teen can participate in a variety of sports. We have also listed the camps providing intensive training focused on improving skills in one sport, with camps specifically for soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, golf, swimming, and rock climbing.

For more camp options in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, including popular summer day camps, preschool summer camps, and dance summer camps, bookmark our Westchester Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory, where you can search for programs by age, type, and community.