Lisa Johnston

Latest posts by Lisa

Top Playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Tue, 09/29/2020 - 3:41pm

Beautiful parks are plentiful throughout Westchester and Lower Hudson Valley—and while picnicking, hiking, and gorgeous views are great, what kids tend to care about most are the playgrounds.

Westchester kids have been without playgrounds for months. Despite Governor Andrew Cuomo giving the green light to reopen outdoor romping spaces in June, the county was slow to reopen its parks, not doing so until Saturday, September 26, 2020.

To celebrate their reopening, allow us to reintroduce you to these seven fun spots that are a step above your average local playground and all worth the drive. All boast imaginative play structures, shade, and other amenities that add up to a day of fun for the whole family, so get a trip in before the cold winds blow.

Best Corn Mazes for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Wed, 09/23/2020 - 5:03pm

Get ready to get lost in a fantastic corn maze at a family-friendly farm in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. In addition to corn mazes, the farms on this list offer other fall activities, including apple picking, hayrides, and more—so you can make it a day filled with fall fun.

For more seasonal ideas, bookmark our Fall Fun Guide, and be sure to check out our Event Calendar.

Storm King Art Center Reopens for Summer 2020 Visits

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 2:21pm

New Yorkers are lucky to live near so many world-class museums and New Windsor's Storm King Art Center is worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as many of the more famous local haunts. The sprawling 500-acre outdoor museum in the Hudson Valley is home to large-scale sculptures and site-specific pieces, which dot its wide-open green space, and make a perfect day trip during this social distancing summer.

Storm King Art Center is newly reopened and has debuted a pair of new exhibitions, which are waiting to welcome visitors looking for a unique getaway. So, pack your picnic basket and read on for details on visiting this unique artscape.

Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboat Rentals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 07/17/2020 - 12:24pm

Westchester County and the Hudson Valley boast plenty of family-friendly pools and spray parks to keep kids and adults splashing their way through the sticky summer months. But for New York families seeking a more active outdoor adventure, paddling down one of the natural local waterways can't be beat—and it's a particularly welcome option in this summer 2020 time of social distancing. So, grab your paddles, and plan a trip with one of these canoe, kayak, or rafting companies.

Novices can take guided tours or lessons, and children as young as 3 can help power a paddleboat with some of their everlasting energy. More adventurous paddlers can take on half-day tours of the Hudson River and its aquatic ecosystems or conquer stand-up paddleboarding.

Read on for nearby spots where you can flex those rowing arms with canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rowboats, rafts, and more. For even more water fun, check out our list of the best lakes and rivers for swimming in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. You can keep the good times rolling all season long by bookmarking our Summer Fun Guide, our summer 2020 staycation guide, and our Stay-at-Home Guide, which are all jam-packed with picks to entertain your family.

STEAM Camps for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Wed, 02/26/2020 - 9:00am

We've rounded up STEM and STEAM camps throughout Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley that offer educational and FUN experiences for school-age kids.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) programs continue to grow in popularity, and with good reason—job opportunities in many of these fields are multiplying as our world becomes ever more dependent on technology. Kids may not care about their career prospects just yet, but that doesn't mean they can't have a blast while learning these subjects!

Looking for more camp ideas? Consult our Summer Camp Guide and sign up for our newsletters.

Summer Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Transportation

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 02/16/2020 - 9:00am

For many Westchester and Hudson Valley families, transportation to and from summer camp is a crucial component in the decision-making process. Having pick-up and drop-off services can make the overall experience more enjoyable for campers and parents alike.

To help you find a camp to match your transportation needs, we’ve rounded camps that provide busing to and from their facilities, either door-to-door or at a central location. Whether your kid is into sports or STEM, rowing or rocketry, these camps offer lots of great activities.

Find more local summer camps in our Camp Guide, or search by age, interest, and location in our Camp Directory of listings.

Indoor Trampoline Parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 01/03/2020 - 10:00am

Where do you go when the kids are bouncing off the walls on a cold or rainy day? Somewhere they're allowed to bounce off the walls, of course!

We’ve rounded up indoor trampoline parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley where kids can jump, hop, leap, and bounce to their hearts' content. Take note that these spots also offer birthday parties, making them an option for those winter (or even extra-hot summer) birthdays.

Looking for more places to play? Check out our Indoor Play Guide and sign up for our newsletters!

Hudson Valley Indoor Play Places Worth the Trip

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Wed, 01/01/2020 - 12:00pm

We’ve already taken a look at some of the top indoor play places in Westchester, and now we’re going to turn our attention to the rest of the Lower Hudson Valley. These indoor play spaces and entertainment centers are all worth a trip across the bridge.

Looking for more places to have fun when the weather's not cooperating? Check out our Guide to Indoor Fun & Play Spaces for Westchester Kids, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters!

Lisa Johnston

Lisa Johnston

Latest posts by Lisa

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