Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 30 Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 12/06/2024 - 10:26am

A day on the slopes is the perfect way to enjoy the winter season. Photo by Ally Noel

Stave off cabin fever with our ultimate guide to fun things to do this winter in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We've uncovered dozens of fun ways to spend the cold winter days and keep your kids active and entertained.

Whether you're looking for winter sports, weekend getaways, workshops, nature programs, or indoor activities, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Indoor Fun and our Westchester and the Hudson Valley Winter Fun Guide for more fun this freezin' season.

Best Preschool Summer Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 03/10/2024 - 10:39am

Mohawk Day Camp offers an authentic camp experience, complete with traditional camp activities, and innovative programs. Photo courtesy of the camp

Are you looking for a summer camp for your preschooler in Westchester or the Hudson Valley? While the idea of summer camp can be daunting for parents of preschoolers, there are plenty of camps that offer programs specially designed for the little ones, with small camper-to-counselor ratios and dedicated junior-sized play spaces.

If you're looking for a perfect summer camp experience for your first-timer, we've rounded up 19 preschool summer camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, including traditional day camps as well as a STEM camp and a specialized music camp. Most of these programs cater to preschoolers through teens but offer special perks for little ones, like dedicated play spaces, pools, and pint-sized sports equipment.

Find more fun camps in our Camps Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids and Camp Directory. You can search the Directory by the type of camp you are looking for, your child's age, and the area you live in.

35 Things To Do in Rhinebeck, NY, with Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 7:18am

Bring the family to pick buckets of flowers at Brittany Hollow Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm

About 100 miles north of Manhattan, the quaint town of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County is a prime destination for a family day trip. Steeped in Dutch history, Rhinebeck is home to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, where numerous fairs and family-friendly productions are held annually, as well as a performing arts center, an aerodrome, the oldest hotel in the country, great eateries, family shopping, and nature excursions.

We've gathered up some of our favorite Rhinebeck attractions culled after a recent visit. These include both year-round opportunities and some seasonal excursions, as well as a sampling of the creative shops and eateries that remind visitors of the quaintness afforded by a town supportive of independently owned businesses.

Read on for our inside scoop on all the great fun that lies ahead for your family in beautiful Rhinebeck! And for more great days out, check out our guide to family fun in Hudson Valley.

Free in May: 32 Free Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 05/03/2023 - 10:51am

Katonah Museum of Art is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Pollack Family Learning Center with a free event. Photo courtesy of the center

May is always packed with festivals, performances, and other family fun, but this year is particularly loaded with amazing, FREE things to do. We've rounded up dozens of great events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley that don't cost a single dime. From Cinco de Mayo parties to comics fests to sheep shearing, there's something for every age and taste.

Check out loads more fun things to do in our Best of May post. And be sure to take a look at our Free Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families for even more ideas.

10 Family-Friendly Vineyards and Hard Cider Houses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 10/21/2022 - 11:14am

Adults can enjoy a drink from Hardscrabble Cidery at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard while kids devour the donut pancakes.

Looking for the best family-friendly vineyards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for 10 picks worth a day trip.

While apple picking season is winding down, the rich orchards of Westchester and the Hudson Valley are more than one-trick ponies. Many of the orchards we flock to for farm fun also feature vineyards and hard cider houses. Some are particularly appealing to families, making a visit a fun outing for all ages.

Below we've rounded up 10 destinations for hard apple cider and wine that are suitable for kids. If, however, you are more of a beer connoisseur, there are plenty of Hudson Valley breweries for you to visit as well. Once you've sampled your way through Westchester and the Hudson Valley, be sure to check out our roundup of family-friendly wineries on Long Island. We've also got plenty more seasonal picks in our Fall Fun Guide.

Top Swimming Lessons and Classes for Kids and Babies in Westchester

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 09/21/2022 - 7:38am

Swim Tank offers swim lessons at two Westchester locations. Photo courtesy of Swim Tank

Anytime is a good time to teach your child to swim with indoor swimming lessons available throughout Westchester. Whether you’ve got little ones looking to dip a toe in the water or big kids hoping to compete in swim meets or train as a lifeguard, professional swimming classes can establish safety and enhance skills for lifelong enjoyment of the pool and beach

Below, we've rounded up swimming lessons in Westchester, with options ranging from group swim classes and camps to private (or semi-private) swim classes.

Ready to take the plunge? Read on and book early. We offer many more instructional resources in our Westchester Classes Guide and Kids Class Directory and encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know!

The 25 Best Things To Do with Westchester Preschoolers and Toddlers this Fall

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 09/11/2022 - 7:27am

Dalmatian Day at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting is fun for all. Photo courtesy of the museum

We’ve gathered up our favorite things to do with toddlers and preschoolers this fall in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Whether they ride your shoulders while apple picking or rock out while wearing Halloween costumes and hanging with alpacas, we’ve got the makings of memories to help fill up those photo albums. As an added perk, many of these fall events are FREE!

For more options, check out our Event Calendar and our Fall Fun Guide for Westchester Kids.

Holiday Events in Westchester for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 12/10/2021 - 11:06am

Lumagica oozes with classic holiday cheer for little ones. Photo by the author

If you’ve recently moved on from “baby’s first Christmas” and are ready for more interactive holiday fun, look no further than our roundup of holiday attractions for toddlers and preschoolers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We’ve found loads of pint-size events to help fill your family scrapbook.

From Santa encounters to holiday crafting, stage performances to train shows, we’ve got two dozen memories in the making. Many holiday events are even FREE! Amidst all this action, be sure to find time to take pictures with Santa and pile into the car to cruise the neighborhood lights.

When you’ve had your fill of running around, refer to our stay-at-home resources, like 101 Christmas activities and cookie recipes to bake with your kids. Still more fun can be found through our Family Activity Calendar and by signing up for our newsletters. And don't forget to visit our holiday fun guide for Westchester families.

Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

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