Westchester

Outdoor Kids' Birthday Party Ideas for Summer Babies

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 07/22/2019 - 11:06am

Throw an amazing kids' birthday party right in your own backyard or local park with these outdoor party ideas.

Take all the fun (and the mess) of party games for kids outside and add a little summertime twist for inspired themes, such as camping, sprinklers, outdoor movies, and lawn games. We put together a list of seven sizzling kids' birthday party themes for outdoor parties below, including activity suggestions, decoration ideas, and some memorable munchies that will make your kid's party the event of the summer season.

Co-op Preschools in Westchester: Where Parents Are Partners in Learning

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Sun, 07/21/2019 - 10:00am

If you want to play a hands-on role in your child's early education, then a cooperative preschool might be the right choice for you. Westchester is home to several co-op nursery schools, where parents help with everything from providing snacks to assisting in the classroom to serving on committees and boards.

Co-ops are tight-knit communities in which parents and educators work hand-in-hand to create a loving and creative learning environment. Because cooperative preschools are run with help from parent volunteers, tuition costs are typically lower than those of preschools operated entirely with paid staff.

Read on to learn about seven cooperative preschools in Westchester, and get more info in our School and Preschool Guide for Westchester Kids.

Disney Cruise to Alaska? 12 Things To Know Before You Go

Submitted by Li Starr on Sat, 07/20/2019 - 1:48pm

A Disney Cruise is a memorable experience for any kid (or, really, any grown-up) whether the ship stops in the Bahamas, Europe, Jamaica, or some other exotic port—like Alaska. My family recently cruised Alaska Disney style, and if you're considering this particular Disney Cruise, I have a few tips that should make your vacation even more magical.

What’s New at Rye Playland Amusement Park This Summer

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 2:00pm

A mainstay of Westchester summers is Rye Playland, whose rides, boardwalk, and other attractions have been drawing people from in and around the county for 91 years. Features have evolved over the decades, and this year brings new entertainment, new discount opportunities, a “floating” art installation, and the first new ride in a decade. Read on for the scoop!

American Dream Mega-Mall Finally Set To Open This Fall in NJ

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 9:00am

It's been a long time in the making, but the mega entertainment complex in the New Jersey Meadowlands, now known as American Dream, announced it will finally open its doors to the public on October 25, with additional offerings added into the new year.

Its many family-friendly attractions will include the western hemisphere's largest indoor amusement park AND North America's first indoor snow sports center—not to mention an indoor water park, ice skating rink, aquarium, mini-golf, LEGO Discovery Center, and much, much more.

Weekend Fun: Jazz Festival, Dragon Boat Race, Orange County Fair

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 07/17/2019 - 1:00pm

Below we’ve listed eight of our top picks for family fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend, but several particularly stand out.

With the 50^th anniversary of the first lunar landing on Saturday, it's the perfect time to check out the Hudson River Museum's new Magic Tree House Space Mission Planetarium Show, along with the venue’s other Apollo 11–related attractions planned throughout the day.

The high-caliber Jazz Festival, an annual day-long concert we’ve previously reviewed, will take place Saturday at Caramoor in partnership with the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center (with appeal for kids, too).

Other standouts are the Dutchess Dragon Boat Race & Festival, the return of the Orange County Fair, and Shakespeare in the Park.

Read on for more details and more picks—and our Event Calendar includes other events you’ll want to review before choosing what to do. Don't forget to consult our July GoList for our favorite events for the rest of the month, and check out our Summer Activity Guide for things to do all summer long, including the best swimming lakes and rivers for Westchester families.

7 Smart Summer Screen Time and Tech Tips for Families

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 2:30pm

Summertime often means screen time, amirite? School's out, the days are long, and even moms and dads are feeling a little more laid back. With the relaxed phone, tablet, and TV rules, a media overdose starts to become inevitable without some thoughtful boundaries.

So, how do you make tech work for your family over the summer instead of against it? With a little help from our sponsor, Verizon, we've put together 7 smart tech tips to help your crew make the most of screen time for kids without going over the top.

Bonus tip: Get an extra $200 off a premium device when you sign up to Fios* — not to mention crazy fast internet speeds, custom TV plans for kids and teens, and reliable cell service to keep everyone safe and connected.

Westchester's Rivertowns with Kids: 75+ Things To Do

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 10:00am

There's so much to do in Westchester’s Rivertowns, the scenic and charming cities, towns, and villages that line the eastern shore of the Hudson River, from Yonkers to Peekskill.

The best part about the Rivertowns, of course, is their location along the water. This affords them not only scenic views and aquatic activity, but also a rich history from centuries of settlement along its banks.

Below we've rounded up assorted highlights of Westchester's Rivertowns for family fun, including kid-friendly restaurants, cool museums, beautiful parks, historic mansions, and much more. There are also numerous family-friendly events—from festivals to performances—that can be found year-round on our Event Calendar and via our free newsletters.

Nantucket with Kids: 35 Fun Things to Do as a Family

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Sat, 07/13/2019 - 2:20pm

What's so special about Nantucket? This charming Massachusetts island 30 miles off of Cape Cod is more than just a prepster paradise: It's just about as family-friendly as can be. In fact, there are so many things for kids to do in Nantucket, the trick is packing it all into a single family vacation. Perhaps that's why we always come back! Luckily, with just 48 square miles to cover, it is possible to fit in a number of Nantucket highlights, including a surf lesson, aquarium trip, critter cruise, and lobster dinner.

So catch the Nantucket ferry over to the island (or fly in), and try these kid-friendly activities. We're sure you'll have a family getaway that's one for the photo books.

Pick Your Own Blueberries and More at These Hudson Valley Farms

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

Strawberry-picking season may be coming to an end, but never fear: we've got the scoop on Hudson Valley f arms and orchards where you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more all summer long.

Here are a few of our favorite places to go berry picking in the lower Hudson Valley, whether you decide to go for the morning or to make an entire day of it. Either way, be sure to call ahead to make sure the farm has berries on hand.

Looking for even more outdoor fun? Check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.