Westchester

Weekend Fun: Jay Day, Donut Festival, Campfire S'mores

Submitted by Susan Miele on

With so many fantastic family programs this time of year in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, we've been extra busy culling the best events for our readers.

In addition to several fall festivals, there’s an eclectic assortment of one-of-a-kind happenings, some of which appeared on our September GoList.  

Celebrate American heritage (and books and animals) at the multi-faceted Jay Day, and various abilities at Wheelchair Games. Get out in nature by building homes for fairies and gnomes or build a campfire to toast some s’mores. Take advantage of FREE admission to museums and national parks. In fact, all of our top picks for Saturday are FREE!

This weekend offers a bonanza of entertaining and enriching events (not to mention apple picking), so you’ll definitely want to visit our Event Calendar to see the extensive fun beyond our top picks below. And be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for Westchester Kids for more seasonal happenings. Enjoy as much as you can take in—and if you haven't done so already, sign up for our newsletters to avoid missing any of the fun!

Interactive “Crash, Splash, or Moo!” Invites Young Readers to Play Along

Submitted by Janet Bloom on

My daughter and I have read Bob Shea’s brand new Crash, Splash, or Moo! so many times now that I’m pretty sure I could transcribe it here from memory. But instead of giving away the much-anticipated outcomes of the interactive book that plays out like a totally wacky quiz show, I’ll tell you why it’s quickly become “The Song that Never Ends” delivered in book form to our household.

Best Pumpkin Patches and Picking in Westchester and Hudson Valley

Sonia Gonzalez's picture Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on

Autumn is in full swing, and it's a beautiful time of year to be outdoors! We've told you all about the wonderful fall festivals and where to go apple picking. Now we're turning our attention to the great pumpkins.  

Below we've rounded up our favorite places to go pumpkin picking in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Sure, you can buy your pumpkins from the supermarket or your local nursery, but if you're looking for a more authentic experience, head to one of these nearby pumpkin patches (though pumpkins will generally be found already off the vine). We recommend contacting the farms before heading out to confirm hours of operation, availability, and any comforts that might vary.

Looking for more fall activities? Consult our Fall Fun Guide and follow us on Facebook. 

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels for a Los Angeles Family Vacation

Submitted by Arianna Menon on

Finding bliss and relaxation on vacation is so much easier when the kiddos are happy. Whether you're visiting Los Angeles, housing out-of-town guests, or indulging in a staycation (though we can recommend some kid-friendly hotels all around the world), why not choose a hotel that caters to the smallest guests? These LA resorts offer a little slice of paradise, family-friendly amenities, and unique experiences that might make you want to ditch that faraway destination and spend the weekend in SoCal. The best part is watching the kids have a blast, too.

Weekend Fun: Riverfest, Fairy Walk, Movies on the Sand

Submitted by Susan Miele on

September is in full force now, and that means an abundance of activities for Westchester and Hudson Valley families.

Several neighborhoods are celebrating town pride, including the all-new Mount Kisco SeptemberFest, a three-day extravaganza that includes a carnival and more; Larchmont Day, which boasts pony rides, big trucks, and more; and the annual Riverfest, an extravagant waterfront street party featuring performers, international cuisine, and other attractions.

Did your kids overdose on their iPads this summer? Help them “detox” at Survive, which dares tweens to overcome various challenges in nature (gasp!) without their electronic devices. Or don your best wings and head out for a Fairy Walk.

Read on for details on these and other great events happening this weekend. Don't forget: Our Event Calendar offers many more fun happenings this weekend and beyond in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. If you haven't done so already, sign up for our newsletters!

30 Awesome Things To Do with Westchester Preschoolers this Fall

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on

We usher in autumn with the start of school and the uncorking of champagne (just us?), but it's also a time to take part in such annual traditions as apple picking, pumpkin picking, and Halloween celebrations. It also gives Westchester families one last opportunity to visit certain outdoor spots before they close up shop for the winter.

We’ve gathered up our favorite things to do with preschoolers this fall in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. For more options, check out  our Event Calendar—and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

Apple Recipes to Make with Kids: Making the Most of Apple Picking Adventures

Audrey Trieschman's picture Submitted by Audrey Trieschman on

What do with all those apples? Whether we've plucked our bounty from an orchard or market, there comes a time each fall when we feel like we'll never make a dent in our fall harvest. That's why we at Mommy Poppins decided to pull together our favorite family recipes for using up all that red, green, and gold goodness. After you've checked out an apple picking spot in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New Jersey, Westchester, or Connecticut, set aside a cozy morning or afternoon to prepare one or two of these family-friendly treats with your little sous-chefs.

Best Corn Mazes for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on

In our quest to find the best fall fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, we’ve located the best apple picking, the best autumn festivals and even the best cider doughnuts. So what’s left? Corn mazes!

All of the mazes on this list also offer other fall activities, enabling you to get a one-stop deal with plenty of all-day fun.

For even more ideas, be sure to check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Rises in the Hudson Valley Again

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

There are some experiences every family should try once. Then there are annual events that, after you try them, you vow to do every year forevermore. The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson,  a Hudson Valley Halloween staple with thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, falls firmly in the latter category.

The downside of the Blaze is that tickets start selling out way in advance... like early September. The 2018 shows begin Friday, September 28, and run through Saturday, November 24—thus extending the Halloween season straight through to Thanksgiving. Our NYC readers should know that the Blaze is definitely worth splurging on, even if you need to rent a Zipcar. It's also accessible via public transportation.

Read on for what you need to know about this Halloween spectacle, including details about this year's installations, including several new features. Looking for more fall and Halloween fun? Be sure to sign up for our newsletters!

Weekend Fun: Playland Closing Day, Grange Fair, Children's Film Fest

Submitted by Susan Miele on

This weekend is a great time to be a kid in Westchester and the Hudson Valley!

All ages will love the return of the Holy Trinity Greek Festival, replete with carnival fun and Greek culture, as well as the Yorktown Grange Fair, featuring family performances, fun contests, and lots more.

There’s an unusual abundance of programs that celebrate fairies and the like, including Legends & Lore of the Little People, while the Play2Learn Festival celebrates the importance of childhood play. Or take in films from around the world at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. 

More of our top picks are below, and many more events are on our Event Calendar and Fall Fun Guide. If you haven't done so already, sign up for our newsletters!

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Westchester