Westchester

Sleep in a Lighthouse and More Hudson Valley Family Resorts and Hotels

Submitted by Allison Tibaldi on Sun, 08/18/2019 - 10:00am

The Hudson Valley is an easy weekend getaway for those in the New York City vicinity, especially from Westchester—and it boasts a variety of unique, family-friendly resorts and hotels, from an all-inclusive dude ranch to a lighthouse to a working farm.

We've rounded up 10 spots for a range of budgets in Hudson Valley towns that are filled with history, charm, and natural beauty, including Hyde Park, New Paltz, Hudson, and Rhinebeck.

These Hotel Pools Will Wow the Kids on a Family Vacation

Submitted by Elaine Paoloni ... on Sat, 08/17/2019 - 3:43pm

When you have kids, finding a hotel with an awesome swimming pool is usually right at the top of the vacation-planning list. After a long day of activity, you can kick back and watch them splash around at the hotel pool. On a rainy day, hotels with indoor swimming pools will be a saving grace. While most kids will be satisfied with any hole that contains water, impress them with something unique to make that next family vacation one that they won't soon forget.

Here are some of our favorite U.S. hotels with pools sure to satisfy the whole family. We've included both outdoor hotel pools, indoor options, and even those hotels that let you swim in the pool without staying there overnight. The options run from a Las Vegas hotel pool to a Texas-shaped rooftop pool in Houston to a day-pass-friendly NYC hotel pool.

For more vacation ideas on where to stay, check out our Hotels & Resorts Guide.

Free and Cheap After-School Programs for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 08/16/2019 - 3:00pm

Looking for after-school ideas for the upcoming year? To help, we’ve rounded up a handful of after-school programs in Westchester that can be a great starting point. Even better—all the programs listed here are either free or on the less-expensive side.

For even more after-school options, check out our full Classes Guide for Westchester Kids.

Weekend Fun: RibFest, Renaissance Faire, Pow-Wow

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 08/14/2019 - 12:45pm

There's something fun and rewarding to do for every taste and every age this weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

It's a great time to visit the New York Renaissance Faire, which has plenty of perks for kids—including FREE admission and a costume parade and contest.

Celebrate Jewish heritage at the Jewish Music & Arts Heritage Festival, where entertainment, food, amusements for the kiddies, and shopping await. Sports fans can get their fill of memorabilia and more at the Baseball Card Show. All ages can celebrate the rich and vibrant culture of Native Americans at the annual Nimham Pow Wow and feast at the Hudson Valley RibFest, which offers more than just the opportunity to chow down.

Read on for more details and many more options ahead. Additionally, our August GoList highlights our top picks for the month, and don't forget: our Event Calendar includes suggestions for every day of the week and is frequently updated, so check back often!

Full-Day Preschools for Westchester Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 08/11/2019 - 12:18pm

Ready to send your little one off to preschool? There are lots of options throughout Westchester—from cities and towns with universal pre-K programs to nature preschools and half-day cooperative nursery schools. If you're looking for a school that offers longer hours to accommodate your schedule, we've rounded up preschools that offer full-day sessions.

While there are many preschools that offer add-on programs outside of their core morning or afternoon hours (including, for example, early drop-off or extended day), the schools on this list all have core full-day options, many of which include early morning drop-off and early evening pick-up options.

For even more options, check out our Preschools Guide for Westchester Kids.

Iceland with Kids: 10 Things You Will Want To Do on a Family Trip

Submitted by Roberta B on Sat, 08/10/2019 - 1:00pm

Iceland has become the place everyone talks about. It's dramatic. It's beautiful. It's rugged, unspoiled, totally different, and the perfect stop between North America and Europe. In fact, it's where the two continents actually meet (cue photo op)! But without amusement parks, warm weather, or any kind of branded entertainment, will it hold your kids' attention? The answer is heck yeah—tell the kids you're bringing them to the Land of the Midnight Sun, and check out as many as you can of the 10 extra-special Icelandic highlights below.

Pop-Up Outdoor Roller Rink Skates into Yonkers in August

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 08/09/2019 - 1:00pm

For three weeks in late summer, a new outdoor roller rink is popping up at the Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your first spin.

Weekend Fun: Country Fair, Beacon Corn Festival, Movie on the Beach

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 08/07/2019 - 9:00am

Here’s hoping you’re staying in town this weekend, ’cause there’s plenty for families to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley!

The South Salem Fire Department's Carnival is in town, featuring rides, games, and food, as is the Otisville Country Fair, which offers distinctive twists like a chainsaw competition and a cast-iron frying-pan toss. Join a citizen-scientist project at the Great Hudson Estuary Fish Count, or join Hudson River–philes at the Beacon Corn Festival. Ready to abandon yourself to summer? Take in a nighttime movie on the beach and don’t worry about the sand in your shoes.

Read on for more details on our top weekend picks—many of which are FREE. Planning the rest of the summer? Check out our August GoList for our top picks for the month. And remember to check out the extensive weekday and weekend events listed in our Event Calendar!

Top Playgrounds for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 08/04/2019 - 9:00am

There are lots of great parks and playgrounds in Westchester, no matter which city or town you live in. But finding a playground that’s suitable for the under-5 set can sometimes be a challenge—you want them to be safe; they want to try that giant, twisty slide with a group of wild 7-year-olds on it.

Happily, there are a number of toddler-friendly playgrounds throughout the area, with plenty of safe options for keeping them occupied and having fun. We've rounded up a few of our favorites.

Looking for more outdoor fun? Sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

11 Top Hotels with Outdoor Water Parks for Families with Kids

Submitted by Liz Alterman on Sat, 08/03/2019 - 2:02pm

Kids generally love the perks of staying at hotels but add on a water park and that regular family getaway suddenly hits thrilling new heights. Think of all the family fun: lazy rivers right outside the door, a room nearby for naptime, instant ways to cool down, and no time wasted stuck in traffic to the local pool or beach.

We've rounded up 11 top U.S. hotels and resorts with water parks where families can chill out and cool off at the same time. Find great places to stay (and play) in Florida, Texas, California, and the East Coast.