Last year, my family took what we hoped would be an idyllic vacation in the countryside—but the area didn't live up to our expectations and we hightailed it back to Westchester for a “staycation.” With all the things to do in Westchester, staying local—rather than standing in line for hours at an airport or braving icy roads—can be a dream over mid-winter break.
Looking for more ways to spend the upcoming February break? Make sure to check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook!
1. Bundle up and go for a walk at the Croton Aqueduct. The area is mostly flat, so it’s an easy walk for kids, and the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct also regularly offer free group walks and tours.
2. Walk, cross-county ski or snowshow the trails at Rockefeller State Park Preserve.
3. Take part in the indoor and outdoor activities at the Greenburgh Nature Center.
4. Go ice skating outdoors!
5. Indoor ice skating more appealing? There are plenty of options in Westchester.
6. Burn off some engery at one of the many indoor play places in our area.
7. Or take a short trip to nearby Rockland or Orange County for a new romping spot.
8. Bounce the winter blues away at Rockin’ Jump.
9. Visit the recently expanded and oh-so-family-friendly Westchester Children’s Museum.
10. Check out a star show at the Hudson River Museum.
11. Catch a flick: Alamo Drafthouse goes above and beyond your standard movie popcorn with gourmet fare for kids and grownups, and the Jacob Burns Film Center also offers a selection of high-quality, kid-friendly films.
12. Want to take the kids to see live theater? The Tarrytown Music Hall regularly offers family-friendly performances.
13. Try your hand(s) at rock climbing.
14. Eat lunch at City Limits Diner, a perennially popular restaurant for good reason – it’s got plenty of classic diner fare, but enough of a modern twist (and lighter fare) to please plenty of palates.
15. Skip the trip to Chinatown and visit Fantasy Cuisine. Two words: soup dumplings.
16. Snow on the ground? Go sledding or learn to ski.
17. Looking for more kid-friendly fare? Check Sakura Garden, which offers a Children’s Hibachi Dinner (as well as special chopsticks for the kids).
18. Take a break at one of the family-friendly coffee houses in the area -
19. Warm up with some hot chocolate.
20. Don't forget our about the libraries! Check our Event Calendar for a plethora of free activities going on at your local library.
For even more ideas of what to do during your winter staycation, check our Winter Fun Guide.
Photo taken in Hastings-on-Hudson by the author.
