Dutchess County

Pick Your Own Blueberries and More at These Hudson Valley Farms

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 07/01/2018 - 1:10pm

S trawberry-picking season may be coming to an end, but never fear: we've got the scoop on f arms and orchards where you can pick other types of delicious berries all summer long—including blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

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 guide.

Best Swimming Pools for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 06/22/2018 - 12:00pm

Nothing says summer like a day at the pool. Lucky for us, there’s no shortage of spots in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley to take a dip. These area pools offer families everything from water slides and three-foot waves to a lazy river! Need a swimming break? At many of the pools, there are concession stands and places to picnic, as well as playgrounds, hiking trails, and other activities to truly make it a great day out.

Here, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites. Some of these—particularly the Westchester pools—require county residency, so take note before you head out. Prefer splash pads instead? Check out our list of go-to spots—and look to our Summer Guide for even more outdoor fun.

Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds in Westchester and Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 06/10/2018 - 11:35am

Ready to cool off this summer? There are plenty of local pools and beaches, but if you’re looking for something a little different, a splash pad or sprayground is a great choice. The setting—particularly the smaller splash pads—is especially fun for younger kids, who can run through the sprinklers and water jets. Lucky for us, there are a whole slew of family-friendly sprinkler parks to choose from in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, whether you’re looking for a quick morning trip or an all-day adventure.

We’ve rounded up a few to check out, from Yonkers to Wappingers Falls, including several that offer FREE entry. Looking for even more outdoor activities? Be sure to check out our Summer Guide.

Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farms and Festivals in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/20/2018 - 11:00am

If apple picking is the perfect fall activity, then strawberry picking is surely the early-summer equivalent. Not only are you able to stock up on the sweet stuff, but you’re able to visit and support local farms and, of course, spend time as a family.

Best of all, there are plenty of places throughout the Hudson Valley where kids of all ages can try their hand at picking their own strawberries. The season usually starts around the beginning of June, but be sure to call ahead first. Not into picking them yourself? Westchester and the Hudson Valley have a few strawberry festivals you can check out, instead.

Share your picking photos with us on Facebook!

Mini Golf with Westchester Kids: Top Putt-Putt Spots

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/06/2018 - 12:00pm

Between splash pads, swimming pools and amusement parks, there’s so much to see and do in and around Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley this summer. But we'd be remiss if we didn't include one tried-and-true family favorite to the list: mini-golf!

Whether you’re looking for a fun, traditional putt-putt course or something a little different—glow in the dark, perhaps?—we’ve got you covered. Below, we've rounded up a few of our favorites.

For even more great activities, check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

Hudson Valley Day Trip: 40 Things to Do with Kids in Beacon

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 04/13/2018 - 12:05pm

At just about an hour from downtown White Plains, Beacon makes for a superb family-friendly New York day trip. This Dutchess County city features an artsy, bustling downtown—mostly centered along Main Street—that's home to lots of different shops and restaurants. There’s something for kids of a variety of ages to do, and it's also close to other exploration-worthy towns like Cold Spring.

We’ve rounded up fun things to do when you visit whether you head up in the summer, winter, or sometime in between. Looking for even more day trip ideas? Check out our Summer Fun Guide or sign up for our newsletter to stay in-the-know.

Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 03/18/2018 - 5:22pm

Spring is—finally!—right around the corner, making it a great time to start thinking of all the fun things to do once the weather really starts to warm up. And while there are plenty of kid-specific activities to do outdoors, here’s one the whole family can get in on: Going to one of the beer gardens in the area.

Sure, a beer garden might not seem like the first place you’d take little ones, but with kid-friendly food and even games and toys, they can be a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon.

In search for more family fun? Check our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters.

Hudson Valley Balloon Festival 2018 Takes to the Sky in Rhinebeck, NY

Submitted by Sandy on Thu, 03/01/2018 - 9:00am

What kid doesn't love a balloon, especially a entire sky filled with huge, colorful, hot-air balloons? Every year, families flock to the annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival, which includes synchronized launches from sites across the area. Even if you don't live in the Hudson Valley, this experience is worth a day trip—spectators come from all over the tri-state area!

The 2018 Balloon Festival will be held in a new location—the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck—from Friday, July 6 to Sunday, July 8. Read on for details about this annual favorite, and be sure to check out our Summer Activity Guide for more fun all season long.

If haven't already, be sure to sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

6 Outrageous Holiday Light Displays in the Lower Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Mon, 12/04/2017 - 7:00am

‘Tis the season for checking out all the awesome holiday light displays in the area. And we’ve got some great ones for you: Along with a some decked-out houses in Westchester, the Lower Hudson Valley has its own share of festive light shows—including a house with over half a million (!) lights, a drive-through Christmas Wonderland and even some brightly lit bugs.

For more holiday fun, be sure to check our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook. Know of any other light displays we should check out? Drop us an email, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters to stay in the loop.

13 Holiday Craft Fairs and Markets in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Maria Colaco on Fri, 11/03/2017 - 5:00pm

‘Tis the season for holiday craft fairs, where an abundance of handmade goodies is presented by the local makers across Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley. Whether it’s soft-smelling soaps, handmade jewelry or blown glass, you are sure to find something special for everyone on your Nice list.

We’ve gathered up some of our favorite holiday markets occurring across the area, many of which pack in extra kid-friendly events like games and photos with Santa. Looking for more holiday activities? Check out our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters!