Lower Hudson Valley

10 Destination Parks for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sun, 07/07/2019 - 12:00pm

Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley area are brimming with beautiful state, county, and local parks that are wonderful places to spend a day in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. We've rounded up several day trip–worthy spots that feature amenities like cool playgrounds, swimming in lakes and rivers, boat rentals, splash pads, picnicking, and hiking trails. Want to extend your stay? Some also offer camping.

Read on for more details about some of the area's best parks for all-day family fun. For even more outdoor activities, check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

10 Great Family Campgrounds in and Near Westchester

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 05/24/2019 - 10:00am

If camping is on your summer bucket list, you’re in luck: There are lots of campsites both in and around Westchester and the Hudson Valley, which means you’ll never be at a shortage for places to pitch your tent for a few nights.

Next time you’re ready to pack up your sleeping bag and s’mores provisions, consider staying at one of these area campgrounds, some of which offer even more fun activities for kids, like playgrounds and beaches.

Prefer something a little different? Check out these alternative camping ideas—and our entire summer activity guide!

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

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/05/2019 - 12:00pm

With spring in full swing, it's almost time to head out to the Hudson Valley's pick-your-own farms to gather some sweet, sun-ripened strawberries. There are plenty of places throughout the Hudson Valley where kids of all ages can try their hand at picking, and we've rounded up a few of our favorites here.

The season usually starts around the beginning of June, but be sure to call ahead first. Not into picking them yourself? We've also included a few strawberry festivals you can check out instead!

Hudson Valley Indoor Play Places Worth the Trip

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 01/18/2019 - 12:00pm

When it’s raining or freezing or simply a day that ends in Y, a good indoor play place can be a godsend for entertaining kids. We’ve already taken a look at some of the top indoor play places in Westchester, and now we’re going to turn our attention to the rest of the Lower Hudson Valley. These play spaces are all worth a trip across the bridge.

Looking for more places to have fun when the weather's not cooperating? Check out our Guide to Indoor Fun & Play Spaces for Westchester Kids, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters!

Indoor Ice Skating Rinks for Westchester Families

Submitted by Judith Frost on Fri, 12/07/2018 - 1:38pm

Winter is here and many parents are looking for ways to keep little ones busy when its too cold for the park. We've mentioned several great indoor play spaces for kids to burn off excess energy. Now we've got the scoop on ice skating rinks in Westchester. Ice skating is a great way to get the whole family out and active when the weather is not cooperating. Ice skating can be lots of fun for kids of all ages and plus it's great exercise for you and the kids!

Ice skating is rapidly becoming one of my family's favorite activities. We are happy to find active ways to enjoy the cold weather. Some rinks are geared more toward the budding 3-year-old hockey star and some are better places for birthday parties. Read on for the scoop on indoor (or covered) rinks in Westchester.

A Dozen Drop-In Play Spaces for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 08/19/2018 - 1:55pm

Kids complaining they're bored—or you just have your eye out for something new for them to do? Whether you’re looking for something on the weekend, tween-appropriate activities, or spaces for the toddler set, we’ve rounded up a dozen drop-in play spaces and fun zones, from trampoline parks to play cafes.

Looking for even more activities? Check out our newly updated classes guide.

Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboat Rentals for Westchester Families

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 07/22/2018 - 4:00pm

Westchester County and the Hudson Valley boast plenty of pools and spray parks to keep kids and adults splashing their way through the sticky summer months. But for New York families seeking a more active outdoor adventure, paddling down one of the state's many natural local waterways can't be beat.

Novices can take guided tours or lessons offered by kayak companies, and children as young as 3 can help power a paddleboat with some of that energy they never seem to burn off. More adventurous paddlers can take on half-day tours of the Hudson River and its aquatic ecosystems or conquer stand-up paddleboarding.

Read on for nearby spots where you can flex those rowing arms with canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rowboats, rafts, and more. And for even more water fun, check out our list of the best lakes and rivers for swimming in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Westchester

Submitted by Alison Reiser on Sun, 10/15/2017 - 11:00am

Even if Christmas isn’t your holiday, its hard not to smile when the distinctive smell of fresh pine, balsam or fir fills the air this time of year. The smell can only be sweeter when you've picked through live trees to choose the perfect one then, with your family, chopped it down, loaded it on your car and brought it home as a labor of love. The experience offers a chance for family bonding, photo opportunities and surely lots of laughs.

Following is a list of farms in our area where families can choose and cut their own Christmas tree. Not quite sure you're up to the challenge of chopping a tree? Don't worry. Many also offer fresh-cut trees all offer help to make sure your experience runs smoothly. (Not all farms are open every day, so be sure to call ahead.) Most of the farms here begin selling trees the day after Thanksgiving.

Looking for more holiday activities? Sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook!

10 Best Holiday Things To Do with Kids in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Tue, 12/06/2016 - 10:25am

There are only so many weekends left in December left to celebrate the holiday season, which can put some pressure on parents. Just which family fun is worth the trip and your time? Fret not, for Mommy Poppins has come up with a list of our 10 favorite things to do with kids in the Lower Hudson Valley during the holiday season.

We’ve already told you our favorite things to do with kids in Westchester during the holidays, and now we’re going to turn our attention to the rest of the area. All of these family-friendly attractions are worth the drive and are a great way to explore the counties around Westchester. Check out our Holiday Guide for more Christmas and Hanukkah fun, or our Event Calendar for the latest doings. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to share what you’ve done!

Leaf Peeping: 9 Stunning Places to See Fall Foliage for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Thu, 10/06/2016 - 1:00am

Though the timing of the progression from the green trees of summer to the magnificent red and orange hues of autumn changes a bit every year, the magical transformation that takes place during fall foliage season in Westchester is unmistakable. Running along the shores of the Hudson River and set in the foothills of the Hudson Highlands, Westchester’s towns come alive with leaf peepers and fall seekers during the months of September and October.

With so many lovely parks and the some of the best spots for hiking and cycling, Westchester and the Hudson Valley provide countless stunning backdrops to enjoy the autumn leaves and scenery. Not sure where to get the best view? We’ve got that covered. Read on for nine of our favorite fall foliage spots in and around Westchester.