Lower Hudson Valley

Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farms in Lower Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sat, 04/01/2017 - 12:00pm

My kids love strawberries. Lucky for them, their grandmother grows strawberries in her backyard, so they've been part of the planting, growing and harvesting process since they were tots. As much as they enjoy the tiny patch, meandering through large fields of strawberries is also an awesome experience. It's not only a fun spring activity, but it also teaches kids about the farm-to-table and locavore movements, and encourages healthy eating habits.

We've rounded up pick-your-own strawberry places in the Lower Hudson Valley where families can harvest their own batch of strawberry goodness. Although there aren't any PYO strawberry spots within Westchester's borders, we have located farms that are less than 90 minutes from central Westchester by car, close enough for a fun day trip. Most locations begin the picking season around Memorial Day weekend, but be sure to check ahead before you head out.

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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!

Where to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Westchester

Submitted by Alison Reiser on Fri, 12/02/2016 - 10:00am

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.

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

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

Submitted by Maria Colaco on Fri, 11/18/2016 - 10:00am

‘Tis the season for holiday craft fair, where an abundance of handmade goodies is presented by the local makers across Westchester and the 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!

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.

A Peaceful Trip Back in Time at Boscobel House and Gardens

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sat, 07/23/2016 - 8:00pm

Overlooking West Point, Constitution Island and the Hudson River, Boscobel House and Gardens is a wonderful place to step back in time and take a break from our modern rush-around world. Originally built in Montrose, N.Y., and moved to its current location in Garrison in the 1950s, Boscobel House dates back to the early 1800s.

Throughout the year Boscobel hosts a variety of family-friendly events, in addition to the tours, picnicking, hiking and sight seeing opportunities that are available April through December. We have what you need to know about visiting these immaculately restored grounds, which reflect the grandeur of when it was home to one of Westchester’s wealthiest women.

10 Swimming Pools and Splash Pads in the Hudson Valley with Day Passes

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Tue, 07/05/2016 - 4:00pm

It’s full-fledged summer and we know you’re looking for ways to cool off. We’ve already directed our Westchester-residing residents to the swimming options at the county parks, but what about the rest of the Lower Hudson Valley? Fear not because we’ve got those areas covered as well.

We’ve gathered up a list of great swimming pools and splash pads in Rockland, Orange and Dutchess counties. While some town pools are open to residents only, the ones on this list offer daily passes (at a minimum) to everyone—so pack a lunch and take a day trip somewhere new!

Glamp Out: Alternative Camping and Glamping for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Mon, 06/13/2016 - 4:00pm

Though hard-core campers may find it hard to believe, hauling a hundred pounds of gear out into the middle of nowhere to spend a night communing with mosquitos and tree frogs is not everyone's idea of a vacation. Perhaps you've never been camping and would like a low-risk way to get your feet wet (so to speak, of course) or you've been camping many times and are ready to try a trip where digging your own latrine isn't part of the charm. You're in luck! In addition to many conventional campsites, the Lower Hudson Valley also boasts several places that offer an alternative camping experience- one where you just show up and most of the work is already done for you!

More Father’s Day Fun: Ways To Celebrate Dad in Lower Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Thu, 06/09/2016 - 4:00pm

As Father’s Day approaches, our attention turns to the guy who helps make it all happen. We recently shared our top ways to celebrate Father's Day in Westchester. Now we're heading across the river to highlight more ideas for honoring dads.

We've compiled a range of activities to help you plan a great day, no matter what the man's into—from sports to outdoor fun, and everything in between. If you're coming from Westchester, these events are worth the drive! Looking for more activities? Consult our Event Calendar.

5 Hudson Valley Indoor Play Places Worth the Trip

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Thu, 02/18/2016 - 10:00am

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 several 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 places that let you drop off the kids while you get stuff done or have a date night? Take a look at our list of 12 Drop-In Play Spaces, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters!