Orange County

Where To Go Apple Picking with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sat, 08/24/2019 - 9:00am

Apple picking season is here! I used to look forward to apple picking every year as a child, and now I have just as much fun watching my little ones run through the orchards—not to mention the fresh-pressed apple cider and hot, delicious cider doughnuts! Many Westchester and Hudson Valley farms also have family-friendly entertainment and activities including live music, corn mazes, and hayrides.

So get your apple recipes ready and read on for our top picks for apple picking with kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Remember to contact the farms before heading out. Many are family-owned and -operated, and hours may change with little or no notice.

Looking for even more fun fall activities? Sign up for our newsletters.

Pick Your Own Blueberries and More at These Hudson Valley Farms

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

Strawberry-picking season may be coming to an end, but never fear: we've got the scoop on Hudson Valley f arms and orchards where you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more all summer long.

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 Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

Best Swimming Pools for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 06/07/2019 - 11:00am

Nothing says summer like a day at the pool, and there's no shortage of spots in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley to take a dip. These area pools offer everything from water slides and three-foot waves to a lazy river! Need a break? Many have concession stands and places to picnic, as well as playgrounds, hiking trails, mini-golf, 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. Another note: Yonkers' Sprain Ridge Pool remains closed for repairs, but a 2019 reopening may still be in the cards, so stay tuned!

Prefer splash pads instead? Check out our list of go-to spots—and look to our Summer Guide for even more warm-weather fun.

Top Playgrounds for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 05/19/2019 - 10:00am

Beautiful parks are plentiful throughout Westchester and Lower Hudson Valley—and while picnicking, hiking, and gorgeous views are great, what kids tend to care about most is the playground.

It's generally easy enough to find a playground nearby, but sometimes it's worth heading out past your neighborhood park for a playground that packs a little more punch. We've rounded up seven fun spots that are worth the drive. All boast imaginative play structures, shade, and other amenities that add up to a day of fun for the whole family.

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!

Museums with Cool Kids' Programming in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 11:00am

While there are many fantastic family-friendly museums and exhibits in New York City, you don't necessarily have to travel to NYC for an enriching cultural outing. We've rounded up 11 museums right here in Westchester and the Hudson Valley that offer lots of stimulating fun, in subjects ranging from fine art to firefighting.

All of these museums offer family programs that allow kids (and grown-ups) to explore and learn about the collections by engaging in a variety of hands-on activities. Best of all, a lot of these programs are free with museum admission—and many of the museums themselves offer free admission to children under a certain age. Don't forget to check with your local library to see if it offers free passes.

Read on for more about these cultural gems, which make for great family day trip destinations.

Maple Sugaring Events for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 2:00pm

Here in the Northeast, what apple picking is to fall, maple sugaring is to winter. The season begins in February and runs through late March. Ideally, temperatures must dip below freezing at night and warm up during the day to stimulate sap flow. Thus, the maple-sugaring season is brief. And to make just one gallon of pure maple syrup, it takes more than 40 gallons of sap!

We've rounded up maple-sugaring fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Read on for details on where to learn about and celebrate this centuries-old tradition. Looking for more seasonal fun? Check out our Westchester Winter Fun Guide, and look to our Event Calendar for new events added daily.

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 Action Centers Where Westchester Kids Can Burn Energy

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Fri, 01/11/2019 - 10:00am

When cold and rain makes outdoor play impossible, it's good to know there are a number of fantastic indoor play options in Westchester where kids can burn off all that excess energy. We've rounded up the biggest and best places where kids can run, jump, bounce, climb, and play when outdoors just isn't an option.

Looking for more indoor ideas when inclement weather dampens outdoor fun? Check out our Guide to Indoor Fun and Play Spaces for Westchester Kids, and look to our Event Calendar for tons of fun indoor happenings all year long.

Free Museum Days in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Thu, 01/03/2019 - 8:00am

Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley are rife with enrichment opportunities, and some of the best places for these experiences take place in our area museums. While frequent visits can get costly, all of the museums on this list have FREE days or times. Some programs still require registration, so we suggest you check with the museum before you head out.

Reminder: In addition to the days and times listed here, many libraries hold a number of free museum passes as well.