Orange County

Best Swimming Pools for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on

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

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

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! 

Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox. 

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

Sonia Gonzalez's picture Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on

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

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

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

Michelle Vames's picture Submitted by Michelle Vames on

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

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. 

Outrageous Holiday Light Displays in the Lower Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on

‘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 more than half a million (!) lights, a drive-through Christmas Wonderland, and even some brightly lit bugs.   

For more holiday fun, be sure to check our Holiday Fun Guide and 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. 

12 Great Places to Trick-or-Treat with Westchester Kids

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on

Whether it’s because the homes are too spread out, they’re lining a busy road, or the neighbors are super cranky, some families just don’t live in neighborhoods that are great for trick-or-treating. We've done a little of our own local research. All kids deserve a safe and candy-filled Halloween, so check out some of these family-friendly areas and events if you need an alternative.

For more Halloween-related fun, visit our Halloween Fun Guide and Event Calendar. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook!    

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Orange County