Ulster County

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!

See Baby Animals and More at Kid-Friendly Farms in Westchester and Hudson Valley

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 04/12/2019 - 12:00pm

Have an animal lover on your hands? Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley are filled with opportunities to see animals up close and personal—including farms, nature centers, orchards, and animal sanctuaries. Many of these spots also offer kid-friendly activities in addition to the chance to see, touch, and feed horses, goats, cows, pigs, chickens, alpacas, and more.

Read on for our top picks, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters for more family-friendly activities. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook!

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

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 10/21/2018 - 1:00pm

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!

Foliage on Foot: 10 Great Fall Hikes for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 10/12/2018 - 12:00pm

It officially feels like fall, and the leaves have begun to change. While fall foliage drives can be fun, bringing the kids on an outdoor hike has the added bonus of letting them burn off some energy.

We polled our writers and readers and have gathered up a list of some of our favorite places in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley to bring kids to hike for beautiful autumn views. (Does the word “hike” make you instinctively grimace? No worries—we’ve included some easy options for those who are used to seeing the leaves from behind a windshield.)

Be sure to consult our Fall Fun Guide for more seasonal activities, and follow us on Facebook.

Hayrides and Fall Farm Fun for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 09/21/2018 - 10:00am

It's autumn—time for visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards, enjoying apple cider and doughnuts, and going on hayrides. Westchester and the Hudson Valley are rife with farm fun in the fall, including hayrides—many of which are free or at least included with the admission price.

We've gathered up some of our favorite farms and orchards with hayrides and other fall fun. For more ideas for kid-friendly autumn activities, sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

Best Pumpkin Patches and Picking in Westchester and Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 09/16/2018 - 12:00pm

Autumn is in full swing, and it's a beautiful time of year to be outdoors! We've told you all about the wonderful fall festivals and where to go apple picking. Now we're turning our attention to the great pumpkins.

Below we've rounded up our favorite places to go pumpkin picking in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Sure, you can buy your pumpkins from the supermarket or your local nursery, but if you're looking for a more authentic experience, head to one of these nearby pumpkin patches (though pumpkins will generally be found already off the vine). We recommend contacting the farms before heading out to confirm hours of operation, availability, and any comforts that might vary.

Looking for more fall activities? Consult our Fall Fun Guide and follow us on Facebook.

Best Corn Mazes for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 09/09/2018 - 12:00pm

In our quest to find the best fall fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, we’ve located the best apple picking, the best autumn festivals and even the best cider doughnuts. So what’s left? Corn mazes!

All of the mazes on this list also offer other fall activities, enabling you to get a one-stop deal with plenty of all-day fun.

For even more ideas, be sure to check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

Fall Festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Apples, Pumpkins, Cider

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 09/02/2018 - 9:00am

Usher in the fall season in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with a host of family autumn festivals. The area's harvest celebrations are packed with seasonal activities for kids, including pumpkin fun, hayrides, apple-cidering, doughnuts, and more.

We've rounded up details on the best upcoming fall festivals in Westchester, several of which made our September GoList. And be sure to consult our guide to the best places for apple picking, many of which include festival-like added attractions.

Looking for more fall family fun? Get the most out of the season by subscribing to our newsletters and following us on Facebook.

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.