Northern Westchester

12 Mommy and Me Classes You Can Take on the Weekend in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 08/03/2018 - 1:00pm

Whether you’re interested in music, dance, or yoga, Westchester has no shortage of classes you can take with your child. But for working parents—or any parent who’s short on time during the week—it can be tough to find a class that fits your family’s schedule.

The good news: There are a number of classes that meet on the weekends. Here, we’ve rounded up 12 parent/child classes that take place on either Saturday or Sunday.

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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.

15 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Westchester with Outdoor Dining

Submitted by Janine Annett on Sun, 07/15/2018 - 10:00am

Beautiful weather practically begs for heading to one of these local kid-friendly dining spots with outdoor seating. We’ve got a roundup of 15 restaurants worth trying—with varying price points, atmospheres, and cuisines—where Westchester families can get their alfresco dining fix.

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Top Swimming Lakes and Rivers for Westchester Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 07/08/2018 - 3:55pm

Pools in Westchester: check. Splash Pads to take the kids: check. Here's one more fun option to add to your list: lakes. While you won’t find many in Westchester, the Hudson Valley in general offers plenty of places to jump in and go for a swim, including some that merit a day trip—or even an overnighter. Here, we’ve rounded up several options, from the Hudson River to Lake Taghkanic.

Looking for even more fun in the sun? Check out our full summer guide for great ideas for the whole family.

50+ Free Things To Do This Summer for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sat, 06/23/2018 - 12:00pm

Summer is here, and while the end of school can be a relief, the new challenge is to keep the kids busy seven days a week! But filling those long days can get pricey—fast. Fear not: We’ve been hard at work identifying tons of FREE things to do with the kids that will keep them entertained all summer long—and we're not just talking about crafts. We found multi-cultural festivals, admission-free days, magic shows, outdoor yoga, astronomy nights, animal encounters, historical sites, and loads more.

Read on for 50+ of our favorites below, but also note that our Event Calendar is your BFF all season, because we keep adding to that frequently, so it’s always worth a gander. Want more that’s FREE? Bookmark our guide to year-round FREE things to do and sign up for our newsletters.

July 4th Fireworks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 06/17/2018 - 2:00pm

Independence Day means summer fun, barbecues, and, of course, stunning pyrotechnics. We’ve identified fireworks displays over the course of an entire week (the benefit of Independence Day falling on a Wednesday!) along with lots of added attractions—a carnival, a fair, concerts, sports, bouncy houses, a parade, and other perks.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the famous Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is best visited strategically, and we have the best spots to watch with your family; there’s also a show-stopping fireworks display that’s less frenetic over the bridge in Jersey City, which also features a full agenda of fun.

Be sure to keep tabs on our Event Calendar, and sign up for our newsletters to stay on top of our frequent updates and announcements!

Free Outdoor Summer Movies for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Mon, 06/11/2018 - 1:19pm

Summertime means loose schedules and later bedtimes. Perfectly suited for those lazy days and longer nights is the abundance of FREE outdoor movies offered throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

We’ve rounded up an assortment of outdoor flicks for your family’s enjoyment—films both old and new, and for a range of ages, with the added appeal of a Hudson River view or a dip in a local pool. Some offer added amenities like pre-film entertainment (from steel drumming to a petting zoo), complimentary refreshments, or food for purchase. But all have one thing in common: FREE summer fun! (Just be sure to check with the event organizer for any change to the schedule.)

For an alternative take on outdoor movies, check out our roundup of drive-in movie theaters. Looking for outdoor concerts? We've got you covered there, too! And don't forget to consult our complete Summer Activity Guide and Event Calendar.

Summer Festivals and Fairs in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 06/03/2018 - 12:00pm

Summer has arrived, and although the season holds promise in many ways, one of our favorite features is the abundance of family-friendly summer festivals and fairs. We’ve rounded up 15 of our favorites in Westchester and the Hudson Valley—from strawberry festivals to county fairs—all of which include fun activities for kids. Although plans were still being finalized for some of this season’s festivities, we’ll be sure to keep this roster updated as summer progresses.

Looking for even more family-friendly activities? Consult our Event Calendar and sign up for our FREE newsletters!

Learn, Play & Grow: 10 Westchester Spots with Enrichment Classes for Babies

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 04/15/2018 - 4:25pm

Westchester has tons of classes for kids of all ages—and babies are no exception. Whether you’re interested in introducing your little one to yoga and gymnastics, or even have her start learning a foreign language, you’ll find something in our area. Here we’ve rounded up a few classes to try, for babies anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 months old.

Looking for even more first-year fun? Read our round-up of Mommy & Me music classes—and be sure to check out our Event Calendar for daily events.

Spring Bucket List for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 04/08/2018 - 4:00pm

While this one-step-forward, two-steps-back weather might be driving you nuts, it is indeed spring. To help you get the most out of the season, we’ve gathered some of our favorite activities for families in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley.

So print this out and tape it on your fridge—or favorite it on your phone—and see how many you can check off. (Looking for events that strictly cater to little ones? We have a separate list dedicated just toward preschoolers.)