Northern Westchester

Top Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Westchester

Submitted by Janine Annett on Sun, 12/09/2018 - 10:00am

If you and your kids are feeling cooped up during the cold weather, we have some good news: Westchester offers plenty of places where kids can bounce, jump, climb, play and explore.

We've gathered a big list of locations where you can take the kids to let off some steam. No planning? No problem. Most require no advance registration to attend or have open hours where you can stay and play for a while.

For even more ideas for winter activities, make sure to check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook!

Best Christmas and Holiday Light Displays in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 11/25/2018 - 9:00am

It’s about that time again: Families all over Westchester and the Hudson Valley are decking their halls—and their houses—with holiday decorations. And while you can drive through neighborhoods and spot pretty lights, festive wreaths and lots of Frosty inflatables, there are certain houses that merit a trip all their own.

Here, we’ve rounded up several of our favorite light displays, perfect for getting your crew into the holiday spirit. (May we suggest stopping by one of these delicious places to pick up a hot chocolate for the road?)

If you're looking for even more holiday happenings, check out our Event Calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide.

25 Awesome Santa Activities for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Fri, 11/23/2018 - 9:00am

For those who celebrate Christmas, the holiday season is hardly complete without a trip to visit Santa. Lucky for us, there's no shortage of places in Westchester and the Hudson Valley where kids can have a meet-and-greet with the big guy, and we’ve rounded them up for you here.

From traditional mall photo ops to Santa breakfasts, tree lightings, and other holiday activities, we've got tons of fun ways to meet the man in red.

For even more holiday fun, see our coverage on Must-Do Holiday Experiences for Westchester Kids and where to see performances of the The Nutcracker and other holiday shows.

Christmas Tree and Menorah Lightings for Holidays in Westchester

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 11/18/2018 - 1:56pm

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to herald its arrival than with the lighting of Christmas trees and menorahs? You don't have to head to Rockefeller Center to enjoy that holiday magic.

Many tree lighting events in Westchester have live music, toasty refreshments, a visit from Santa himself and—in some cases—some extra bells and whistles. Menorah lighting celebrations include parties, music, and plenty of tasty treats.

We’ve rounded up several lighting festivities, ranging from big celebrations to cozy, small-town affairs.

Looking for more seasonal fun? Check out our November GoList and be sure to browse our Event Calendar. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletters to keep up to date on our latest info.

The Best Places to Go Sledding in Westchester with Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Tue, 11/13/2018 - 4:00pm

The snow season is upon us—and while you may be considering the practical aspects of snow fall, like shoveling, commuting changes, and other (hopefully minor) disruptions and annoyances, kids see powdery snow blanketing the yards, sidewalks, and cars, and all they can think of is ... SNOW DAY!

We've rounded up the most popular sledding destinations across the county, along with some helpful tips for keeping little ones safe while they sled.

Be sure to check our Winter Fun Guide and Indoor Activity Guide for more ideas to keep kids busy this winter. Our Event Calendar is also full of kid-friendly events and activities happening around town.

Breakfast with Santa for Kids and Families in Westchester

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 11/04/2018 - 8:00am

Though Santa is busy preparing for his famous ride on Christmas Eve, he still somehow has time to break bread (or pancakes) with children in Westchester this holiday season. These cozy get-togethers have become increasingly popular, typically featuring a full breakfast and holiday activity, with added perks at some. The best part? Quality time and a photo-op with St. Nick.

We’ve rounded up some top picks for Breakfast with Santa throughout Westchester to help you spread some holiday cheer. Advance registration is either required or recommended, so don't delay. And don't forget to bring your wish list!

If you're looking for more holiday activities, check our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters.

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

Submitted by Maria Colaco on Fri, 11/02/2018 - 12:00pm

‘Tis the season for holiday craft fairs, where an abundance of handmade goodies are presented by local makers across Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley. Whether it’s sweet-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 and Christmas craft fairs 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!

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!

10 Westchester Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 10/19/2018 - 2:00pm

There are two types of families when it comes to eating at a restaurant on Thanksgiving: Those who swear by it and those who are simply confounded. We know families in each category and can relate to both. For those of you who want the deliciousness of a Thanksgiving feast served with a side of ultra-convenience, we’ve gathered a list of Westchester restaurants serving turkey with all the trimmings on the big day.

Many of these spots require reservations, so don’t delay! Heading into the city for the parade? We have a list for that, too.

For more family-friendly restaurants, be sure to sign up for our newsletters.

Free, Family-Friendly Halloween Parades and Events for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Janine Annett on Sun, 10/07/2018 - 11:00am

If you think Halloween town and library programs are only about storytime and paper pumpkins, think again! Many towns in Westchester offer standout events that are frightfully fun—not to mention the parades, parties, and more free activities for families who love Halloween.

Below we’ve listed two dozen places with fun Halloween programs. Best of all—they’re all FREE! (And, OK, there are storytimes and crafts, but we do like those, too.)

Read on for our top picks, and then continue on to our Event Calendar for many more fun October happenings.