Northern Westchester

Top Swimming Lakes and Rivers for Westchester Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 06/14/2019 - 10:00am

Pools and splash pads are great for summer fun—but when it comes to cooling off in the great outdoors, the Hudson Valley's lakes and rivers can't be beat. 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 at a family campground. Here, we’ve rounded up several lakes and rivers that are perfect for swimming with kids, 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.

Free Outdoor Summer Movies for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 06/09/2019 - 9:00am

Summertime means loose schedules and later bedtimes, which is perfect for taking advantage of 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 sand in your shoes. Some offer added amenities like pre-film entertainment (from live bands to magic shows and more), complimentary refreshments, or food for purchase. But all have one thing in common: FREE summer fun!

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.

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!

Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 04/19/2019 - 10:00am

Spring is finally here, and it's time to start planning outdoor fun. Here's something the whole family can get in on: going to one of the beer gardens in the area. Sure, a beer garden might not seem like the first place you’d take little ones, but with kid-friendly food and even games and toys, it can be a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon.

In search of more family fun? Check our Event Calendar, and sign up for our newsletters.

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!

100 Things To Do with Westchester Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 04/07/2019 - 11:00am

There are many reasons families choose to raise their kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. One factor is the abundance of special offerings that are unique to this area. But there might be even more to take in than you realize!

Toward that end, we’re offering up our top 100 things to do with kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Whether it's gawking at the opulent mansions that line the Hudson River, attending a festival, celebrating Halloween, savoring a local delectable, being outdoors, or taking in a show, these activities offer quality fun for the whole family. You've probably already experienced several of our picks, but chances are that you haven't gotten to them all just yet.

Read on for 100 must-do, family-friendly activities throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley with kids. Some are seasonal, some are year-round—and all are worth doing! Download our free printable version and check them off as you go.

Affordable Summer Camps for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 04/05/2019 - 3:15pm

There are tons of fun summer camp options in our area, no matter what your child is interested in—from traditional camps to STEM programs. If you're looking for budget-friendly options that won't break the bank, we’ve rounded up a slew of affordable day camps in Westchester.

For this list, that means a camp that’s $350 and under a week. Many of the camps featured offer half-day sessions as well as early-bird or sibling discounts. Plus, there are often options for financial aid and/or scholarships—and even if you don’t see the information listed, you can always ask to see if it’s a possibility.

For even more options, check out our Summer Camps Guide for Westchester Kids, or search our Camp Directory. And be sure to sign up for our free newsletters to find even more fun things to do this summer!

STEAM Camps for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 10:00am

STEAM classes (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) are all the rage these days, and with good reason. Job opportunities in many of these fields continue to grow as our world becomes ever more dependent on technology.

Kids may not care about their career prospects just yet, but that doesn't mean they can't have a blast while learning these subjects. The best STEM/STEAM camps keep fun at the forefront. We've rounded up camps throughout Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley that offer educational and interactive experiences for school-age kids. Looking for more camp ideas? Consult our Summer Camp Guide and sign up for our newsletters.

35 Things To Do with Kids in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 03/01/2019 - 10:00am

The Hudson Valley is a year-round destination for families all over the Tri-State area, and it's no surprise. It boasts natural beauty, delicious food, and wonderful museums, historic sites, theaters, and play spaces. With events timed for nearly every holiday, and enough attractions to suit almost any type of family, the area makes for the perfect family getaway or day trip.

We’ve gathered up our top 30 things to do in the Hudson Valley—destinations that will appeal to natives and visitors alike. (Attention latter group: If you need somewhere to stay while you explore, we’ve got you covered there, too.) So read on, make your checklist, and sign up for our newsletters to stay in the know!

Indoor Trampoline Parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 02/22/2019 - 10:00am

Where do you go when the kids are bouncing off the walls on a cold or rainy day? Somewhere they’re allowed to bounce off the walls, of course!

We’ve rounded up indoor trampoline parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley where kids can jump, hop, leap, and bounce to their hearts' content. Take note that these spots also offer birthday parties, making them an option for those winter (or even extra-hot summer) birthdays.

Looking for more places to play? Check out our Indoor Play Guide and sign up for our newsletters!