Northern Westchester

Best Places To Trick-or-Treat in and Near Westchester

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 10/13/2019 - 1:00pm

All kids deserve a safe and treat-filled Halloween, so we've rounded up some family-friendly areas and events where little goblins and ghouls can trick-or-treat to their hearts' content.

Whether you're looking for an alternative to your neighborhood or you want to add another stop to your trick-or-treating route, check out our picks, including Cross County's Halloween Spooktacular and the best neighborhood for trick-or-treating in the whole state (right here in Westchester)!

Find more Halloween happenings in our Halloween Fun Guide and Event Calendar. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook!

Family-Friendly Sukkot and Simchat Torah Services and Events Across Westchester

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 10/10/2019 - 12:45pm

These days, synagogue services aren't the only way for families to celebrate the Jewish holidays! From fall festivals complete with petting zoos, crafts, and sukkah decorating to meaningful volunteer opportunities for all ages, there are so many ways to mark this sacred time of year surrounding the High Holidays.

Together with UJA-Federation of New York, we've created a calendar to help connect families to services, programs, and free events across the Westchester area. Below, you'll find a number of kid-friendly opportunities to celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torrah 2019. Take a look at the complete calendar for Shabbat services, special yoga classes, and more.

Day Trip to Muscoot Farm: Animals and Old-Fashioned Fun for Little Ones

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 10/04/2019 - 12:00pm

Muscoot Farm is a Westchester gem and a great day trip destination, especially now that we're in prime fall fun season. The 777-acre Somers farm offers enough to keep kids having fun without feeling overwhelmed.

In fact, Muscoot Farm is a great farm introduction for younger children, because it allows them to see animals up close without it being as daunting as say, a trip to the zoo might be for that age group. The best part? Admission is FREE.

Where To Go Pumpkin Picking in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 09/20/2019 - 11:00am

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 farms, many of which offer fall fun activities like hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and more.

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

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

Submitted by Janine Annett on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 10:00am

Hayrides are our favorite mode of transportation when it comes to fall fun. We've gathered up some of our favorite family farms and orchards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with hayrides and other awesome autumn activities, including apple picking and corn mazes.

Many of these hayrides are free, or at least included with the admission price.

For more ideas for kid-friendly fall fun, sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

New Halloween Show "The Sleepy Hollow Experience" Rides Into the Rivertowns

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 09/13/2019 - 12:15pm

Sleepy Hollow is the place to be during Halloween season, with a slew of large-scale holiday attractions throughout the surrounding area. From walk-through fright fests to cemetery tours and more, the village made famous by Washington Irving’s Headless Horseman piles on the spook. This year, a new attraction is coming to town: The Sleepy Hollow Experience, an immersive theatrical production presented by the producers of the renowned Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze.

Shows are selling out quickly, with limited tickets available. Read on for the skinny on The Sleepy Hollow Experience, and be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters and follow us on Facebook to stay in the know about Halloween and other happenings throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley!

Best Corn Mazes for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 09/06/2019 - 12:00pm

Get ready to get lost in an amazing corn maze at family-friendly farms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. In addition to corn mazes, the farms on this list offer other fall activities, including apple picking, hayrides, and more—so you can make it a day filled with fall fun.

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

Where To Go Apple Picking with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sat, 08/24/2019 - 9:00am

Apple picking season is here! I used to look forward to apple picking every year as a child, and now I have just as much fun watching my little ones run through the orchards—not to mention the fresh-pressed apple cider and hot, delicious cider doughnuts! Many Westchester and Hudson Valley farms also have family-friendly entertainment and activities including live music, corn mazes, and hayrides.

So get your apple recipes ready and read on for our top picks for apple picking with kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Remember to contact the farms before heading out. Many are family-owned and -operated, and hours may change with little or no notice.

Looking for even more fun fall activities? Sign up for our newsletters.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Rises in the Hudson Valley Again

Submitted by Raven Snook on Sat, 08/17/2019 - 12:00pm

There are some experiences every family should try once. Then there are annual events that, after you try them, you vow to do every year forevermore. The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson, a Hudson Valley Halloween staple with thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, falls firmly in the latter category.

The downside of the Blaze is that tickets start selling out way in advance... like early September. The 2019 shows begin Friday, September 20, and run through Saturday, November 30—thus extending the Halloween season straight through Thanksgiving. Our NYC readers should know that the Blaze is definitely worth splurging on, even if you need to rent a Zipcar. It's also accessible via public transportation.

Read on for what you need to know about this Halloween spectacle, including details about this year's installations, including several new features. Looking for more fall fun? Be sure to sign up for our newsletters!

Free and Cheap After-School Programs for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 08/16/2019 - 3:00pm

Looking for after-school ideas for the upcoming year? To help, we’ve rounded up a handful of after-school programs in Westchester that can be a great starting point. Even better—all the programs listed here are either free or on the less-expensive side.

For even more after-school options, check out our full Classes Guide for Westchester Kids.