Ossining

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!

Outside Fun: Maple Sugaring Activities for Kids in Westchester

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 02/09/2018 - 4:00pm

Finding enough family-friendly activities in the cold weather months can be a challenge. Luckily, Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley offer many ways for families to beat the winter blues.

Maple sugaring is a great winter activity for kids. The season begins in February and runs through late March. Ideally, temperatures must dip below freezing at night and warm up during the day so that the sap flow increases. Another fun fact: To make just 1 gallon of pure maple syrup, it actually takes more than 40 gallons of sap. Who knew?!

We've rounded up maple sugaring fun in and around Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Read on for details on where to learn and celebrate this centuries-old tradition. Looking for more winter fun? Check out our Event Calendar.

The Best Places to Go Sledding in Westchester with Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 01/14/2018 - 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!

No worries, 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 Fri, 11/10/2017 - 4:00pm

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 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.

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

Submitted by Maria Colaco on Fri, 11/03/2017 - 5:00pm

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

Book-Lover Crawl: 10 Ways Westchester Families can Celebrate Reading

Submitted by Janine Annett on Wed, 03/15/2017 - 11:47am

New York City might get all the credit for the best and biggest bookstores, libraries, literary events, and authors, but Westchester is also full of great places to visit and things to do for those who love all things literary. So put your book down for just a minute and check out these 10 family-friendly ideas for book lovers.

Have a budding writer in the family? Check out our list of creative writing classes for Westchester kids.Or sign up for our newsletters to receive more suggestions right in your inbox.

STEAM/STEM Centers in Westchester: Kids' Classes and Camps

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Tue, 02/28/2017 - 9:00am

STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) is 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 enrichment classes keep fun at the forefront. The science camp my 8-year-old attends each summer, for example, is always one of his favorite weeks during break because it combines hands-on learning with cool games and activities (everyone knows that robots are awesome).

We've rounded up STEM/STEAM programs throughout Westchester County 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.

Ahoy! 5 Sailing Camps for Kids in Westchester and Rockland County

Submitted by Melissa Kagan on Mon, 02/20/2017 - 3:00pm

Before you commit your kids to a traditional camp for the entire summer, you may want to explore some specialized programs. Learning to sail is a great way for children to become self-reliant, learn a life-long sport, and make lasting friendships and memories. Being able to pilot his or own craft will certainly earn your kids bragging rights, so set them on the right course with one of these full- or half-day programs.

For even more activities and classes this season, check out our Summer Camp Guide, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters.

February Winter Break Camps for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Thu, 02/09/2017 - 4:00pm

It seems as if we've finally adjusted to being back from holiday break when it's time to start planning for the next week off from school! Whether you need to work or are just having a Westchester staycation, a school-break camp can be a great way for kids to spend their week off from the grind.

Whether your child enjoys sports or art (or both), Westchester is full of choices, and we've rounded up some of our favorites here. Be sure to sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the latest events, classes, news and more happening in Westchester, and follow us on Facebook!

Play & Learn in the Great Outdoors: Nature Summer Camps in Westchester

Submitted by Katie Karpenstein on Thu, 01/26/2017 - 10:00am

Westchester is known as New York City’s backyard for good reason--the county boasts about 18,000 acres of parkland and more than 50 natural recreation areas. So if your kid is looking for a summer camp experience that will immerse him in the natural world, Westchester has more options than you can shake a stick at!

We continue to add to our Summer Camp Guide with a look at four nature-themed camp options in Westchester. These programs offer young naturalists summer days spent studying, exploring and appreciating nature--interacting with animals, hiking and communing with natural world around them. Looking for more camp options? Check out our new Westchester Camp Directory, full of traditional and specialty camp options for kids of all ages, stages and interests.