Peekskill

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.

Leaf Peeping: 9 Stunning Fall Foliage Spots in and Around Westchester

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Mon, 08/12/2019 - 1:00am

The transformation that takes place during fall foliage season in Westchester and the Hudson Valley is truly magical. With so many lovely parks and the some of the best spots for hiking, Westchester and the Hudson Valley provide countless stunning backdrops to enjoy the autumn leaves and scenery.

Whether you want to drive right up to a scenic spot or go for a walk in the woods (or take a cruise on the Hudson), we've got you covered. Read on for nine of our favorite fall foliage spots in and around Westchester.

Westchester's Rivertowns with Kids: 75+ Things To Do

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 10:00am

There's so much to do in Westchester’s Rivertowns, the scenic and charming cities, towns, and villages that line the eastern shore of the Hudson River, from Yonkers to Peekskill.

The best part about the Rivertowns, of course, is their location along the water. This affords them not only scenic views and aquatic activity, but also a rich history from centuries of settlement along its banks.

Below we've rounded up assorted highlights of Westchester's Rivertowns for family fun, including kid-friendly restaurants, cool museums, beautiful parks, historic mansions, and much more. There are also numerous family-friendly events—from festivals to performances—that can be found year-round on our Event Calendar and via our free newsletters.

15 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Westchester with Outdoor Dining

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 06/28/2019 - 10:00am

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

Looking for more dining options? Check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant 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.

Museums with Cool Kids' Programming in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 11:00am

While there are many fantastic family-friendly museums and exhibits in New York City, you don't necessarily have to travel to NYC for an enriching cultural outing. We've rounded up 11 museums right here in Westchester and the Hudson Valley that offer lots of stimulating fun, in subjects ranging from fine art to firefighting.

All of these museums offer family programs that allow kids (and grown-ups) to explore and learn about the collections by engaging in a variety of hands-on activities. Best of all, a lot of these programs are free with museum admission—and many of the museums themselves offer free admission to children under a certain age. Don't forget to check with your local library to see if it offers free passes.

Read on for more about these cultural gems, which make for great family day trip destinations.

Westchester Play Cafes with Fun for Kids and Perks for Parents

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 02/10/2019 - 9:00am

While it’s fun to take the kids to a dedicated play space—and trust us, there are lots of those to choose from in Westchester—there are times when you want to go somewhere that has something for both you (read: coffee, brownies, both) and the kids. You’re in luck: There are a few spots in our area where you can meet a friend for tea or linger over lunch with your spouse while your kids have fun—whether it’s reading a good book, drawing on a chalkboard wall, going down slides, or building with blocks and construction sets.

Looking for even more places to take the whole family? Check out our kid-friendly restaurant guide.

Best Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Events for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 12/21/2018 - 10:15am

Think shelling out big bucks for a babysitter, staying home, or navigating massive crowds are your only New Year’s options as a parent? Think again! We’ve identified fun ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve for kids of all ages—from noontime countdowns to later nights for the older set. Read on for some of the ways we’ve identified to ring in the new year, family style.

Our Event Calendar also includes other activities happening on December 31. To stay in the know about all this and much more, sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

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!

The Best Kid-Friendly Nutcracker and Holiday Shows for Westchester Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Mon, 11/20/2017 - 7:30am

The holiday season is fast upon us, and while there are some ways we can self-pace how we savor the season, one recommendation for advance planning is to purchase tickets for holiday performances. Not only do they often sell out in advance, but claiming choice seats can avoid the familiar whines of “I can’t see ...”

Fortunately for Westchester residents, there are various holiday performances to choose from. We’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly productions—from assorted interpretations of The Nutcracker to traditional concerts and new musical theater—to help you ring in the holiday season.

Read on and click through for details. Also be sure to visit our Event Calendar, where you’ll find an ever-growing number of other holiday events we’re curating for your family to enjoy! Looking for even more holiday options? Check out our Holiday Fun Guide.