Yorktown

Best Pumpkin Patches and Picking in Westchester and Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 09/16/2018 - 12:00pm

Autumn is in full swing, and it's a beautiful time of year to be outdoors! We've told you all about the wonderful fall festivals and where to go apple picking. Now we're turning our attention to the great pumpkins.

Below 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 pumpkin patches (though pumpkins will generally be found already off the vine). We recommend contacting the farms before heading out to confirm hours of operation, availability, and any comforts that might vary.

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

Best Places for Apple Picking with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 08/26/2018 - 10:00am

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 farms also have family-friendly entertainment and activities including live music, corn mazes, and more. Apple picking is also a great farm-to-table teaching opportunity and a wonderful way to ease out of summer.

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.

Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboat Rentals for Westchester Families

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 07/22/2018 - 4:00pm

Westchester County and the Hudson Valley boast plenty of pools and spray parks to keep kids and adults splashing their way through the sticky summer months. But for New York families seeking a more active outdoor adventure, paddling down one of the state's many natural local waterways can't be beat.

Novices can take guided tours or lessons offered by kayak companies, and children as young as 3 can help power a paddleboat with some of that energy they never seem to burn off. More adventurous paddlers can take on half-day tours of the Hudson River and its aquatic ecosystems or conquer stand-up paddleboarding.

Read on for nearby spots where you can flex those rowing arms with canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rowboats, rafts, and more. And for even more water fun, check out our list of the best lakes and rivers for swimming in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Mini Golf with Westchester Kids: Top Putt-Putt Spots

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/06/2018 - 12:00pm

Between splash pads, swimming pools and amusement parks, there’s so much to see and do in and around Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley this summer. But we'd be remiss if we didn't include one tried-and-true family favorite to the list: mini-golf!

Whether you’re looking for a fun, traditional putt-putt course or something a little different—glow in the dark, perhaps?—we’ve got you covered. Below, we've rounded up a few of our favorites.

For even more great activities, check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

16 of the Best Party Places for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Westchester

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 02/23/2018 - 2:00pm

As adorable as first, second and third birthday parties can be, the idea of my toddler and 10 to 15 of her closest friends wreaking havoc on my living room and our unsuspecting cats is enough to make me consider just skipping the festivities until she is old enough to lend a significant hand in the post-party clean up. Luckily, there are professionals all across Westchester County who have mastered the delicate science of toddler birthday parties.

If you prefer to party at home, check out our post on in-house party entertainers and stand back as little ones are delighted and amazed. For those of us who opt to leave the work entirely in the hands of the professionals, read on for our top picks for celebrating yearly milestones with the 4-and-under-crowd.

Book Worms Unite! Book Clubs for Westchester Kids and Tweens

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 02/18/2018 - 4:05pm

While there are all sorts of clubs and classes for kids to try in Westchester (Chess! Music! Photography!), if your child is the one who’s reading books by flashlight way past her bedtime, it might be a great time to try a book club. We’ve rounded up 20 book clubs in Westchester County—whether your child is into graphic novels or YA fiction.

Looking for even more fun activities? Check out our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters.

Give Active Kids a Place to Move at these New Westchester Sports Programs

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 02/02/2018 - 4:27pm

We know all too well how easy it is to feel cooped up during winter. Fortunately, there’s a slew of brand-new sports-related gyms and programs that just became available for Westchester families—offering plenty of alternatives to jumping on the couch cushions for the 1,000th time. There are even options for all ages, many with classes, parties, drop-ins and drop-offs.

Read on for the scoop on new places to get pumped, burn off steam and have fun! If you haven’t yet signed up for our newsletters, be sure to do so now to continually receive news like this and more!

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.

What to Do on New Year's Eve with Westchester Kids

Submitted by Melissa Kagan on Sun, 12/24/2017 - 10:15am

Think shelling out big bucks for a babysitter, staying home or navigating through massive crowds, and keeping everyone awake until half-past-meltdown are your only options to ring in the New Year when you’re a parent? Think again! We’ve identified fun ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve during daylight hours. We’ve even thrown in a couple free, late-night options for older kids.

Our Event Calendar also includes other activities happening on December 31, as well as free New Year’s celebrations for kids the last few days of December. To stay in the know, sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

Best Places To Visit Santa Claus with Westchester Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 11/19/2017 - 10:00am

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 where kids can have a meet-and-greet with the big guy, and we’ve rounded them up for you here. If you’re looking for a photo opp for your little ones (and your pets!), these Santa sightings are sure to delight you and your little ones this holiday season.

Want an even more relaxed environment? Check out some of the breakfasts with Santa occurring throughout Westchester.

For even more holiday activities, see our coverage on holiday tree lightings and performances of the The Nutcracker, all happening in Westchester.