Southern Westchester

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.

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.

Full-Day Preschools for Westchester Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 08/11/2019 - 12:18pm

Ready to send your little one off to preschool? There are lots of options throughout Westchester—from cities and towns with universal pre-K programs to nature preschools and half-day cooperative nursery schools. If you're looking for a school that offers longer hours to accommodate your schedule, we've rounded up preschools that offer full-day sessions.

While there are many preschools that offer add-on programs outside of their core morning or afternoon hours (including, for example, early drop-off or extended day), the schools on this list all have core full-day options, many of which include early morning drop-off and early evening pick-up options.

For even more options, check out our Preschools Guide for Westchester Kids.

Top Playgrounds for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 08/04/2019 - 9:00am

There are lots of great parks and playgrounds in Westchester, no matter which city or town you live in. But finding a playground that’s suitable for the under-5 set can sometimes be a challenge—you want them to be safe; they want to try that giant, twisty slide with a group of wild 7-year-olds on it.

Happily, there are a number of toddler-friendly playgrounds throughout the area, with plenty of safe options for keeping them occupied and having fun. We've rounded up a few of our favorites.

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8 Westchester Parks Perfect for Kids' Outdoor Birthday Parties

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/26/2019 - 12:00pm

Summer is a great time to throw an outdoor birthday party, but if you don’t have the space (or the desire) to host a bunch of high-energy kids at your house, one of Westchester's beautiful parks can be a great alternative.

Whether you’re looking to have a small party or a big bash, there are lots of parks in the area to accommodate your needs—and many have tons of fun amenities too, from splash pads and swimming pools to playgrounds and soccer fields. Here, we’ve rounded up eight of our favorites.

Looking for even more fun birthday party ideas? Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for Westchester Families, and sign up for our newsletters!

Co-op Preschools in Westchester: Where Parents Are Partners in Learning

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Sun, 07/21/2019 - 10:00am

If you want to play a hands-on role in your child's early education, then a cooperative preschool might be the right choice for you. Westchester is home to several co-op nursery schools, where parents help with everything from providing snacks to assisting in the classroom to serving on committees and boards.

Co-ops are tight-knit communities in which parents and educators work hand-in-hand to create a loving and creative learning environment. Because cooperative preschools are run with help from parent volunteers, tuition costs are typically lower than those of preschools operated entirely with paid staff.

Read on to learn about seven cooperative preschools in Westchester, and get more info in our School and Preschool Guide for Westchester Kids.

What’s New at Rye Playland Amusement Park This Summer

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 2:00pm

A mainstay of Westchester summers is Rye Playland, whose rides, boardwalk, and other attractions have been drawing people from in and around the county for 91 years. Features have evolved over the decades, and this year brings new entertainment, new discount opportunities, a “floating” art installation, and the first new ride in a decade. Read on for the scoop!

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.

10 Destination Parks for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sun, 07/07/2019 - 12:00pm

Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley area are brimming with beautiful state, county, and local parks that are wonderful places to spend a day in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. We've rounded up several day trip–worthy spots that feature amenities like cool playgrounds, swimming in lakes and rivers, boat rentals, splash pads, picnicking, and hiking trails. Want to extend your stay? Some also offer camping.

Read on for more details about some of the area's best parks for all-day family fun. For even more outdoor activities, check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

12 Mommy and Me Classes You Can Take on the Weekend in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Wed, 07/03/2019 - 1:00pm

Whether you’re interested in mommy and me music classes, dance, or yoga, Westchester has no shortage of kids' classes you can take with your child. But for working parents—or any parent who’s short on time during the week—it can be tough to find a class that fits your family’s schedule.

The good news: There are a number of mommy and me classes that meet on the weekends. Here, we’ve rounded up 12 parent/child classes that take place on either Saturday or Sunday.

Find more classes and enrichment programs in our Classes Guide for Westchester Kids.