Southern Westchester

STEAM Camps for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 10:00am

STEAM classes (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) are 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 camps keep fun at the forefront. We've rounded up camps throughout Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley 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.

Indoor Trampoline Parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 02/22/2019 - 10:00am

Where do you go when the kids are bouncing off the walls on a cold or rainy day? Somewhere they’re allowed to bounce off the walls, of course!

We’ve rounded up indoor trampoline parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley where kids can jump, hop, leap, and bounce to their hearts' content. Take note that these spots also offer birthday parties, making them an option for those winter (or even extra-hot summer) birthdays.

Looking for more places to play? Check out our Indoor Play Guide and sign up for our newsletters!

Indoor Gyms Where Westchester Kids Can Learn, Play, and Exercise

Submitted by Danielle Feldman on Sun, 02/17/2019 - 8:00am

We've rounded up seven fun-filled kids' gyms (many with more than one location) that offer everything from classes and camps to open play and more. Whether you're looking to drop off the older kids for a class, join in with the little ones during a parent-and-me, or simply sit and enjoy a nice break while the tots get their sillies out, these gyms are sure to please both kids and their parents.

Read on for more details on seven indoor kids' gyms in Westchester. And be sure to sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to have all our latest posts delivered straight to your inbox!

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.

Maple Sugaring Events for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 2:00pm

Here in the Northeast, what apple picking is to fall, maple sugaring is to winter. The season begins in February and runs through late March. Ideally, temperatures must dip below freezing at night and warm up during the day to stimulate sap flow. Thus, the maple-sugaring season is brief. And to make just one gallon of pure maple syrup, it takes more than 40 gallons of sap!

We've rounded up maple-sugaring fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Read on for details on where to learn about and celebrate this centuries-old tradition. Looking for more seasonal fun? Check out our Westchester Winter Fun Guide, and look to our Event Calendar for new events added daily.

Popular Summer Day Camps for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Danielle Feldman on Sun, 02/03/2019 - 5:00pm

While it might be hard to imagine now, summer is on its way—and now is the time to consider summer camp options. If you're looking for a traditional day camp, we’ve rounded up several camp experiences in the county that offer an all-inclusive range of activities—from sports, swimming, and games to cooking, crafts, visual arts, and more.

For more options, check out our Camp Directory, which is full of information for camps of all kinds in and around Westchester. Plus, our Summer Camp Guide offers lots of great choices for kids of various ages and interests.

Summer Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Transportation

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Sat, 02/02/2019 - 11:00am

For many Westchester and Hudson Valley families, transportation to and from summer camp is a crucial component in the decision-making process. Having pick-up and drop-off services can make the overall experience more enjoyable for campers and parents alike.

To help you find a camp to match your transportation needs, we’ve rounded camps that provide busing to and from their facilities, either door-to-door or at a central location. Whether your kid is into sports or STEM, rowing or rocketry, these camps offer lots of great activities.

Find more local summer camps in our Camp Guide, or search by age, interest, and location in our Camp Directory of listings.

Winter Day Trips: 9 Family Fun Spots Near NYC

Submitted by Fiona Taylor on Sun, 01/13/2019 - 9:00am

Whether you prefer spending the winter months snuggling on the couch or frolicking in the snow, there's one thing we can all agree upon—sometimes, you just need to get out the city for a change of pace. So we pulled together a list of family-fun day trips that appeal to all sorts of interests, from budding naturalists to full-fledged ski bunnies. Best of all, these destinations are all two hours or less from New York City by car, and we think they're all worth the trip.

For more day trip ideas, check out our Day Trip and Weekend Getaway Guide. Happy trails!

Indoor Action Centers Where Westchester Kids Can Burn Energy

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Fri, 01/11/2019 - 10:00am

When cold and rain makes outdoor play impossible, it's good to know there are a number of fantastic indoor play options in Westchester where kids can burn off all that excess energy. We've rounded up the biggest and best places where kids can run, jump, bounce, climb, and play when outdoors just isn't an option.

Looking for more indoor ideas when inclement weather dampens outdoor fun? Check out our Guide to Indoor Fun and Play Spaces for Westchester Kids, and look to our Event Calendar for tons of fun indoor happenings all year long.