New Rochelle

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.

Best Beaches in and Near Westchester: Family Fun at the Shore

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 06/23/2019 - 2:00pm

As you plan your summer to-dos, a few beach days are likely on the list—right up there with visits to swimming pools and splash pads. So where to go? There are a few local spots right in Westchester, which boasts 36 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound, as well as a whole slew of beautiful beaches close by in Connecticut, Long Island, and New Jersey.

Here’s a look at a few of our favorite beaches in the area, where kids can play in the sand and you can (fingers crossed) make it through at least a few pages of your latest beach read.

Looking for even more outdoor fun? Check out our S ummer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

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 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.

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.

Best Christmas and Holiday Light Displays in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 11/25/2018 - 9:00am

It’s about that time again: Families all over Westchester and the Hudson Valley are decking their halls—and their houses—with holiday decorations. And while you can drive through neighborhoods and spot pretty lights, festive wreaths and lots of Frosty inflatables, there are certain houses that merit a trip all their own.

Here, we’ve rounded up several of our favorite light displays, perfect for getting your crew into the holiday spirit. (May we suggest stopping by one of these delicious places to pick up a hot chocolate for the road?)

If you're looking for even more holiday happenings, check out our Event Calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide.

Top Indoor Birthday Party Places for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Mon, 09/24/2018 - 11:30am

Hey, it isn't always park or pool party weather, but kids can still have a blast celebrating inside! And trust us: There is no shortage of places for Westchester kids to get their party on—whether the birthday boy or girl wants to jump on trampolines, scale a rock wall, bake cookies, do yoga, or race go-karts.

Here, we’ve put together a list with choices for a variety of ages (and invite lists)—from preschoolers to tweens and teens. Looking for even more options? Check out our full Party Planning Guide or head straight to our directory.

A Dozen New Dessert Spots for Westchester Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 11:00am

Sweet news: a host of new sweet spots have opened in Westchester recently, and we’ve rounded them up below. (We also conducted a few taste tests—strictly in the interest of research, of course.)

Our list includes several new ice-cream parlors, three spots for trendy Thai rolled ice cream, and a few eateries offering acai bowls, juices, and smoothies. There’s also new fro-yo, as well as a new bakery that hosts classes and parties.

Read on to get the skinny on these dessert destinations—and be sure you’re signed up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook to stay in the know about news (and more) of interest to Westchester families!

Top Swim Lessons and Classes for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 11:00am

Hoping to get your child more comfortable in the pool? You’re in luck: there are lots of swim class options for Westchester kids, from babies through teenagers. With classes focusing on everything from basic swimming skills and safety to mastering specific strokes, there’s something for every level of swimmer. Choose from group lessons, private lessons, or even lessons in your home pool.

Ready to dive in? We've rounded up a list of swim schools to get you started.

For more ideas, check out our Classes Guide for a full rundown of classes available in the area. Or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know!

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!