Fall is in full swing and it is a beautiful time to be outside in Westchester County, NY! Here are some ideas to enjoy it (safely).

Do you love fall foliage? Take a scenic drive. The I Love NY Fall Foliage Report provides weekly updates on where to see the best color changes in the state.

Plan a weekend day trip to the free, socially-distanced Orange County Drive-Thru Fair Food Festival. From Sept 24–27 and Oct 1–4, you and your family can venture up to the fairgrounds to enjoy all the sweets your heart desires. Drivers will receive a map, a menu and guided through set route of the grounds.

Head to a farm to enjoy socially distanced apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and more fall activities. ​
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​Bike along the Bronx River Parkway this Sunday!

If you are comfortable with playgrounds, you will be happy to hear that Westchester County Parks announced today that twelve of their playgrounds will officially reopen for the season on Saturday, September 26. 

Do you love nature? Explore, take a hike, see the animals and savor the delights of nature at a nearby nature center. Did you you know Westchester County Parks Nature Centers are offering early learning programs for Pre-K and second through fifth grade aged children, operating outdoors? Check it out.

If you love animals, the Bronx Zoo is open but tickets must be purchased in advance. Don't forget your costume for Boo at the Zoo!

Halloween is coming soon. There are some attractions that will be open this year with special safety precautions like advance reservations, masks, distancing and an all outdoor experience. As for trick or treating, Governor Cuomo will allow it but the CDC is recommending against it. According to them, pumpkin carving at home or outside at a distance from others, participating in a virtual costume contest or having a "scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search" at home rather than trick or treating are all considered lower risk.

As openings keep progressing, a few noteworthy city museums are opening their doors like the American Museum of Natural History and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum opening tomorrow (see a full list of museums here). In NJ, the American Dream reopens October 1st, including the grand opening of Dreamworks Water Park.

This has been a difficult time for everyone. If you are looking for support for yourself or someone else, or want to give back, check out our Give Back page for ideas.
 
Wishing all of our readers a safe, fun filled and healthy fall!

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Westchester County Parks announced today that twelve of their playgrounds will officially reopen for the season on Saturday, September 26. The parks are open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.  Playgrounds will be sanitized twice daily and safety guidelines are required.

The playgrounds included are:

• Blue Mountain in Peekskill
• Croton Gorge in Cortlandt
• Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson
• George's Island in Montrose
• Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla
• Ridge Road in Hartsdale, Sprain Ridge in Yonkers
• Saxon Woods in White Plains
• V.E. Macy in Ardsley
• Tibbetts Brook in Yonkers
• Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River
• Willson's Woods in Mount Vernon

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​"Playground Safe" guidelines required for parents and guardians choosing to allow children to use playground equipment are:

• Do not visit if you are sick, tested positive for COVID-19, or were recently (within 14 days) exposed to COVID-19.
• Do not use the playground if it appears crowded.
• Do wear a mask if you are over the age of two and able to medically tolerate when not able to maintain social distance.
• Do maintain at least six feet social distance from people you don’t live with.
• Do bring and use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Westchester County Parks has been providing ongoing updates on their website. When visiting you can view up-to-date information about parks and areas, events, golf courses, camping and more. The situation for each could change daily so be sure to check their website before making plans to visit any currently open park or venue. 

Did you you know Westchester County Parks Nature Centers are offering early learning programs for Pre-K and second through fifth grade aged children, operating outdoors? Check it out.

Upcoming events include Bicycle Sundays on the  Bronx River Parkway, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on  Sept. 27 and newly added Oct. 4. Social distancing and masks required. Also, you can visit the Farmer’s Market at Muscoot Farm, Sundays through Nov. 22. First-come, first-served, social distancing protocols followed.

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Boo! It's time for costumes, candy, thrills and chills. While Halloween will look different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some attractions are back. Special safety precautions like advance reservations, masks, distancing and an all outdoor experience have been implemented. Sadly, some of our favorites like The Haunt at Rocky Ledge, Scared by the Sound and White Plains Zombie Walk are cancelled this year.

Important: since distancing, masks and limited capacity is a must, it's important to purchase tickets well in advance for these attractions as they will sell out.

Check out our list of upcoming frightfully fun Halloween events in and near Westchester County, NY in 2020. Wishing all of our readers a safe, fun and healthy Halloween!

You can also check out or add additional upcoming events on our Community Calendar.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
Dates: September 18- October 31; November 1; 6-8; 13-15; 20-21, Just added Nov 5, 12 & 22.  Advance reservations required. No tickets will be sold on site.
​​Location: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY

A local favorite, experience the glowing magic of fall in the beauty of Van Cortlandt Manor, Walk through an 18th-century landscape and discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns—all designed and hand-carved on site by our team of artisans. New for this year, a fire truck—making a special rescue—and witches stirring up a spell. Tour the Museum of Pumpkin Art, where classic paintings get the gourd treatment, see who let the (pumpkin) dogs out, listen for the Headless Horseman—and watch out for swooping jack o’lantern bats. Learn more about "The Blaze"  in our blog. Suitable for all ages.
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Autumn Changes Lasdon Park Train Show
​Dates: Thursday through Sunday, October 9th-31st  
Location: Conservatory at Lasdon Park, 2610 State Rte 35, Katonah, NY

Youngsters can learn that change can be a good thing during a new fall exhibit and train show at the Conservatory at Lasdon Park. The exhibit features a fallen little Tupelo Leaf, who doesn’t want to change his colors and sets off on a journey to understand why it is so important for leaves to change color in fall. Built with 300 feet of track, visitors will stroll the winding path inside the Conservatory viewing miniature landscapes with animated characters, all tucked within an array of colorful plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees.

​Home of the 'Legend
Dates: September 18-20, 25-27, October 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31, November 1, 6-8, Advance reservations required. No tickets will be sold on site.
Location: Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY 

​Take a spooky tour on the historic grounds of Washington Irving’s estate and then go on a literature-themed scavenger hunt. Check out the special exhibit highlighting how the Legend has lived in the imagination of popular culture through the centuries since its publication.
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Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tours
Dates:
The Original Knickerbocker: Washington Irving & “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”- Monday through Friday in October from 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon and 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
The Classic Evening Lantern Tour- Friday and Saturday nights from September 18 – November 21, plus Sunday evenings in October and early November.
Location: Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, 540 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 

For the suspense loving crowd, what's more "Halloween" than a tour of a Sleepy Hollow Cemetery? Whether you are a history buff, love sculpture, interesting cemetery symbolism, or just want to enjoy the pretty scenery, a visit to historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery’s 90-acre grounds is a treat.  Select from either The Original Knickerbocker: Washington Irving & “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” or The Classic Evening Lantern Tour to unlock some of the secrets behind the stones!

Pumpkin Carving Contest for Kids
​Dates: October 30th & 31st
Location: Conservatory Plaza at Lasdon Park, 2610 State Rte 35, Katonah, NY

Calling all kids between 6 – 12 years of age! Try your hand at carving or decorating a pumpkin for a chance to win cash prizes! FLPA will donate all proceeds which benefit Basecamp Westchester for homeless veterans. Drop off dates are 
Friday, October 30 between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 31 between 9 a.m – 11 a.m.

Virtual Ghost Tours of The Music Hall
Dates: October 16th - October 31st
Location: Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY

Ever wonder if the 135-year-old Tarrytown Music Hall is haunted?  Find out at the Virtual Ghost Tours of The Music Hall. The tour dives into the unexplained happenings and paranormal activity that has been experienced at the 135-year-old historic theater. Lights mysteriously turning back on after closing. The eerie sound of an unknown singer performing vocal scales in the wings after hours. High-profile artists refusing to stay in one particular dressing room because they “sensed a presence.”

Halloween Drive In Movie at Cross County
Dates: October 24th & 31st

The Cross County Shopping Center is hosting Halloween themed outdoor drive-in movie nights! These include:
Saturday, October 24, 2020- 6pm-8pm: Hotel Transylvania & 8pm-10pm: Ghostbusters 
Saturday, October 31, 2020- 6pm-8pm: Hocus Pocus & 8pm-10pm: Beetlejuice

Guests will be provided with a radio station to tune into in their car for better sound. Different food trucks will be at each event. Distancing and other safety requirements are in place.
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Boo at the Zoo
Dates: Thursdays-Sundays October 1st - November 1st including Monday, October 12
Location: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY
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The Bronx Zoo's annual Halloween tradition is back- it's time for Boo at the Zoo! Costumes are welcome while children travel around the vast Bronx Zoo and take part in safe, family-friendly activities. Some highlights include Magic & Mind Reading, Extinct Animal Graveyard, Scavenger Hunt, Pumpkin Caring Demos and a Wildlife Theatre.  Suitable for all ages, especially young children.

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 Kevin McCurdy's Haunted Mansion
Dates: October 1 - 31
Location: 38 Sheafe Rd, Wappingers Falls, NY

The Wicked Woods are coming! This year, the Haunted Mansion event will be held all outdoors on a newly expanded trail. There will be close to a full mile of Halloween chills and thrills. Some of the frightening experiences include The Killer Clown Carnival, The Mummy's Tomb, Dinousaurs, Aliens and Scary Tale Land. This is a scary yet entertaining experience and is not recommended for very young children.

Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Mansion
Dates: Fridays-Sundays Oct 2- 31, Childrens' Days: Oct 10th and 24th with rain dates of Oct 11th and 25th.
Location: 778 Broadway, Route 9W Ulster Park, NY
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The mature crowd can take part in suspense and fear with a Drive Thru Haunt Experience - "Dare to Ride the Horseman's Trail".  You can walk through the Corn Maze Attractions and Haunted Houses. The attraction is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

​However, the little ones can enjoy Children's Day, when the park tones down its scare level, offering a daytime in-car Drive Thru "I Spy Halloween Game Experience". Children will visit friendly characters along the drive. Afterwards you can park and walk thru the Magic Moon Maze, Haunted Gardens, Witch Hazel's Halloween House, enjoy music, and other surprises. This is a great attraction  for families with young children.

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Has parenting these last few months been a hardcore struggle for you, like it has been for me? If so, you may be interested to learn about  the most magical, the most miraculous, the most life-changing parenting resource, EVER. 

It's a FREE, one hour, no fluff online class. It seriously rescued me from the abyss of pandemic parenting. And if you can relate to my stay-at-home story of stress and too many unhappy days, then I promise —  it’s going to save you too.

The class, taught by parenting expert Amy McCready (whom you might have seen on The TODAY Show), provides practical, research-based tools to:

• Easily get kids to listen – the FIRST time. No need to yell or remind...not even once! 
• Put an end to daily power struggles. Bedtime will become a breeze, and all the dawdling, chore wars, sibling rivalry, and mealtime meltdowns will disappear.
• Reduce backtalk by HALF! It’s simple once you know the secrets of these two ‘buckets.’
• Say goodbye to punishments that DON’T work. There’s a 5-step formula that works WAYYY better than time-outs.  
• Feel amazing, confident, and empowered as a parent, every day. I NEVER go to bed feeling guilty anymore! (Okay, well maybe sometimes…’mom guilt’ is still a thing.)

After days (and days) of lockdown and lots (and lots) of togetherness, I felt like I had lost all control of my kids. They just weren’t listening. Not even after I reminded and nagged 100 times over. Honestly, even I was tired of hearing my own voice. Yet, I allowed it to get even LOUDER. But yelling didn’t work either. My demands were falling on deaf ears… I felt completely invisible. Even though I was busting my bee-hind to be the best parent possible. I was trying to work from home while trying to homeschool my kids while trying to be a loving partner while trying to manage my already long list of daily to-dos… Why wasn’t anyone calling me SuperMom?! Probably because the ‘S’ on my cape really stood for STRESSED TO THE MAX. My sanity was sinking fast, and I was drowning without any floaties to save me. 

I knew something had to change, but I just didn’t know HOW to rebalance the power dynamics in our family. I didn’t know how to channel my frustration from punishment into more POSITIVE parenting techniques. I didn’t know how to go to bed without feeling like a bad parent.

Then I found Amy’s class. 

Her practical, profound, empowering, transformative class. Just days after watching it, our household began to heal. It’s now (for the most part) filled with joy, peace, and happiness. Yeah, there are still BIG feelings (which is normal), but there’s hardly any drama or chaos when they happen.

I now know how to empower my kids to make good choices – without having to yell or nag. There’s no:

• Blame, shame, pain, or guilt
• Heated sibling rivalry
• Backtalk, tantrums, or daily power struggles
• Punishments that don’t work

Now, I feel confident that I can continue to be ‘The Best Mom Ever’ on a daily basis.

Try the FREE class - You have nothing to lose...except for maybe the rest of your sanity. (PS- no commitment required).

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The weather is getting chillier and that fall feeling is in the air! Why not head to a corn maze, a quintessential autumn experience! These local Westchester County and nearby farms offer corn mazes and plenty of other fall activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches, cider donuts and hayrides. Don't forget to make advance reservations and pack your mask! Have an a-mazing time!

Outhouse Orchards
139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 

Offering a full suite of fall fun, Outhouse Orchards has a beautiful day ready for you. Their 2020 corn maze is open for you to solve! Purchase your ticket and take a walk through the twists and turns of the maze to see if you can find your way out. Use the map as your guide to find the hidden clues so that you may solve the puzzle and learn some interesting facts about space. While you are there you can also pick your own apples, pumpkins or enjoy a hay ride. Be sure to make advance reservations.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY 

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm has been around for over 100 years and is a "no frills farm.” They sell a wide variety of apples, pumpkins and peaches, all available to “Pick-Your-Own” during harvest season. They have three farm markets that sell everything from their own pressed apple cider to freshly baked pies, famous apple cider donuts and gift items. 

Their corn maze is open Wednesdays-Mondays 10am-5pm. For safety, all individuals except 2 and under entering the corn maze will be required to wear face masks and practice social distancing. Tickets may be purchased in the Farm Market, Bakery or at the Pick-Your-Own Pavilion.

Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY (Dutchess County)

Barton Orchards is a 175-acre apple orchard and vegetable farm located in Poughquag, New York, that has been in the Barton family for over 40 years. They have a pick your own farm with food, fun park, petting zoo, ice cream and tons more to do. 

Their massive five acre corn maze is open on festival weekends only (no weekdays). The corn maze theme for 2020 is Drive-in movies and designed and grown with multiple paths and plenty of places to get stuck! Perfect for all ages. Visit their website for details. ​
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Fishkill Farms
​9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY

Fishkill Farms is an apple orchard and diversified fruit and vegetable farm in the town of East Fishkill, New York. They grow apples, peaches, berries, cherries, and other fruits, all of which are available in season for pick-your-own. Visitors can get produce at the farm store.

Fishkill Farms newly opened corn maze is available weekends (and Columbus Day) 10-5pm. They have a standing tradition to donate a portion of their corn maze proceeds to organizations and causes they believe in. This year, they've extended the message to the design of the maze itself. This year they have designed the maze to reflect their commitment to fight racism. Read this Poughkeepsie Journal interview with farm owner Josh Morgenthau to find out more on this year's maze and how it was made.

Apple  and other fruit/vegetable picking is open. Socially distant picking is available by reservation only. They do not take reservations far in advance (usually no more than 7 days) to ensure they have sufficient crop availability when you visit. They are diligently following guidelines set forth by the CDC and state government. Full details are available on their website.
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Hurd's Family Farm
2187 State Route 32 Modena, NY

There's a lot to do at Hurd's! First of all there are four corn mazes! Then there are family wagon rides, pony rides, gem mining, duck racing, pick your own apples and tons more. On Mondays activities are open to Pre-K and kindergarteners only. All activities, picking and the store are open to the public Wednesday through Sunday. Advance reservations are required for weekend & holiday apple picking & activities. Open through November 8th. 

The Corn Maze Train
99 Elizabeth Street, Phillipsburg, NJ

This is definitely not close but worth mentioning for the ambitious day-trippers! You can head to the only corn maze accessible only by steam train in about two hours. Ride the train to the beautiful century old Snyder farm. At the farm the fun begins! There are two games you can play in the 13 acre Cats Vs. Dogs themed corn maze. Enjoy the picnic grove while visiting the farm and return on any train during the day.  Open Tuesday, September 1st - Tuesday, October 27th. Trips leave 11am, 12:30 and 2pm . There are 3:30 trips added in the month of October on Saturdays. You will spend 1 1/2 hour round trip on the train and will also visit the Ol' Susquehanna Mine onsite. Purchase tickets in advance.
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Wright Family Farm
329 Kings Highway, Warwick, NY

The Wright Family Farm is located in scenic Warwick. This family-run farm in Orange County offers a variety of seasonal outdoor fun with an old-fashioned farm theme! Enjoy the corn maze and Barnyard Pumpkin Patch (open through October 31st). Grandparents can take advantage on Thursdays- beginning September 24th, one grandparent will be admitted free with one paid grandchild admission.

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​1 in every 10 youth in the U.S. has a mental health challenge with the potential to severely impair them during their lifetimes. We ride to empower today’s youth in New York with the resources they deserve.
 
Children’s mental health impacts all of us – every community, every school, and every family is touched by it in some way. Nearly 30% of parents report that removing children from social environments due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 has had a negative effect on their children’s mental health and wellbeing. Returning them to a school year full of unknowns means they need even more mental health supports than ever.
 
Although this year's ride will look different, your support is needed now more than ever. Help us raise awareness, fundraise, and ride to help young New Yorkers thrive. From September 13th to the 30th, join us for:

• Online workshops where mental health professionals discuss children’s mental health and answer your questions.
• A tour of a children’s residential program with staff discussing how they’re help children thrive during COVID-19
• An exciting closing celebration where we’ll thank you, share how your support is helping young New Yorkers thrive, and celebrate the top teams and individuals.

 
Where Does the Money Raised Go?
Funds raised through Cycle of Support go to The Jewish Board, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children of all religions, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and gender identifications across the five boroughs of New York City and Westchester. These critical programs:

• Provide abused kids who can’t live at home, a safe and supportive residence to recover
• Protect children who have experienced domestic violence and get them on a path to recovery
• Develop stronger, healthier parent and child relationships through counseling services
• Fund services to keep children with their families that are facing challenges
• Ensure kids can go to school and focus on learning in a positive environment.
• Fund different early childhood centers from Harlem to Brownsville and Coney Island, so that parents can build strong and safe bonds with their children
• Ensure that children get the psychiatric treatment they need when they are facing serious mental illnesses
• Empower us to proactively address one of NYC’s major health challenges: access to high-quality mental health services.

 
We hope you’ll join us and hundreds of others who want to ensure children throughout our area feel safe, secure, and supported.

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