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Outdoor Summer Day Trip and Nearby Vacation Ideas for Westchester Families

8/5/2021

It's family time! Camp is ending and school has yet to begin. The warm summer weather is a great time to try something new or revisit an old favorite. Zip-line through the forest, build sandcastles at the beach, pick your own berries on a farm, float along a lazy river at a water park, ride with excitement on a roller coaster, feed the animals at the zoo and much more.

While the pandemic lives on it is a good idea to check with your destination before heading over to determine if they are open, if advance reservations are required and what health and safety requirements are in place.

Now, let's get to it. Here's our list of mom-recommended outdoor summer day trip and vacation ideas in or near Westchester County. Click and enjoy!

Boats

Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow

Pools

Tibbetts Brook Park

County Pools

State Pools

Town Pools- see the complete list of Town Recreation Departments in Westchester County

More ideas from our website:

Westchester County Pool, Beach, Splash Pad & Water Park Guide 2021: The Best Places to Swim, Splash and Slide

Splash Pads & Spray Parks

Louis Engel Waterfront Park

More ideas from our website:

Westchester County Pool, Beach, Splash Pad & Water Park Guide 2021: The Best Places to Swim, Splash and Slide

Beaches & Lakes

Playland Beach

Westchester Beaches

Rockland & Putnam County Beaches & Lakes

Long Island Beaches

NYC Beaches- Coney Island

New Jersey- Jersey Shore & Beaches

Connecticut Beaches

More ideas from our website:

Westchester County Pool, Beach, Splash Pad & Water Park Guide 2021: The Best Places to Swim, Splash and Slide

Special Events

Dutchess County Fair

Fairs & Festivals

Outdoor Movies

More ideas from our website:

Parks, Playgrounds, Hiking, Walks, Nature Centers

Greenburgh Nature Center Playground

Westchester Parks

Bronx River Trail- Bicycle Sundays run spring and fall (sometimes summer too)
Cranberry Lake Preserve (the quarry side)
Croton Point Park
Croton Gorge Park
Kensico Dam
Rye Marshlands
Wilson's Woods
Tibbet's Brook Park
See the full list of Westchester Parks

NY State Parks

Nature Centers

Bridges

Town Parks & Playgrounds

Westchester County- Other Parks, Hiking Trails and Areas

Outside Westchester County- Other Parks and Areas

More ideas from our website:

Animals & Farms

Muscoot Farm

Farms & Orchards

More Animals & Zoos

Nature Centers- see above

More ideas from our website:

Adventure

Westchester County

Upstate New York

Catamount Mountain
New York Zip Line Canopy Tours (Located at Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl)
The Castle Fun Center
Adirondack Extreme

Long Island

Connecticut

New Jersey

Treetop Adventure Course at Turtle Back Zoo

Pennsylvania

More ideas from our website:

Outdoor Aerial Adventure Parks, Ropes Courses and Zip Lining In and Near Westchester

Attractions & Trips (may be more than an hour's drive)

New York

Baseball game at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field or Rockland Boulders
Playland
Legoland Amusement Park - now open!
Splashdown Beach
Enchanted Forest Water Safari
Six Flags Great Escape
Splish Splash
Zoom Flume
Adventureland
Bayville Adventure Park
NYC- Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Times Square, Broadway, More ideas at Time Out New York Kids
Pine Ridge Dude Ranch
Mohonk Mountain House
Rocking Horse Ranch
Lake George

Connecticut

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

More ideas from our website:

Mini Golf Is Open in Westchester County
Indoor Fun Page
Outdoor Fun Page

More Places to Find Ideas

Niagara Falls, Photo by James Wheeler from Pexels

That concludes our list of outdoor summer day trip and nearby vacation ideas for Westchester families. Did we miss one? Please share your ideas in the comments below.

For more ideas check out our Outdoor Fun page, constantly being updated with the latest and greatest things to do with kids in Westchester. You can also visit our Indoor Fun page and Community Calendar for additional ideas.

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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Is Back for 2021, Tickets Go on Sale August 17

8/5/2021

One of fall's most enjoyed outdoor events in Westchester County is back for 2021... The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze!

Located at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, NY, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’lanterns paired with synchronized lighting and original music. This year's event runs from September 17 through November 21.

If you have not been to this before, you could equate it to the New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show in the sense that this is a seasonal display of sculptures built out of plants, in this case pumpkins. What makes this event even more spectacular is the nighttime ambiance, featuring synchronized lighting and thousands of glowing pumpkins. Amazingly, all of the displays, including 7,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns, are designed and hand-carved on site. New for 2021 is the New York City skyline the River of Light under the sea display.

Unlike many other Halloween spectaculars and events, this one is very family friendly and appropriate for kids and adults of all ages-- assuming your children can handle staying up. For the early birds, you could consider going later in the season when the sun sets earlier and show times begin as early as 6:00pm. There are no scary zombies or haunted creatures lurking in the shadows. You can walk through the entire display in about 30-45 minutes.

The Blaze is an outdoor and touch-free experience. To ensure a healthy, safe, and fun experience for all visitors masks are required for unvaccinated visitors and for everyone when indoors. There is also reduced capacity to ensure visitors can maintain proper social distancing. In addition all tickets must be purchased in advance online and all visitors must agree to the COVID Courtesy Code.

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is located at Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.

Tickets must be purchased in advance on the Historic Hudson Valley website. Admission is by timed ticket only. Fan presale tickets go on sale August 10, general public tickets are available starting August 17. This is an extremely popular event so book early. Tickets start at $24 for members, children 2 and under are free.

New for 2021, you can also consider a FLEX ticket. Each individual FLEX ticket provides the ticket holder access to Blaze on any night, in any time slot the event is open, even if the event is sold out. No need to reserve a specific date or time, just show up with your FLEX ticket! Because of the special access these tickets provide, only a handful are available.

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Where to See an Outdoor or Drive-in Movie This August in or Near Westchester

8/2/2021

Fair Oaks Drive-In

Enjoy a relaxing movie under the stars! Check out a local movie screening or a Drive-In movie this August in Westchester County. These flicks can be an inexpensive (and in some cases FREE) way to have a fun night with family and friends. Get the theater experience from the privacy of your car or on cozy blanket before the warm summer nights are behind us.

Outdoor Movie Screenings in Westchester County

Movies on the Lawn at Ridge Hill

Movies on the Green
Wed Aug 11th 8:00pm - Wed 25th 10:30pm
Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

Bring your friends and family to The Green, in the center of the Cross County Mall to enjoy summertime movies, free!

Wednesday, August 11th: Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Wednesday, August 18th: Dirty Dancing
Wednesday, August 25th: Jurassic Park

Movies begin at sundown, around 8pm. Rain dates will be offered. Wearing a mask is recommended for those not vaccinated.

Movies on the Lawn at Ridge Hill
Every Monday through Sep 6th
Ridge Hill, Yonkers, NY

Enjoy an evening under the stars at Ridge Hill's Movies on the Lawn! Every Monday through September 6, bring your chairs and blankets to the South Lawn for family friendly fun. Events are free (no tickets required) and seating is available on a first come basis.

Come early for food trucks, fun and games on Lembo Street, adjacent to the lawn, starting at 7pm. Movies begin at sunset and parking is free!

August 2- The Incredibles
August 9- Captain Marvel
August 16- Guardians of the Galaxy
August 23- Wonder Woman
August 30- Raya and the Last Dragon

Screenings Under the Stars
Fridays through September 24, Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, and Tibbetts Brook Park

Screenings Under the Stars, sponsored by White Plains Hospital, runs at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla, Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, and new this summer, Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. All movies will be ticketed-admission events, with purchase available online pre-sale only. Tickets are $25 per car and there will be limited capacity following distancing protocols.

All movies will be held on Friday night after dark:

Aug. 6 Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) at Kensico Dam Plaza- tickets on sale now
Aug. 20 Forrest Gump (1994) at Kensico Dam Plaza
Sept. 10 Pixar’s Soul (2020) at Croton Point Park
Sept. 24 Disney’s Mulan (2020) at Tibbetts Brook Park

Yorktown Summer Movie Series
Thu Aug 12th
Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Track & Field, 208-264 Veterans Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY

Enjoy an outdoor movie picnic style at Veteran's Field. Registration is required in advance.

Drive-In Theaters Near Westchester County

Warwick Drive-In
Open Daily, 5 Warwick Turnpike, Warwick, NY

Since 1950, the Warwick Drive-In Theater has been giving movie-goers the ultimate theater experience. Their theater is one of around 350 drive-in theaters left in the United States. There are three screens that play 6 first-run movies a night. They also sell a wide range of grilled and fried food, soft drinks, candy, and popcorn. Movies are shown rain or shine! About an hour's drive from Westchester. Check their website for showtimes and to reserve tickets.

Four Brothers Drive-in
Shows daily, 4957 NY-22, Amenia, NY

This Drive-In is a bit of a drive but you can enjoy way more than just a movie! This outdoor boutique theatre largely showcases family-friendly films along with comedy and drama. Movies are changed every Friday. Arrive early and take advantage of everything the Drive-In has to offer... mini golf, camping, fire pits, playground, arcade and more! Pets welcome. The concession shack operates all day, so there is always staff on site after 11:00am. Dine on the patio or eat in your car. There is also a food truck! Check their website for showtimes and to reserve tickets.

Fair Oaks Drive-In
365 Bloomingburg Rd, Middletown, NY

About an hour away, you can visit the Fair Oaks Drive-In. This August is primarily live, in-person adult comedy shows. Check their website for showtimes and tickets.

Hyde Park Drive-In
Open daily, 4114 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY

This drive-in movie theater has been family owned and operated since 1949. Admission includes two movies. The ticket booth opens one hour before the advertised showtime of the first movie. Movie schedules usually run Friday through Thursday. Food and drinks are available. Typically they are open through mid-September. Check their website for showtimes.

Overlook Drive-In
Open daily, 126 Degarmo Road, Poughkeepsie, NY

Touting the "largest screen in the Tri-State area", the Overlook Drive-In has been family owned and operated since 1955. Admission includes two movies. The ticket booth opens one hour before the advertised showtime of the first movie. Movie schedules usually run Friday through Thursday. Food and drinks are available. Typically they are open through mid-September. Check their website for showtimes.

That sums up the outdoor movie options near Westchester County. Enjoy the beautiful summer nights! For more ideas about things to do, check out our Community Calendar, Outdoor Fun and Indoor Fun pages on our website.

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Tykes Tuesday Kids Club Returns This Summer to Palisades Center

7/19/2021

Running every Tuesday through August 31st, Palisades Center’s entertainment venues and community partners will sponsor free kid-friendly weekly activities for kids. Most of the activities are geared for children under the age of twelve. In addition, games, activities, and more will be set-up in the West Court on Level One every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for families to enjoy while visiting.

The remaining Tykes Tuesday 2021 summer schedule is as follows:

July 20th: Palisades Center Ice Rink – 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Level Four
- Children under 14 are invited to cool down and have some fun for free at the NHL-sized Palisades Center Ice Rink. The skate includes complimentary skate rentals! Masks will be required in the facility but not on the ice.

July 27th: Meet the Animals & Animal Crafts – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Level One, East Court near H&M
- Hi-Tor Animal Care Center will visit Palisades Center so kids can get together to learn about and meet domestic animals, as well as participate in fun animal arts and crafts.

August 3rd: Sky Tykes Adventure Course – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Level Four
- Children under 48” are invited to explore, climb, and conquer for free on the Sky Tykes Adventure Ropes Course. Parents may walk next to their children or step back and watch them take part in the fun as they are securely harnessed in.

August 10th: Palisades Center Ice Rink – 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Level Four
- Children under 14 are invited to cool down and have some fun for free at the NHL-sized Palisades Center Ice Rink. The skate includes complimentary skate rentals! Masks will be required in the facility but not on the ice.

August 17th: Space Adventure Mini Golf – 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Level One
- Children 12 and under are invited to play a free round of golf at Space Adventure Glow in the Dark Mini Golf. Kids will love the glowing 3D sculptures and galactic-alien experience!

August 24th: Nomad Kali and Fitness – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Level One, East Court near H&M
- Children of all ages will have fun discovering martial arts in this fun fitness class, led by instructors from Nomad Kali and Fitness.

August 31st: Good Game Lounge – 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Level One
- Children 12 and under are invited for a free hour of play at Good Game Lounge. Kids can enjoy games such as Mario Party, Fortnite, Power Rangers, experience virtual reality, and more!

More activities may be added to the schedule. For Tykes Tuesday updates, please visit palisadescenter.com/tykes-tuesdays.

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A COVID Success Story: How EF Academy Kept its Doors Open during a Pandemic

7/9/2021

Throughout the U.S., schools have been struggling to contain COVID-19 outbreaks, continue in-person classes, navigate hybrid learning and maintain a welcoming environment for students, staff, and faculty. However, a pandemic cannot stop EF Academy New York (EF Academy), an international, private high school welcoming day and boarding students. In the last year, EF Academy is proud to be one of few schools that has been able to keep their doors open all year long, welcome new students and staff, uphold a strong academic curriculum and cultivate an enjoyable experience for everyone on campus.

Between September 2020 and January 2021, EF Academy welcomed over 300 students from not only the U.S., but also from countries all over the globe to their campus in Thornwood, NY, as well as 100 students studying virtually. The school managed to keep their doors open all three terms and continue to endorse their Safe Learning Promise. “We didn’t have a single case of COVID infection contracted on campus and not a single day of school closure due to the pandemic!” shares Dr. Vladimir Kuskovski, the Head of School at EF Academy. “It was a true team effort, and every single person did their part and that is exactly why this year was a success, especially given the circumstances.”

The school was able to provide their students with an extraordinary opportunity that competing schools were unable to deliver: support in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.  When New York State made the COVID-19 vaccine available to individuals ages 16+, EF Academy was a tremendous help in scheduling appointments, giving proof of attendance, and organizing transportation within a 15-mile radius of the campus for their students, ultimately supporting over 40% of the eligible student body in getting fully vaccinated before the school year ended.  In addition to that, nearly the entire faculty and staff at EF Academy has been vaccinated, leading to a safer upcoming school year.

Because the school was able to remain open for the entirety of the school year, there was no disruption to the continuation of student learning. Teachers navigated both virtual and in-person school and held a high standard for learning, being that EF Academy is an IB World School.  Those students who were able to make it to campus persisted through the school year in hands-on learning, face-to-face communication with their teachers and various group work with peers.

EF Academy was also able to host typical in-person events for their students, such as prom, graduation, and EF Academy traditions like Culture Fair and Spring Fling.  Graduation was also in-person, having a limited capacity reception for those parents who were able to attend in person.  Because of protocols like the Safe Learning Promise, EF Academy was able to continue their traditional events for the 2020-2021 school year.

EF Academy is still accepting applications in New York and Oxford, UK for Fall 2021. They are also accepting students for the fall 2022 academic year, at their newest campus opening in Pasadena, California. Contact the admissions team for more information.

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Simple Is Best When It Comes to Playing With Your Baby

7/8/2021

You don’t need expensive toys to give your baby’s development a boost.

Marketers do a great job at making parents feel guilty for not buying the latest baby toy, promising hours of entertainment and developmental benefits. They soon find out that a baby’s attention span is about two to three minutes per year of their age, meaning that your six-month-old is going to lose interest very quickly. In baby terms, think of “play” as simply encouraging them to move and to see, touch, and hear new things and experiences.

These tried-and-true methods are very effective at boosting your child’s development. They are also free and allow you to put your toy money much better use, such as compounding in a 529 college savings account.

Here are some helpful ideas to stimulate your baby:

Find a colorful garden and let your baby look around for visual stimulation.
Watch moving cars from your window – this helps with object tracking and building visual skills.
Place baby on his or her back, and let them swat at a mobile to build their motor skills and learn to understand cause and effect
Pull out your favorite playlist and jam to the tunes while your baby watches and listens – all genres of music are baby-friendly and helps to develop language skills (just make sure not to crank the volume too loud).
Guide them through the motions of clapping, peddling the bike and stretching their legs to develop motor skills.
When they are able to lift their head, place them on their tummies for 3-5 minutes, three times a day to build neck strength. Challenges can be fun too!
Have a blast at bath time! It offers tons of different tactile, fine motor and sensory experiences.
Also, there’s a reason peek-a-boo has been the go-to baby game for generations – it never ceases to entertain, and it teaches object permanence – understanding that things they can’t see still exist, which is a steppingstone to other milestones.
Finally, when your infant is older and eating solids, encourage play with food of different textures and tastes – hopefully at least some of it ends up in their mouth!

If you have a particular concern about an aspect of your baby’s development, make sure to raise the issue with your pediatrician at your baby’s next well visit.

Written by Dr. Ellen Lestz, a board-certified pediatrician, seeing patients at White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk. To make an appointment, please call 914-849-7900

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Avoid the ‘Summer Slide’, Ways to Keep Your Child on Track

7/1/2021

The ‘lazy’ days of summer are here. While it is essential for kids to enjoy an opportunity to relax and experience unstructured days, it is important to remember that the “summer slide” is an inevitable reality. Finding a balance, by infusing learning opportunities into play, can help prevent, or at least lessen “the slide”.

Following are some suggestions to keep your child on track so they will be confident and ready for the fall.

Visit your local library. This is a FREE way to beat the heat. While there, check out the opportunity to join a book club, enjoy story time and of course, pick up some new summer reading books.

Remember to encourage your child to read something every day. Opportunities to read are all around us. Have your child read the menu at the pool snack bar or the rules at the park. They can even read comic strips, something that they never have time for during the busy school year. Of course if you are lucky enough to have a child who loves to read classic novels, too much encouragement is probably not required. Just make sure a new book is always available.

Develop weekly summer themes. This is something you and your child can do together. Incorporate reading, writing, and math activities around these themes to keep things interesting and exciting for your child. Reading Rockets has a variety of themes and activities you can chose from.

How about taking a virtual field trip? Take a trip to Hershey ‘s Chocolate Factory, the Louvre, Climb Mt. Everest or go all the way to Outer Space from the comfort and convenience of your own home. Encourage your child to research the location you plan to visit and watch their field trip. They can even create their own travel guide.

Take a family excursion. There are many fun and educational destinations in and around the tri-state are that are in driving distance. Visit a museum, a seaport or a park (check out our Indoor Fun and Outdoor Fun pages for ideas). Select a place the whole family can enjoy, regardless of age.

Listen to audio books on the car ride there. Each child can have their own set of headphones so they can listen to age appropriate books, or find a book the entire family can enjoy, pausing for discussions or questions as you listen.

Taking a break with technology is something all kids enjoy. How about these apps to encourage reluctant kids to learn during their summer vacation.

Have your child keep their writing skills sharp by sending letters to pen pals, keeping a summer journal, or creating a summer bucket list. Help them make a photo collage of a favorite activity or trip and then write captions. If your child likes to cook or bake, have then make their own recipe cards/book. Younger children can bring sidewalk chalk outside and practice writing number, letters or drawing shapes etc.
Playing board games is a great way to have fun while learning. Monopoly, Apples to Apples, Boggle, Scattergories, Robot Turtles Game, Jenga, Telestrations and Clue are just some of the games that work on skills such as math, logic, patience, strategy, vocabulary building etc. Fractious Learning has an article that breaks down the benefits of these popular board games.
Create a word jar to develop vocabulary. Make it a goal to practice new words each day and incorporate them into your conversations. You can have a contest to see who uses the most “word jar” words on a daily basis.

It’s important to keep in mind, that although your child has a summer break, you may not. It is understandable that it may be difficult to find the time to work/play with your child during these months. Just remember that learning can and should happen as part of their daily routine and many of these activities can be done around your work schedule.

Your goal is to help your child to continue to lean and grow during the summer months. You want them to feel confident when they return to school in the fall. You want them to be ready to take on all the wonderful learning that awaits them from the very first day back at school. Hey, who knows….Maybe the “slide” is not inevitable after all!!!

Embrace and enjoy the summer.

Written by Danielle Meyer, the Founder of DEM Tutoring, an Academic Tutor & Certified Teacher.

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Rafting, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing and More Boat Rentals in Westchester County and Beyond

7/1/2021

Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy the nearby waterways in a raft, paddle board, kayak, or canoe. Take in the beautiful nature views, experience the thrill of the rapids, row alongside your family and breathe in the fresh air. Boating is relaxing, exhilarating, active and safe fun for all ages.

Check out these nearby boat companies that offer daily rentals in or near Westchester County, NY. Advance reservations and other health and safety restrictions may be in place so please check with the companies before heading over.

Westchester County

Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
Located in Yorktown Heights, Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond provide excellent freshwater fishing and boating. Both rowboats and pedal boats are available for rental. In addition if you have a regional boating permit you can also launch your own rowboats, canoes or kayaks. Don't miss the park's massive pool that can hold 3,500 swimmers at one time!

Hudson River Expeditions
At HRE they want you to experience the natural beauty and intangible magnetism of the majestic Hudson River. Tour the same routes that famed explorers journeyed and be surrounded by the region that fills our history as the national and natural treasure that it is.

Explore the Hudson with their fleet of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards in Peekskill, Cold Spring or Beacon. They offer rentals as well as a wide range of tours that accommodate all skill levels. From challenging day tours to meandering moonlight paddles, yoga on land and water, nature and history appreciation, and watching fireworks burst over the Hudson River, HRE has you covered. You can ever register for a five day Hudson River Paddle!

Kayak Hudson
Kayak Hudson conveniently offers kayaks, canoes and SUPs (paddle boards) rentals at Rye Beach, Croton Point Park Croton River and Tarrytown Lakes. They also offer a variety of tours for all ages at scheduled times throughout the day. They even offer fireworks and moonlight kayak experiences!

All programs, including hourly kayak & SUP rentals, are by reservation only and easily booked online in advance. More details are on their website.

Save the Sound / Westchester SUP
This summer you can paddle, sail or walk for a cause... to help Save the Sound. Participate in a friendly virtual competition to support regional environmental protection. Prizes for the farthest distance (cumulative) will be given to active participants who paddle, sail, or walk for the Sound over nine days, from July 23 – August 1. Register in one of three categories: Paddle/Kayak, Sailboat and Land Lover, to compete against others participating in the same way. Youth (14 and under) tickets are available in any of the categories of participation. Learn more and register on their website.

Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park
Part of the Westchester County Parks family of sites, Mountain Lakes Park is Westchester’s northernmost county park. Canoe Rentals are available Sundays and Mondays 10am - 2pm and Fridays and Saturdays 10am - 5pm weather permitting. Please call in advance to reserve: (914) 864-7312.

Wampus Pond
Also part of the Westchester County Parks family of sites, Wampus Pond offers rowboats for rent. They are available weekends and holidays, from 7am - 5pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rentals are available hourly or daily.

Beyond Westchester County

Delaware River

Bear Mountain Canoe & Paddleboats (Rockland County)
Open for hourly paddle and row boat rentals, Bear Mountain is a great place to spend the day! Boat rentals are available 11am to 5pm Thursday – Monday (last boat departs 4pm) and 11am to 6pm on weekends (weather permitting). Those under 16 years old must have someone over 16 in the boat with them, no exceptions. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Don't miss the pool and Trailside Zoo on your visit. Get more details on the Bear Mountain Inn website.

Mountain Valley Guides (Orange County)
Mountain Valley Guides offer a range of kayak adventures on the Hudson River for kids, families, adults (sunset paddles with wine anyone?) and dogs! Their guided kayak adventures use the highest-quality kayaks and gear, and their tours include instruction, kayak, gear, and guide. Check out the Kids Only Kayaking Program. The season runs from Mid May through mid October.

Storm King Adventure Tours (Orange County)
Offering guided kayak tours on the Hudson River, Storm King Adventures also offers a whole slew of excursions including Fishkill Creek, Hidden Cove, Sunset, Little Stony Point, Full Moon and Moodna. Private tours of four people or more are also available! Check out the Kids In Colorful KayakS (KICKS) program for ages 9-16, which runs every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 9am-12pm and 1:30pm-4:30pm, end of June through August.

Silver Canoes (Orange County)
Escape for the day and enjoy a trip on the pristine section of the Delaware River while surrounded by the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania and the Catskill Mountains in New York. Silver Canoes offers excellent service with convenient transportation to and from the river from their office in Port Jervis, NY. They are open seven days a week by reservation only (plan ahead as they fill up). They offer rafting, canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing. In addition overnight trips are available!

Indian Head Canoes & Rafts (Orange County)
Just around the corner from Silver Canoes, Indian Head offers similar options for a lower price. . They offer rafting, canoeing, kayaking and tubing. Service is not as good as Silver Canoes but still a great experience. They have three locations so depending on the excursion you choose you may be starting or ending from either Barryville, NY, Knights Eddy (Sparrowbush, NY) or Matamoras, PA. In addition to water trips they offer cabins and camping as well. Make sure you reserve in advance!

Fahenstock State Park Row Boat Rentals at Canopus Lake (Putnam County)
Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach at Canopus Lake. You can rent rowboats and kayaks daily from 9am - 6pm. The last boat is at 3pm weekdays and 4pm on weekends.

The Town Tinker Tube Rental (Ulster County)
If you're looking for more of a thrill then try the extreme whitewater of Espous Creek! It is not a "lazy river" so expect rapids and waves one to three feet high. All tubers must be 12 or older and be proficient swimmers. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Farms, Pick Your Own Fruit and Orchards In or Near Westchester County

6/24/2021

A visit to the farm or orchard is a great way to experience the outdoors! The kids can enjoy berry picking, homemade ice cream, petting zoos and more at these nearby favorites.

Please note that some locations are still requiring advance reservations, face coverings and distancing so it is a good idea to check with the farm or orchard of your choice before heading over.

Westchester County families, have fun at these nearby farms and orchards!

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

Barton Orchards is a huge 175-acre apple orchard and vegetable farm located in Poughquag, New York, that has been in the Barton family for over 40 years. They are big on entertainment- so expect a fun filled day!

Some of the attractions include pick your own fruit, fun park, petting zoo, dog park, live music, ice cream, hayrides, tap room and more! From spring through fall they have a ton of festivals- including the Hudson Valley Food Truck Festival on June 26! There's also Tree Top Adventures where you can spend a full day climbing, swinging, and zipping from tree to tree.

Hours: Open Sunday- Thursday 11am - 6pm, Friday-Saturday 11am - 8pm.
Animals: Yes, petting zoo and a dog park
Pick Your Own: No
Market: Yes
Dining: Food Court, Ice cream, Tap Room

Fishkill Farms
9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell JCT, NY (Dutchess County)

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.

Hours: Store open Tuesday-Sunday 9 am - 6 pm, Pick-Your-Own: By reservation only
Animals: No
Pick Your Own: Tuesday - Sunday, reservations required
Market: In-store shopping is available Tuesday-Sunday from 9am - 6pm. They are continuing to accept orders for contactless pickup Tuesday through Sunday between 9am - 3pm. They also offer delivery through Store To Door on Saturdays.
Dining: Outdoor Grill open June 5th - October 31st, Saturday & Sunday 11 am - 4 pm

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY (Westchester County)

Harvest Moon is a family owned and operated farm market and U-Pick fruit and apple orchard in Westchester County. Open seasonally April-December. During the Fall they do pick-your-own apples and pears and throw a Fall Festival every weekend from Labor Day to Halloween.

Hours: Open Monday-Sunday 9am - 5pm
Animals: During fall festival events
Pick Your Own: Strawberry picking is available on weekends in June and July and select weekdays. Check for updates online. The largest season at this orchard is apples in September and October every weekend.
Market: Yes open 9am - 5pm daily
Dining: Yes at the Farm Store until 3pm daily

Hilltop Hanover Farm
1271 Hanover St, Yorktown Heights, NY (Westchester County)

Hilltop Hanover Farm is a bucolic 400-year old historic working farm in Yorktown Heights, Westchester County, New York. Today the farm is a regional education center that offers programs on healthy and sustainable food production. Visitors can hike the farm's 3.5 miles of woodland trails, picnic on the farm grounds, purchase a CSA share, or produce from our farm stand or at U-Pick during the growing season, or attend any of our numerous classes and lectures. Hilltop Hanover Farm offers tours, classes and field trips to school groups, garden clubs, and scout troops.

Hours: Grounds are open Monday - Saturday from 9am - 4pm. Closed Sunday. Farm Stand Hours April 23- November 21, 2021: Fridays 1pm - 6pm Curbside pickup only, Saturdays 10am - 4pm Curbside pickup + farm stand open.
Animals: Yes
Pick Your Own: There are no plans for U-Pick vegetables this season due to COVID.
Market: Yes, Farm Stand will be open every Saturday from 10am to 4pm
Dining: No

Muscoot Farm
51 NY-100, Katonah, NY (Westchester County)

At Muscoot Farm you can experience farm animals, agriculture, wildlife, and history in a family-friendly atmosphere. Once a working dairy farm, Muscoot Farm is now a Westchester County park open to the public 362 days of the year.

On their 777 acres, you can visit our 50+ animals by walking up to their pens or inside their barns— including cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and pigs. Families can also take a look at the historic buildings such as the milk house, the ice house, the brooder house, and the carriage house. There are also ongoing events and educational programs. If you love hiking, try the 6+ miles of scenic trails to observe local wildlife!

Hours: Buildings and grounds are open from 10am-4pm daily
Animals: Yes
Pick Your Own: No
Market: Farmers Market runs every Sunday from May 9 to November 21 from 9:30am - 2:30pm
Dining: Concession stand (open seasonally), visitors may bring in food as well

Och's Orchard
4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, NY (Orange County)

Och's Orchard is a family owned farm and market. They offer pick-your-own fruits and vegetables on their vast grounds. From berries to veggies, to fruit, their market is full of goodies, including cider, donuts and homemade ice cream. All available in season!

Hours: Farm Market & Ice Cream open daily 9am - 5:30pm. Fruits & Veggie picking available June through October.
Animals: Yes
Pick Your Own: Yes. June - October, no reservations needed. Berry picking changes each day based on availability. Generally, Wed. thru Sat. mornings are best. Apples and pumpkins available in the fall. Call the store or check Facebook to determine what will be available to pick the day of your trip.
Market: Yes, it is stocked with their own in season fresh fruit and vegetables & local vegetables, along with all sorts of "goodies" such as jams & jellies, butters, pure maple syrup, honey, their own apple cider, fresh local eggs and many more products that have built a loyal following over the last 50 years.
Dining: Ice Cream counter is open every day during store hours, June to November.

Outhouse Orchards
139 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY (Westchester County)

A seasonal orchard open only in the fall for apples, peaches and pumpkins picking. Donuts, pies, corn maze, live music and more will be available in September and October.

Hours: Opens in the fall typically
Animals: No
Pick Your Own: Fall only
Market: No
Dining: No

Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture
630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, NY (Westchester County)

Stone Barns occupies 80 acres in Westchester County, just 25 miles north of New York City and operates a highly diversified, four-season farm and an education center that hosts over a hundred thousand visitors each year. Live animals, dining, events and more are all here.

Hours: Due to ongoing health and safety concerns, Stone Barns Center is open only by appointment with one of our featured programs. The Blue Hill Café and Grain bar remain closed, and there are no public restrooms available on site. Stone Barns Center members are invited to join us for complimentary ticketed reservations during Member Hours.
Animals: Yes
Pick Your Own: No
Market: Yes but currently closed
Dining: Yes but currently closed

Stuart's Fruit Farm
62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY (Westchester County)

Stuart's Fruit Farm is a family-operated farm since 1828 located in Westchester County, New York. Seasonallly they offer a varied selection of flowers and vegetable plants, in the spring, apple picking, peach picking and a pumpkin patch in the fall, and Christmas trees in the winter. There are also hayrides on weekends.

Hours: Opened May 1 for vegetable plants and flowers only. Apple picking begins in September and runs daily from 10am – 5pm through November.
Animals: No
Pick Your Own: Yes but not until the fall for apples, peaches and pumpkins
Market: The farm stand general opens the first week of August and is open until December 24th. There is also a bakery with fresh baked apple cider doughnuts, pies, or other baked goods.
Dining: No

Warwick Winery & Distillery
114 Little York Rd. Warwick, NY (Orange County)

Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery is located in the foothills of the Hudson Valley. Their manicured grounds, gardens, and orchards span over 120 acres. They offer an outdoor restaurant, marketplace and apple picking in the fall. Enjoy live music (yes it's back this year!), hard cider and more at this beautiful spot.

Hours: Tasting Room 11am – 6pm, 362 days a year & Pane Cafe 11am - 4pm, Wed & 11am – 5pm, Thurs- Sun
Animals: No
Pick Your Own: Fall only for apples. This year, apple season runs from Saturday, August 29th, – Sunday, November 8th. The orchard is open 11am-5pm, 7 days a week.
Market: Yes
Dining: Yes, enjoy the view of the farm and rose gardens while dining at the Cafe on the patio or in the beam dining room. Food is delicious locally grown, scratch made and served in a casual and fun environment.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY (Westchester County)

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm has been around for over 100 years. They sell a wide variety of apples, pumpkins and peaches, all available to “Pick-Your-Own” during harvest season, starting in August. At that time there will be three farm markets that will open and sell everything from their own pressed apple cider to freshly baked pies, famous apple cider donuts and gift items.

Hours: Wednesdays through Mondays starting late August through mid-December. Farm is closed Tuesdays in November except the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
Animals: No
Pick Your Own: Yes, harvest season starts in August with Peaches and beginning of September with Apples. Pick-your-own Pumpkins start in October, and Choose-n-Cut Christmas Trees just after Thanksgiving.
Market: Yes, the three markets are open during Harvest Season 10 am to 5 pm daily. There's also a winery!
Dining: No

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Summer Carnivals, Fairs & Festivals for Westchester Families 2021

6/23/2021

After a one year hiatus due to the pandemic, summer carnivals, fairs and festivals are back for 2021... so mark your calendar!

Families can enjoy all of the classics... everything from fried dough to ferris wheels! Some of these kid-friendly events are a bit of a drive, but they are worth it. Children will love all of the cotton candy, face painting, carnival games, live shows, competitions, and more!

While most COVID restrictions have been lifted it is still a good idea to check in advance whether online ticket purchases, advance reservations, masks or any other precautions are still required.

Check out this list of the upcoming summer carnivals, fairs and festivals for Westchester County families! Also, Playland Amusement Park in Rye opens for the season this Saturday, June 26!

For a full listing of upcoming events, or to add one of your own, visit our free Community Calendar.

County Fairs

Dutchess County Fair

Orange County Fair
Thu Jul 15th - Sun Aug 1st
239 Wisner Ave, Middletown, NY 10940

Music, rides, incredible entertainment and delicious food are on the agenda at the Orange County Fair. Check out the dazzling fireworks display on Friday nights (July 16, 23 & 30), enjoy a Monster Truck Show, sing along at a Stadium concert or just enjoy the thrill of classic carnival rides. There's also a petting zoo, camel & pony rides, Royal Hanneford Circus and much more!

Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays July 15 - August 1, 2021. Weekdays 4pm - 11pm, weekends 12pm - 11pm. The fair will be closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Admission: Adults: $10.00, Seniors (65 years and older): $7.00, Children (7-12 years old): $7.00, Children (6 years and younger): FREE.

Ulster County Fair
Tue Aug 3rd - Sun 8th
249 Libertyville Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561

Concerts, racing pigs, fireworks, horse shows, over 20 rides, tractor pulls, kids shows and carnival food will keep your family busy at the Ulster County Fair! Don't miss the Kids Daily Show on the Small Stage.

Open Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 10 pm, Friday and Saturday 10am - 11pm, Sunday 10am - 8pm. Pay One Price: $17.00 – 10:00am til closing, Rides Open at 11am.

Dutchess County Fair
Tue Aug 24th - Sun 29th
6550 Spring Brook Ave, Rhinebeck, NY 12572

This is a big one! The Dutchess County Fair hosts approximately half a million people per year, and is the second largest county Fair in New York State. It's a true, traditional carnival experience featuring animals, shows, tons of classic carnival food, rides and games.

Daily Fair Hours: Tues-Sun 10am - 10pm. Rides Run Daily Tuesday thru Sunday starting at 10am.

Tickets will be sold online only! General Admission: $12 (12 years + need an admission ticket), Ride All Day Wristband: $25 pre-sale (Price will increase to $30 on Tuesday 8/24). Everyone needs a ticket or wristband to ride the rides. Ride tickets will be sold at the midway: 1 ticket for $1.50, 20 tickets for $20, 52 tickets for $50.

Additional Fairs & Carnivals

Yorktown Heights Engine Co. No. 1 Fireman’s Parade and Carnival
Wed Jun 23rd - Fri 25th
Yorktown Heights Fire Department, 1916 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Bring the whole family to this annual fun event filled with rides, games and plenty of food!

The Parade is scheduled (rain or shine) for Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 7pm, with the Carnival Opening directly thereafter until 11pm. The carnival will be open 6/23 7pm-11pm, 6/24 6pm-11pm, 6/25 6pm-11pm, 6/26 12pm-11pm and 6/27 12pm- TBD.

Mamaroneck Firemans Carnival, Parade & Fireworks
Fri Jun 25th - Mon Jul 5th
Harbor Island Park, 60-98 Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

Enjoy rides, food and games at The Annual Firemen's Carnival. It will take place, in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, each evening between 6:45pm and 11:30pm from Friday, June 25, through Monday, July 5.

The Firemen’s Carnival will take place each evening, between 6:45pm and 11:30pm, from Friday, June 25, through Monday, July 5, in Harbor Island Park.

The Firemen's Parade is scheduled to kick off at 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 30, and travel down Mamaroneck Avenue to Harbor Island Park.

The Fireworks Display in Harbor Island Park will begin after sunset around 9:15pm/9:30pm on Sunday, July 4. (Rain date is Monday, July 5.). Unfortunately there will not be music this year.

Ride pricing is as follows: $30 wristbands each night except June 30, July 4th and 5th. Ride tickets are $1.25 each, 20 tickets for $20 and 45 tickets for $40. All rides are between 3-7 tickets each.

Hastings Flea
Sun Jun 27th 10:00am - 4:00pm
Southside Avenue MTA Commuter Lot Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706

The Hastings Flea is a curated specialty flea market that features regular and rotating vendors, a few food vendors, as well as live music and entertainment through out the day. Enjoy a rocking day filled with community, crafts, music, good food, family and new surprises!

It will be open on June 27 and September 12. Get your flea fix on and enjoy meeting vendors with home goods, collectibles, vintage items, crafts, jewelry, clothing, handmade and artisan gifts for everyone. Enjoy tasty food truck treats, face painting, psychic readings and other surprises

Mest Fest 2021
Sat Aug 7th 11:00am - 3:00pm
Camp Kiwi, 825 Union Valley Rd, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512

Have fun for a good cause the the Mest Fest! In support of the Muddy Puddles Project, the official charity of Peppa Pig, families can forget about the stresses of everyday life and get messy.

The eighth annual Muddy Puddles “Mess Fest” honors Ty Louis Campbell, a young boy from Pawling, NY, who lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of five in 2012. In remembrance of Ty, Mess Fest is a day devoted to setting free the inner child reminding everyone -- of all ages -- to laugh, play, and most importantly, get messy!

The event will include a visit with Peppa Pig (the most popular animated preschool program in the US, who absolutely loves jumping in muddy puddles), along with zip lines, splatter paint, pie tosses, slip ‘n’ slides, food fights, muddy puddle jumping, a “slopstacle course” and so much more. The event will include a visit with Peppa Pig (the most popular animated preschool program in the US, who absolutely loves jumping in muddy puddles), along with zip lines, splatter paint, pie tosses, slip ‘n’ slides, food fights, muddy puddle jumping, a “slopstacle course” and so much more.

Photo Credit: New York Renaissance Faire & Deborah Grosmark

New York Renaissance Faire
Sat Aug 21st - Sun Oct 3rd
The New York Renaissance Faire, 600 NY-17A, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987

2021 marks the 44th Anniversary Celebration of the New York Renaissance Faire, located in Tuxedo, New York. The Faire is a unique experience taking place in "Elizabethan England", set within the Majestic Groves of Sterling Forest.

Travel back in time to an age of adventure! Join Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth I on a grand visit to a beautiful 16th century English village. Cheer your favorite knight at the Joust Tournament. Meet Robin Hood and his Merry Band. Feast on savory sweets and tempting treats. See amazing acrobats, magical fairies, swashbuckling pirates, and more! Play a game of skill or chance. Stroll the quaint village as the music of the Renaissance surrounds you. Shop the Marketplace, featuring over 100 Artisans offering the finest in handmade wares.

The Faire is open Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday, August 21 through October 3, 2021, 10am – 7pm.

Ticket prices are as follows: Adult tickets $29.95, Child (5-12) $13.00, Child (0-4) FREE, Senior (62) / Military $25.95, Season Pass $175.

The 30th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Fri Sep 3rd - Sun 5th
Tymor Park Road, Tymor Park Rd, Union Vale, NY 12540

The 30th Annual Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival will be held on September 3rd through 5th 2021 at Tymor Park in Union Vale, NY. The festival will feature fireworks each night, balloon rides, evening hot-air balloon illumination moon glows, helicopter rides, live music, entertainment, family activities, food trucks, vendors and more!

Bring your blankets and chairs to watch hot-air balloons ascend from the designated picnic area. Watch in awe as hot-air balloons fill the skies and as they light the night with an illumination moon glow with fireworks on full display.

Reservations can be made on a per person basis for a donation of $14 for evenings and $7 for mornings. A reservation must be made in advance as donations will not be accepted at the gate.

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Westchester County Pool, Beach, Splash Pad & Water Park Guide 2021: The Best Places to Swim, Splash and Slide

6/4/2021

Playland Beach

Summer is here and it's time to start thinking about sun, sand and swimming! Unlike last summer, most places are open to enjoy with less restrictions. Hallelujah!

Westchester County has plenty of great spots for families to have fun in the sun. Float down a lazy river, play pool basketball, splash in a spray park, build sandcastles, plunge down a water slide and much more this summer!

Here's our Westchester County Pool, Beach, Splash Pad & Water Park Guide for Summer 2021. It features all of the best local places to stay cool... and some of our favorites within a reasonable driving distance. Happy summer! Now let's dive in.

COVID Opening Details

Good news. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that beaches and pools will operate with six-foot social distancing in anticipation of Memorial Day. New York State's goal is to reopen them to 100 percent capacity by July 4. He also announced that outdoor amusement parks (and water parks) can open at 100% capacity as long as social distancing is maintained and masks are used.

It's a good idea to check with the location you are going to before you head over to ensure you are aware of the latest COVID protocols and opening information. There may still be adjusted schedules, reservation requirements, capacity restrictions, health screenings and mask mandates.

Things change frequently so make sure you are in the know. We suggest keeping an eye on these websites for the latest COVID updates:

Westchester County Parks COVID-19 Updates
Westchester Parks updates on Facebook & Twitter
Westchester County Beaches and Pools
NY State Parks COVID-19 Page
NY State COVID-19 Updates

Westchester County Launches New Park Pass

Rye Playland Beach & Boardwalk

Did you know that Westchester County Parks has introduced new park passes? A pass will give you access and discounted admission to county pools, beaches, facilities and parking. It also allows access to the boat launch at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and the six all-weather tennis courts at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. It's available to residents 12 years of age and older.

Another option is a money-saving Season Swim Pass, which allows residents to pay one price to swim as often as they like all summer long. The pass also includes parking fees. It may be used at Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle (if it opens for the season), Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and Tibbetts Brook Pools in Yonkers, and Willson’s Woods Pool in Mount Vernon. The pass is not accepted at Playland or Croton Point Parks.

Pools

Westchester County Pools

Good news! Westchester County run pools will open seven days a week beginning June 25 through the summer. Unfortunately the pool at Playland will be closed for construction through the entire summer. Coronavirus health & safety measures will be in effect at all county beaches and pools. Fees for each pool are available here.

Keep in mind that Westchester County pools are only open to County residents (proof of residency is required with a County park pass or a valid New York State driver's license with a Westchester address).

Saxon Woods
1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605

Located in a 700 acre park, Saxon Woods is a great place to spend a hot summer day with your family. It has something for everyone including the county’s largest swimming pool, a children’s aquatic playground, mini golf course, 18-hole golf course, large playground and picnic areas. It's the county’s only playground that is accessible to the disabled.

Sprain Ridge Pool
149 Jackson Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706

Following a major renovation, Sprain Ridge Pool is the county's newest pool! It has an aquatic spray playground for children and a rebuilt child-friendly pool and main lap pool. There is also a bathhouse, food concession area, restrooms, showers, and locker room, all freshly updated.

Tibbetts Brook Park
355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704

While Tibbetts does not have a standard swimming pool like some of the many other parks on this list it won't disappoint! Instead there's a lazy river that carries you in a tube on a journey around the pool. There is also a spray playground as well as in-pool benches, basketball and volleyball. Plus water slides! New for 2021: new pickleball court next to the tennis courts!

Willson’s Waves Park
East Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550

Willson’s Waves Pool is a secret thrill in the heart of Lower Westchester, residing in Mount Vernon. There's waves, water slides, a spray park, splash pad, providing families plenty of opportunities to have fun and get wet. Kids can body surf on three-foot waves and splash downward on an 18-foot high water slide! This park can be a parents dream come true to assist with those hyper toddlers or just to get these kids away from the screens for an afternoon of excitement!

Additional Pool Options

Town of Greenburgh Kids Pool

Town Pools

Many towns in Westchester also have pools for town residents only. Check with your town recreation department for details, permit information, guest policies and opening dates.

Private Swim & County Clubs

Westchester County has no shortage of private pool and county clubs. These clubs provide nice amenities like seating, dining, entertainment, sports instruction, camps and more. The Westchester County Swimming Association has a great list of some to consider. If Country Clubs are more your thing there is a good list of Westchester County golf clubs from the NYSGA.

Not all country clubs have golf so if that is not important to you then expand your search to other local clubs as well. If you want to be among friends or family ask for recommendations to discover which local clubs are their favorites.

State Parks

In addition there are family-friendly pools at nearby NY State Parks. Since you are not restricted based on a membership or town residency NY State Park pools are a great opportunity to meet up with out-of-town friends and family.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80. If you are planning to use the State Park facilities often this could be a good investment. The pass provides all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online.

At Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park the pool is twice the size of an Olympic-sized pool and holds over 3,500 bathers at once. For more water fun rent a rowboat or pedal boat.

Bear Mountain State Park has a large pool in a wooded setting with scenic views. While you are there take advantage of the Trailside Zoo and the paddle and row boats!

Rockland Lake State Park is a great place to spend the day. Enjoy a huge 25,000 square foot zero entrance swimming pool with diving boards, a spray ground and two exciting water slides.

Beaches

Westchester County Beaches

Croton Point Beach
1A Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

Camping, playgrounds and a swim in the Hudson? These are all available at the county-run Croton Point Beach. The beach is quaint and the park is large with plenty of spots to picnic and relax. It's definitely best to get there early and make sure you get a good spot. While there you can take in scenic views of the river, watch the boats come in and out, see the trains and just absorb some of Mother Nature’s true beauty in Westchester County. No pets allowed.

Dates: Opening Saturday, May 29 10am - 6:30pm. Open only Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Following the last weekend in June, Croton Point will be open Wednesday through Sunday.

Admission: Adults: $4, Children 5 to 11: $3, Children Under 5: free. Open to anyone, county residency not required.

Parking: Daily with Park Pass: $5, Daily resident non-Park Pass holder (NYS driver's license req.): $10, Senior Citizen (with Sr. Park Pass) (except Saturdays, Sundays & holidays): $1 .

Playland Beach
1 Playland Parkway, Rye, New York 10580

Also run by Westchester County, Rye Playland's beach is a great nearby spot to enjoy summer! Walk on the boardwalk, build sandcastles in the soft sand, swim in Long Island Sound and enjoy all of the attractions! There's Rye Playland which has an amusement park, carnival games, fireworks, live entertainment and mini golf (opening June 26)! Just next door you can head to the all-new Charley's Pier Restaurant or the Westchester Children's Museum. Unfortunately this year the Playland Pool will not be open due to necessary repairs. No pets allowed.

Dates: Opening Saturday, May 29 10am - 6:30pm. Open only Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (Monday, May 31 and Monday, September 6) through June 20. Open daily starting June 25.

Admission: Adults: $4, Children 5 to 11: $3, Children Under 5: free. Open to anyone, county residency not required.

Parking: $10 (no Park Pass discounts).

Glen Island Beach
Closed until further notice. Whether or not the control of Glen Island Park will be turned back over to the county from the state, which is still operating a coronavirus testing facility is to be determined.

Additional Beach Options

Town Beaches

Some towns along the shoreline have private beaches accessible to residents only. Check with your town for details, permit information and opening dates. On the other hand some town beaches do allow non-residents to use the beach.

Harbor Island Park
123 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck, NY 10543

Stephen E. Johnston Beach at Harbor Island Park is open to non-residents and is a beautiful spot in Mamaroneck with a swimming beach, spray park and playground.

The beach will open for the Summer 2021 Season on Friday, May 28, 2021 (the Friday before Memorial Day weekend). The Beach will be staffed every day, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, until Monday, September 6, 2021 (Labor Day). However it is open to VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK RESIDENTS ONLY on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 9:00 am and 12:00pm. Outside these days and times, the beach is open to residents and non-residents alike.

The Spray Ground will be open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only due to campers using it during the week.

Oakland Beach/Rye Town Park
95 Dearborn Ave, Rye, NY 10580

Rye Town Park is located adjacent to the Playland Beach in Rye and is a county favorite. Enjoy building sandcastles, swimming and a picnicking at this beautiful spot. Because the beach is operated by Rye and not the county prices for non-residents (permits, parking and beach access) are a bit steep. There are also parking restrictions during peak times which only allow residents and permit holders to enter (park at Playland instead and walk over).

Hudson Park & Beach
1 Hudson Park Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801

Enjoy the best summer has to offer at the beach. There is a grassy recreation area with a playground, a music bandshell, seating area, bathing beaches and parking.

Private Beaches & Beach Clubs

Westchester County also has a number of private beaches and clubs. These clubs can offer an oasis to parents who would rather avoid having to schlep chairs to the beach! Enjoy convenient amenities like dining, camps, sports facilities and more. It's a good idea to ask local neighbors and friends for club recommendations so you can enjoy the long summer days together.

Nearby Lakes

Lakes provide a campy and picturesque atmosphere to enjoy a calm beach day. They are also very affordable.

Canopus Lake at Fahnestock State Park
1570 Route 301, Carmel, NY 10512

If you are looking to have a family day in the “country” then Canopus Lake is the right spot for you! Just north of Westchester County, off the Taconic State Parkway, this quiet and easily accessible lake with a sandy beach is great for relaxing. After parking, you walk towards the beach and will pass large bathrooms on your left. Along with swimming, Canopus Lake offers visitors fishing on a dock (and row boats available for rent). With beautiful scenery among the mountains Canopus Lake is a wonderful day trip.

The swimming lake opens May 29th for weekends only. Then 7 days a week on June 26. Hours are 9am to 6pm. It is $9 per car for entry and parking, collected weekends and holidays May 29 to June 20 then daily through September 6.

Lake Welch at Harriman State Park
800 Kanawaukee Road, Stony Point, NY 10980

Inside the beautiful Harriman State Park, this wonderful Lake is a delight, which includes grills, picnic areas, fishing, hiking and a beach to swim. Lake Welch is a must see being a man-made lake with a half mile long sandy beach amongst the mountains. The calm water is great for young children.

Swimming opens May 29 and runs weekends and holidays only through June 20 10:00am - 5:45pm. From June 21 through September 6 hours are 9:00am - 6:45pm on weekends and holidays and 10:00am - 5:45pm Monday through Friday. There is $10/car parking fee (cash only) applied during the Swimming season from: 8:00am to 4:00pm weekdays and 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends and holidays.

Long Island Beaches

Enjoy boardwalks, sandy beaches and big waves in Long Island. If you are planning a trip for the day plan for traffic as these beaches are very popular. Try a fun excursion and take the ferry out to Fire Island for the day with your kids!

Compo Beach

Connecticut Beaches

Connecticut's shoreline, along Long Island Sound, has a number of swimming beaches to enjoy. Many locals enjoy Wesport's Compo Beach— although it is expensive to get in and also difficult because they limit the number of non-residents to 100 cars per day.

Sherwood Island State Park is a great affordable alternative although it is very rocky so make sure to bring water shoes. There is plenty of space to swim, picnic and relax in the summer sun.

In Greenwich you can visit Greenwich Point Park (Tod's Point), Byram Park, Island Beach and Great Captain Island but you need to get an entry pass in advance. While these are beautiful, nearby spots the entry requirements and restrictions for non-residents can make them unviable.

New Jersey Beaches

Head "down the shore" for surf, sand, fun and sun at the Jersey Shore. The beaches are gorgeous and filled with attractions sure to please the entire family. Whether it's a day trip or a week away, you'll discover a great beach getaway in NJ.

Splash Pads & Spray Parks in Westchester County

While many of the above pools and beaches have splash pads, there are a number of additional parks without pools that have FREE and fabulous spray parks for children! Great for younger kids, the sprinklers, sprayers, jets and buckets will provide endless entertainment and a break from the heat this summer. Watch them run with delight!

Keep in mind summer is just starting so some locations may not be open yet. Check with the town for the latest updates.

Louis Engel Waterfront Park
25 Westerly Rd, Ossining, NY 10562

Resurfaced and upgraded in 2019, this colorful, soft and marine-themed splash pad is the perfect spot to cool off and chill out. The beautiful views of the Hudson River provide the perfect backdrop for a fun and relaxing day. While you are there you can also enjoy the playground, complete with swings, a train, slide and more to keep those little ones busy for hours. It's the perfect spot for a play date.

Pierson Park
238 West Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591

Also on the Hudson River, Tarrytown's Pierson Park is another park with fantastic views. The splash pad has lots of jets, sprayers and sprinklers to enjoy as well as a playground, paved bike/walk paths and plenty of grass to play on. Bring a scooter or bike and make a day of it! Currently repairs are being made, opening date TBD.

Barnhart Park
25 Andrews Ln, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

Enjoy a day at the playground with some water fun. This park has a small water park area with sprinklers, two large playgrounds, volleyball courts, a soccer field and a basketball court. And just like the others... scenic views of the Hudson River.

Carol Nichols Park
19 White Plains Ave., Elmsford, NY 10523

No views here but still plenty to do! Slide, climb and explore on the playground then cool off in the spray park. Bring lunch and have a picnic!

Outdoor Water Parks Near Westchester County

Splash Down Beach
16 Old Route 9W, Fishkill, NY 12524

Seriously though, who doesn't love a water park on a hot day? After being closed all last summer, Splash Down Beach will be opening on Saturday, May 29 for the season! With 15 large wet and wild attractions for all ages, this nearby water park is a great day trip (just an hour's drive). Take a journey down the lazy river, plunge down dozens of water slides, splash around in SplashWorks, ride the waves in the wave pool and so much more. Lots to do for little kids, big kids and adults. Not to miss!

Playland Park
1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580

Thrill seekers will be pleased to know that Playland Park will reopen June 26 and operate through Labor Day weekend. It will be open Wednesday through Sunday as well as Monday, July 5 and Monday, Sept. 6. While it's not technically a water park, it's right next to the water so we included it! Plus you can plunge down the log flume ride for a big splash!

Additional Water Parks

If you are into the thrill of water parks and up for a drive, then check out these outdoor water parks in the tri-state area and beyond. Whether it's kid-sized slides or a terrifying weightless plunge you are looking for, this list has something for everyone.

An adventurous getaway may just be what you need this summer! Check with the park before heading over to see if advance reservations or health screenings are required.

Splish Splash

New York Water Parks

Relatively close water parks in New York feature just about everything! Try the dark, enclosed slides, raging rapids, tidal wave pools, interactive kiddie attractions and more. Visit these parks: Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Six Flags Great Escape, Splish Splash and Zoom Flume.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

New Jersey Water Parks

New Jersey has a number of incredible water parks to get soaked! Fly like Tarzan on a rope swing, walk the moon walk, plunge down endless slides, ride along a crazy and lazy river and much more! Check out the all new Diggerland, Keansburg Amusement Park, Land of Make Believe, Morey's Piers, Mountain Creek, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Thundering Surf.

Lake Compounce

Connecticut Water Parks

Connecticut is home to plenty of water excitement at Lake Compounce, Ocean Beach Park and Quassy. Plunge down the falls, race your friends, ride the rapids, get blasted by water cannons and much more.

Hershey Park

Pennsylvania Water Parks

Pennsylvania has a number of massive water parks for an unforgettable wet and wild experience. Check out attractions like the longest mat racing slide in the world, adventure river, slip n slide, Python Plummet, watery bridges, kiddie pools and splash zones! These splashtacular parks include Camelbeach, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Dutch Wonderland, Hershey Park and Sesame Place.

It's been a challenging year for all of us as the pandemic raged on. We can all use a little fun and sun to recharge our battery and look forward to happier times together. Wishing all of our readers good health and better times ahead. Here's to a great summer!

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The Overworked Mom’s ABCs of Caring for Herself

6/3/2021

Moms have had a rough year. In general, moms’ mental health has experienced declines and can be considered in crisis. Moms who work for pay outside the home may have endured additional mental health symptoms of anxiety and depression due to stress from disruptions in childcare and intense pressure to be both the ideal worker and the ideal mom. So what do you do if you feel overworked, wherever and however you work? Try to work on taking care of yourself.

I firmly believe that moms can’t take care of others if they are not taking care of themselves. If you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, try to engage in the following strategies to improve your mindset little by little. With time and practice, it could become as easy as A-B-C!

Adjust Your Perspective

Strive to be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. With a compassionate-focused therapy approach, you can overcome your self-critical tendencies by highlighting the positives, the same way you likely would for a friend who came to you for guidance. It’s also helpful to accept any negative feelings, which are natural. Being mindful of your emotions in the present moment and acknowledging that it is just a moment – meaning, temporary – is an extremely effective way to create calm. A conscious shift in perspective can change a distorted thought (“I’m a bad mom for not being able to put my kids to bed because I have to work instead”) to a to a rational one (“I have a lot of work to get through tonight and I need time to focus. I am feeling sad right now because I won’t get to tuck in my kids, but I know they are safe and that they love me. I will feel relief as soon as tomorrow when this project is complete, and then I’ll be able to really focus on family time.”).

Be an Advocate for Yourself

The ability to advocate for yourself, whether at work, home, or otherwise, is integral to achieving your goals. Try speaking honestly and directly with your partner and family’s inner circle about your mental load and what would be valuable to alleviate it (if applicable, for example, perhaps the kids’ dad can handle their doctors’ appointments and school meetings). In the corporate world, many companies and industries are still behind when it comes to their family-friendly policies; they may simply need a request for change to be made, and who better to make a request that would improve your life than you? To learn more about how to successfully advocate for better workplace policies and find support while doing so, please join me on June 17, 2021 in Scarsdale at a free happy hour & shopping networking event; optional contributions will be donated to a nonprofit committed to accelerating equity for working moms of color.

Connect with Your Community

After all these months of isolation due to literal social distancing, it’s common to feel lonely and like your network is in shambles. But it is more crucial than ever to foster relationships and build your village. Try going for a walk or running an errand with a friend. Catch up with a long-distance relative on the phone while driving or cleaning. Rely on a trusted neighbor to watch your kids while you handle a meeting or other things on your to-do list, and you can return the favor at a later date. And if you’re feeling a bit lost, perhaps because of a pandemic-related move to a new town or other life transition, look for opportunities with others who share your interests or current life stage. It’s been meaningful to see how several moms in the parent groups I facilitate, who were in quarantine for most of their pregnancies, appreciate the opportunity to share with others who can relate to their daily struggles while offering ideas and encouragement. Everyone requires various forms of assistance at different times for different reasons. It is so important to get the support you need!

Written by Lauren A. Tetenbaum: a social worker, lawyer, professional coach, and Westchester Mom whose mission is to empower and support women, including working and new moms. To learn more about her clinical therapy and consulting services, please email Lauren@LATCounseling.com.

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No Summer Sick Days: Keep Your Family Healthy and Having Fun All Summer Long

6/2/2021

As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease and more Americans (especially those of us in New York) are getting vaccinated, you might be feeling a huge sense of relief not having to worry as much about a severe case or long-term effects from COVID-19. However, while COVID-19 case numbers are dwindling, there are many other health risks to consider as we move into the warmer summer months.

As a mom-led urgent care, we know that your family calendar is likely starting to fill up with vacations, beach days and BBQs – we’re so excited for these events with our families too! As you are penciling in your various plans, be mindful of these five common health concerns so you can maximize your fun summer moments.

1. Healthy habits for skin protection as you enjoy fun in the sun

We’re all craving days at the beach or pool to soak up some vitamin D. How can you and your family prepare for your fun day in the sun? We recommend staying hydrated, protecting your skin with sunscreen and limiting the amount of time you spend in the sunlight, especially during the peak hours (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) when the sunshine is the strongest.

To help prevent dehydration, make sure your family is drinking clear fluids consistently throughout the day. If you’re like some of the parents on our medical team, you probably love a refreshing iced coffee, but remember that caffeine is a diuretic which means an excessive amount can affect how hydrated you are.

While most sunburns do go away on their own, there may be a chance that sunburns could blister or scar if severe enough. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 throughout the day to minimize the risk of such injuries. Every two hours or so, reapply sunscreen on yourself and to your little ones, especially if they are sweating or enjoying ocean waves or some time in the pool.

Lastly, you can prevent your body from overheating, which can result in possible heat stroke, by limiting the amount of time spent in the direct sun or hot weather. A fun way for families to do this is to check out a local ice cream shop or head inside for a cool afternoon movie.

2. Tips and tricks for planning a safe and relaxing pool or beach day

As many of our medical team are working moms and dads (our chief medical officer is the mom of three and our regional medical director is a dad to five), we know that now is the time when many of us take off our pool covers or head over to our local community pools, lakes or beaches. Whether your child is just learning how to swim or you have been a seasoned swimmer for many years, we want you to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe in the water this summer.

Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

In an effort to avoid swimming injuries or drowning, never leave a child or someone who does not know how to swim unattended, swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards when available and maintain constant supervision of those in the water. If your children have a small kiddie pool in your yard, designate a responsible adult to supervise playtime in the water.

You may see news stories or social media posts warning of “dry drowning” or “secondary drowning” — this is when a person ingests water through their nose or mouth and later experiences symptoms like difficulty breathing, fatigue or irritability. It can be successfully treated, and the earlier it’s caught, the better.  While it’s important to remember that this is fairly uncommon, it’s best to see a medical provider if your child or a loved one has spent time near the water and exhibits any symptoms related to secondary drowning.

3. What to keep in mind as you dust off your grill and fire pit

Many of us have long-waited for the end of winter to reconnect with loved ones around a campfire or in the backyard. Before you invite your family and friends over to grill or make s’mores, we suggest creating a safety plan. Your heat-related safety plan should include a checklist to ensure your grill or fire pit are a safe distance from your house, deck railings, and overhanging tree branches. We also recommend having a hose or fire extinguisher nearby.

To grill up perfect hot dogs and keep your kids and guests safe, don’t leave your grill unattended while it’s on. While you likely will take care to not burn yourself in your backyard, make sure to cover any burns with a clean, dry cloth in the event of an accident. If you have any concerns, our centers in Mamaroneck, Mohegan Lake and Somers are open seven days a week to check out any concerning burns or other injuries. You can schedule a virtual visit or check-in ahead of time on our website here.

4. Steps to avoid food-related illnesses at your backyard BBQs

Most of our fondest summer moments occur at our summer picnics and BBQs with family and friends. However, when the temperature gets warmer outside, foodborne germs are more common (including Norovirus and Salmonella).

Before you flip a juicy burger or leave a delicious potato salad out for your child to eat once they’re done playing, we recommend following the CDC’s four steps to food safety - Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. These steps will ensure that you and your loved ones don’t develop food poisoning or other related sickness. A general best practice is that hot foods should stay hot, and cold foods should stay cold. Leaving any food too long at ambient temperature increases the changes of bacteria growing and can make you sick.

We also recommend staying vigilant when using sharp objects to cut your meats or any other items you plan on grilling. Some general guidance to avoid cooking injuries includes wearing gloves resistant to punctures, cuts, or moisture; selecting the right tool for the job; sharpening cutting tools and knives on a regular basis (dull blades require more force and may be more likely to slip, cutting the handler); and taking care to cover/store/dispose of sharp objects properly.

5. Advice to help keep rashes and bug bites at bay this summer

Getting outdoors after a long cold winter in quarantine is great for our physical and emotional health. If you plan on hiking, spending time in or near wooded areas, or participating in other activities where you may encounter plants or bugs, you may run across poison oak, poison ivy and sumac, or find yourself with an insect sting or bite.

To avoid the unpleasant rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac remind children to be careful brushing up against or near any plants. While mowing the lawn or gardening, wear clothing or protective equipment to reduce the likelihood of a reaction to these plants.

Bites from mosquitos, horse flies or other bugs can also cause a reaction.  If you or your child is bitten by an insect or any kind of animal, be sure to clean the wound properly to avoid any type of potential infection. If you have any concerns about wounds like these, you can seek treatment at facilities like a PhysicianOne Urgent Care location near you.

Check the scalp, elbows, behind the knees and all over for ticks after being in long grass or wooded areas for ticks. If you find a tick on you, monitor for any flu-like symptoms days or weeks after being bitten by a tick or notice that the skin surrounding a tick bite is becoming more swollen with enlarging areas of redness. These symptoms can indicate Lyme disease or something more serious. Consult a doctor or visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care to have the bite, rash and any Lyme symptoms evaluated.

From our team to your family, we hope you have a summer full of much needed fun and relaxation. PhysicianOne Urgent Care is led by moms like you who understand what it’s like keeping a family safe throughout the year – we’ve got you!

Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube for more health tips and to stay connected.

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Create Your Own Backyard Resort

6/1/2021

As restrictions are beginning to lift and we are able to safely socialize once again, now is the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor entertaining area. At Wallauer Paint and Decorating Centers—celebrating their 100th Anniversary—they are here to help. Any space, no matter how small, can be transformed into an elegant oasis for al fresco dinner parties, neighborhood barbeques, or simply relaxing with friends and family.

Maybe this is the year you go all out with built-in appliances and a pizza oven to accompany your grill (don’t we wish?). Or maybe your space just needs some tweaking, like an outdoor carpet to “ground” your entertaining area or some fun new throw pillows in bright summery colors. Fabrics like Sunbrella are designed to withstand the elements, so if your cushions are in need of a pick-me-up, Wallauer can reupholster them for you with their extensive mix of colors and patterns to choose from.

Other easy options to help transform backyard space into your personal resort:

If you haven’t done so already, set up a fire pit—perfect for after-dinner lingering, making S’mores and all around ambience. Keep a basket of cozy blankets handy to warm up on chilly nights.

Install an outdoor projector so friends and family can gather and watch sports together—a tailgate party in your own backyard! Make sure to have plenty of tables around to hold the all-important half-time snacks!

Gazebos, tents, or other covered areas offer protection from sun or sudden downpours and can be decorated as ornately or simply as you desire.

Light up the night with a mix of copper torches and lanterns with glass and metal hurricane lamps. Fairy lights under your table umbrella and out in the garden create a charming twinkling effect while dining at night.

Add a calming auditory note with burbling fountains or a variety of wind chimes positioned where they can catch a bit of a breeze.

Bird feeders, baths and houses add a whimsical touch to your outdoor living spaces and ensure a steady stream of avian visitors and will provides hours of “entertainment” for you and your guests.

For more ideas, visit https://www.wallauer.com/?s=outdoor+space.

About Walllauer’s: As Westchester’s largest home decorating center, Wallauer Paint and Decorating Centers have 15 locations in the region including six design centers and five Ace Hardware Departments and offer the finest selection of paints, wall coverings and hardware along with design products such as window treatments, custom bedding, carpeting and reupholstery.

Wallauer Paint and Decorating Centers have been serving Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam Counties since 1921. The fourth-generation family-owned business, headquartered in White Plains, New York, offers the finest selection of paints from Benjamin Moore, specialty products and accessories from Ace Hardware, window treatments from Hunter Douglas, designer fabrics and wall coverings, area rugs, and home design services, and has 15 stores across the region.

To thank long time customers as well as new, a $100 gift certificate will be awarded to one shopper in every store every month through December. To register for the drawings, visit www.wallauer.com/100. In addition, Wallauer will offer a “buy one paint sample, get a second one at ‘100%’ off” throughout the year. Visit https://www.wallauer.com/specials/ for more details.

Wallauer offers a wide variety of interior and exterior paints and stains, including low-odor paints, washable finishes and more from Benjamin Moore and is the largest Benjamin Moore paint, hardware and decorating retailer in Westchester, Rockland & Putnam. Wallauer also offers their own brand of paints and has more than 5,000 color selections available ensuring there is a perfect color for every project. Customers can take advantage of their color matching services and even create their own custom color palate - a Wallauer specialty.

Wallauer stores are located in White Plains, Bedford Hills, Carmel, Mohegan Lake, Ossining, Pelham, Port Chester, Scarsdale, Yonkers, Yorktown Heights, New Rochelle, Ardsley, and Lewisboro/Cross River. There is also a location in Nanuet in Rockland County which offers Ace Hardware products and there is one location in Putnam County in Mahopac.

Customers can shop online and pick-up in store at www.shop.wallauer.com. For more information visit https://www.wallauer.com/ or call (914)-948-4000.

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LEGOLAND New York Theme Park Opens for Previews May 29

5/27/2021

At last, LEGOLAND New York Resort is opening! After a delay due to COVID, the theme park in upstate New York will open for previews beginning on May 29th. It is located a little over an hour away from Westchester County on more than 150 acres in Goshen, New York.

While the park is in its final stages of completion, guests are invited to preview and enjoy six of the Resort’s seven LEGO-themed lands — BRICK STREET, BRICKTOPIA, LEGO CITY, LEGO CASTLE, LEGO NINJAGO WORLD, and MINILAND loaded with rides, food, entertainment and attractions.

The final land, LEGO PIRATES, will open later this summer, as will a 250-room themed LEGOLAND Hotel, which will welcome guests year round.

Check out images of the park and hotel below!

Single day tickets are on-sale for the preview period at a reduced price of $49.99 for adults and $44.99 for children. The family theme park will be open seasonally, typically from early spring through late fall. Learn more at legoland.com/new-york.

Anchor's Away

Factory Adventure

Dragon Coaster

Dragon's Apprentice

Splash Battle

Brick Party

Legoland Hotel

Ninjango Room

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3 Reasons to Vaccinate Your Child for COVID-19

5/19/2021

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine has just been approved for 12 to 15-year-olds – here’s what you need to know and why you should schedule a shot as soon as possible.

As a pediatrician and someone who is very familiar with all types of childhood vaccines, I encourage everyone to sign their tweens and young teens up for a vaccine appointment as soon as they are able to do so. As the parent of a 14-year-old (and an 18-year-old who is already vaccinated), I know I will – and here’s why:

1. COVID-19 cases are growing in children.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children now represent over 20% of all new infections. With the loosening of restrictions at school, as well as more transmissible mutations, this is a concern. While the effects in children have been reported to be less severe than adults, COVID-19 is still a serious illness that has resulted in pediatric hospitalizations and even deaths. Young children are also more likely to be asymptomatic carriers and could put our more vulnerable or unvaccinated family and community members at higher risk.

2. It’s safe!
Despite the false perception that this vaccine was “rushed,” the mRNA technology that is being deployed in the Pfizer vaccine has been under development for the past decade. This technology essentially “tricks” our body’s defenses into activating without the virus actually being present (it bears reminding that there are no live viruses in the vaccine). These advances were one of the reasons the vaccine was brought to market expeditiously – because we already had all the molecular-level background to begin work on a safe and effective vaccine against it.

3. It likely works even better in kids.
While studies are still under way to prove just how much better the vaccine works in children, it makes sense this would be the case. As has been shown in some of the other routine childhood vaccines that we administer, the immune system of younger children recognizes and responds to the “appearance” of a viral infection more robustly than older children or adults. You can be confident that the vaccine is doing its job in protecting your most cherished asset and closing the door on this health pandemic.

Written by Dr. Ellen Lestz, a board-certified pediatrician, seeing patients at White Plains Hospital Medical & Wellness in Armonk. To make an appointment, please call 914-849-7900.

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The Grl & Co. Has Something for Moms - And a Mission to Go Along with It

5/12/2021

It has been 17 years since Yonkers native, Noel D'Allacco, started Operation Prom. The national nonprofit that provides free prom dresses and tuxedos to students in need has been on pause since the beginning of the pandemic.

While sitting out two prom seasons, local Westchester County mom Noel decided to start another company, The Grl & Co., an online shop that sells merchandise inspired by the empowered woman! Whether you are a busy mom, boss mom, community activist, educator, influencer, or anything in between, The Grl & Co. has something for you - and a mission to go along with it.

There's an organic loose tea line with names like EmpowerMint, EqualiTea, and CommuniTea. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local causes related to women's empowerment, equality, and social issues.

Plus, there's a coffee line for moms who run on caffeine! The Coffee Grl label has ethically sourced coffees, as well as coffee body products like scrubs and soaps that reduce the appearance of scars and cellulite.

Who said coffee was only for drinking? Later this summer, The Grl & Co. will launch a hemp and CBD line for women, and, of course that will have a charitable tie-in as D'Allacco is focused on a give-back with all of her products.

Check out TheGrlCo.com for more information and use the code "GirlPower" for 20% off any purchase.

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Tips and Tricks for Involving Your Kids In the Moving Process

5/10/2021

Moving can be a somewhat daunting process. It takes up a lot of time, money, and energy, and it stresses you out as nothing else can. However, moving in general is nothing compared to moving with kids. That doubles the amount of stress, anxiety, and the work you need to do, making it all even more difficult.

Having said that, moving with kids doesn’t have to be all that bad. If you involve them in the process, they will make it fun and actually help you get things done. If you want to find out how you can get your kids to assist you during your move, read on. Our tips and tricks will make the process as easy as possible.

1. Let Them Help With Decluttering

Moving is the perfect time to get rid of anything you might not need anymore. According to Nancy Zafrani, the general manager of New York moving company Oz Moving, the key to making your move seamless is donating everything you don’t need.

Many organizations all across the city accept furniture, electronics, clothes, toys, and anything else you might think of. And the best thing about it all? You can get your kids to help you choose what goes and what you keep.

Let your kids take care of their own stuff. Bring out all their old toys and clothes they can’t fit into anymore, and explain how they will be helping others by giving away some of their belongings. Donating things like this will help you have less on your plate, and it will teach your kids an important lesson on sharing and being charitable. It is a win-win situation.

2. Decorate Your Moving Boxes

Packing is stressful enough even without kids running around you and distracting you. If you need some peace and quiet while you pack, we suggest you let them be creative.

Get out some markers, sticky notes, and decorative tape and let them go to town on the moving boxes. They will have the time of their lives decorating the boxes, and you’ll get to do everything on time and the way you want. Additionally, you’ll have the fanciest and prettiest moving boxes ever!

This activity is also great if your kids are sad about moving and need a little pick-me-up. They’ll get to see moving as something exciting and fun, which might make them feel a bit better about the process in general.

If your kids are teenagers, then they can help you pack. You can let them pack up their rooms and even help you out with the rest of the rooms.

3. Let Them Help With Cleaning

Once everything is packed and ready to go, you will need to make your old home spotless. Though this might seem tiring and boring, you can get your kids to help you out.

If your kids are smaller, let them wipe down lower cabinets or baseboards. Older kids can do even more, like vacuuming and dusting. Children generally love having their own rag and spray bottle, as well as their own tasks they need to get through. It gives them a sense of purpose and makes them feel helpful and grown-up.

So, don’t hesitate to put your children to work. They will feel great about it, and they will be a great help to you at the same time. Of course, make sure you oversee them as they clean, so they stay safe at all times.

You might also have to clean your new place before unpacking. The same applies in such a case, too: your kids can help you, regardless of their age.

4. They Can Help You Unpack, Too

The pain of moving does not stop once you are out of your old home. You still need to unpack all your belongings and make the new place feel like home. Though doing it all on your own might seem like the most efficient plan, we suggest that you let your kids help, too.

Letting them unpack their own rooms and toys will make the new place feel less foreign and strange. That is especially the case with younger children. Allowing them to surround themselves with their belongings the way they want to will make the process of adjusting to a new home a lot easier.

You can also make this process fun and exciting. Hide something (a little toy or trinket of some kind) in your kid’s boxes and let them go on a little treasure hunt to find it. If you make it seem like a game, unpacking will start looking like the most interesting thing in the world to them.

Letting your teenagers unpack on their own is important, too. It will tell them that you trust them and give them a sense of independence and usefulness. Besides, they are already old enough to do it on their own and help you out a little.

A Few Parting Words

Packing and moving with your kids around might seem like an absolute nightmare. However, with the right tips and tricks, it can become bearable and even exciting and fun. We hope that our little list helps you learn how you can involve your kids in the moving process, regardless of their age. Doing so will ensure your move is seamless and that you have some fantastic helpers on the journey. Good luck!

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4 Common Childhood Health Problems Parents Might Miss

5/4/2021

Your child’s pediatrician is often attuned to subtle signs of preventable problems.
Written by Dr. Amanda Menco, Pediatrician

When it comes to kids’ health, the sooner you can identify a problem, the less of a big deal it may become. Sticking to regular well-visits is an opportunity for your child’s doctor to look for those less obvious signs that something may be off with their physical and mental health. It may turn out to be nothing, but sometimes it allows us to catch a condition early when it is most easily treated or can be evaluated further by a specialist.

Here are four common conditions that pediatricians look for:

Speech Delays
A large part of your child’s development happens in early childhood, even before the age of four, and their social development is extremely important during these years. During the pandemic, many children were unable to play with other kids and were not exposed to a normal amount of language outside the home. This has led to an increase in pediatric speech delays, so much so that the State’s Early Intervention program has been inundated with scheduling evaluations, leaving many private speech therapists overwhelmed with referrals. With speech development, time is truly of the essence, so the sooner your pediatrician identifies an issue and can make an appropriate referral the better.

Accelerated or Delayed Growth
Early adolescence is a critical time to check in with your pediatrician to monitor your child’s growth and development. It’s no secret that the pandemic caused many families to delay regular visits this past year. With this drop-off, we are suddenly picking up many cases of “precocious,” or early, puberty and advanced bone age. When a child’s skeletal and reproductive growth outpaces their chronological age, this can lead to various problems including inability to reach their full height potential. With proper imaging, we can confirm this condition and refer you to an endocrinologist who can provide various treatment options to slow down the process, so your child grows normally.

Chronic Digestive Problems
Tracking your child’s growth year-over-year also allows us to watch the trend on their growth chart more clearly. While a small drop in either their height or weight percentile usually isn’t cause for concern, seeing a significant drop in one percentile or the other, or even a subtle drop in both measures, can alert us to a possible chronic digestive issue like celiac disease or Crohn’s – even if the child doesn’t yet exhibit any gastrointestinal symptoms.

Depression
Kids who sleep a lot more than usual, or who are always tired and bored, especially in their teenage years could be suffering from improper thyroid function…. but these symptoms could also point to depression and anxiety. Allowing us to talk with your child and check simple bloodwork can help us discover the exact cause as quickly as possible so we can make the proper referrals. The past year has been incredibly stressful on kids who are lacking social interaction, struggling for privacy with everyone working from home, and, for high school seniors, trying to make immense decisions about college with limited access and information. The amount of referrals to therapists and psychologists has been tremendous lately, so the sooner we identify the issue, the sooner we can get your child the support he or she needs.

Now is a great time to check in with your pediatrician to make sure your child’s health is on track and to beat the summer camp and back-to-school rush. Let us know how we can help!

Dr. Amanda Menco is a pediatrician with Scarsdale Medical Group, seeing patients in the Mamaroneck location. To make an appointment, please call the Pediatrics Department at (914) 989-1111.

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Stew Leonard’s Opens 2021 Little Farms in Yonkers

5/4/2021

It's that time of year! Stew Leonard’s Little Farm is opening for the season on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

To welcome the goats, sheep, and chickens to their new homes, Stew’s Little Farm is hosting a celebration that will include snacks, balloons, and special appearances by Stew Leonard’s own costumed characters. The event will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021 from Noon – 1:00 p.m. at the Yonkers Store located at 1 Stew Leonard Drive, Yonkers, NY.

Kids ages 4 to 10 are also invited to enter the “Name Our Babies” contest. Parents can pick up a “Name Our Babies” entry form at customer service starting on May 1, 2021 and can submit their children’s recommended animal names into the suggestion box. The contest ends May 10, 2021 and winners will be notified by phone later that week.

The winners of the “Name Our Babies” contest will receive a $25.00 gift card to Stew Leonard’s and will also have their picture taken with the animal they named. These pictures will even be posted at Stew’s Little Farms so everyone will be able to see who named our baby animals!

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Top 10 Reasons Why Your Preschooler Needs Camp this Year

5/3/2021

After a year of limited activities and significant isolation, summer camp is more important than ever. And, not just for the big kids, camp is vital for the under 5 crowd just as well, if not even more! As Co-Directors of the Shames JCC’s River Friends Day Camp, we understand the importance of the early childhood camp experience and are so excited for this summer! Camp provides thrilling and unique activities that not only get children out of the house and moving but, in parallel, provide a foundation for development and growth—which promotes success in school and beyond. Need some specifics? Read on for our take on why camp is right for your young child this summer:

1. Camp Expands Your Child’s Social Circle.
This year, many young children were exclusively at-home with one or more caregivers. Some children connected with a few others in a “pod” set-up that rotated from one family’s home to another. And, then there were some that attended school or daycare, albeit in a “bubble” or “closed cohort” model. Bottom-line: Not much exposure to new faces, diverse personalities, or fresh opportunities to build friendships or to resolve challenges. Camp groups enable children to connect with peers from other towns and other school districts. Camp resets children’s social dynamics and fosters fresh, new relationships; a valuable opportunity and learning experience at any age!

2. Camp Introduces Your Child to New Activities
Unlike school, or another playdate at the park, camp offers children a wide array of activities and experiences that they might not have been exposed to before. Maybe your child finds out she loves soccer? Or gardening? Or yoga? By sampling all that camp has to offer, your child may discover a new passion that brings them joy and can be extended beyond the summer with extracurricular activities.

3. Camp Promotes Children’s Independence.
After a year of being largely at home, with parents and siblings often no further than one room away, now is a great time (and camp isa perfect setting) for young children to explore and learn an age-appropriate sense of independence. At camp, while guided by nurturing counselors, children themselves make choices and take-on new responsibilities. From choosing to play in the mud-kitchen rather than go down the slide, to independently unwrapping a cheese stick for the very first time, these are the moments when children are developing their independence and there are so many opportunities for these important moments during camp.

4. Camp Promotes Children’s Social & Emotional Development.
In recent years, the concept and importance of “Emotional Intelligence” has gained widespread acceptance and there is no better place to begin developing this life-skill than at camp. While schools must satisfy particular academic standards, at camp we have magnificent flexibility to focus on interpersonal skills like sharing, taking turns, and demonstrating patience. At camp, a child’s experience is multi-layered; life skills like self-awareness, teamwork, and empathy are built on camp’s fields, art tables, and play spaces.

5. Camp Gets Children Active and Outside!
During the pandemic, closed playgrounds and cancellation of typical extracurricular activities like sports, dance, and gymnastics, led to cooped-up kids! And camp is the perfect outlet for all of that pent up energy. During camp, children engage in activities that involve all kinds of movement and build gross motor skills. Children practice determination, develop confidence, and take pride in accomplishing goals like climbing to the top of the playground or helping their team complete a relay race. We have heard parents say that they know their kids are having a good time at camp when they come home tired and with dirt on their clothes—and we tend to agree. We can’t wait to play outside at camp!

6. Camp is Fun!
Let’s face it—the past year has been anything but fun and we all need some levity. Camp actively invites campers and counselors to be silly and laugh. Camp is for lightning up with spontaneous dance parties, bubbles, making funny faces, and sharing jokes! Having made it through a year without birthday parties, vacations, and more, this is the summer to find a camp program you are comfortable with and to reacquaint your child with fun!

7. Camp is Good for Parents Too!
Many parents have spent the entirety of the past year in close reach of their children. Stressed about enrolling their children in a school program and unsure about the safety of bringing a babysitter into the home, the parent’s “grown-up” time has faded away. Even activities like grocery shopping no longer provide an hour of grown-up time because it's all delivered or loaded into the car at curb-side now! When parents send their kids to camp, they can have peace of mind that they are doing something positive for their children and for themselves. Self-care is critical; let camp help make it possible for you!

8. Camp is a Gentle “On-Ramp” to Re-Engaging in Activities.
Approaching re-entry to everyday activities is not as simple as it might sound. There is separation anxiety for children and for parents! It feels a bit like first steps on a new planet—our footing feels unsteady and there are different gravitational pulls. But, camp can be your oasis in this landscape. Camps often offer flexible schedules with various sessions and half-day options. Want to try out the “new normal” and see how it feels—start with camp!

9. Camp is Screen-Free.
No screens. Really, no screens.

10. Camp Builds Lasting Community.
We have all been through a tough year, privately and in our homes, experiencing the challenges of life during a global pandemic. While “in it together” is often said, the isolation imposed by the pandemic sometimes makes “together” hard to believe. But “together” through camp is easy to imagine. Camp offers a shared experience for children and their families to collectively re-engage. With this shared experience, we can better understand and support one another—in current times and beyond. Camp families have opportunities to connect during the summer and throughout the year; camp has a lasting impact for everyone.

Written by Helen Berni & Stephany Olivieri, Co-Directors of River Friends Day Camp at the Shames JCC on the Hudson. Learn more about their camp on their website.

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Outdoor Aerial Adventure Parks, Ropes Courses and Zip Lining In and Near Westchester

4/29/2021

Adventurous children and families, this one is for you!

Embark on a thrilling, outdoor family-friendly adventure this spring or summer at a nearby aerial adventure park! Navigate your way through treetop obstacles, fly across the forest on a zip line, swing from tree to tree and climb your way up to extraordinary views. Kids and adults of all skill levels will relish in the thrill, excitement and achievement they will experience at these scenic and challenging aerial courses.

Check out these outdoor adventure parks featuring high ropes, zip lines, tight ropes, elevated bridges and climbing obstacles in and near Westchester County, NY. Challenge yourself, push boundaries and try something new. It will be an adrenaline pumping and bonding experience you will remember for years to come!

Boundless Adventures
Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY

Boundless Adventure aerial adventure park combines high ropes courses with zip lining. High in the trees are elements that require adventure-seekers to swing, climb, balance, traverse and zip line. They have nine courses that meet the needs of all skill levels. Beginner courses are closer to the ground, and do not require much strength and stamina. Advance courses are higher up in the canopy, and require more strength, stamina, and courage. Participants must be at least 7 years old to participate. Pricing is available on their website.

Spins Hudson
5 John Walsh Blvd., Peekskill, NY

Spins Hudson has the only outdoor/indoor ropes course in the Northeast challenging even the best climbers! The arial outdoor course has four levels and over 70 elements... and an incredible view once you reach the top at over 50 feet.

Pricing is $15 for 60 minutes for children with a minimum standing reach height of 56" unless accompanied by an adult (one adult per two children); $30 for 90 minutes for anyone with a minimum standing reach height of 69".

In addition to the outdoor rope course there is also a 5,000-square-foot, two story laser tag arena outfitted with lights, fog, and bridges (children must be at least 42 inches tall, and seven years or older to play).

They also have axe throwing for teens and adults ages 16+. Last but not least there is and a 5,000 square feet massive redemption arcade for all you gamers out there. With over 50 of the top industry games to play, VR gaming, and is the only video gaming entertainment center on the Hudson.

In addition to adventure and fun, Spins Hudson also serves homeschooling networks throughout Westchester to provide physical exercise via their ropes course and laser tag arena. The average calories burned in laser tag for 10 minutes is anywhere from 200-500 calories!

With the cost effective Hudson Passport you can get an all access pass to all Spins Hudson Play including one pass to access the indoor/outdoor aerial ropes course, laser tag arena, virtual reality game and redemption arcade.

Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure
Bronx River entrance to the Bronx Zoo, Bronx River Parkway at Boston Road, Bronx, NY

Climb, crawl, and swing through the Bronx Zoo's adventure ropes course and zip line. Soar 400 feet across the Bronx River and back on the zip line or try one of seven different ropes courses. Participants can swing from rope to rope, skateboard high above the ground, and navigate their way through the trees as part of their Treetop Adventure. Courses range in difficulty from beginner to expert and consist of challenge obstacles including rope bridges, wobbly bridges, tight rope walks, ladders, rolling and swinging elements, zip lines and more!

All participants must must fit properly into harness, be at least 7 years old and between 50 and 275 pounds. They must also be able to reach 5 ft 6 in with feet flat on the ground. Due to strict capacity restrictions, advanced tickets and reservations are strongly encouraged. On-site reservations can be made when there is availability. Tickets and prices are available on their website.

Barton Orchards Treetop Adventures
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY

Located on the vast farm at Barton Orchard, Tree Top Adventures is an exciting aerial adventure with five courses for all skill levels. Spend the day climbing, swinging, and zipping from tree to tree in one of the Hudson Valley’s most beautiful locations! The course includes two Yellow Courses (Easy), two Green Courses (Medium) and one Blue Course (Hard).

Tickets must be purchased online In advance. The price is $39.95 per person for a three-hour block. All climbers must weigh between 60 - 275 lbs, and be able to reach a minimum of 72 inches.

While you are there you can take advantage of the farm activities like the petting zoo, special events and playground. Don't miss the baked treats and outdoor dining, including their delicious ice cream (try the Apple Cider Donut Sundae)!

Additional Outdoor Aerial Adventure Parks, Ropes Courses and Zip Lining

If you are looking for more adventurous excursions, here is a list of additional adventure courses, zip lines and more in the tri-state area.

New York City

Adventures at Governors Island
The Alley Pond Park Adventure Course- anticipated opening summer 2021

Upstate New York

Catamount Mountain
New York Zip Line Canopy Tours (Located at Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl)
The Castle Fun Center
Adirondack Extreme

Long Island

Connecticut

New Jersey

Treetop Adventure Course at Turtle Back Zoo

Pennsylvania

For more ideas to have fun with kids in Westchester County, check out our Outdoor Fun and Indoor Fun pages.

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The Bedtime Blues: What to Do When Your Kids Can’t Sleep

4/22/2021

The day is done. Everyone is tucked into bed and you’re finally able to sit down (with a glass of wine, or a pint of ice cream, of whatever your vice may be these days!) and then you hear it….the sound no parent wants to hear after everyone has been tucked into bed…footsteps. “Mom….I can’t sleep.” Before you resign your sacred alone time to a bedtime battle, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Words Matter

Believe it or not, your kids ARE listening to what you say. When we speak about sleep, we want to make sure we’re using positive language. Often kids see sleep as a punishment that ends the fun of the day and not a great time to get cozy in our beds so our bodies can grow stronger and taller, and recharge so we have energy for the next day. Ask your child if they know why we sleep. I find this a fascinating question to ask kids. They often have no idea! Tell them all the great reasons why our bodies need to rest.

When speaking with children, the specific words you say matter. I encourage parents to use the work “rest” instead of sleep. For a child who is anxious, saying “go to sleep” can actually become a stressful proposition for them; we cannot will ourselves so sleep, no matter how hard we try. In reality, the harder we try, the harder it is. When we tell our kids to “close your eyes and rest,” we’re asking them to do something they have the power to do.

Something to Think About

Often kids will say they’re bored when trying to sleep, or they may keep thinking about worry thoughts, or scary thoughts. Help your kids brainstorm a list of things to think about when they rest in bed, and pick one each night. Topics can be as tangible as “think about the time we went to the beach” to whimsical ideas like “think about flying on a unicorn to a beach filled with cotton candy that you can build a castle with instead of sand.” Get creative!

A fun activity to do is to come up with a list of items and locations and put each on an index card. Before bed, have your kids pick 2-3 cards from the pile and use these words to create a new story for them to think about as they rest in bed.

Counting

Counting can be a simple activity to help quiet our minds and a very useful tool for children when they can’t sleep. A young child may love the challenge of “see how high you can count while you rest in your bed.” Tell them that you can’t wait to hear what number they got to when they wake in the morning.

A child who is struggling with worry thoughts can also benefit from counting. Counting is a benign activity that is boring enough to allow the brain to fall asleep, and concrete enough to be a distraction from our worries. Older kids can count by twos, or tell them to count backwards by twos from 200. (Please note if your child is really struggling with anxiety they should see a licensed therapist.)

Belly Breathing

Similar to counting, belly breathing helps quiet our bodies and minds. Children can put a stuffed animal on their belly and watch it go up and down while they slowly breath in and out. Counting while they breath can help ensure breathing is slow enough to promote sleep. Have your child count in for four to five seconds and out for four to five seconds (slightly longer intervals is fine too if they can handle it). This is a great tool to practice during the day time so kids know what to do, and can do it on their own in bed.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed

Screens, whether on an iPad, TV, phone or computer, can stimulate our brains and make it hard for people (yup, you too grown ups!) to fall asleep. If your child is having a hard time falling asleep at night, set a screen time curfew at least an hour before bedtime.

It’s OK to Rest and Not Sleep

Its important for kids to know that sometime we all lay in bed waiting to sleep and that’s ok! Talking to your kids about your own sleep can really help. Tell them what you do to get cozy and comfy in bed before sleep, and you can also tell them that sometimes you rest and let your mind wander before you fall asleep. The tools listed above should help empower our children so they aren’t worried or frustrated when they can’t sleep. Instead, they have a way to quiet their minds as they rest in bed and you can regain your adult time, too!

Written by Lauren Lappen. She is a Certified Sleep Consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions. As a mom of daughter Ellie and twins Rebecca and Kira, Lauren recognized the importance of self-care and sought to instill healthy sleep habits in her children so that she could ensure her own rest and be at her best as a parent, wife and friend.

Lauren studied under Deborah Pedrick, a pioneer in the field and founder of the Family Sleep Institute (FSI) and International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. She is thrilled to be able to educate families on the importance of sleep and to empower parents with the knowledge and ability to teach their kids to love sleep as much as her girls do!

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Organizing Kids’ Spaces: Easy as 1, 2, 3

4/18/2021

Spring is here with thoughts of daffodils, warmer days, and...spring cleaning! While this prospect can be daunting--especially for busy moms--we have some great tips on how to declutter and organize kids’ bedrooms and playrooms without the panic.

Brave the Bedroom
The first and most simple step when tackling a child’s bedroom, whether it belongs to a wee one or a pre-teen, is to remove all trash from trash cans, as well as hidden trash from under the bed, on closet floors, and even behind furniture. Once that’s done, the real decluttering can begin. An easy starting point is with clothing. Closets, dressers, and bureaus might be filled to the brim with clothing that your child has outgrown, or which is simply damaged or stained beyond repair. Combine clothing by size to expedite sorting. Then, divide all clothing into three piles: Keep, Donate, and Store (for younger siblings or anyone you’d like to pass them onto). Clearly label what you’re storing, so you don’t need to dig through boxes and bins in the future, when you’re looking for items like that special holiday dress for the baby!

Next, tackle the toys. Begin the process of sorting through toys one by one, dividing them into our three categories of Keep, Donate, and Store. After toys, you can focus on a library overhaul by sorting through your child’s books. Again, keeping the trifecta of Keep, Donate, and Store in mind, you can ensure there will be space for new favorites as your child grows.

After curating and sorting what remains in the room, it is an excellent time to thoroughly clean all surfaces, especially the floors (now that you can reach under the bed and deep inside the closets). A clean bedroom provides the opportunity to implement new storage solutions. Remember, organization is much easier to maintain when everything has a home. Bins, baskets, and dresser drawer dividers will help you and your kids stay organized going forward. Don’t forget to use coordinated space-saver hangers in closets to maximize your space! With systems in place, your child can help maintain their organized space on a daily basis.

Plow Through the Playroom
The playroom can easily become the most unruly area in your home, but conversely might be the most straightforward to organize. Imaginations run wild in the playroom, but that doesn’t mean you need to live in disarray. Again, we call on our trusted trifecta to guide us through the playroom makeover journey: Keep, Donate, and Store. As children outgrow toys, it’s fairly easy to determine under which category items fall. Pro tip: do not include the kids in the toy sorting process--they’ve been known to fall in love again with long-forgotten favorites which can make organizing take infinitely longer. Once finished decluttering and purging, you can begin reorganizing the room. Miniature cubbies, baskets, and clear (or colorful) bins are the key to a neat and orderly playroom. If you don’t have clear bins, be sure to clearly label the outside of the bin with the name of its contents (or with a picture label, for younger children).

Divide the room into activity zones: a craft area, a reading nook, a game section—and store all necessary items for the activity in their respective zone.

When reorganizing a playroom, make sure that your children can comfortably reach whatever they need. This fosters independence and encourages participation in cleanup. Returning a toy, book, or art supply to its rightful home is much more likely to happen if it is easy to do. We call that a win-win for parents and children alike!

If you need to purchase new furniture for your playroom, be sure to look for multi-use storage solutions like tables with shelves or drawers underneath, ottomans that open for additional storage, or benches with organizing cubbies. You never need to compromise style for function.

Need assistance conquering your kids’ clutter? 123organize is here to help!

As the #1 Move Management company in Westchester, with more than 15 years of experience offering premium organizing, staging, and moving services in Westchester County and the surrounding areas, our team is enthusiastic about helping our clients achieve their organizing goals!

With our non-judgemental approach, we are dedicated to providing you with a supportive and stress-free experience every step of the way.

For Westchester NY Moms, this spring we’re offering a complimentary in person or virtual consultation on all of our services - organizing, staging, and move management - if you book before June 1st, 2021. Just mention the code SPRING10 !

Contact us at: inquiries@123organize.com or visit our website at www.123organize.com for more information.

We look forward to simplifying your life!

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Volunteer, Donate and Make a Difference with The Sharing Shelf: Westchester's Clothing Bank for Children

4/16/2021

Do you have growing children and a basement, closet or attic brimming with their hand-me-downs? Perhaps you are looking for a local place to volunteer and donate your time. Have you wondered how you can give back locally and make a difference in the lives of your neighbors, particularly now during the pandemic?

The Sharing Shelf is your place. The Sharing Shelf, Westchester's Clothing Bank for Children, was founded in 2009 as a grassroots program to combat clothing insecurity and meet basic material needs, such as diapers, underwear, socks, period products and toiletries, for low-income children and families in our community.

They collect new and gently used clothing which is distributed to local children at no cost through nonprofits, schools, hospitals and community groups in Westchester County. Volunteers are the energy behind the program’s success. They sort donations and create customized clothing packages for each child served. Each bag contains a week’s worth of seasonally appropriate outfits - at least seven outfits, as well as new socks and new underwear (or diapers for babies and toddlers). All children receive a toiletry kit and every menstruating girl gets period products.

The Sharing Shelf also hosts a semi-annual free shopping day for teen girls called Teen Boutique (re-imagined during the pandemic), and every summer launches its Backpacks to School initiative to provide new backpacks filled with grade appropriate school supplies.

Do you want to get involved and make a difference? There are countless ways you can help.

Donate Clothing
The Sharing Shelf accepts donations of clothing in all sizes, from newborn to XXL, for infants, children and teens. Clothing should be in clean, wearable condition ready for immediate distribution, free of rips, stains and tears. Donations of seasonally appropriate clothing are preferred. In addition to gently used clothing, The Sharing Shelf seeks donations of new socks and new underwear. In the fall and winter, they accept donations of new hats and gloves particularly in toddler and youth sizes.

To learn more, visit sharingshelf.org/donate-clothing or visit their Target registry for up-to-date needs.

If you work in a school or chair the PTA, consider taking charge of your school’s lost and found, tap a couple volunteers to wash any dirty items, and bring the donations to The Sharing Shelf.

All clothing donations are by appointment. Visit signup.com/go/EgKfokm to schedule a time.

Volunteer at The Sharing Shelf

Volunteers are critical to The Sharing Shelf. Volunteers sort and pack clothing in the warehouse, organize collection drives in the community, support the backpack packing and distribution, and run Teen Boutique. Each year, hundreds of volunteers - students, individuals, families, special needs adults, community groups and businesses - log more than 10,000 hours in The Sharing Shelf's warehouse or from their homes.

The program has adopted safety protocols during COVID-19, with socially distant workstations and open doors for fresh air to best protect the health and safety of their volunteers. The program is open weekdays, Monday to Thursday and either Saturday or Sunday most weekends (during the school year). Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and everyone ages 14- 17 must be accompanied by their own parent or guardian who actively volunteers. To learn more: sharingshelf.org/volunteer.

Virtually Volunteer At-Home (and diaper donations)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Sharing Shelf has tapped volunteers countywide to support their work with at-home projects. Volunteers are tasked with filling toiletry kits for infants, children, teens and families, creating layette sets with items like baby towels, bibs, burp cloths and washcloths, or encouraged to organize drives for new underwear and diapers. The National Diaper Bank Network estimates that, at minimum, diaper banks and programs like The Sharing Shelf are distributing 50% more diapers monthly to families in need than before COVID-19.

During the summer, volunteers will be needed to fill pencil cases for back-to-school backpacks and organize school supply drives.

Sign up to organize your own drive or learn more about The Sharing Shelf’s needs, visit: sharingshelf.org/organize-a-drive. To sign up for an at-home project: signup.com/go/FTFYrEb.

Other Ways to Help

The Sharing Shelf’s success depends on community collaboration and partnership. Sponsors support the Teen Boutique program and the Backpacks to School initiative. Contact Deborah Blatt (dblatt@sharingshelf.org), The Sharing Shelf’s Executive Director, to learn how your business can become a named sponsor or help underwrite these vital programs.

Drives organized at area schools, businesses, houses of worship, and community groups ensure that The Sharing Shelf has the clothing and basic essentials needed to aid those in need. The program welcomes youth who are becoming a B’nei Mitzvah, having a Confirmation, or who are earning their Silver or Gold Award, or their Eagle Scout rank, and offers a range of age-appropriate projects and ideas.

Supporting Your Low-Income Students or Clients

If you work in a Westchester school or an area non-profit and assist low-income families, visit sharingshelf.org/assistance to learn how to apply for clothing for your clients or email Kathy Ellis, The Sharing Shelf’s Assistant Director (kellis@sharingshelf.org).

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