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Where Kids Can Learn & Play Tennis in Westchester-  Spring Programs and Summer Camps 2021

2/25/2021

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Did you know The United States Tennis Association is headquartered in White Plains? Yeah, tennis is kind of a big deal here. Many children and adults enjoy the game and why not. Tennis has so many benefits. 

Tennis 
is an excellent source of exercise to help children stay fit and maintain an active lifestyle. It provides plenty of activity and can improve muscle tone, strength and flexibility. Playing tennis strengthens children's bones and has been proven to help prevent osteoporosis later on in life. Plus developmentally it helps kids develop hand eye coordination, agility, balance, strength and both fine and gross motor coordination.

Tennis provides a great social opportunity for young athletes. Group lessons, clinics, camps and matches all are great ways for kids to connect with other kids. Playing and learning tennis will give kids a first-hand experience to learn the value of good sportsmanship, teamwork, and camaraderie.

Another nice thing about tennis is that there is not a ton of equipment required to get started— just grab a racquet and a ball and you're ready to go. Tennis is easy to enjoy. 

Last but not least, tennis is not a high contact sport which has a few benefits of its own. First, there is a low risk of injury. Second, because tennis does not require any direct person-to-person contact it is easy to socially distance—  a critical must-have as we continue to find safe ways to stay healthy and have fun during the pandemic. In fact, tennis is considered a low-risk sport overall... especially when played outdoors. 
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There are a number of local tennis facilities where children can learn to play tennis, improve their game and master their skills through competition. There is no shortage of group classes, camps and tennis programs for children in Westchester County— check out our list below.

Tennis Facilities in Westchester County

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Armonk Tennis Club
546 Bedford Rd, Armonk, NY

The Junior Tennis Academy at the Armonk Tennis Club offers programs for all ages and skill levels. For dedicated, high-level players there is an intensive program that allows them to set and attain individual goals. The AITA summer program consists of Advanced and Junior Camps so that elite and casual players alike can reach their tennis goals. They also offer Camp Armonk, a premier sports and enrichment experience for children entering kindergarten through 5th grade. 


Chestnut Ridge Racquet Club
30 Snyders Hill Rd, Mount Kisco, NY

The CRRC offers a variety of programs including Junior Groups, Tournament Training, Summer Camp, Match Play and Private Lessons. Their pros are certified and have a world class background in playing and teaching tennis. CRRC's Junior Summer Tennis Camp  provides intensive training for the serious junior player who is regularly competing in tournaments and matches.


Club Fit Briarcliff
584 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY
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Club Fit has a number  of Junior Development Tennis Programs serving kids ages 3-18. They also offer a Junior Ladder program, Kids Play Days and a Tournament Training Elite Program. In addition there is a Summer Tennis Camp for all levels aimed to provide a comprehensive, solid foundation of tennis knowledge. Emphasis is placed on stroke-production, tactics and strategies during match-play. 


Club Fit Jefferson Valley
600 Bank Road, Jefferson Valley, NY

Club Fit offers programs for all ages and skill levels with their goal being for each student to have fun and enjoy being on the court while learning and developing their game. In addition they have Junior Ladder Match Play, QuickStart 10&Under, Varsity & Junior Varsity, Junior Competitive Programs – 10 & Under, 12 & Under and 14 & Under and Private & Semi-Private Lessons. Their Summer Camp lets you choose from choose daily, weekly or a full 9-weeks. The tennis camp is run and taught by certified and experienced tennis staff. Emphasis is placed on stroke-production, technique, tactics and strategies during match-play. All levels are welcome from the beginner to the advanced.


College Racquet Club at Concordia
171 White Plains Rd, Bronxville, NY

Clinics for juniors (kids through high school) are available throughout the year. Their 10 and under program follows USTA designed red, orange and green ball play. They also offer a Competitive Ladder Pathway for older and competitive juniors ranging from beginner to advanced. Private lessons are available as well. While they do not have a summer camp they do offer individual and family memberships for the summer months. 


Grand Slam: An Ivan Lendl Tennis Center
​One Bedford-Banksville Road, Bedford, NY

Grand Slam Tennis Club features a wide variety of junior tennis programs including their exclusive IGNiTE Junior 10 and Under Tennis Program for children. Their programs are great for beginners through experienced players of all ages. Their Tennis Whizz program is for children ages 3-5 learning basic tennis for toddlers including motor skills development and tons of fun. Junior development programs are taught using the "Hitting Hot" tennis system founded by tennis champion Ivan Lendl.


Greenburgh Indoor Tennis
600 Dobbs Ferry Rd, White Plains, NY

Their highly regarded Junior programs runs for a 31-week season from September to May. Registration is ongoing. Classes will be prorated if you join after the session has started. Programs are for children ages 5-18. Children will be evaluated and placed in a class based on age and skill level.
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Life Time Fitness
480 N Bedford Rd, Chappaqua, NY
1 Westchester Park Dr, West Harrison, NY 


Life Time’s SMART tennis matches your child’s development with appropriately sized balls, racquets and court sizes. Using world-class teaching techniques, SMART allows the sport of tennis to grow with your child. Kids start playing with other kids right away, learning as they go. New SMART sessions begin every three months. Winter session starts in January, Spring in March/April, Summer in May/June and Fall starts in August/September.  Open to non-members.

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New Rochelle Tennis Club
114 Valley Rd, New Rochelle, NY

The New Rochelle Tennis Club is situated on two acres in Wykagyl Park in New Rochelle and includes eight well-maintained outdoor har-tru courts open May through November. Membership is not required to book a lesson. Their Summer Tennis Camp is an eight week program (select the weeks you like) for kids ages 12-18. In addition they offer LittleTennisLand, a program designed for the 10 and Under players to introduce them the tennis fundamentals, the grip, swing, and stance.


​Old Oaks Country Club
3100 Purchase St, Purchase, NY

Open to non-members, the Old Oaks tennis program includes dynamic and fun programs for younger children eager to learn how to play tennis, as well as programs geared for older youth players who are interested in further developing their game. Their instructors are specifically trained to work with children and teens to make learning the game of tennis fun and engaging. Facilities include 9 Har-Tru tennis courts with 4 courts under 2 'bubbles' for winter play.


​Pinebrook Fitness /  The New Rochelle Racquet Club
130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle, NY

The club's Junior Development Programs is a blocked program consisting of multiple courts with three levels: Red Ball, Orange Ball, or Green Ball. This program is designed to challenge kid's skills and work on problem solving; a segue to their Tournament Training Program (TTP). They also offer a variety of tennis camps throughout the year including Vacation Mini-Camps and Summer Camp, which runs June through August. There are age appropriate games and activities for all ages and skill levels divided into three separate camps.


Pleasantville Tennis Club
57 Willow Street, Pleasantville,  NY

Founded in 1916, PTC is a club for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. PTC is a small, not-for-profit, member-supported, private outdoor tennis club located in historic Pleasantville, NY. The Club welcomes new members – families, women, men, juniors and seniors of all ability levels. Technique, singles, and doubles strategy, scoring, match play, sportsmanship and fitness will be covered in their Spring Junior Program that lasts nine weeks. Summer program details have not been announced yet.

Premier Athletic Club
2127 Albany Post Rd, Montrose, NY

Children of all ages – from beginner’s level to advanced – can participate in the tennis camps at the club. Grouped by age and ability, children will learn basic tennis skills, tennis etiquette and tournament training. Programs are open to non-members. Their Summer Tennis Camp is open to the public and lasts seven-weeks.  Open to children ages 6 to 14, Monday thru  Friday, 9am – 3pm with early drop off and after camp services for additional fee.
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Rye Racquet Club
3 South Rd, Harrison, NY

RRC offers a range of tennis programs. Children 12 and under can participate in Red, Orange and Green Ball programs. Children ages 11 and up can join the Junior Development programs. The JG Development program is a high-performance program which has opened up new opportunities for the most competitive junior tennis players in the Tri-State area. The Head Coach and Director of the program, Johnny Gularte, has a proven record of helping young players raise their game to achieve their goals. His successful training system has resulted in student-athletes obtaining scholarships to universities across the US.​ They also offer summer programming for ages 4-18 that is half day and runs as weekly sessions June 28 through August 27.


Saw Mill Club
77 Kensico Dr, Mount Kisco, NY

Saw Mill Club offers numerous children’s tennis programs for tots through teens. Programs include 10 and Under Tennis, Junior Training, EDGE Prep Tennis and EDGE Tennis. They will also offer Summer Camp for kids ages 4 and up. All children's programming is open to non-members.


SPORTIME Harbor Island
W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY 

SPORTIME Harbor Island is located in beautiful Harbor Island Park in the Village of Mamaroneck and features 8 beautifully maintained indoor/outdoor red clay courts that are covered by a "bubble" during the indoor season, from late mid September through mid May. The clubhouse includes a lounge, pro shop and full locker room facilities. Programs are for children ages 3 and up. Membership is required to participate in SPORTIME/JMTA program series. They will be offering camp this summer in ten, full-week sessions. Campers will be required to enroll in a minimum of one, full-week session.  There will be half day AM and PM  options for camp as well as extended AM and PM options. They also offer birthday parties.


SPORTIME Lake Isle
660 White Plains Rd, Eastchester, NY

SPORTIME Lake Isle is lower Westchester's premier tennis destination and home to the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. Lake Isle features 8 indoor har-tru (green synthetic clay) tennis courts under 3 state-of-the-art air structures and a 5,000 square foot clubhouse on two levels with superior viewing. Programs are for children ages 3 and up. Membership is required to participate in SPORTIME/JMTA program series. They will be offering camp this summer in ten, full-week sessions. Campers will be required to enroll in a minimum of one, full-week session.  There will be half day AM and PM  options for camp as well as extended AM and PM options. They also offer birthday parties.

 
Tennis Innovators Academy
Delfino Park, 110 Lake St, White Plains, NY

The goal of the 10U & Junior Academy at TIA Westchester, is to modify the court, balls, racket, and net to the size and strength level of the players 10 and under. For players, ages 8-12, an evaluation is required to ensure proper placement in the Junior Academy program. There is also a Summer Camp that will run for 10 weeks with customized summer curriculums for all ages (4 and up) and levels of ability. Sessions are two hours during weekdays with matches on weekends.


Tennis Club of Hastings
100 River St, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

The curriculum at Tennis Club of Hastings–a combination of well-crafted progressions and stimulating exercises–has been designed by USPTA, PTR, and former touring professionals. Their methodical approach ensures that every child learns the fundamentals and more in an encouraging, nurturing, and fun environment. Developmental programs begin at age 3 and go up to age 18.

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The Play Place
11 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford, NY

The Play Place aims to introduce young children to the excitement and fun of tennis. They offer 10 and Under Tennis, which is an exciting new play format for learning tennis, designed to bring kids into the game by utilizing specialized equipment, shorter court dimensions and modified scoring, all tailored to age and size. It’s the fast, fun way to get kids into tennis– and keep them playing. This enables kids to practice and play real tennis and allows them to have fun and learn at the same time. Most importantly to fall in love with tennis! They offer a Kids Multi-Sport & Dance Summer Camp that runs weekly for kids ages 4 and up and includes tennis.


Yonkers Tennis  Center
493 Sprain Rd, Yonkers, NY

Enjoy weekly clinics at YTC using USTA's Net Generation curriculum. Juniors are grouped into 4:1 max ratio with a coach to learn the game of tennis in a clean, social, safe, and dynamic atmosphere. Their goal is to help kids learn tennis through a variety of fun skill-building activities with the use of red, orange, green low compression balls and yellow balls. They also offer private lessons and Junior Match Play.

Additional Places to Play Tennis

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In addition to the above dedicated tennis facilities and clubs there are a number of other local places to play and learn tennis. Many independent tennis instructors would be willing to meet you at public facilities for a lesson.

  • County, Town or Village Parks- Check with your local town or village recreation department to see if there are tennis courts that are open for use and/or if there are any instructional programs available. 

  • Schools- Many local public and private schools have outdoor tennis courts available for families.

  • Camps- There are a number of day camps that offer tennis as one of their activities. Check out this list of county favorites.

  • Swim, Tennis & Country Clubs- During the spring and summer many seasonal swim and country clubs have tennis courts available for use. Some offer camps and lessons as well. Membership is typically required to access these courts.
Did we miss any? Share your favorite tennis courts in the comments below.

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Summer Camps, Indoor Family Entertainment Centers and Outdoor Amusement Parks Can Open in New York

2/18/2021

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​As we make our way through another snowy day, the thought of summer is a welcome distraction. Yesterday we received some good news for summer planning. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that day and overnight summer camps in New York State can begin to plan for reopening!

The green light to open camps is a huge sigh of relief for many parents who have children who attend, or plan to attend, sleep away camps in New York State. Last summer sleep away camps did open successfully in other states but New York did not allow it. However, many day camps did open safely in New York last summer thanks to strict health and safety measures like masks, temperature checks, distancing, elimination of busing and pods/cohorts.
Many parents are eager to send their kids to camp this summer because it will provide them with some much needed activity, independence, socialization, fresh air and fun! The pandemic has been crushing to everyone and camp is a great step in bringing some normalcy and happiness to our children... and some much needed free time and uninterrupted work time to parents. 

​What's next? The Department of Health will issue specific reopening guidance, including details on timing, in the coming weeks.

CHECK OUT THE BEST DAY CAMPS IN WESTCHESTER
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Also announced yesterday, indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement can open with a 25 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, March 26. This is good news for indoor water parks and other attractions/recreation businesses like The Kartrite in Monticello and Legoland Discovery Center in Yonkers, which have remained closed over the course of the pandemic. Their websites do not contain reopening details yet but it is anticipated that will be coming soon based on this announcement!

CHECK OUT INDOOR PLAY & ADVENTURE CENTERS- WHAT'S OPEN & WHAT'S NOT
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Lastly, the governor stated that outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, April 9. Other states did allow these to open last summer but not New York, so this is a welcome change. Businesses like Rye's Playland Park and Splashdown Beach in Fishkill, NY never opened their doors last summer.
Of course there is some uncertainty and concern with reopening while COVID-19 cases are still present. While these attractions can be good for our mental health, they are sure to bring people together, which is how the virus spreads. While some people have been fortunate enough to be vaccinated, more research is needed to determine if you can still be contagious after being vaccinated. So for now it is critical that we stay vigilant about social distancing and mask wearing.

Something else to keep in mind is that the CDC says that
indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces because it might be harder to keep people apart and there’s less ventilation indoors. So we can take comfort in choosing outdoor experiences over indoor ones for now.

What's next? The governor is requiring that all facilities submit reopening plans with health protocols to the local health department. Masks and social distancing will be required for all customers and staff, and customers will be required to have a health screening with temperature checks prior to entry.

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Fall in Love With Cinema Again at Showcase Cinema de Lux

2/9/2021

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Enjoy the latest releases and classic bring backs at Showcase Cinema de Lux, now operating under its new Be Showcase Safe health and safety program. Treat your family to a specially priced private screening, and join Starpass and the Popcorn Club to get exclusive offers all year long. And don’t forget the popcorn! Pre-order tickets and your favorite concession items contact-free via the free Showcase Cinemas app and website.

Visit the Showcase Cinema de Lux location near you and share the magic of the movies with your family! Reserve tickets and private screenings at showcasecinemas.com.

Showcase Cinema de Lux City Center, 19 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains
Showcase Cinema de Lux Cross County, 2 South Drive, Yonkers 
Showcase Cinema de Lux Ridge Hill, 59 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers
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PRIVATE SCREENINGS

Specially priced private screenings are the perfect way to enjoy a family trip to the movies! Watch the latest release or a classic bring back in your own private auditorium for up to 20 guests. Add a concession value package and save even more! With classic titles starting at only $99 and new releases starting at $199, private screenings are a great way to make a new movie memory this school vacation or Valentine’s Day. View the list of classic titles and reserve a private screening now.
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CONTACTLESS ORDERING AND XPRESS PICK-UP

Showcase Cinema de Lux makes it easy to order tickets and your favorite snacks in advance! Skip the line by purchasing movie tickets and concessions at showcasecinemas.com or via the free Showcase app for a contactless experience. Concession orders are available at the designated XPress Pick-Up area.
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THE POPCORN CLUB

The Popcorn Club is a fun way for kids 11 and younger to enjoy the movies! For a one-time fee of only $10, members receive a free movie ticket, 123 Go Box (kids concession combo), membership card and backpack when they join, plus a free ticket every year for their birthday! Members also get special movie prizes and exclusive invitations and offers all year long. Join the Popcorn Club today!
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STARPASS

Get more movies and more rewards with Starpass! Members earn 10% on virtually all purchases and never pay fees for tickets purchased via showcasecinemas.com or the Showcase app. Starpass members receive a $5 reward for every $50 spent to apply to a future ticket or concession purchase. Members also get exclusive offers all year long. Joining Starpass is free and easy. Sign up today!
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BE SHOWCASE SAFE

Showcase Cinemas is doing its part to help keep you safe with its new Be Showcase Safe health and safety program. The program has been developed and certified with J.S. Held, an environmental health and safety firm led by noted toxicologists, epidemiologists and an Assistant Surgeon General, US Public Health Service (Retired). The Be Showcase Safe program includes employee health screenings before shifts as well as food and beverage manager ServSafeTM Food Safety Certification under the National Restaurant Association's ServSafe food and safety training and certification program. Additional new procedures include the installation of air-purifying systems for all US theaters, reduced auditorium seating capacity, automatic socially distanced seating, increased and enhanced auditorium cleaning between shows and for high-touch surface areas, employee and guest protective mask requirements, social distancing markers and the availability of hand-sanitizing stations. To learn more about the Be Showcase Safe program and how you can do your part to keep movie-going safe and fun for everyone, please visit showcasecinemas.com. ​

Watch the video to learn more.

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Paint Your Way To Fun This Winter With A Maze in Pottery

2/2/2021

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The perfect place to express your creativity while getting out of the house in a fun and safe way, A Maze in Pottery, located at 76 North State Road in Briarcliff Manor, offers a multitude of options for pottery painting. Both kids and adults alike will find pieces and colors that bring out their inner artist, time and time again.

​The in-store options are endless, and the paint-at-home options are just as diverse. A Maze in Pottery is dedicated to providing the safest, most memorable experience possible for every painter.
1. In-Store Safety Procedure
At A Maze in Pottery, your safety is the number one priority. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, strict safety procedures have been put in place to guarantee the safety of all painters and staff. Upon entering the store, customers are required to sanitize their hands and have their temperature taken and recorded. Customers with above-average temperatures will not be permitted in the studio. Masks are required at all times, by both customers and staff, and customers are seated at tables that are six feet apart from each other. After being used, all equipment and materials, including tables, seats, water bowls, brushes, etc., are sanitized. ​
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2. Walk-Ins and Reservation
The A Maze in Pottery studio is open for walk-ins for groups of four or less. You simply have to come in and get ready for some fun! For groups of five or more, you can make a reservation over the phone or make a Table reservation online. Once you come in, the staff will guide you through picking out your pieces and colors, as well as the pottery painting process. There are hundreds of pieces to choose from, from animals to picture frames to coffee mugs, and dozens of colors. The staff is friendly and helpful, making an environment in which you can truly paint your heart out. 
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3. In-Store and Take Home Parties
What better way to celebrate than with an A Maze in Pottery party? At A Maze in Pottery, you can choose from a variety of party packages, including free-painting, in which every party guest can choose their own piece, and projects. Younger painters might enjoy the story-and-paint Kids parties, whereas adults can create masterful chocolate-dipping sets, planters, dinner plates, and more.

From birthdays to bridal showers to team building events, A Maze in Pottery has you covered. However, in-store parties are not the only option! With A Maze in Pottery’s party rental 
“Art-To-Go” bucket, you can bring the party home for a week! The bucket includes instructions, paints, brushes, and everything else you will need to have a perfect painting party. Check out this short video.
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4. Pottery-to-go
A Maze in Pottery understands that many painters might feel better in the comfort of their own home. Fear not! With Pottery-To-Go, bring the wonders of pottery painting home. By placing an order online, you are able to pick out pieces and colors just as you would be able to at the store. A Maze in Pottery even offers creative step-by-step take-home projects, such as cheese platters and watermelon bowls. Brushes and instructions are included in your order to make the experience as accessible as possible. Orders can be picked up in the store, or delivered if you live within 20 miles of the studio.
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5. Online Classes

A Maze in Pottery also offers classes online over Zoom! Reserve your spot for the class online and either pick up your class materials or have them delivered and you are ready to go! With online classes, you are able to experience professional instruction on how to create a beautiful piece from your own home. 
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You can contact A Maze in Pottery at (914) 502-0088 or visit amazeinpottery.com.

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10 Safe Birthday Party Venues for Westchester Kids to Celebrate Another Year

1/26/2021

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Image: @clairesstores
Can you believe we are now a year into the pandemic? Many of us have children who will be celebrating a second birthday in the world of social distancing. Finding a safe, creative and fun way to celebrate is no small feat.

While drive-by parties and virtual celebrations are still very much alive, some families are open to the idea of getting together safely inside with a small, masked and distanced group. Especially now as more people are being vaccinated every day! If you fall in that category then you will be delighted to learn about all of the exciting experiential birthday party options at The Palisades Center.

The Palisades Center, a haven of entertainment just across the Mario Cuomo Bridge, is loaded with entertainment venues where you can celebrate the big day safely and in style. They have instituted Healthy Shopper Guidelines that include comprehensive safety and sanitizing measures to help protect employees and shoppers.

​Check out these 10 safe birthday party venues for Westchester kids, sure to bring a smile to your birthday boy or girl!
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Image: @5witsadventures
​5 Wits
Teleport to an abandoned spaceship, capture a fire-breathing dragon, and test your wits against the Pharaoh – this is no ordinary birthday party! Party packages include a decorated party room, food and beverages.
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Image: @autobahn_palisades
Autobahn Indoor Speedway
At Autobahn, skip the gimmicks and get straight to exhilarating races, comfortable facilities and fully customizable a la kart options for your event. Gather your team, strap in, and race on!
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Ready to get your celebration on? Every Build-A-Bear party package is full of energy, creativity and most of all, fun!
Claire’s
Celebrate you next birthday at every girl’s happy place! The staff will help you select the best activities to increase the fun. Whatever party theme you choose, your party will look amazing!
Color Me Mine
Color Me Mine provides everything you and your guests need to celebrate and create at your pARTy! There are plenty of options to customize your experience.
Escape the Mystery Room
Embark on an adventurous celebration! Escape the Mystery Room provides all ages with a creative and fun party experience.
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Image: @glitter_n_glam_nj
Glitter & Glam
Customize your Glitter & Glam party whether big or small! Leave the details to them and the Glitter & Glam team can personalize your celebration to any theme you wish.
Nomad Kali & Combat Fitness
Give an epic and unforgettable party they’ll never forget! Learn the ways of Martial Arts and enjoy goody bags for you and your guests.
OMG Entertainment
Have the ride of your life without having to travel far! OMG Entertainment party packages include a variety of exclusive virtual reality experiences.
Palisades Climb Adventure
Start a new year by climbing new heights! Let the thrill-seeker in you experience this ultimate celebration.

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Indoor Play & Adventure Centers for Westchester Kids- What's Open and What's Not 2021

1/21/2021

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As we approach the one year mark of the pandemic many of us are searching for ways to keep our kids entertained, challenged and active. Typically this time of year we head indoors to enjoy the amazing indoor play and adventure centers we have right here in Westchester. But this year is different. So we took a look at all of the local indoor play spaces, kids gyms, trampoline parks, bowling alleys, arcades, climbing centers, mini golf courses and more to identify which spots are open and which are not.

The following list highlights local indoor entertainment venues for kids in or near Westchester, noting which are open, temporarily closed or permanently closed. Many of these centers offer private small group classes or pods even if their location is closed. Also, you can take advantage of virtual and online classes being offered by many local kids gyms from the safety of your home so do check their websites for details.

As with everything these days, things are always changing. So while some locations may be listed as temporarily closed, their status can change at any time. Same goes for open locations.

Open locations have mandatory health and safety measures in place including capacity restrictions, sanitizing, masks, health screen waivers and advance reservations. Before heading out be sure to find out what you need to do for a safe and fun and experience.

For more ideas, visit our Indoor Fun, Outdoor Fun and Virtual Fun pages.
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​Jump or Bounce

Bounce!  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage, NY ​

Bounce U  CURRENTLY OPEN
150 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford, NY 
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Rockin' Jump  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
333 N Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco, NY
Ridge Hill, 241 Market Street , Yonkers, NY

Sky Zone  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
33 Lecount Pl, New Rochelle, NY
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Arcades & Adventure Centers

Billy Beez  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., Unit A-100 West Nyack, NY
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Dave & Buster's  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
 881 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, NY
Palisade's Center, 4661 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY

FunFuzion  PERMANENTLY CLOSED
29 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, NY 

Life The Place to Be  CURRENTLY OPEN
​2 Lawrence Street, Ardsley, NY

Play Connection
  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd, Yorktown Heights, NY

Spins Hudson  CURRENTLY OPEN
5 John Walsh Blvd., Peekskill, NY

Sportime USA  CURRENTLY OPEN
380 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, NY
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Gyms & Place Spaces for Young Children

Billy Beez  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., Unit A-100 West Nyack, NY

​Great Play  PERMANENTLY CLOSED
969B, Midway Shopping Center, Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, NY

Gymboree PERMANENTLY CLOSED, NEW LOCATION TO COME
450 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, NY

Gym Dandy  TEMPORARILY CLOSED, AIMING TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER
1415 Pelhamdale Ave, Pelham, NY

Gymtime  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
1 Heathcote Rd, Scarsdale, NY

Jodi's Gym  PERMANENTLY CLOSED
25 Hubbels Dr, Mt Kisco, NY

Kids In Sports  PRIVATE AND SMALL GROUP CLASSES AT THEIR LOCATION OR YOUR HOME/YARD AVAILABLE
365 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, NY

Kidville  PERMANENTLY CLOSED
145 Kisco Avenue, Mt. Kisco, NY

Kids U  
Port Chester- 14 Waterfront Place, Port Chester, NY TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Pleasantville- 175 Tompkins Avenue, Pleasantville, NY PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Little Gym  CURRENTLY OPEN
777 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale, NY

My Gym  CURRENTLY OPEN
43 Hamilton St, Dobbs Ferry, NY
1030 W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY
42 Triangle Center, Yorktown Heights, NY

Play at The Westchester Mall  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
125 Westchester Ave, White Plains, NY, Savor Level 4

Play Place  CURRENTLY OPEN
11 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford, NY

Pop in! Play Space & Cafe  CURRENTLY OPEN
1997-1999 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont, NY, 

Sportime USA  CURRENTLY OPEN
380 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, NY
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​Tig & Peach  CURRENTLY OPEN
125 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, NY

We Rock The Spectrum  CURRENTLY OPEN
606 Main Street, New Rochelle, NY
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​ZenZone Sensory Gym PERMANENTLY CLOSED
​2055 Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY
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Amusement Parks & Large Attractions

Legoland Discovery Center  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Ridge Hill, 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 

American Dream
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
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BigSnow  CURRENTLY OPEN
DreamWorks Water Park CURRENTLY OPEN
​Nickelodeon Universe  CURRENTLY OPEN
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Bowling

Bowlmor  CURRENTLY OPEN
47 Tarrytown Rd., White Plains, NY

Cortlandt Lanes  CURRENTLY OPEN
2192 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt, NY

Homefield Bowl  CURRENTLY OPEN
938 Saw Mill River Rd, Yonkers NY
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FunFuzion Rock N'Bowl  PERMANENTLY CLOSED
29 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, NY 

Life The Place to Be (Mini Bowling)  CURRENTLY OPEN
​2 Lawrence Street, Ardsley, NY

​Lucky Strike   TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Drive
West Nyack, NY
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Spins Bowl  CURRENTLY OPEN
333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY
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Mini Golf

FunFuzion  PERMANENTLY CLOSED
29 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, NY 

​Monster Mini Golf  CURRENTLY OPEN
Ridge Hill, 221 Market Street 2nd Floor, Yonkers, NY 10710

Space Adventure Glow in the Dark Mini Golf  CURRENTLY OPEN
Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Drive
West Nyack, NY
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Car Racing & Go Karts ​

Autobahn Indoor Speedway  CURRENTLY OPEN
Palisades Center Mall (2nd Floor Above Best Buy), 2272 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY

Grand Prix New York  CURRENTLY OPEN
333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY

RPM Raceway  CURRENTLY OPEN
600 West Ave, Stamford, CT
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Circus, Rock Climbing, Ropes & Sky Diving

Cliffs of Valhalla  CURRENTLY OPEN
​1 Commerce St., Valhalla, NY

GPX Extreme Play at Grand Prix New York  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY
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iFly Westchester  CURRENTLY OPEN
849 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY

Life The Place to Be  CURRENTLY OPEN
​2 Lawrence Street, Ardsley, NY

Palisades Climb Adventure  CURRENTLY OPEN
Palisades Center, 4590 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 
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The Rock Club  CURRENTLY OPEN
130 Rhodes Street, New Rochelle, NY
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Spins Hudson  CURRENTLY OPEN
5 John Walsh Blvd., Peekskill, NY

SportimeUSA  CURRENTLY OPEN
380 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, NY

Westchester Circus Arts  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Shames JCC on Hudson, 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY
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Ninjas

The Grit Ninja  CURRENTLY OPEN
404 Irvington Street, Pleasantville, NY

GPX Extreme Play at Grand Prix New York  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY

Sky Zone  TEMPORARILY CLOSED
33 Lecount Pl, New Rochelle, NY​

​Westchester Ninja Warrior CURRENTLY OPEN
​150 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY​

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Painting, Slime, Digital Arts, Performing Arts & More Classes for Kids in Westchester

1/20/2021

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Little artists can get in touch with their creative side with these art programs for kids in Westchester. Local community organizations, art centers, schools and studios have adapted their programming for the pandemic and are offering both in person and online instruction. You can register for a small group studio class, schedule a private class at your home or register for a virtual workshop. Some places are even delivering supply kits!

Why are art classes a good idea? Art can help kids develop their creativity, fine motor skills, problem solving ability and communication skills. Art can foster existing skills and teach new ones. It also helps kids learn to focus and persevere. And last but not least, art classes can keep kids engaged, inspired and busy during these pandemic winter months.

So what are are you waiting for? Whether you have a tween who is passionate about painting or a preschooler who loves making slime, check out this list of local art schools and more in Westchester.
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Community Art Organzations 

Arts Westchester
31 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd Floor, White Plains, NY

Ossining Arts Council
​P.O Box 408, Ossining, New York
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RiverArts
414 Warburton Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
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​General Art Centers & Schools

Art Academy of Westchester
​145 Palisades Street, Suite 404, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Bethany Arts Center
40 Somerstown Road, Ossining, NY

Blue Door Arts Center
13 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers, NY

Bott Shoppe
174 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY

Cedar Lane Arts Center
95 Broadway, Ossining, NY

Katonah Art Center
40-2 Radio Circle Drive Mount Kisco, NY
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One River Art School
112 S. Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY
2081 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY
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Pelham Art Center
155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, NY

RAD ART School
217 E Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale, NY

Rye Arts Center
51 Milton Road, Rye, NY 

Scribble Art Workshop 
63 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Young at Art
1088 Central Park Avenue, Room 216, Scarsdale, NY
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Pottery & Ceramics

A Maze In Pottery
76 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY
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Clay Art Center
40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY
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Creative Corner
7 Addison Street, Larchmont, NY
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Made
118 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 

Plaster Palace Pottery
2005 Palmer Ave., Larchmont, NY

Pottery on Hudson
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, lower level, 2 Revolutionary Road, Ardsley, NY

The Pottery Factory
179 Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY
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Digital Arts & Film

Bott Shoppe

174 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY

Curious On Hudson
77 Tarrytown Rd, Suite GNB, White Plains, NY

Digital Arts Experience
303 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, NY

iD Tech (summer)
Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY
Pace University - Westchester, Pleasantville, NY
Iona College, New Rochelle, NY

Jacob Burns Film Center
364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville, NY

The Picture House
175 Wolfs Lane Pelham, NY
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Jewelry

Bead Everything
175 E. Post Rd., White Plains, NY
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Slime

D.I.Y. Slime
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2A East Avenue, Larchmont, NY
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Performing Arts

Class Act Studios
77 Tarrytown Rd., White Plains, NY

Mike Risko
144 Croton Avenue Ossining, NY

Playgroup Theatre
1 North Broadway White Plains, NY

Random Farms' Kids Theatre
77 Executive Blvd, Elmsford, NY 

SOOP Theatre
530 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, NY

Standing Ovation Studios at Lighthouse Youth Theatre
1 Labriola Court Armonk, NY 

TADA! Youth Theater
15 W 28th Street, 2nd & 3rd Floors, New York, NY

Theatre O
25 State Street Ossining, NY 

Westchester School of Speech & Drama
133 Popham Road Scarsdale, NY 

White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC)
City Center, 11 City Pl, White Plains, NY 10601

Yorktown Stage
1974 Commerce Street, Yorktown Heights, NY

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Fun and Free Virtual Field Trips & Experiences for Kids: Museums, Zoos, Sports, Landmarks and More

1/11/2021

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While traveling is still pretty much off the table, virtual entertainment continues to be a lifesaver these days. There are so many FREE virtual field trips, live webcams, online tours and educational videos at our fingertips because of the pandemic. So while that trip to Paris may not be in your immediate future, you can still see it "up close" with your children right from your couch.

Check out our list of free and fun virtual tours, field trips and more to keep kids entertained this winter at home.
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Take a Virtual Tour of the National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History virtual tours allow visitors to take self-guided, room-by-room tours of select exhibits and areas within the museum online. Learn about dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies, sea monsters, genomes and more! Check out the narrated virtual tours to enjoy have a guided experience.

For more incredible museums and cultural institutions try American Museum of Natural History, Boston Children's Museum, Boston's Museum of Science, Exploratorium, The Louvre Museum, British Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art for Kids and The Vatican.

For more science, check out NOVA.
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See the World with Google Arts & Culture

Google Arts & Culture is a treasure trove of over 10,000 famous sites, 2,000 museums and 100,000 artworks from 80 countries. There is an infinite amount of art, history, and cultural tours that can provide endless discovery, education and entertainment. See the Status of Liberty, take a tour of the White House, enter the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a nature walk at a national park, see worldwide castles, play games and more. There is a lot of navigation to be done, versus just hitting play on a video, so younger children may need you to be their tour guide. Older children on the other hand may get lost in delight with all there is to see.

For more global exploration, try Discovery Education, Global Trek, Google Earth: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, National Geographic Explorer Classroom, National Geographic Kids and Stages Around the World 360 Tour.
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See the Marine Animals Live at the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is remarkable. Virtually there are nine different live webcams to see marinelife, in action, in real time, from home! Marvel at the sea otters, jelly fish, Beluga whales, piranhas, penguins, sea lions, fish, gators and more.

For more captivating, virtual aquarium experiences, try Baltimore's National Aquarium, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Sea Life Sydney and Sea World, Shedd Aquarium.
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Meet Your Favorite Zoo Animals at the San Diego Zoo

If there’s one virtual zoo trip to do – it’s the San Diego Zoo. There are 13 different live webcams including elephants, koala bears, tigers, hippos and more. Also, there is an engaging video series specifically designed for kids to learn about animals, their habits and habitats.

For more animal encounters try Atlanta Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Houston Zoo, National Parks Service, Reid Park Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo, Taronga Zoo Sydney, Singapore Zoo, Smithsonian National Zoo, Toronto Zoo and Wild Life Sydney.
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Explore Natural Wonders and More Outdoor Destinations with Austin Adventures Virtual Adventures for Kids

Visit Costa Rica, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and more stunning sites in these in depth tours made for children. An hour plus long video takes you into a journey through history, highlighting key facts and attractions you will love learning about. 

For more breathtaking, outdoor experiences try Ancient Egypt, Ellis Island, Farm 360, The Grand Canyon (more here), Great Salt Lake, Great Wall of China, Haleakalā Volcano Crater, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Machu Picchu, Mount Rushmore, The Nature Conservancy, Niagara Falls (more here), US National Parks, US National Parks on Google Earth, World National Parks 360 Tour, Yellowstone National Park (more here) and Yosemite National Park.
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Go to DisneyWorld
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Head out on a virtual excursion around Disney World right on your computer. See the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach and Hollywood Studios. Then, get in depth with these video tours and details about the park. And then get on the rides here!

For more thrilling theme park experiences try 
Universal Orlando Resort, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and go on the rides here.
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Explore Baseball's Highlights from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

You can watch highlights of some of baseball's greats, listen to in-depth interviews, go on virtual field trips and view  digital collections & exhibits all from the comfort of your home.

For more remarkable sports experiences, try stadium tours at Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Every NFL Stadium, NY Knicks, NY Giants, NY Jets. Or check out the NHL Hall of Fame, NBA All-Star field trip and Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Travel Back in History With Historic Hudson Valley

One of our local favorites, Historic Hudson Valley, is bringing the rich and enchanting history of our region right to your home. There are Zoom backgrounds, historic recipes, virtual jigsaw puzzles, tinsmithing and more. 

For more monumental historical experiences try Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum, National Constitution Center, The Alamo, Mount Vernon and Museum of the American Revolution.
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Take a Trip to Outer Space

Now you can go to Mars directly from your couch! Discover the surface of Mars with NASA’s Curiosity rover in a 360-degree view. Learn about space exploration and more in this interactive experience.

For more wondrous, out of this world experiences try Google Moon, NASA Glenn Research Center Tour, NASA Videos, NASA Space Cam, Nickelodeon Slime in Space, Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, US Space and Rocket Museum, and Virtual Trips With Boeing.
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Learn About Candy and More on Unwrapped

Watch Unwrapped's library of videos to see behind-the-scenes details on classic American food, from peanut butter and chocolate syrup to French fries and bubblegum. Join host Marc Summers (yes from Double Dare!) as he heads into  test kitchens, factory tours and more.
That concludes our list! For more ideas, check out our blog 10 Virtual or at-Home Things to Do in Westchester During COVID. It features local museums and classes that offer virtual experiences. Do you have any to add? Share your suggestions in the comments below or in Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!

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Places to Go Indoor Ice Skating In Westchester and Nearby 2021

1/7/2021

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Ice skating is a classic winter activity and a wonderful way to have some active, distanced fun during these chilly months.

This year there are a number of indoor ice rinks in and near Westchester County that are open for ice skating and hockey. While public skating opportunities are very limited, there are private lessons, group learn to skate programs and more that you can take advantage of. If you have a child interested in learning to play hockey or joining a team, check out the Junior Ranger's programs for boys and girls being offered at multiple local rinks.

Here is our list of places to go ice skating indoors in Westchester County and nearby. You can also check out our list of places to go outdoor ice skating.
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Westchester Skating Academy
91 Fairview Drive, Elmsford, NY

Current Status: While public skating is not open this season, private and scheduled programs are open including freestyle sessions. Winter programming includes Metro Plus, Mini Mites, Hockey, Women's Hockey Clinic and Learn to Skate. COVID-19 protocols are in place for health and safety.

Westchester Skating Academy is one of the premiere skating facilities in the area. It is one of the only NHL twin rink facilities in Westchester County. They offer public skating, holiday camps & clinics, learn to skate lessons, hockey lessons & camps plus hockey leagues for children and adults. 
Ebersole Ice Rink
Delfino Park , 110 Lake Street, White Plains, NY

Current Status: Currently open, Ebersole Ice Rink offers skate lessons for all levels, hockey teams, and public skating sessions. The outdoor rink with a roof is open from mid October through late March. There are specific sessions open only to White Plains residents. Access more details here.

Proof of City of White Plains residency is required for admission to resident only sessions (School ID, Drivers License, Utility Bill). COVID-19 safety protocols in effect and include social distancing, masks and limited capacity.
Ice Hutch
 655 Garden Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 

Current Status: They are  currently open but are not offering public skating or birthday parties right now. Masks are required for everyone entering the facility. Stick Time Sessions are limited to the first 24 Players. Skating School Winter Session begins January 5th and registration is open. 

The Ice Hutch serves the skating community all year-round by offering skating lessons for all levels (ages 4+), weekly public skating, figure skating and hockey sessions. Freestyle sessions for figure skaters and hockey Stick Time sessions are also available. 
Murray's Skating Center
348 Tuckahoe Rd., Yonkers, NY

Current Status: There is no public skating at Yonkers’ E.J. Murray Memorial Skating Center. They are hoping to open it soon. Right now only private lessons and private hockey games are happening at the rink (currently the Rangers program is full).

Murray's is a Yonkers winter tradition like no other for residents and visitors alike. They recently completed faculty upgrades including a new entrance, a new addition of a mezzanine viewing level and refurbished lobby and restrooms. The typically offer   skating lessons, public skating and adult and youth hockey. When open, Murray's Skating Center offers the largest weekly public skating schedule in the area. ​
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Brewster Ice Arena
63 Fields Lane, Brewster, NY

Current Status: Indoor rinks are open for public skating (see schedule), lessons and hockey. The outdoor pond is not open yet and will open once weather and safety permits. Rentals are available. COVID health and safety measures are in place with distancing, masks and 50% capacity.

Similar to the indoor facilities in Westchester County, this arena offers learn to skate programs, hockey programs, clinics, camps, travel hockey, adult hockey, fitness programs and freestyle figure skating. There are three indoor rinks and a fourth "pond" seasonal outdoor rink.
​Palisades Center Ice Rink
Palisades Center, 4900 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY
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Current Status: Public skating is currently closed but still time and figure skating sessions are open. COVID health and safety measures are in place.  See schedule.

This rink sits inside the massive Palisades Center, just across the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. The mall is bursting with entertainment options, shopping and food. So you can make a day of it.  
Hommocks Park Ice Rink
140 Hommocks Road, Larchmont, NY

Current Status: Closed for the 2020 season due to COVID. There are no skating lessons or public skating. There is a recreation hockey program. When open, The Hommocks Park Ice Rink offers lessons, public skating, Stick and Puck Sessions, appreciation days, character skates and more year-round recreational community events.


Playland Ice Casino
100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY

Current Status: Closed until further notice. When open they offer public skating, tot programs, learn to skate lessons, camps, hockey programs and more are all available. Two rinks are used for public skating and are equipped with state-of-the-art music systems and dance lighting.

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Things to Do Over Winter Break: 6 Fun and Safe Activities at the Palisades Center

12/29/2020

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Many of us are on a quest to find fun and safe things to with our kids over winter break. You will be pleased to hear that the nearby Palisades Center (just over the Cuomo bridge in Rockland County) has a great selection of boredom buster activities that are safe.

To ensure health and safety be prepared to plan your activity in advance and wear a mask. Protocols are in place like cleaning and disinfecting, distancing and capacity limits.

​Keep your family entertained, challenged, engaged, and inspired with these ideas!

5 Wits

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5 Wits is a live-action, highly interactive, and completely immersive adventure experience unlike anything else that exists. Your family will encounter hands-on tasks, puzzles, and challenges, but be careful: your performance determines the outcome of the adventure. Failure IS an option! Health and safety measures are in place. Check out this video to learn more.

Located on LEVEL 4. Reservations are encouraged.

Autobahn Indoor Speedway

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​If your family is looking for a thrill, Autobahn Indoor Speedway will deliver. Jump in one of the electric Italian pro style go-karts and reach speeds up to 50 MPH. Everyone needs to be 13 years old and 56 inches tall to race the Pro Karts, but Jr Karts are available for kids 8 and over that are at least 48 inches tall. Health and safety measures are in place.

Located on LEVEL 2. Reservations are encouraged.

Color Me Mine

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​Unleash your family’s creativity in Color Me Mine's relaxing art studio. Choose from hundreds of unfinished pieces and spend an hour or two painting them. You will be amazed at the finished designs and leave with lasting memories. Health and safety measures are in place.

Located on LEVEL 3. To-go kits are available for purchase.

Escape the Mystery Room​

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​Have you tried an Escape Room? Test out your problem-solving skills as your family attempts to conquer a series of challenging puzzles, codes, and clues before 50 minutes run out. With six exhilarating scenarios to choose from, ranging in difficulty from one to three, they offer something for all participants, regardless of age or skill level. Health and safety measures are in place.

Located on LEVEL 3. Reservations are encouraged.

Palisades Climb Adventure

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​Palisades Climb Adventure is the world's tallest indoor ropes course! Standing 85-feet tall, this indoor ropes course is great for experienced climbers and casual adventurers. It features 75 different elements, from vertical rope ladders and cargo nets, to two-line rope bridges and a tension traverse. This is a great opportunity to climb, conquer and explore!  Health and safety measures are in place.

Located on LEVEL 4.

Space Adventure Glow in the Dark Mini Golf

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​New to the mall, Space Adventure is the largest indoor miniature golf course on the East Coast! Space Adventure Mini Golf takes visitors on an exciting kaleidoscopic space adventure. Each hole offers a new challenge with spacemen and alien encounters along the way. Everything lights up under the luminescent glow of black lights, even the putters and golf balls. For pricing and safety information, call 201-367-8265.

Located on LEVEL 1.

Find these activities and more only at Palisades Center – just over the Cuomo Bridge, Exit 12 off I-87! Visit PalisadesCenter.com or call 845-348-1000 for more information. 

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10 Virtual or at-Home Things to Do in Westchester During COVID

12/18/2020

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Stay safe and support local businesses with these fun, at-home or virtual activities/classes in Westchester County. Try online music or voice lessons, have a pottery-to-go kit delivered to your home, log on to a painting class and more!
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  1. Groove Family Music of Larchmont is live-streaming 30 minutes of joyful, interactive, family music. Grandparents are welcome!

  2. Choice Music Studio offers online music lessons —piano, voice, guitar and more.

  3. Music Conservatory of Westchester has virtual private lessons taught by world-class faculty.

  4. Songs for Seeds Armonk, Scarsdale & Port Chester has live, online classes to keep little ones rockin'.

  5. Sounds Good Westchester has Music Together classes on Zoom — enjoy unlimited drop-in classes.

  6. ArtsWestchester has FREE online workshops and art activities for kids and teens.

  7. D.I.Y. Slime in Larchmont offers Slime Kits To-Go— pick up or delivery.

  8. One River School in Larchmont & Hartsdale have online winter vacation camps.

  9. The Digital Arts Experience (DAE) has virtual classes, workshops and gaming classes.

  10. A Maze in Pottery in Briarcliff has Pottery To-Go with free delivery.

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What Is Codeverse and Why It Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Activity

12/1/2020

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With “home for the holidays” taking on a whole new meaning this year, our favorite seasonal activities are going to look different but that doesn’t mean they still can’t be awesome!

Codeverse just launched their Gift of Code program and it is the perfect activity for your kids through this holiday season.  Gift of Code with Codeverse is a free 2 month program that will teach your kids the foundations of coding through holiday themed challenges and events.

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The first reason we love this program is that it is FREE, fun, and holiday themed!  Once you sign up (here) you will get a free account to their interactive online coding platform.  Through “Missions”, step-by-step instructive tutorials, your kid will start creating their very own apps and games that can be shared to any cell phone number once they are done!

Codeverse will help your kid create holiday themed games that you can customize and send to your friends and family as holiday cards!

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Another reason we love this program is that it is educational and makes screen time smarter. If you are like me, you know that coding is important but don’t really know what it is! Well, coding is the language that a computer reads to know what to do next. Not only is coding an important skill that our kids will definitely need to know for their future but it helps them learn skills like problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity.  Finally coding will help your kid practice their reading, math, science, and typing skills while they are on holiday break.

Gift of Code with Codeverse will help keep your kid entertained, engaged, and learning through this holiday season and you will be able to share and brag about their creations to friends and family!  Overall it is a win, win, win and we can’t wait to see what your kids create with code!

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25 Virtual & At-Home Children's Art Programs, Projects & Classes In Westchester County

11/23/2020

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Calling all creative minds! As Coronavirus cases are rising and school breaks (or possibly closures) are coming, it is time to take advantage of virtual activities again. Westchester County has a ton of local art studios and centers that offer to-go projects as well as online classes, workshops, videos and camps. So if your child likes comics, pottery, drawing, coding or painting, this list is for you. 

It is really important that we support our local businesses so that they survive this tumultuous time. Sadly, some have already closed their doors. Now is the time to take advantage of our local experts and artists— their creativity and talent is at your fingertips. You can register for a class, view free resources or purchase to-go projects (a great holiday gift idea).

Please note that many fall semester classes are ending and new semesters, camps or programs will be posted in the coming weeks so do check back at these links for updated information.
Sago Mini Box Gifting Promo
  1. MADE: my art + design experience in Mamaroneck is offering free guided art tutorials, they also have an Art-To-Go online store so you can shop your project in advance and they'll deliver it straight to your front door

  2. There is an impressive range of virtual classes at Curious on Hudson, including drama and improvisation, space explorers, electricity, Minecraft and more

  3. The Pottery Factory in Mount Kisco has hundreds of Pottery To-GO options that can be shipped directly to your home or picked up curbside

  4. Register for an online menorah or ornament sculpture class and so much more at Scribble Art Workshop

  5. Sign up now for the Winter Online Camps at OneRiver​— learn drawing, illustration, comics, digital illustrations and more

  6. The Digital Arts Experience (DAE) has you covered with virtual classes, workshops and gaming (best for ages 7-16)

  7. The Blue Door Arts Center has ongoing, free online children's workshops, you can also view videos of past ones

  8. The Performing Arts Center Purchase College offers Watch / Listen / Play This Week- The PAC in Your Living Room for kids & families

  9. Check out "Art Where You Are"— it includes a bunch of free virtual art videos and projects from the Katonah Museum of Art

  10. Children as young as three or as old as 10th grade can enjoy online art classes from Young at Art

  11. The Westchester Children's Museum offers a library of free online activities including a STEAM activity center, YouTube Channel, online programs and more

  12. Clay Art Center is offering virtual kids parties and curbside pick up clay and tools

  13. Try drawing, painting, ceramics, coding, robotics + much more at the Rye Arts Center's virtual classes

  14. Sign up for winter youth classes at the Pelham Art Center

  15. RAD Art School is offering online drawing an painting classes classes for children and teens

  16. D.I.Y. Slime in Larchmont offers Slime Kits to go— pick up or delivery

  17. Contact the Art Academy of Westchester for remote learning classes

  18. iD Tech offers virtual tech camps for ages 7-19
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  19. Plaster Palace Pottery offers online shopping— purchase your project to paint at home

  20. Learn to code from anywhere with Codeverse's virtual coding sessions and kit or get free classes with their Gift of Code program.
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  21. Pottery on Hudson offers virtual stoneware classes for children and teens
  22. Jacob Burns Film Center has a virtual classroom 

  23. Check out Kids Flicks & Art Breaks from the Pelham Picture House— bringing you the best new children’s films from around the world and accompanying family-friendly activities just in time for Thanksgiving

  24. ArtsWestchester has free online workshops and art activities kids and teens
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  25. Try virtual classes with RiverArts including writing, open mic and more

Read on Epic! Anywhere. Anytime. On any device.
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Movie Theaters in Westchester County Can Reopen on October 23

10/18/2020

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Moviegoers can start watching at local theaters starting October 23rd. Yesterday Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that movie theaters outside of New York City can reopen at 25 percent capacity under state guidance. 

This comes after many local independent theaters were pressuring the state to allow them to reopen to improve the economy and help these local businesses survive.  Just a few weeks ago Regal Cinemas announced that it will close all 543 of its theaters in the United States as a result of continued revenue losses from the coronavirus pandemic. The chain had 44 New York locations, two in Westchester County. In addition the Bow Tie Cinema in Mount Kisco has also permanently closed. In late 2019, iPic Theater in Dobbs Ferry closed for good.

New rules for theater reopening include a maximum capacity of 50 people per screen in each movie theater at once. Theaters can only open outside of New York City in counties that have COVID-19 positivity rates of less than 2 percent on a 14-day average and do not have any cluster zones. Theaters will be subject to rigorous state guidance and enforcement.

Additional conditions from the state include:
  • Masks will be required at all times except when seated and eating or drinking. 
  • Assigned seating will be required in all theaters.
  • Social distancing between parties will be required at all times.
  • Additional staffing will be required to control occupancy, traffic and seating to ensure compliance.
  • Enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards must be met by theaters. 
​
​Movie Theaters in Westchester County

Alamo Drafthouse Yonkers- temporarily closed, awaiting possible reopening 
Bedford Playhouse
Bowtie Theater in Mount Kisco- permanently closed
Bronxville Bow Tie Cinemas
Emelin Theater
iPic Theater Dobbs Ferry- permanently closed
Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville
Regal Cortlandt Stadium 11-
permanently closed
Regal New Roc City- permanently closed
Paramount Theater Peekskill
Picture House in the Village of Pelham
Showcase Cinemas De Lux  Cross County Yonkers, Ridge Hill Yonkers & White Plains

More Articles You May Enjoy
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5 Things You Should Look for in a Performing Arts Program for Your Child

6/20/2020

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Participation in the performing arts, especially starting at a young age, helps children develop crucial life skills such as creative thinking and problem solving, empathy, communication, confidence, public speaking, and more. Not to mention it’s a ton of fun! With a multitude of companies to choose from, what should parents look for when choosing a performing arts program for their children? Jill Abusch, Artistic Director of The Play Group Theatre in White Plains, and her staff discuss the 5 elements that are paramount to selecting a performing arts program that will set children up for success both on the stage and off. ​
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1. Room to Grow 
Look for a program that has diverse offerings - you want a theatre community that is thinking not only about who your child is today, but who they can grow into tomorrow! As students grow, so should the programs available to them, including age-appropriate exploration that encourages growth at every stage of development. “Students that participate in multiple years or seasons at The Play Group Theatre gain a wide range of experiences working with peers of all ages, performing in both musicals and plays, participating both onstage and off, and being in large ensembles and small. They are constantly exposed to new adventures and environments,” says Hannah Stephens, a director and teaching artist in both the MainStage and Theatre Lab programs at PGT. 

A theatre that is providing your child with room to grow is investing meaningfully in the creative process. Jill Abusch, PGT’s Artistic Director, says that you should look for programs that promote active exploration and experimentation, allowing time for one of the most crucial lessons of the performing arts: embracing failure as a step to success! And make sure that those programs are providing opportunities for creative and developmental growth. “I just love to watch our students grow from an early experience, like playing a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz through learning advanced text and character analysis and ultimately doing plays like The Crucible or The Tempest. Or seeing a student who had a blast in the cast of Shrek, develop a new interest in sound design, and move from the stage to the tech booth. We are constantly assessing our students’ growth and providing new challenges. And ultimately we get to look back at where they’ve come from, on a journey filled with a range of diverse experiences, and that is part of what makes them such an interesting artist!” says Abusch. Experience in an array of theatre disciplines allows students to appreciate the craft as a whole and gain a deep understanding of everyone’s role in the theatre. This leads to a greater respect for both the art form and their peers and mentors. 
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2. A Non-competitive Environment
With great friends comes great theatre. Students can, and should, experience rigorous and professional training, without feeling the need to compete with their friends and peers for opportunities. The stronger the bonds between students are off stage, the more powerful and impactful the work will be on stage. With a strong, supportive network of teachers, friends, and audiences, students feel the freedom to perform and express themselves without feeling any judgement. “PGT friendships last a lifetime, in part, due to the fact that PGT students are always encouraged to support each other,” says Daniel Goldberg, PGT alumni and Camp PGT staff member.  Because the theatre can be a competitive place, a sense of community and non-competitiveness has to be intentionally fostered by teachers and directors. One way this environment can be created is through the very structure of the program itself.  If a theatre is offering a diverse array of performance opportunities, rather than double casting a single show, then they are more likely to ensure that each student has access to the roles that are right for them. Double casting, which involves casting multiple students in the same part, places the gratification of the casting process over the overall artistic and educational experience of the production. When multiple students have to share a role, the results are often product-oriented, with the emphasis naturally shifting to a more competitive environment. Instead, “The Play Group Theatre teaches students to approach every single role like a lead role and reminds every actor that they are all equally responsible for the success of the show,” says Goldberg, who has seen the benefits of this approach both as a student and a member of the staff. When every actor feels a sense of responsibility and pride in the process, the finished product is one of great depth, and becomes much more rewarding and victorious for everyone involved. By giving students the tools to make any role stand out and feel important, regardless of number of lines or the size of the part, teachers and directors send their students out into the world with a strong ability to adapt to any circumstance and creatively make the most of any situation.

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3. Emphasis on Making Choices, and Skill Development 
While the joy of a great performance is exciting for everyone involved, what parents should search for in their arts program, in addition to quality productions, is emphasis on the creative process, which develops the life skills that children will carry with them into their adult lives. Outside of the arts, students are used to having access to all of the information in the world at their fingertips and are comfortable using google or their textbooks to find the “right” or “wrong” answer to every question. In the creative process, there are an unlimited number of “right” answers to any given question and students learn to explore and unlock many of them before settling on their own unique and specific choice. The arts is all about making strong choices, and it becomes an artist’s job to embrace the choices that are right for them and only them. Look for a program that allows time and space for exploring those choices, rather than a program that focuses on learning lines and staging, which is the least creative aspect of a rehearsal process.  But the time and freedom to make choices isn’t where a good arts education ends. In addition to embracing the power of creative choices, students must also develop the skills to communicate those choices to an audience. Skills like vocal and movement training, acting technique, time management, text analysis, critical thinking, and more empower students to share their unique choices, taking them from the rehearsal room to the stage. Jill Abusch says, “At PGT, we find that when our students find success and comfort in ambiguity and learn to pair their creative ideas with technical ability, they develop crucial skills like creative thinking, problem solving, and confidence in themselves that transform their performances. More importantly it benefits them for the rest of their lives, no matter their chosen career path.”


​4. Focus on Empathy and Emotional Development 
One of the most important elements that students gain from a quality arts education is the ability to practice empathy and communicate their emotions. The presence of empathy is declining rapidly in our world, just when we seem to need it the most. However, studying theatre during childhood is one proven way to ensure that children grow up understanding what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes and how to look at any given situation from multiple points of view. “At PGT, we ask our students to be both physically and emotionally present in any given moment, taking the time and effort to truly see and connect with each other, their teachers, and the characters they are playing on stage,” says Hannah Stephens. By discussing what motivates each character and what lies behind the choices they make, students are developing empathic skills and using them to find truth in the given circumstances of the imaginary world. Look for theatre programs that strive to cast young actors in roles that are in contrast to their own experiences and personalities, challenging them to understand new feelings, perspectives, and ideas. Empathy is a skill that must be practiced, and it is one that, in the right theatre program, will be a primary focus as students learn to confidently share their feelings, understand their characters, and discover truth in a rich imaginary world. This prepares them to go out into the world as caring, confident, well-rounded artists and people.
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5. A Strong Sense of Community  
​Children benefit from a strong sense of belonging, freedom from judgement, and a safe place to express themselves. Find a theatre community that welcomes each and every student who walks through their doors, allowing them the space and safety to be silly, creative, and ultimately, themselves. Look for a wide range of classes, taught by instructors from all backgrounds, and a diverse and rich community where students learn to appreciate and embrace everyone’s unique experiences and talents. “In addition to building a community of students, staff and parents, PGT fosters a strong network of alumni and artists that expands beyond the walls of their building and out into the world. Students that join PGT benefit from being part of a community that possesses a strong set of values, traditions, and common goals that stay with its students for the rest of their lives,” says alum and Camp PGT staff member Marina Lebowich. More than just a place to learn and grow as young theatre artists, the theatre you find for your child today, should provide its students with a home that they can always return to, knowing that they will be loved, embraced, and accepted exactly as they are. ​ ​

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To find out more about The Play Group Theatre’s unique artistic and educational philosophy, visit http://www.playgroup.org/story/philosophy.php. The Play Group Theatre is currently enrolling for Virtual Summer Camps for all ages, and Fall registration will be open soon! Visit this website for more information and to find the perfect program for your young artist today! www.playgroup.org/summer-online/

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Upcoming Shows for Westchester Kids- Winter 2020

1/15/2020

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123 Andres, Photo Credit: Dario Treviño (Emelin Theatre)
It's showtime! This winter we have a lot of family-friendly shows coming up for Westchester kids. The Royal Hanneford Circus, Peter Pan & Cinderella on Ice and Pout-Pout Fish, to name a new. Book your tickets in advance before they are sold out.

Did we miss one? As always, you can find a full listing of things to do this weekend, recurring events and other upcoming events on our Community Calendar. Events are free to add so we encourage our readers and local businesses to post great family events.


​Young Children

​Rosie Revere, Engineer
Sat Jan 18th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Pete The Cat
Sat Feb 29th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

The Spinning Tales of Peter Pan and Cinderella on Ice
Sat Feb 29th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT​

The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites
 Sun Mar 1st 
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

The Pout-Pout Fish 
Sat Mar 28th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Music, Concerts & Musicals

Seussical the Musical​
Sat Jan 18th - Sun 26th 
Play Group Theatre, 1 N Broadway #111, White Plains, NY

Peekskill Middle School Drama Club's Disney's Frozen Jr. Sneak Peek
Sat Jan 18th 2:30pm - 3:30pm
The Field Library Children's Room, 4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill, NY

Legally Blonde, The Musical
Fri Jan 24th - Sat 25th 
Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main St, Irvington

Random Farms Kids' Theater presents Urinetown
Fri Jan 24th - Sun 26th 
Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY

1 2 3 Andres

Sat Mar 14th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Treehouse Shakers: The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Sun Mar 22nd 3:00pm
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

Live Action

​The Amazing Max
Sun Jan 26th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

Garry Krinsky Toying with Science
Sat Feb 1st 
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

Flip Flop Circus
Sun Feb 9th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

The Royal Hanneford Circus
Sat Feb 15th - Mon 17th 
Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY

Playtime at The Palace Mr. Fish "Fabulous Forces"
Sun Feb 16th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

MUMMENSCHANZ: you & me
Sun Feb 23rd 
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, NY

Air Play
Feb 28th 
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

The Peking Acrobats
Sun Mar 29th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

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Museums & Aquariums for Westchester Kids: The Must-Have List

1/15/2020

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New York Aquarium
Dinosaurs, planets, trains, masterpieces, sharks, illusions, ice cream, water experimentation... these are just a few things your child can experience and learn about at nearby museums and aquariums in Westchester County, NY.

When the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities, museums and aquariums are a hands-on, real-life way to engage your child in learning and fun. Museums are always changing exhibits so there is always something new to see. With some of the best museums in the world in our backyard, we are very fortunate. Kids can enjoy playrooms, maker labs, world-renown art and science exhibits, touch tanks, planetariums and so much more.


One concern parents have about museums is that they can get expensive. Here are some ideas to keep costs low, while keeping your child's spirits high!


​Tips to Enjoy Museums For Less

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Here are some tips to enjoy museums without breaking the bank:
  • Become a Museum Member- Museums offer memberships which can be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple times in a year. This can be huge if there is a museum nearby that your child enjoys again and again. There are typically other perks to memberships like special exhibit access, food & parking discounts and guest passes.
  • Invest in a Reciprocal Membership- Reciprocal memberships give you free or discounted admission to a number of attractions, which is a great way to see a lot on a budget. For example, The Association of Children's Museums Reciprocal Network gives discounted admissions to a vast list of member museums across the US and Canada- a great way to see a lot, especially when traveling. Learn more about  reciprocal programs and see a comprehensive list here.
  • Visit your library- Did you know that local Westchester County libraries offer museum passes that provide free or discounted admissions to local museums in Westchester, Connecticut and New York City? Offers vary by library so contact yours and find out what's available.
  • Museums for All- Through Museums for All, people receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 400 museums throughout the US.
  • Do Your Research to Find Freebies- Many museums offer free admission to young children. Must Read: Keep Your Money: How to Get in Free at 20 NYC Museums. And even better, here is a list of 19 Awesome Museums in NYC That Are Totally Free.

The Must-Have List of Museums & Aquariums for Westchester Kids

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Photo by Scott Webb from Pexels
​Now, check out our Must-Have List of Museums & Aquariums for Westchester Kids!

In the list we highlight local museums, historic sites and aquariums for families in Westchester County, NY as well as venues beyond-- in southern CT, upstate NY, Long Island and New York City. We haven't included every museum under the sun, we focused on the most popular ones among families.

​If we missed a nearby museum you recommend for families, please tell us in the comments!

New & Coming Soon Museums

Hot off the press!

The only borough in New York City without a children’s museum will be getting one this year. The Bronx Chidren's Museum will be geared toward young children, especially those children and families who are not typically able to visit a museum.

The Museum of Ice Cream opened in late fall 2019 and features imaginative, multi-sensory installations that bring to life guests’ delightful dreams: savor the sweetest treats on a floating table, slide down an epic three-story slide, see a spectacular hall of giant scoops, and follow the sound of a buzz that will lead you to a giant “Queen Bee hive. Tickets include ice cream tastings and signature treats.

Open until April 2020, the Sloomoo Institute is a
 sensory playground centered around slime. The unique museum provides an engaging slime experience with a variety of textures, colors and consistencies that evoke joy and excitement. From a slime step-and-repeat to a slime waterfall, and everything in between, this is worth checking out before it is gone!
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The Museum of Ice Cream, Photo Credit: Nicole Franzen
Bronx Children's Museum- opening late 2020!
​725 Exterior Street, The Bronx, NY

​
Museum of Ice Cream
558 Broadway, New York, NY

Sloomoo Institute
475 Broadway, New York, NY

Aquariums & Aquatic Attractions

Experience under the sea attractions at these aquatic-centered destinations.

​The Hudson River Museum is small, but offers weekend programming for children including art & science projects as well as planetarium shows. Children can learn about the Hudson River with a beautiful view.

Not To Miss: Kids Week Feb 15-22 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum! During Kids Week, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in dozens of fun-filled activities, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, performances, special guests, 3D experiences and interactive demonstrations that the whole family will enjoy.  All Kids Week activities are free with Museum admission.

Moms in the community love the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, featuring  75 live exhibits featuring more than 2,700 marine animals of 300 species. Plus plenty of room for young children to play and explore.

If you have not been to Coney Island to the New York Aquarium, it is worth the trip! The aquarium was completely rebuilt after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and offers an incredible experience-- see the sharks!
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New York Aquarium
Westchester County
Hudson River Museum & Planetarium 
⭐️ A local favorite
511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY

Beyond

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Pier 86, W 46th St and 12th Ave, New York, NY
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Maritime Aquarium ⭐️ A local favorite
10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT

National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey
​226 W 44th St, New York, NY

New York Aquarium
602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT

Children's Museums

According to the Association of Children's Museums, "Children’s museums are places where children learn through play and exploration in environments designed just for them. Reflecting their diverse communities, children’s museums create playful, interactive learning experiences. In an increasingly complex world, children’s museums provide a place where all kids can learn through play with the caring adults in their lives."

​
Opened just a few years ago, the nearby Westchester Children's Museum is a smaller museum comparatively, but a great destination to spend a couple of hours. They offer offer drop-in science, engineering, arts, and crafts programs throughout the week. Coming soon: a bunch of brand new exhibits, including a whole Makerspace dedicated to older children ages 7 and up that will feature woodwork and other more complex STEAM activities, as well as a Shadow Puppet Theater, a Sound Room, and a new Gift Shop, to name a few.

Moms in our community love Stepping Stones in Norwalk, CT. There is so much to touch and explore for young children including the energy lab, tot town and color coaster. Just outside is a beautiful playground with a lighthouse and small spray area, if you visit on a beautiful day.

Children's museums in general offer a lot of drop-in and scheduled programming so it is worthwhile to check their websites and plan your visits accordingly. Which is your favorite?
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New Nano Exhibit at the Westchester Children's Museum
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Stepping Stones Museum for Children
Westchester County
Westchester Children's Museum
100 Playland Parkway in Rye, NY

Beyond
​Brooklyn Children's Museum
145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Bruce Museum​
1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT

Children's Museum of Manhattan
The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY

Jewish Children's Museum
792 Eastern Pkwy. , Brooklyn, NY 

​Long Island Children's Museum
11 Davis Ave., Garden City, NY

Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
75 N Water St, Poughkeepsie, NY

Staten Island Children's Museum
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY
Grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center

Stepping Stones Museum for Children ​⭐️ A local favorite
Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT

Science, History Museums & Historic Sites

If you are looking for a local science museum that is not too far, we recommend checking out the Hall of Science in Queens. There are 450 exhibits, events, and workshops.

​If you are willing to venture into Manhattan, then you will want to go to the Museum of Natural History, the largest natural history museum in the world. Dinosaur and space-loving youngsters will be in heaven!

If you are interested in local history, you could visit on the of historic sites in the river towns. They are open seasonally and offer child-friendly events and programming, it's best to check their websites in advance for the optimal time to visit.
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Hudson River Museum
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Hudson River Museum Planetarium
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Liberty Science Center, Angry Birds Exhibit
Westchester County
Hudson River Museum & Planetarium ⭐️ A local favorite
511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY
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Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate Historic Site
381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

Lyndhurst Mansion
635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY

Philipsburgh Manor Historic Site
381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

Thomas Paine Cottage Museum
20 Sicard Avenue, New Rochelle NY

Union Church of Pocantico Hills Historic Site
555 Bedford Road, Tarrytown, NY
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Van Cortlandt Manor Historic Site​
525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Washington Irving's Sunnyside Historic Site
​3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, NY
​

Beyond
American Museum of Natural History ⭐️ A local favorite
200 Central Park West, New York, NY

DiMenna Children’s History Museum
170 Central Park West, New York, NY
​
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
Outdoor Discovery Center-  120 Muser Drive, Cornwall, NY 
Wildlife Education Center- 25 Boulevard Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

Liberty Science Center​
222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City, NJ

The New York Hall of Science ⭐️ A local favorite
47-01 111th St, Corona, NY

Art & Media Museums

Budding artists and creative minds can get inspired at these art museums. Offering camps, events, special programming and more, these destinations are more than just spectator experiences.
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Museum of Illusions
Westchester County
Jacob Burns Film Center
364 Manville Road, Pleasantville, NY

Katonah Museum of Art
134 Jay Street - Route 22, Katonah, NY

Neuberger Museum of Art
735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY

Beyond
Children's Museum of the Arts
103 Charlton Street, New York, NY

Guggenheim

1071 5th Ave, New York, NY

Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY

MOMA
11 West 53 Street, New York, NY

Museum of the City of New York
​1220 5th Ave, New York, NY

Museum of Illusions
77 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY

Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35th Ave, Astoria, NY

Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling
898 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY​

Special Interest Museums

If you have a child who is curious about firefighting, trains or math, these museums are for you!
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Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
 Beyond
​New York City Fire Museum 
278 Spring Street, New York, NY

New York Transit Museum
99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY

FASNY Museum of Firefighting
117 Harry Howard Ave, Hudson, NY

Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
11 E 26th St, New York, NY

Spyscape
928 8th Ave, New York, NY
Did we miss any? Please tell us in the comments below!
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Indoor Fun- See All the Lists!
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Tons of ways to have fun Indoors in Westchester with kids!

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The Must-Have List of Indoor Play Spaces, Arcades, Trampoline Parks, Adventure Centers & More for Westchester Kids

12/19/2019

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The weather outside is frightful. But here are some ideas that can make things more delightful (if you don't mind spending a little money).

Your kids will squeal with delight as they enter these adrenaline pumping indoor arcades, trampoline parks and adventure centers. They're perfect to fill your children's days, and in some cases nights, with activity, action and adventure. Plus, they are loaded with options, making them the perfect destination for total family fun or a winter break drop off (note to self, check out the vacation camp options). Think laser tag, bowing, rock climbing, foam pits and so much more.

Here's our ridiculously awesome list of indoor fun zones for families in Westchester County, NY. Here's to the great indoors!


​Jump or Bounce

Trampoline and inflatable bounce centers are just what active kids need for a dose of fun, indoors. Not only can they jump for joy but they can also immerse themselves in fluffy foam pits, play bounce dodge ball & basketball, climb and tackle the ninja warrior course. These bounce parks offer birthday parties, special events (hello, neon nights and character bounces), camps and more so it's not a bad idea to stay in the know. Little ones can attend dedicated toddler times too. Take family time to a new level!
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SkyZone
Bounce!
612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage, NY ​

Bounce U
150 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford, NY
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Rockin' Jump 
333 N Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco, NY
Ridge Hill, 241 Market Street , Yonkers, NY

Sky Zone
33 Lecount Pl, New Rochelle, NY

Arcades & Adventure Centers

Children and adults can drop-in, run, play, jump and explore at these indoor arcades and entertainment centers. Rides, slides, sports, laser tag, video games, ping pong, climbing, virtual reality gaming, soft play and batting cages are all on the menu here. There's a lot going on! These venues also offer special events, birthday parties and drop off camps (bye mom, see you later). Why not send your kids for an amazing time during  winter break? Ready for some bumper cars?
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Sportime USA
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Spins Hudson
Billy Beez 
Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., Unit A-100 West Nyack, NY
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Dave & Buster's
 881 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, NY
Palisade's Center, 4661 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY

FunFuzion 
29 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, NY 

Game USA New York

Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd Yorktown Heights, NY

Life The Place to Be
​2 Lawrence Street, Ardsley, NY

Spins Hudson
5 John Walsh Blvd., Peekskill, NY

Sportime USA
380 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, NY

Gyms & Place Spaces for Young Children

Preschoolers can flex their little muscles at these junior gyms and play spaces, specifically tailored for them. Enjoy the PlayQuad, slides, soft play, gymnastics classes, parachute time and more with your young ones. It's "mommy and me" at its finest.

Adventure centers like The Play Place, Billy Beez, Play at The Westchester and Sportime USA have open play, while other gyms exclusively offer classes to registrants. In some cases there may be specific open gym times for enrolled families only. It's best to check the location's website for details before heading over.

These play spaces and gyms are also very familiar to many parents because they are very popular for birthday parties! But did you know that some also offer vacation and summer camps, parents' night out and more? So take advantage!
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Kids U
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Tig & Peach
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Great Play
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Sportime USA
Billy Beez 
Palisades Center, 1000 Palisades Center Dr., Unit A-100 West Nyack, NY

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Great Play
969B, Midway Shopping Center, Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, NY

Gymboree
450 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, NY

Gym Dandy
1415 Pelhamdale Ave, Pelham, NY

Gymtime
1 Heathcote Rd, Scarsdale, NY

Jodi's Gym
25 Hubbels Dr, Mt Kisco, NY

Kids In Sports
365 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, NY

Kidville
145 Kisco Avenue, Mt. Kisco, NY

Kids U
Port Chester- 14 Waterfront Place, Port Chester, NY
Pleasantville- 175 Tompkins Avenue, Pleasantville, NY

Little Gym
777 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale, NY

My Gym
43 Hamilton St, Dobbs Ferry, NY
1030 W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck, NY
42 Triangle Center, Yorktown Heights, NY

Play at The Westchester Mall
125 Westchester Ave, White Plains, NY, Savor Level 4

Play Place
11 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford, NY

Sportime USA
380 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, NY
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​Tig & Peach
125 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, NY

We Rock The Spectrum
606 Main Street, New Rochelle, NY
​
​ZenZone Sensory Gym
​
2055 Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY

Ninjas

It's all the rage. Little ninjas can now experience innovative "ninja warrior" obstacle courses for fun and fitness. Courses appeal to warriors of all ages and abilities to build confidence and self esteem. Classes, open gyms, camps and birthday parties are all available so find the program and location that is right for your school-aged ninja.  Might your child be the next American Nina Warrior?
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The Grit Ninja
​The Grit Ninja
404 Irvington Street, Pleasantville, NY

GPX Extreme Play at Grand Prix New York
333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY

Sky Zone
33 Lecount Pl, New Rochelle, NY​

​Westchester Ninja Warrior
​
150 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY​


​Circus, Rock Climbing, Ropes & Sky Diving

These more challenging adventures are perfect for school-age children and teens (and also moms and dads). Indoor rock climbing, circus arts, ropes courses and skydiving can take childrens' confidence to new heights! Some offer parties, events, camps, classes, drop-in and scheduled experiences. Belay on!
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The Rock Club
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Spins Hudson
Cliffs of Valhalla
​1 Commerce St., Valhalla, NY

GPX Extreme Play at Grand Prix New York
333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY
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iFly Westchester (ages 3+)
849 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY

Life The Place to Be
​2 Lawrence Street, Ardsley, NY

Palisades Climb Adventure
Palisades Center, 4590 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 
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The Rock Club
130 Rhodes Street, New Rochelle, NY
​
Spins Hudson
5 John Walsh Blvd., Peekskill, NY

SportimeUSA
380 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, NY

Westchester Circus Arts
Shames JCC on Hudson, 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY

Bowling

Strike up some family fun at the bowling alley! Children can enjoy bowling and arcade games with a swanky vibe under neon lights and music. Bowling alleys are perfect for birthday parties too. Put up the bumpers and everyone is a winner!
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Bowlmor
47 Tarrytown Rd., White Plains, NY

Cortlandt Lanes
2192 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt, NY

Homefield Bowl
938 Saw Mill River Rd, Yonkers NY
​
FunFuzion Rock N'Bowl
29 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, NY 

Life The Place to Be (Mini Bowling)
​2 Lawrence Street, Ardsley, NY
​

Spins Bowl
333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY

Mini Golf

Who says summer is the only time for mini golf? Get a group together to play 18 holes of glow golf in the great indoors! Who knows, you may just get a hole in one.
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FunFuzion
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FunFuzion 
29 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, NY 

​Monster Mini Golf
Coming soon to Ridge Hill 

Car Racing & Go Karts 

Calling all thrill seekers! Indoor, high-speed electric go-karts are a safe and thrilling experience for children and adults. With a new multilevel race track, Grand Prix is better than ever. Racing enthusiasts may also want to check out the courses just outside the county. Offering kids parties, junior karting and an "arrive and drive" option, these tracks are sure to please drivers big and small. And if that isn't enough, you can take advantage of the arcades and bowling too. Start your engines!
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Grand Prix
Autobahn Indoor Speedway
Palisades Center Mall (2nd Floor Above Best Buy), 2272 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY

Grand Prix New York
333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY

RPM Raceway
600 West Ave, Stamford, CT

Amusement Parks & Large Attractions

Looking for a full day adventure that's spectacular? Try these amusement parks. While Legoland Westchester caters to a younger crowd, and probably not a full day excursion (maybe combine it with Rockin Jump which is right next door), a trip to the American Dream is an experience worth traveling for.
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Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day, Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com
Legoland Discovery Center
Ridge Hill, 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 
​Coming Soon- Legoland New York in Goshen July 2020 (outdoor park)

American Dream
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
​Nickelodeon Universe, BigSnow, DreamWorks Water Park (coming soon)
Did we miss any? If you have a local fun zone we missed and you love, please tell us! Share in the comments below.

1 Comment

The Must-Have List of Music Classes, Centers & More for Westchester Kids

12/12/2019

0 Comments

 
               
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According to Music Together, "The effects of music on children are magical. Music can be both energizing and calming, and it can enhance bonding and help with transitions."

Music can be enjoyed and learned at any age. In fact, Unicef refers to music as the "The soundtrack to your child's development."  The benefits of music for children are impressive, according to the the United Nations’ organization for children. Music can:
  • Improve moods and empower young children by reducing stress levels. Even listening to sad music can be good thanks to its cathartic power, making it easier for children to get in touch with their emotions. 
  • Stimulate the formation of brain chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin. When these are released, children are encouraged to share toys, empathize and trust others.
  • Boost concentration skills and productivity.
  • Improve learning and grades.
  • Develop spatial intelligence – laying the ground for an interest in mathematics, engineering, computer science and architecture. 
  • Improve vocabulary and creativity. 

With so much positive impact, it is no surprise that Westchester County is rich in music experience and education options for children at any age. Read this Must-Have List of Music Classes, Centers & More for Westchester Kids to find a location and curriculum that is right for your family. Included are classes for infants through adulthood. Start with mommy-and-me classes to bond musically with your baby. In toddlerhood and preschool, introduce them to toddler-friendly instruments and teach them how to make their own music through voice, rhythm and percussion. When they are older, voice and instrument lessons can give them the tools to boost confidence, creativity, patience and perseverance. Plus, group music classes, orchestra and band provide social benefits as well. Are you ready to get started?


​Little Ones

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Music contributes to child development and school readiness, including language and reading skills. These classes designed for young children will get your little ones rocking! Classes for the youngest musicians will be mommy-and-me while older children can attend drop off instruction. Are you ready to jam?
​
​Belle School of Music
Multiple locations (Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers)- https://belleschool.com/locations.htm
​

​Chloe's Kids
Multiple locations- https://chloeskids.com/classes-%2B-events

Crestwood Music Education Center
453 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY

Groove
158 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont NY​

Gymboree
450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale, NY 

Hoff-Barthelson Music School
25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY

Joanna's N'Bananas
Multiple locations- The Little Red Play, Zen Zone Sensory Gym 
​
Larchmont Music Academy
2089 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY 

Mike Risko
144 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY

Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY

Musical Munchkins
Multiple locations- http://musicalmunchkins.com/Locations.html

Music School of Westchester
1328 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY

Mustard Seed Music Studio
23 Valley Rd. Suite 1, Katonah, NY

RiverArts
Multiple locations

Shake Rattle and Roll Music
Multiple locations- https://shakerattleandrollmusic.com/class-locations/

Sounds Good Westchester (Music Together)
Multiple locations- https://www.soundsgoodwestchester.com/locations.aspx

Starlight Smtarbright Music (Music Together)
78 Garth Road, Scarsdale, NY

Songs for Seeds
Multiple locations (Armonk, Scarsdale, Port Chester)

Tig & Peach
125 Wolfs Lane Pelham, NY

The Little Red Play
17 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Zen Zone Sensory Gym 
2055 Albany Post Road, Croton on Hudson, NY

Pro tip: also check out your local town libraries, recreation departments and community centers like the YMCA and JCC. They may provide free or reasonably priced classes, special events and camps as well.


Musical ​Instrument & Voice Instruction 

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Learning to play a musical instrument can improve mathematical learning, improve long-term memory, lead to better brain development, and even increase school scores. Playing an instrument is a rich and complex experience. It integrates information from the senses of hearing, vision, and touch. Plus, in a world of overachievers, playing an instrument can actually be a stress reliever! Performances can provide a goal to work toward, confidence and achievement for children.

Singing is an excellent outlet for self-expression. Plus it aids learning, brain and language development. It can also have social benefits if your child participates in signing competitions, concerts or performs with a group.

Each of these music schools have a unique range of offerings including private lessons, group lessons, e-lessons, band, summer or vacation camps, musical theater, singing, concerts, college prep and more. They differ in their  teaching methods and instrument types as well.

​Bedford Music
317 Railroad Avenue, Bedford Hills, NY

​Belle School of Music
Multiple locations (Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers)- https://belleschool.com/locations.htm

Bennett Academy of Performing Arts
225A Main Street, New Rochelle, NY

Choice Music Studios
In home lessons
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Cortlandt School of Performing Arts
24 Old Albany Post Road, Croton on Hudson, NY

Crestwood Music Education Center
453 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY

Harrison Music School
253 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY

Hoff-Barthelson Music School
25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY

Joanna's N'Bananas
Multiple locations

Lagond Music School
9 Haven Street, Elmsford, NY 
​
Larchmont Music Academy
2089 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY
​
Mike Risko
144 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY

Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY

RiverArts
Multiple locations

​The Mozartina Musical Arts Conservatory
43 Prospect Avenue, Tarrytown, NY

The Muzic Store Inc.
39 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY

NY Piano School
In-home lessons

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Westchester County Kids Indoor Fun Ideas 2019: Issue #2

12/12/2019

4 Comments

 
               
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The Grit Ninja
Whether your child is active, creative, toddler or tween, here are some more ideas to stay entertained indoors in Westchester County, NY! For more indoor fun ideas check out our previous issue #1 and our new Indoor Fun page.

You can also look at our Directory and Blog. Find a full listing of things to do this weekend, recurring events and other upcoming events on our Community Calendar. Events are free to add so we encourage our readers and local businesses to post great family events.

D.I.Y. Slime

2A East Avenue, Larchmont, NY
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D.I.Y. Slime in Larchmont is a new, one-of-a-kind experience for kids and families. It allows them to take an hour or so out of their busy lives to sit together and be creative. Where else do you get to have fun making a mess and then get to walk away and let someone else clean up?!

For those parents who may have tried to make slime with their kids but failed, D.I.Y. Slime staff takes the guesswork out it! They walk your child through each step and check in along the way to make sure everyone leaves with a "perfect slime." 

​Also, it is very important to the owners, Stacey Sarver and Nicole Fiftal, to make it affordable to all families and so they prices start at $10 and go up from there. It also can be an "impulse activity" since there is no reservations needed during drop-in hours; just drop-in, find a seat, and enjoy some creative time with your child. This place is truly a great addition to the Lower Westchester area. 


​The Grit Ninja

404 Irvington Street, Pleasantville, NY
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Westchester's first dedicated Ninja Warrior Gym, The Grit Ninja offers innovative obstacle course design and equipment to challenge athletes both physically and mentally. 

Open gym hours are a great way to stay active and practice your ninja skills! Ninjas will climb, swing, jump and run on obstacles including: warped walls, ring swings, rope climbs, a rock traverse wall, the jumping spider, floating steps, balance courses and so much more! Their floor set-up is always changing, so each week ninjas will be able to work on their agility, balance and overall strength in lots of fun and different ways.  Coaches are available each open gym session to help ninjas on the gym floor and make sure everyone is having a fun and safe time.   ​

Open gym is $20 for one hour for children age 5-14 and runs Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. For ages 15 and up, the cost is $25 for two hours on Wednesday evenings.

​In addition to open gym, they offer after school classes, Team Grit, birthday parties, competitions, vacation week & summer camps and special events.

Westchester Ninja Warrior

150 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY​
Inspired by the hit television show American Ninja Warrior, Westchester Ninja Warriors offers adjustable obstacles for kids of every skill level regardless of age, skill and size. There is an agility course, swinging ropes, monkey bars, quintuple steps, climbing and warped walls. They believe it is important for kids to gain self–confidence and build self–esteem which is why they have designed courses for all ages and abilities.

They offer classes, camps and parties. Classes include Ninja Tykes, preschool ninjas ages 4-5, Lil’ Ninjas, 6-8 year olds, and Jr. Ninjas, 9-12 year olds.

You can register for open gym online for $25. It is offered at specific times only on Friday afternoon/evening and Saturday at 11:30am-1pm (ages 6-12).

Tig & Peach

125 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, NY
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Tig & Peach believes a children’s indoor play space can be fun AND beautiful. In fact, they’ve set out to make it their mission.

​This is a place where young kids can get away from the screen time as they refine their little engineering skills by rearranging wheels and tubes on our gigantic magnet wall. Or focus on fun by sliding, climbing, hiding and seeking on our custom designed playground. They’ll use their imagination as they experiment with our pivoting wind tunnel, get creative and make a mess in the art room or take in a good book inside their custom wooden tent. In addition, they have a kitchen and market place center, a tool bench with wooden tools and cars and a dress up corner in their open play space. The art room is constantly revolving each day with different arts and crafts projects. One day they’ll be painting and the next making rocket ships out of boxes. You never know what you’ll find day by day! No matter what your kids are into, they’ll find something fun and exciting at Tig & Peach.

It's open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and weekends 9am-1pm, so stop in whenever 
(weekend afternoons are reserved for birthday parties)!

Open play at Tig & Peach is open for open play ALL DAY 7 days a week. Families and caregivers can drop in anytime for $30 (plus $20 for each additional sibling. Siblings under 9 months are FREE) and play for the entire day. If you plan on using Tig & Peach more than 4 times a month it makes sense to buy a membership which is $129 for 1 child, $209 for 2, and $299 for 3 children. They also include story time and crafting every Monday at 10:30 AM for members only, you will receive 10% off of classes as well as lots of great monthly perks and exclusive to members! If you’d like to take a class at Tig & Peach you will also receive an open play pass for the entire day of the class (if a child takes a class at 10 AM they can leave and come back at 3 PM or whenever they’d like that day). 

ZenZone Sensory Gym

2055 Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY
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Zen Zone Sensory Gym is a progressively designed indoor play and learning space that inspires everybody to be truly present while having fun! Open Gym and Birthday Parties are specifically designed for children from birth to 5 years old.

Little kids can enjoy swings, a traverse rock wall, tricycle track and more all in a "zen" setting, with the comfort of soft lighting, soothing colors, gentle sounds, calming scents, and sensory-rich textures. There are three connected zones to play in: Big Zone with indoor playground equipment, Little Zone with soft play for infants and toddlers and Life Zone where kids can play dress up, drive to the store, take a walk in the park.

While they do offer open gym for $20 a session (see site for additional pricing information for siblings and packs), it only accommodates 20 children at a time so it is recommended you call ahead. In addition, they welcome field trips and offer enrichment groups (ages 3 and up). Zen Zone is a mindfully designed sensory space providing private OT, PT, and Speech therapies for all ages.   

​Do you have a favorite or indoor play space you recommend? Share it with us in the comments below!

4 Comments

The Must-Have List of Art Centers, Classes, Drop-In Studios & More for Westchester Kids

12/9/2019

2 Comments

 
               
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Photo by Kaboompics .com from Pexels
Is your child artsy? Creative minds will love these local art studios in Westchester County, NY. Whether you have a tween who is passionate about art or a preschooler who loves making slime, this list will give you numerous local options to keep those little (or not so little) fingers busy. 

If you're not a planner then you'll love that many of these places welcome walk-ins. In addition they can provide the perfect place to entertain youngsters since they offer special events, birthday parties, drop off camps (hooray!) and classes as well. And the best part... you won't have to clean up. What will your child's next masterpiece be?


​General Art Centers & Schools

PictureOne River
Art Academy of Westchester
​145 Palisades Street, Suite 404, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Bethany Arts Center
40 Somerstown Road, Ossining, NY

Blue Door Arts Center
13 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers, NY

Bott Shoppe
174 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY

Cedar Lane Arts Center
95 Broadway, Ossining, NY

Katonah Art Center
40-2 Radio Circle Drive Mount Kisco, NY
​

One River Art School
112 S. Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY
2081 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY
​
Pelham Art Center
155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham, NY

RAD ART School
217 E Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale, NY

Rye Arts Center
51 Milton Road, Rye, NY 

Scribble Art Workshop 
63 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Young at Art
1088 Central Park Avenue, Room 216, Scarsdale, NY

Digital Arts & Film

PictureiD Tech





Bott Shoppe
174 East Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY

Curious On Hudson
77 Tarrytown Rd, Suite GNB, White Plains, NY

Digital Arts Experience
303 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale, NY

iD Tech
(summer)
Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY
Pace University - Westchester, Pleasantville, NY
Iona College, New Rochelle, NY

Jacob Burns Film Center
364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville, NY

The Picture House
175 Wolfs Lane Pelham, NY

Jewelry

Bead Everything
175 E. Post Rd., White Plains, NY

Paint

Painting with a Twist
365 Central Park Ave , Scarsdale, NY 
​
​Muse Paintbar 
Ridge Hill, 265 Market Street, Yonkers, NY
84 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY

Pottery ​& Ceramics

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Photo by Alex Jones on Unsplash
A Maze In Pottery
76 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY
​
Clay Art Center
40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY
​
Creative Corner
7 Addison Street, Larchmont, NY

Fun Craft 
590 Central Park Avenue Scarsdale, NY 
​
Made
118 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 

Plaster Palace Pottery
2005 Palmer Ave., Larchmont, NY

Pottery on Hudson
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, lower level, 2 Revolutionary Road, Ardsley, NY

The Pottery Factory
179 Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY


​Slime

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D.I.Y. Slime
​
2A East Avenue, Larchmont, NY

Community Art Organzations 

Arts Westchester
31 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd Floor, White Plains, NY

Ossining Arts Council
​P.O Box 408, Ossining, New York
​
RiverArts
414 Warburton Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

More Ideas

Get crafty at a local retail store. Michael's in Hartsdale, Pelham, Port Chester and Yonkers offer classes and events for children. Some require advance registration. Your budding artist can also make a free craft at Lakeshore Learning in Scarsdale every Saturday from 11am-3pm.

Bring out your artistic side at a museum. T
he Hudson River Museum in Yonkers offers a Family Art Studio craft every Saturday and Sunday. 

What about your town? Many town recreation departments offer art classes, programs and activities. Same goes for  local libraries, which are always FREE!

Lastly, look at community centers, like the YMCA, YWCA and JCC. They typically have a robust offering of classes, events and resources you can sign up for.

Did we miss any? If you have a local art venue we missed and you love, please tell us! Share in the comments below.

2 Comments

Westchester County Kids Indoor Fun Ideas 2019: Issue #1

11/25/2019

0 Comments

 
               
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Credit: Spins Hudson
Keep those rambunctious, creative, sporty, curious and active kids busy this fall and winter at these indoor hot spots in or near Westchester County, NY! Stay tuned. More indoor fun ideas are coming in issue #2.

For more ideas check out our Directory and Blog. Find a full listing of things to do this weekend, recurring events and other upcoming events on our Community Calendar. Events are free to add so we encourage our readers and local businesses to post great family events.
​
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Escape the Mystery Room
Jefferson Valley Mall
, 650 Lee Blvd, Yorktown Heights, NY
Palisades Center, 3681 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY
Calling detectives of all ages! This is is your chance to be one in real-life.  How it works: you and your team are in a room for 50 minutes and you must find clues, solve puzzles and decipher hidden codes to escape one of our many themed rooms. There is a variety of levels of difficulty, making it fun for your youngest and your oldest (plus mom and dad too). Detectives 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are highly recommended. For children under the age of 12, start with any Level 1 room. Superhero’s Adventure is very popular and great for kids.  Treasure Island is great for families. New at the Palisades: The Game Show Room. The standard cost is $25/person (plus tax) for one escape room experience. Children 6 and under are free with a paying adult. Good for birthday parties.


PictureCredit: Spins Hudson
Spins Hudson
5 John Walsh Blvd., Peekskill, NY
If you don't mind heights then this may be your spot. Spins Hudson has the only outdoor/indoor ropes course in the Northeast challenging even the best climbers! There are two levels. 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). Spins Hudson also has 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 (who knew!). The newest addition: five unique climbing walks featuring Legos, Rubik’s Cubes and Space themes.
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PictureCredit: Grand Prix
Grand Prix New York & Spins Bowl
333 North Bedford Road 
Mount Kisco, NY

Thrill seekers make note. Kids can experience the excitement of driving a race car at Grand Prix New York.  Recreational indoor racing, bowling and virtual reality gaming are all on the menu here. NEW to the venue: a multilevel race track (note: if you are younger than 18 years old, a legal guardian's Photo ID and a signed Parental Consent Form are required). Or try the NEW massive ninja style course loaded with gravity defying obstacles. For the traditionalists, you can also go bowling. The Grand Prix arcade has over 100 of the top industry games and approximately 6, 000 square feet, some may say it is the most exciting redemption arcade in the Tri -State area. Games include The XD interactive thrill ride and Hologate virtual reality. 

​Palisades Center
1000 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY
Just across the Governor Mario M. Cuomo bridge is the Palisades Center, a four-level shopping and entertainment extravaganza located in Rockland County. Palisades Center is among the top ten most visited malls in America and offers over 200 stores, 16 sit-down restaurants, a bowling alley, ice rink, the world's tallest indoor ropes course, comedy club, and more.  If you are looking for entertainment, they have you covered.
PictureCredit: Palisades Center
  • 5 WITS
    Ready for some live-action entertainment? Then head over to 5 Wits for cutting-edge fun that immerses you in realistic, hands-on adventures. Computer-controlled special effects and physical interaction put you in the center of the action, and will leave you feeling like you’re in a movie or video game. Recommended ages 7 and up. Younger kids are typically either frightened or don’t understand the challenges. All ages are admitted, however children under 13 MUST be accompanied by a ticketed adult 18 years or older. 

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
​AMC
Top off your trip to the mall with a kid-friendly flick. Enjoy the latest movies in comfort with new plush reclining seats. Also on site, an IMAX theatre, taking the big screen to the next level.

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
​Autobahn Indoor Speedway
Put your pedal to the metal. Kids can be race car drivers and enjoy speeds of up to 25MPH in extremely safe conditions. Junior karting is for children that are 8 and older, and at least 48” tall. Junior kart racers must be at least 48" tall and 8 years old. Adult kart racers must be at least 56" tall, at least 13 years old and less than 300 lbs. Racers under 18 must be accompanied by the parent on their first visit or the parent must complete this waiver signed by a parent or guardian.  No reservation necessary!

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
  • Billy Beez
    This is indoor play bliss for kids of all ages. It's a massive 25,000 sq. ft. indoor play park. Activities range from slides to sports courts, tunnels to towers, ball blasters to bouncy trampolines. The majority of the park can be enjoyed by kids ages 1-17, plus there is a Mini Beez area dedicated to infants and toddlers. Children under the age of 18 must come with an adult.

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Well this is sweet. Bring your little loved one to Build-A-Bear for an experience that they are sure to remember. Build-A-Bear Workshop actively works to bring the Teddy Bear to life and give children an unforgettable furry friend. At Build-A-Bear, children can custom build, name and accessorize their stuffed animal and leave with a new best friend. Looking for a unique holiday gift? A gift certificate could be something special.

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
Color Me Mine
For the art lovers and creative minds out there, head to Color Me Mine. There are hundreds of ceramic shapes to choose from and dozens of colors to paint with. The design center is stocked with over twenty thousand images you can use to design your piece any way you like. For all ages and skill levels. Reservations are available. Check out Kids Night Out: once a month they host a drop-off events for kids ages 6 and up where they watch a movie, have some snacks, and of course paint! No parents allowed (YES!).

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  • Dave & Buster's
Food, games, billiards and more to keep everyone entertained and their stomachs full. Note: children under 18 must come with an adult who is at least 25. Each adult may bring no more than 6 children.​

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
Ferris Wheel 
The ferris wheel is a Palisades tradition not to be missed.  After all, it's only $2 and reaches 68 feet. Not to mention it is the perfect spot for a selfie!

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
Glitter & Glam
Ooh la la! It's spa time for the young ladies. Check out the best girl spa party destination specializing in making every girl’s dream come true via themed parties and luxurious day spa services. Tip: check out the upcoming events like the Winter Formal hosted by Cinderella and Tiana.

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Lucky Strike
Lucky Strike West Nyack provides a killer time for all ages. There are 12 premium lanes, 6 competition ready billiards tables, and an intimate game room with air hockey & roller ball. Lucky Strike features huge projectors & plasma TVs (streaming MLB, NBA, NFL & others around the clock), a chef-driven gastropub menu and hand-crafted libations.


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OMG Entertainment
Virtual reality–loving kids will love OMG Entertainment’s Virtual Reality 9D movie experience. There are eight different movies that you can choose from. It ticks all the boxes with its addictive quality and you will come back asking for more. You will be surprised to discover something new every time you stop by.

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
Palisades Carousel
Enjoy a classic carousel ride that is fun for the whole family.

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
  • Palisades Climb
    This is the home of the world’s tallest indoor ropes course. Palisades Climb will provide adventure, thrills and excitement for the adventurous at heart. Located indoors on Level 4.

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
  • Palisades Ice Rink
    Get your skate on! The ice-skating rink has public skating, DJ nights, figure skating, hockey & lessons to keep littles ones moving in the colder months.

PictureCredit: Palisades Center
Party Animals
Little ones are going to love this place. Ride on on the back of a rolling motorized version of their favorite animal, get your face painted or hang out in the play area. In addition there are fun activities for children every day,  arts & crafts.

What is your favorite indoor spot? Tell us in the comments below.

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Should My Dancer Be En Pointe? Don't Risk Your Child's Future - Hear It From the PROS

11/21/2019

1 Comment

 
               
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Every young ballerina dreams about dancing on their toes, but when is the right time to start? 
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Although some give an age that is typical for being ready to go en pointe (opinions range from 10-13), it is something that is very different depending on the dancer. The proper strength and placement is necessary for safely dancing in pointe shoes, so some dancers may be ready later than others of the same age group. 

Many schools allow students to begin wearing pointe shoes before they are physically ready. This can be detrimental to the dancer later on, especially since most students are still growing when they begin pointe. If a student starts pointe before they are strong enough, they can easily develop poor habits and even serious injuries. 

A dancer ready for pointe should be able to stand in releve in turned out second position and create a straight line from their knees to the balls of their feet, with the arch of their foot not falling below that line. The dancer should be able to easily perform multiple releves on one foot onto a high demi pointe without losing strength in their core, turnout, or compensating placement in their spine and hips. 
​
There are many other signs that teachers look for to determine if a student is ready to start pointe, so it is important to consult with a trusted teacher first. Although it may be hard to hear that your student may not be quite ready, it is always a decision made in the dancer's best interest. 
​
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Ho-Shia Aaron Thao 
​Co-President & Founder 
Hudson Ballet Theatre, Inc 
Artistic Director, Hudson Ballet 
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Debra King 
Co-President & Founder 
Hudson Ballet Theatre, Inc 
Artistic Director, Hudson Youth Ballet 

1 Comment

Ice Skating in Westchester County & Nearby

11/20/2019

0 Comments

 
               
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Central Park, Photo by Ihor Dvoretskyi on Unsplash
Cold weather has arrived and 'tis the season for ice skating. Indoor rinks are the go-to place for children to learn to skate, play hockey, attend skating camp, have a birthday party and more-- all in a warmer setting than the great outdoors. Most indoor ice rinks have concessions (phew!) and skate rentals. Be sure to check the rink's schedule for open skate times. Perhaps best of all, skating rinks give kids an opportunity to stay active during the colder months, which everyone desperately needs!

On the other hand, outdoor skating rinks offer the magic of the season, with a classic backdrop to take in the authentic Upstate New York winter experience. Photoworthy indeed! Take in some fresh air and get those muscles working. Don't forget your earmuffs and mittens!

What is your favorite place to skate? Share in the comments below or take a selfie and share with us on Instagram!

Outdoor Skating Rinks

Westchester County
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Cross County Holiday Ice Rink
​Cross County Shopping Center Pop-Up Holiday Skating Rink
8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY (at Center Court near Gap)
Limited time offer! Open now through January 5th  on select days. Admission is $10 per person and includes skates and a one hour skate session. You may bring your own skates, however, admission is the same. Must be 5 years old to skate or 42" tall. Character skating events are detailed on their website. 

Westchester Parks Outdoor Skating
Multiple locations
Looking for a nostalgic outdoor skating experience? Westchester County’s ponds and lakes are the perfect scene for a family skating day. Mountain Lakes Park (North Salem), Tibbetts Brook Park (Yonkers), Twin Lakes (Eastchester), Wampus Pond (Armonk) and Willson's Woods (Mount Vernon) all offer skating in the winter.  No rentals are available so pack your skates! The ice is checked daily at all locations for safety. When the white flag with the green ball or sign is posted indicating safe conditions, ice skating is permitted seven days a week during daylight hours. For your own safety, it is suggested that you check conditions before venturing over to the park. For more information call (914) 864-PARK. Admission is free with the exception of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation where parking is $5 with a Park Pass, $10 without a pass.
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Westchester Winter Wonderland 2018
Westchester Winter Wonderland
Kensico Dam Plaza, One Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY
​Uniquely Westchester! Open only during the holiday season, Westchester Winter Wonderland invites you to come skate and enjoy many other festive attractions at the Kensico Dam. The outdoor rink is lit and surrounded with twinkling holiday decor. It is open November 29th through January 4th (closed December 24th and 25th).  Admission includes unlimited skating (with skates included) on the outdoor ice rink. General admission is $20 per person and children ages 0-3 are free. 

​Notable, Just Outside Westchester County
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Rockefeller Center, Photo by Marc Ruaix on Unsplash
Bear Mountain Ice Rink
Bear Mountain State Park, 3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY
Picturesque skating at the scenic Bear Mountain State Park may be one experience to add to your holiday bucket list. The large, uncovered rink is open for public skating from November 2nd through March 1st. Skating hours extend into the evening. The rink does close occasionally if the weather does not cooperate or if there are mechanical issues. It's best to call ahead to make sure skating is open before trekking over there. Figure skate rentals are available as well as lockers and refreshments. Access their public skating pricing and schedule here. You can view their special holiday events and hours here. You may also wish to venture over to the Bear Mountain Inn while you are there, and perhaps reserve a breakfast with Santa. The Skating Rink is on the south end of the parking field bear the Merry-Go-Round.

Central Park
Wollman Rink (Enter at 59th Street and 5th or 6th Avenue), Lasker Rink (North end of Central Park, nearest street entrance is 110th St and Lenox Ave.)  and Conservatory Water (East Side between 72nd and 75th Streets )
How about outdoor skating with scenic views of the New York City skyline?  Then Central Park it is! There are two main ice skating rinks in Central Park, Wollman Rink and Lasker Rink. Each have skate and locker rentals. Wollman Rink is open from late October to early April, weather permitting. Details are available here.  Lasker Rink is open from late October to mid-March, weather permitting. Details are available here. Conservatory Water offers free ice skating (when the ice is deemed safe).. No rentals are available so don't forget to pack your skates. Call ahead to confirm skating is open before your trip.

The Rink Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, 5th Ave between 49th and 50th Streets, New York, NY
The it-rink! One of New York City’s most celebrated attractions, The Rink at Rockefeller Center is a New York City tradition for all ages. Located in midtown, the rink is the perfect spot to visit during a holiday trip to the city, as it is just steps from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and other attractions like shopping, Radio City Music Hall's Rockettes, Times Square, Broadway and the American Girl store. Open skating, lessons and exclusive wintertime experiences are all on the menu here. Online advance reservations are available. General Admission skating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. No advance reservations or online sales are available for General Admission - tickets are sold only in the Skate House. To avoid waiting on line during the busy holiday season, you can make advance reservations to skate through the VIP Igloo.

Indoor Skating Rinks

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Westchester County
Ebersole Ice Rink
Delfino Park , 110 Lake Street, White Plains, NY
Skate lessons for all levels, hockey teams, and public skating sessions are offered here throughout the season. The rink is open from mid October through late March. Access their pricing and schedule here.

Hommocks Park Ice Rink
140 Hommocks Road, Larchmont, NY
The season runs September 28th through June 14th. The Hommocks Park Ice Rink offers lessons, public skating, Stick and Puck Sessions, appreciation days, character skates and more year-round recreational community events.   Access their public skating pricing and schedule here.

Ice Hutch
 655 Garden Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 
The Ice Hutch serves the skating community all year-round by offering skating lessons for all levels (ages 4+), weekly public skating, figure skating and hockey sessions. Freestyle sessions for figure skaters and hockey Stick Time sessions are also available. Access their public skating pricing and schedule here.

Murray's Skating Center
348 Tuckahoe Rd., Yonkers, NY
Public skating hours are open early September through the end of April. Offering skating lessons, hockey and recreational skating, Murray's Skating Center offers the largest weekly public skating schedule in the area. Most weekend sessions feature a live DJ.  Access their public skating pricing and schedule here.

Playland Ice Casino
100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY
Public skating, tot programs, learn to skate lessons, camps, hockey programs and more are all available. Two rinks are used for public skating and are equipped with state-of-the-art music systems and dance lighting. Additional skating sessions are added around the holidays. Friday night teen skating featuring a DJ and lights is held between September and April. Access their public skating pricing and schedule here.

The Harvey School: Evarts Rink
The Harvey School, 240 Jay Street, Katonah, NY
The fully enclosed ice rink is home to Harvey Hockey and offers a variety of instructional skating programs. The arena operates year-round. Please note skate rentals are not available. Access their public skating (walk-on) pricing and schedule here.

Westchester Skating Academy
91 Fairview Drive, Elmsford, NY
Westchester Skating Academy is one of the premiere skating facilities in the area. It is one of the only NHL twin rink facilities in Westchester County. They offer public skating, holiday camps & clinics, learn to skate lessons, hockey lessons & camps plus hockey leagues for children and adults. Access their public skating pricing and schedule here.
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Notable, Just Outside Westchester County
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Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream Opening Day, Photographer: Angela Pham/BFA.com
American Dream Rink
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
Ready for something new? The Rink is a NHL-size ice skating and hockey facility, located inside the brand-new, ginormous American Dream mall in East Rutherford, NJ. It has three viewable tiers and can hold thousands of spectators. Activities include open skating, figure skating, hockey tournaments, events and more. Open seven days a week, hours vary. Open skate tickets can be purchased in person at the rink, access their pricing here. 

Brewster Ice Arena
63 Fields Lane, Brewster, NY
Similar to the indoor facilities in Westchester County, this arena offers learn to skate programs, hockey programs, clinics, camps, travel hockey, adult hockey, fitness programs and freestyle figure skating. Access their winter skating schedule here. Pricing can be accessed here.

Chelsea Piers Connecticut
One Blackly Road, Stamford, CT
For the sports-enthusiasts out there, it may be worth a trip out to CT to Chelsea Piers, located in Stamford. There is a whole slew of drop-in sports and activities to do. For skating, they offer a dual-rink facility that operates seven days a week. Skaters of all ages and ability are welcome. Activities include ice hockey, league play, figure skating, general skating, birthday parties and more. Chelsea Piers is the premier ice skating facility in Fairfield County.

Palisades Center Ice Rink
Palisades Center, 4900 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY
Calling all shoppers! Similar to the rinks above, there is a full suite of skating offerings-- open skating, figure skating, hockey, camps. However, this rink sits inside the massive Palisades Center, just across the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. The mall is bursting with tons of entertainment options, shopping and food. So you can make a day of it.  Access their public skating pricing and schedule here.

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How Kids Can Break Into STEM Through Robotics

3/27/2019

1 Comment

 
               
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Image by iD Tech
STEM, while a short, seemingly harmless word on the surface, can present a variety of challenges for any student or parent who is unfamiliar.

Science, technology, engineering, AND math? That’s a lot to cram into such a simple acronym.

If you’ve been wanting to get your kid or teen more involved in STEM, but have been discouraged by any number of roadblocks, we are here to help!

Believe it or not, sparking a passion for STEM and getting a child started along their journey can begin right now—with robotics.


Breaking into STEM through robotics
One of the most effective ways for any child to get going with STEM is through robotics. Thanks to its hands-on nature, the availability of robotics clubs at school, simple robot toys for home, and nearby robotics classes or summer camps, it has never been easier.
PictureImage by iD Tech
Robotics clubs at school
In case you didn’t know, a robotics club is a gathering of students, who after school, will get together to learn and work with - you guessed it - robots. Such clubs typically take place in a school classroom, and are moderated by a member of the teaching staff or school administration.

Clubs sometimes compete at local robotics competitions, where teams of students are tasked with designing and building a robot to take on opponents in a series of challenges.

The main benefit for those interested in STEM - but unsure of where to begin - is that a robotics club is a relatively easy, low-cost way to get your student involved.

Such clubs help to strengthen your student’s STEM skills, both hard and soft. Creativity and problem-solving are essential in building a 'bot that can overcome obstacles, and your child will have to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions when the robot doesn’t perform as expected.

Last but not least, hanging out with like-minded peers is always beneficial, providing a valuable way for kids to make friends and build their networks.

PictureImage by iD Tech
With robotics toys, at home
Many of today’s “toys” barely resemble the traditional definition of the word thanks to the inclusion of different educational components.

For instance, the SparkFun Inventor’s Kit (SIK) is a great way to get your child started with coding and hardware interaction using the Arduino programming language.

I know what you’re thinking...coding and programming? What does this have to do with robotics? And, I thought this was supposed to be an easy way to get involved?

Well, coding is the underpinning of robotics, providing the instructions a robot needs to read in order to execute actions.

And toys make coding and robotics easy. For example, the SIK includes everything your child needs to complete five in-depth projects consisting of 16 interconnected circuits. These projects teach everything from blinking an LED to reading sensors and more. The culminating project is your child’s very own autonomous robot!

This is just one example of many different available robotics “toys” that are useful in getting kids and teens interested in robotics. LEGO, Cozmo, and VEX are additional options to look into.


At summer camp, with a robotics course
One of the biggest benefits of summer camp is that it allows campers to build a unique interest in something they might not otherwise have a chance to explore.

While many schools don’t offer courses in robotics, summer camps do. They also provide an environment free of pressure, homework, and tests.

Think of a robotics summer camp as a combination of robotics club and school, to an extent, where students get to experience the camaraderie and teambuilding of a club, and the learning aspect of school.

In the end, however, an entirely new experience is created; one that doesn’t really resemble a club or school at all, where kids can explore to their heart’s content, without being bound by curriculum and large, impersonal classrooms.

Instead, they have the freedom to create the projects they want to create, and can receive personalized learning thanks to small class sizes.

Summer camp is a unique venue for growth, allowing kids to become independent and self-confident, while socializing and making new friends, and even learning new skills, like robotics.

PictureImage by iD Tech
Ready to get started?
Summer is just a few months away, and programs are filling up fast!

We encourage you to consider iD Tech, the world’s #1 summer STEM camp for ages 7-19, with over 20 years of experience and 400,000 alumni

Programs are held at 150 prestigious campuses in the USA, Europe, and Asia, including Manhattanville College, Pace University, Iona, Stanford, NYU, HKU, Imperial College London, and University of Cambridge.

Courses are led by top-tier instructors, so students build in-demand skills for futures in robotics, coding, game development, design, and more. Guaranteed small class sizes ensure personalized learning for all skill levels.

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Exclusive to Westchester NY Moms readers, you’ll receive $75 off when you register with code WNYMOMS19 before 8/22/19.
​Courses sell-out quickly. Get started today at iDTech.com or call (888) 709-8324 for personalized course recommendations. Make unlimited updates to your registration up to 3 weeks before your session with no fees.


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