Did you know that New York is one of the few places in the world where you can find Sugar Maple trees (our official state tree) that produce maple syrup? The process of tapping maple trees, collecting the sap, and making maple syrup can be a fun experience for kids. We are lucky that this activity can be enjoyed right here in Westchester County!

Maple sugaring season, when maple syrup is made, typically starts in late February and runs into April (depending on weather). There are several local Westchester County farms and nature centers that are offering outdoor, distanced opportunities for kids to give maple sugaring try. We have detailed these below. If you are interested in participating make sure you register in advance where necessary and expect distancing and health guidelines to be in place (like mask wearing and capacity limits). Enjoy! 

Muscoot Farm
51 Route 100, Katonah, NY 
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At their Tapping the Trees & Maple Sugaring events, kids can learn about sugaring with their family inside the sugarhouse. You will participate in a thirty-minute private demonstration with just your family.

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, beginning Sunday, Feb. 7 through March 21 from 10am – 2:30pm
Pricing: $20 a family per session

Greenburgh Nature Center
99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale, NY
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The Nature Center is currently offering Maple Sugaring programs through their ongoing Back to Nature Series. These programs are for small groups and families with children of all ages. They are led by their expert Naturalists and range in topics for interactive 1 to 1.5 hour experiences.

Starting in late January through early February, kids can travel back in time to learn about maple sugaring throughout history. They will learn how Native Americans discovered maple sugar and our modern day techniques to collect and create syrup at our outdoor sugaring sites. This program will also include a small seasonal treat.

As a bonus, at the end of the season on a weekend in early March, participants can return to the Nature Center to watch them make maple syrup in their Sugar Shack. Any groups who participate in the program through the season will have the opportunity to go home with a small jar of fresh maple syrup.
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Dates: Starting in late January through early February
Pricing: 
Members—$150 (groups of up to 6, $15 per additional person for max of 9)
Non-Members—$200 for non members (groups of up to 6, $15 per additional person for max of 9)

Teatown
1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining, NY

Warren’s Sugarhouse is open for family tours! Join a Teatown educator for a demonstration of tree tapping and visit the sugarhouse to learn how sap is made into maple syrup! One family (no more than 5 people) for each 20 minute tour. Health and safety measures are in place.

Dates: Saturdays, February 27, March 6, 13, 20 and Sundays February 28, March 7, 14
Pricing: $10 per family (members), $15 per family (non-members)

White Oak Farm
680 Croton Lake Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY

Head to their Backyard Sugaring Workshop to learn how to make your own pure, delicious maple syrup. White Oak Farm is the only commercial maple syrup producer in Westchester County with 2400 trees tapped and the southernmost producer in New York State. Visit a traditional sugarhouse and learn the techniques to make your own high quality syrup with a focus on the history of maple syrup production, tree identification, tapping, collecting, boiling, filtering, and packing. 

Dates: Saturday, February 13th & Saturday, February 20th from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon
Pricing: $75 per person.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center
151 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 

Head up to CT for First County Bank Maple Sugar Fest Sundays. In lieu of their traditional festival weekend, there will be three enhanced Sundays for health and safety. Kids can participate in making maple syrup from the 200+ mature maple trees found right on their 118-acre campus. 

Each Sunday they will open their site at 10 am with added attractions, enhanced programming, and fun seasonal offerings, including traditional favorites like maple syrup treats and tree tapping demonstrations! General registration opened January 14.

Dates: February 21 & 28 and March 7 from 10am - 2pm
Pricing: 
Members: $10/person
Non-members:  $20/person
Standard admission rates apply after 2pm

In the past the following locations have held Maple Sugaring events. No 2021 events have been announced to date due to the pandemic. Given things are always changing, you can check back on their sites to see if any events have been added.

Hilltop Hanover Farm
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
Rye Nature Center
Trailside Nature Museum
Westmoreland Sanctuary

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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!

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

With Valentine's Day coming up in just a couple of weeks, now is the time to start thinking about doing something special for the little ones you love. We could all use a little extra TLC right now! Of course a homemade card and a hug from the heart is more than enough but if you are looking to sweeten the day a bit more, we've rounded up some heartwarming ideas for you.

This Cupid-approved list features not only novelty items that kids will love but also things you can do together— like reading, playing, making a craft, baking and coloring. After all Valentine's Day is all about the love you share! 

Here are our 25 Valentine's Day Gift ideas, sure to please babies, toddlers, kids, tweens and teens. Find your perfect match!

Wishing all of our readers a Happy Valentine's Day filled with love!

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Go to DisneyWorld
​
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.

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.

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.

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.

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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It's skating season! What  a great way for kids to get some fresh air, keep their distance and stay active during these chilly months. Outdoor skating has a magical feel to it. Glide on the ice and marvel in the beautiful Upstate New York landscape around you. 

Check out this list of places to enjoy outdoor ice skating in Westchester. Don't forget to bring your skates!

Westchester County’s lakes and ponds provide ideal locations for scenic outdoor ice skating. 

​The following lists Westchester County Parks that offer outdoor skating— open only when weather conditions are safe. Once the ice is deemed safe for skating, the lake or pond will be officially opened for winter skating. Ice is checked daily at all locations for safety and conditions. 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. Skating season has no official end date and will end once mother nature has decided it is time.  

No skate rentals are available so plan to bring your own. Free!

For your own safety, always check conditions before heading out to the park. For more information call (914) 864-PARK.

Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park
201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY

Tibbetts Brook Park
355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY

Twin Lakes Park
California Road, Eastchester, NY

Wampus Pond
Route 128, Armonk, NY
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Willson's Woods
East Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY

Other Parks

Bedford Hills Park
​60 Haines Road, Bedford Hills, NY

The Woodlands Lake section of V.E. Macy Park
914 New York 9A, Ardsley, NY 

Pop-Up Holiday Ice Skating Rink at Cross County Shopping Center
Open through Thu Dec 24th 
Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY

Starting November 27th, families can skate at the Pop-Up Holiday Ice Skating Rink. Guests will be limited per skate session and are required to wear masks. Admission is $10 per person (ages 5 and up) and includes skate rentals and a one-hour session. ​

​
​Ice Skating at Bear Mountain Outdoor Ice Rink
Open through Sun Mar 7th 2021 
Bear Mountain Ice Rink, 3006 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bear Mountain as you skate in the great outdoors. Rentals available. $10 to park on weekends and holidays, $5 for admission (children 4 and under are free) and $5 for skate rentals.

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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.

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. ​

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
​
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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2020 was quite a year.  But it is now behind us (ahhh... big sigh of relief). A new year feels like a fresh start. A clean slate. And now more than ever that feels GOOD! 

Many of us enjoy making New Year's resolutions as a way to look forward, establish better habits, improve areas of our life that we want to work on, focus on our health, and jump start our ambitions. New year, new you, right?!

Over the course of this pandemic I immersed myself in the world of self-help books to find some inspiration, motivation, entertainment and guidance to make life feel a little more opportunistic. A little more in control. A little less overwhelming. Reading stories about others overcoming obstacles, having life altering experiences and finding love can be so inspiring. 

I discovered four books that really filled me up. They taught me a lot. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Gave me epiphanies. Helped me let go of past disappointments. Uncovered ways to be the best mom I can be. Motivated me to start taking care of ME. Gave me the courage to accept that there are things I do not like and have the power to change... NOW. Perhaps they will bring the same comfort and inspiration to you. And give you the tools and guidance to build your own resolutions for a transformational 2021.

I'm sure many of the moms out there struggle to find the time to read. I struggle with that too. So I found a way to combine exercise and books by listening to them while walking or jogging. You can also listen to them in the car or at home if you find that convenient. 

Check out these four books to get you inspired to develop your New Year's resolutions, start making positive changes and pave the way for— what might just be— the best year of your life.

Wishing all of our readers a happy and healthy 2021! You got this.

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Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! How about sea turtles, otters and penguins? Or maybe goats, pigs and chickens? There are so many animals to see in or near Westchester County, NY. Open for your viewing pleasure, grab your mask and check out a zoo, farm, nature center or aquarium for the day.

Almost all of the locations listed offer completely outdoor experiences and are open this winter. Prepare in advance for your visit by checking any updates regarding closed areas, operating hours, advance reservation requirements and health & safety rules. 

Enjoy our list of places to see animals in or near Westchester. All of the furry friends will be delighted to see you.

Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Boulevard Bronx, NY

Current Status: Open, The Bronx Zoo is open year-round, you must have a reservation for a date-specific timed ticket in advance.

The Bronx Zoo is a real treat for people of all ages. As a Westchester resident an annual membership is a great way to take advantage of this nearby, vast attraction. During the winter months the zoo is open but some exhibits and animals are closed (African Plains, Butterfly Garden, Children's Zoo, Wild Asia Monorail and the Zoo Shuttle).

Recently the zoo has been beefing up its experiential offerings. Check out their Experiences page to see what is new. Holiday Lights run through January 10th.


Central Park Zoo
64th Street & 5th Avenue, New York, NY 

Current Status: Open, you must have a reservation for a date-specific timed ticket in advance. All experiences are currently closed.

While the size and number of attractions of the Central Park Zoo don't come close to what you get at the Bronx Zoo, it does not disappoint! Its size can actually be a pleasant journey when toting around a stroller or young children. All of the exhibits are open year-round for your enjoyment.

Trailside Museums And Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park
Seven Lakes Pkwy, Appalachian Trail, Bear Mountain, NY

Current Status: Open

Take a journey across the Cuomo Bridge to the Palisades Parkway and you will arrive at beautiful Bear Mountain. In the winter you can hike a very easy trail over to the Trailside Museums and Zoo. Everything is free!

As you take the self-guided nature trail you will encounter mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The animals are all native to New York State.

Head into the Herpetology House and check out the native turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, salamanders and skinks as well as many species of fish. Want to learn something new? The Nature Study Museum features specimens originally collected by the Museum of Natural History to teach people about animal identification.

While at Bear Mountain you can also go outdoor ice skating in the winter! In the summer there is a carousel, ice cream, boats available for rent and a swimming pool.

​Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 

Status: Open, tickets are sold in two time frames and must be reserved in advance.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has a proud history of over 90 years as Connecticut’s only Zoo. If you are looking for something smaller that the enormous Bronx Zoo, or just want a change of scenery, this zoo may be for you. Check out their large list of animals you can meet.


Essex County, NJ Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Ave. , West Orange, NJ

Status: The Zoo will be closed through January 31st. Stay tuned for reopening information.

In just over an hour you can arrive at New Jersey's Turtle Back Zoo. Filled with animals and experiences, this zoo will fill your day with fun. There are behind the scenes tours, turtles, sea lions, Masai giraffes, leopards, cougars, wolves, alligators, butterflies and more. When open, there are experiences to enjoy like mini golf, a zoo train, prehistoric playground, pony rides, an ice arena, treetop adventure course and more. The best part- admission is just $14 for adults and $12 for children.

​Muscoot Farm
51 Route 100, Katonah, NY 

Current Status: Outdoor areas and animals open, buildings are closed.

Muscoot, a Westchester Parks property, is a free and easy day trip and is great for children of all ages. The farm area is easily walkable and features over 50 farm animals in pens and barns. There are cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and pigs. Muscoot also has baby animals in the Spring. 

The trails, parking and pathway to the pasture overlook area are all open— and there are plenty of animals to see. You can visit 10am-4pm daily. 


Stone Barns
630 Bedford Road, Pocantico Hills, NY

Current Status: Closed, awaiting opening details.

Stone Barns Center is closed for farm visits until January 6th, 2021. Stay tuned on their website for reopening information. When the farm is open you can take advantage of their picturesque grounds. Walk the grounds and see pigs, cows, goats sheep and chickens living and eating in their natural habitat.


Stew Leonard’s
1 Stew Leonard Drive, Yonkers, NY 

Current Status: Farm area animals will not return until the spring.

Returning in the spring (closed for winter), you can visit “Stew’s Little Farm” to enjoy the outdoors, have some ice cream, and visit the animals. Located in Yonkers, there is a small farm area near the food concession where you can watch the singing cow (not a real one) and visit live chickens, baby cows, goats and sheep. Free.

Greenburgh Nature Center
99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale, NY

Current Status: Outdoor trails, playground, meadow, and outdoor animal exhibits are open, the Manor House is currently closed. 

The Greenburgh Nature Center is a great way to enjoy the outdoors for a few hours. The animals are located both inside at the Manor House and outside along the grounds. Inside you can see a chinchilla, owl, frogs, turtles, snakes and more. Nature center staff will take out animals for children to touch upon request.

Outdoor animals include birds of prey and farm animals like sheep, goats and chickens. Entrance to the outdoor area is free! You can also enjoy the Nature's Discovery Playground during your visit. There are a bunch of winter programs the center is offering if you are interested in learning more.


Stamford Museum & Nature Center
151 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 

Status: Heckscher Farm and Organic Garden, Nature’s Playground, hiking trails including the Orange Adventure Trail and the Wheels-In-The-Woods trail, as well as the Bendel Pond Meadow are all open. Heckscher WILD! is closed. 

Head up to CT to enjoy a picnic on the Meadow, hike over 80 acres of nature trails, visit the animals at the Heckscher Farm, and check out the Stamford Museum Galleries.

The Heckscher Farm is a 10 acre New England Farm complete with barns, a maple sugar house, organic vegetable garden, open pastures, and dozens and dozens of farm animals. They also offer a bunch of youth & family programs. Masks and distancing are required.

Teatown Lake Reservation
1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining, NY

Current Status: The Visitor Center is currently closed. 

When open, the Nature Center and nearby Raptor Loop Trail have birds of prey and animal displays, programs and events. Coming soon: Eaglefest.


Weinberg Nature Center
455 Mamaroneck Ave., Scarsdale, NY

Current Status: Trails are open, the museum is currently closed.

Built in 1958, the Weinberg Nature Center contains 7.7 acres of land with ponds, live animals, nature trails, a trailside museum and campsite. Trails are currently open 7 days week, sunrise to sunset. Animal sightings are possible during your hike.

The museum is currently closed but when open houses two doves, two  green-faced conures, three frogs, one toad, four snakes, five geckos, one tarantula, one skink, two guinea pigs, four chinchillas, four turtles, walking sticks, madagascar hissing cockroaches and two bearded dragons.


Westmoreland Sanctuary
260 Chestnut Ridge Road, ​Mount Kisco, NY

Current Status: Trails are open, the museum is currently closed.

Westmoreland’s Sanctuary’s Nature Center and Museum is a historic reconstructed 200-year old church. Inside the building are exhibits of local flora and fauna, live animals, a bird observation window and an auditorium. 

Currently Westmoreland’s Nature Center Museum is operating at a 25% maximum occupancy limit with distancing and safety measures in place. The nature museum hours are 9am - 5pm Sunday through Saturday. The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk.
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Wolf Conservation Center
7 Buck Run, South Salem, NY

Current Status: Limited onsite programming.

The Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) is a not-for-profit environmental education organization located in South Salem, NY that teaches people about wolves. They offer both on and off-site programs.

The Wolf Conservation Center is offering limited onsite programming during this time. You can view the wolves from home on their live webcams.

Maritime Aquarium
10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT

Status: Open, advance reservations are required as well as masks and distancing.

A local favorite, and not too far, kids can see jellyfish, frogs, touch stingrays and more inside at this family friendly aquarium. There are 75 live exhibits featuring more than 2,700 marine animals of 300 species. In addition to the sealife there is a great play space upstairs for babies and toddlers and an IMAX Theatre.

New York Aquarium
602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Status: Open, you must have a reservation for a date-specific timed ticket in advance, experiences are currently closed.

The Aquarium, located right off the boardwalk in Coney Island, has a combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits. Rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy, the exhibits are impressive, making it worth the drive. You can see penguins, sharks, rays, sea otters, octopus, jellyfish and more.

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