Running every Tuesday through August 31st, Palisades Center’s entertainment venues and community partners will sponsor free kid-friendly weekly activities for kids. Most of the activities are geared for children under the age of twelve. In addition, games, activities, and more will be set-up in the West Court on Level One every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for families to enjoy while visiting.  
 
The remaining Tykes Tuesday 2021 summer schedule is as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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​Throughout the U.S., schools have been struggling to contain COVID-19 outbreaks, continue in-person classes, navigate hybrid learning and maintain a welcoming environment for students, staff, and faculty. However, a pandemic cannot stop EF Academy New York (EF Academy), an international, private high school welcoming day and boarding students. In the last year, EF Academy is proud to be one of few schools that has been able to keep their doors open all year long, welcome new students and staff, uphold a strong academic curriculum and cultivate an enjoyable experience for everyone on campus.
 
Between September 2020 and January 2021, EF Academy welcomed over 300 students from not only the U.S., but also from countries all over the globe to their campus in Thornwood, NY, as well as 100 students studying virtually. The school managed to keep their doors open all three terms and continue to endorse their Safe Learning Promise. “We didn’t have a single case of COVID infection contracted on campus and not a single day of school closure due to the pandemic!” shares Dr. Vladimir Kuskovski, the Head of School at EF Academy. “It was a true team effort, and every single person did their part and that is exactly why this year was a success, especially given the circumstances.”  
 
The school was able to provide their students with an extraordinary opportunity that competing schools were unable to deliver: support in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.  When New York State made the COVID-19 vaccine available to individuals ages 16+, EF Academy was a tremendous help in scheduling appointments, giving proof of attendance, and organizing transportation within a 15-mile radius of the campus for their students, ultimately supporting over 40% of the eligible student body in getting fully vaccinated before the school year ended.  In addition to that, nearly the entire faculty and staff at EF Academy has been vaccinated, leading to a safer upcoming school year. 

Because the school was able to remain open for the entirety of the school year, there was no disruption to the continuation of student learning. Teachers navigated both virtual and in-person school and held a high standard for learning, being that EF Academy is an IB World School.  Those students who were able to make it to campus persisted through the school year in hands-on learning, face-to-face communication with their teachers and various group work with peers. 
 
EF Academy was also able to host typical in-person events for their students, such as prom, graduation, and EF Academy traditions like Culture Fair and Spring Fling.  Graduation was also in-person, having a limited capacity reception for those parents who were able to attend in person.  Because of protocols like the Safe Learning Promise, EF Academy was able to continue their traditional events for the 2020-2021 school year.
 
EF Academy is still accepting applications in New York and Oxford, UK for Fall 2021. They are also accepting students for the fall 2022 academic year, at their newest campus opening in Pasadena, California. Contact the admissions team for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Develop weekly summer themes. This is something you and your child can do together. Incorporate reading, writing, and math activities around these themes to keep things interesting and exciting for your child. Reading Rockets has a variety of themes and activities you can chose from.
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• How about taking a virtual field trip? Take a trip to Hershey ‘s Chocolate Factory, the Louvre, Climb Mt. Everest or go all the way to Outer Space from the comfort and convenience of your own home. Encourage your child to research the location you plan to visit and watch their field trip. They can even create their own travel guide.
  
  

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

• Listen to audio books on the car ride there. Each child can have their own set of headphones so they can listen to age appropriate books, or find a book the entire family can enjoy, pausing for discussions or questions as you listen.
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• Taking a break with technology is something all kids enjoy. How about these apps to encourage reluctant kids to learn during their summer vacation.
  
  

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

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

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

Embrace and enjoy the summer.
​

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

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

Check out these nearby boat companies that offer daily rentals in or near Westchester County, NY. Advance reservations and other health and safety restrictions may be in place so please check with the companies before heading over.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
Located in Yorktown Heights, Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond provide excellent freshwater fishing and boating. Both rowboats and pedal boats are available for rental. In addition if you have a regional boating permit you can also launch your own rowboats, canoes or kayaks. Don't miss the park's massive pool that can hold 3,500 swimmers at one time!


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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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


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


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

​Fahenstock State Park Row Boat Rentals at Canopus Lake (Putnam County)
Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach at Canopus Lake. You can rent rowboats and kayaks daily from 9am - 6pm. The last boat is at 3pm weekdays and 4pm on weekends.
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​The Town Tinker Tube Rental (Ulster County)
If you're looking for more of a thrill then try the extreme whitewater of Espous Creek! It is not a "lazy river" so expect rapids and waves one to three feet high. All tubers must be 12 or older and be proficient swimmers. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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