Christi O'Donnell

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Best Birthday Party Places for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Westchester

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 04/21/2023 - 7:09am

Gymboree creates personalized party experiences for toddlers.

Trying to find the best birthday party places for your toddler or preschooler in Westchester? Look no further: We've rounded up dozens of top party places where little ones can have a blast, from play spaces and kids' gyms to art studios and sports centers.

If you prefer to party at home, check out our post on in-house party entertainers. For those of us who opt to leave the work entirely in the hands of the professionals, read on for our top picks for celebrating birthdays with the 4-and-under crowd.

Check our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for Westchester Families for more great ideas about how to celebrate your little one's special day.

10 Spectacular Places to View Fall Foliage in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 10/07/2022 - 6:56am

Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers a rainbow of fall foliage to take in during the autumn.

The transformation that takes place during the fall foliage season in Westchester and the Hudson Valley is truly magical. Westchester and the Hudson Valley provide countless stunning backdrops to enjoy the autumn leaves and scenery, whether you want to drive right up to a scenic foliage spot or go for a walk in the woods.

Read on for our top 10 favorite fall foliage spots in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

And be sure to check out our rundowns on the many lovely destination parks in the area and the best spots for hiking. Our Fall Fun Guide for Westchester Kids also has plenty more ideas for seasonal fun.

Best Karate Classes in Westchester for Kids

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Wed, 09/15/2021 - 11:00am

Karate classes at Ki Martial Arts increase flexibility, balance, and strength, add add to a child's confidence.

When some people think of karate, they imagine epic martial arts battles seen in movies or on TV. But those images don’t really represent what karate is all about. Westchester County has a number of karate classes to introduce kids to the self-discipline, mental attitude, coordination, spirituality, and respect the sport requires.

So whether you are looking for a fun and healthy activity for your child, or you want to expose them to the full range of skills martial arts offer, Westchester County karate classes have a program that is right for your child. With that in mind, read on for details on some of the best local karate classes available.

See our guide to kids classes in Westchester for even more inspiration.

25+ Things To Do with Westchester Kids Before They Start Kindergarten

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 10/18/2019 - 10:00am

Rye Playland offers plenty of thrills for preschoolers. Photo courtesy of Rye Playland

Westchester and the Hudson Valley are teeming with family-friendly things to do, and we've put together a list of preschool-targeted fun for the 5-and-under set. From enriching museums to the great outdoors, these activities cater to the wondrous and imaginative nature of those adorable-yet-challenging minis who have yet to experience the wonders of kindergarten.

Read on for our top picks of must-try activities for toddlers and preschoolers, and depend on our Event Calendar for the tremendous number of worthy events that occur throughout the year.

10 Destination Parks for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sun, 07/07/2019 - 12:00pm

Bear Mountain offers a great first hike for kids. Photo by Anne Grego

Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley area are brimming with beautiful state, county, and local parks that are wonderful places to spend a day in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. We've rounded up several day trip–worthy spots that feature amenities like cool playgrounds, swimming in lakes and rivers, boat rentals, splash pads, picnicking, and hiking trails. Want to extend your stay? Some also offer camping.

Read on for more details about some of the area's best parks for all-day family fun. For even more outdoor activities, check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

10 Great Family Campgrounds in and Near Westchester

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 05/24/2019 - 10:00am

Introduce the kids to the joy of camping at sites with kid-friendly amenities.

If camping is on your summer bucket list, you’re in luck: There are lots of campsites both in and around Westchester and the Hudson Valley, which means you’ll never be at a shortage for places to pitch your tent for a few nights.

Next time you’re ready to pack up your sleeping bag and s’mores provisions, consider staying at one of these area campgrounds, some of which offer even more fun activities for kids, like playgrounds and beaches.

Prefer something a little different? Check out these alternative camping ideas—and our entire summer activity guide!

Note that campground openings and closures are changing frequently in the 2020 season; click through to the campground website for the most current information.

Easter Egg Hunts for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 03/02/2018 - 12:00pm

Once a year in early spring, there is a special kind of magic in the air that allows fluffy little bunnies to lay eggs filled with candy and toys—or so the stories go. Get your child out there to take advantage of this annual phenomenon by attending one of the many Easter egg hunts taking place throughout Westchester. And the biggest treat for parents is that many of them are FREE.

If you're looking for other activities, check out our Event Calendar, which is filled with seasonal fun for children of all ages. While you're out enjoying the spring air, consider a short hike or a stop at one of the county's many nature centers. Maybe someone there can better explain the rabbit-egg-lying process.

7 Spots Westchester Kids Can Take Figure Skating Classes

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sun, 02/04/2018 - 4:00pm

As the Olympic competition heats up and outdoor temperatures struggle to creep above frigid, the cold-yet-controlled climates of Westchester County's indoor skating rinks beckon to families who've been cooped up all winter. If you're looking for ways to get your own little Nathan Chen or Bradie Tennell out there on the ice, check out these local skating classes.

Want even more winter fun? Take a look at our Winter Fun Guide.