Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

24 Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Before School Starts

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 07/28/2023 - 7:15am

Have a blast at Rye Playland. Photo by Meagan Newhart

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley before summer ends? Read on for our top picks.

The start of August sets me in a panic every year: Have I made summer fun enough? How will we squeeze in all the great outings I had hoped to take my kids on? If you're feeling down about the end of summer, we've rounded up our must-dos for the rest of the season. Make the most of summer's swan song with these two dozen options, from annual events to oft-overlooked favorite outings.

Find more great seasonal activities in our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide and check out our list of the best things to do this August with kids.

100 Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Before Kids Grow Up

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 07/16/2023 - 1:45pm

Tour the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, an annual rite of fall. Courtesy Historic Hudson Valley

Check out these iconic things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that everyone growing up in the area really must experience!

Westchester and the Hudson Valley offer a slew of family-friendly activities that add to its allure as a great place to raise kids or a day trip destination for nearby families. While some of these are well-known, iconic events, like the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, or seasonal staples, like Rye Playland, the region also boasts many lesser-known attractions. Whether you’ve recently moved to the area or have been living here for years, we’ve got a long list of the best things to do in the region with kids.

This list of 100 things to do in Westchester and Hudson Valley with kids before they grow up includes annual festivals, opulent mansion tours, holiday extravaganzas, essential delicacies, seasonal destinations, and more. We’ve done our homework, so you don’t have to! Some are seasonal, some are year-round—and all are worth trying!

Once you've checked these off, expand your horizons with our list of 100 Things To Do in New York State.

35 Things To Do in Rhinebeck, NY, with Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 7:18am

Bring the family to pick buckets of flowers at Brittany Hollow Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm

About 100 miles north of Manhattan, the quaint town of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County is a prime destination for a family day trip. Steeped in Dutch history, Rhinebeck is home to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, where numerous fairs and family-friendly productions are held annually, as well as a performing arts center, an aerodrome, the oldest hotel in the country, great eateries, family shopping, and nature excursions.

We've gathered up some of our favorite Rhinebeck attractions culled after a recent visit. These include both year-round opportunities and some seasonal excursions, as well as a sampling of the creative shops and eateries that remind visitors of the quaintness afforded by a town supportive of independently owned businesses.

Read on for our inside scoop on all the great fun that lies ahead for your family in beautiful Rhinebeck! And for more great days out, check out our guide to family fun in Hudson Valley.

30 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley for Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 05/26/2023 - 6:26am

Roll out the rainbow flag and celebrate Pride Month in Peekskill this June. Photo courtesy of Peekskill Pride

Summer fairs and festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley offer a ton of ways to party al fresco this summer. While outdoor fun can reliably be found at area beaches or campgrounds, the region's staged outdoor entertainment options are wide-ranging, including picnic-blanket music festivals and cultural-heritage feasts. There are also longstanding agricultural fairs that offer everything from carnival rides to racing pigs. Below, we’ve gathered more than two dozen summer festivals worth adding to your calendar.

New additions to this year's lineup include a pro-wrestling festival as well as family-friendly celebrations of Pride Month and Juneteenth.

Free Outdoor Movies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this Summer for Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 05/19/2023 - 6:26am

Catch summer flicks at Movies Under the Walkway in Poughkeepsie. Photo courtesy of the event

Summertime offers up looser schedules and later bedtimes, and FREE outdoor movies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are a great way to take advantage of those seasonal perks.

We’ve rounded up an assortment of outdoor flicks for your family’s enjoyment—films both old and new, and for a range of ages, often with the added appeal of a Hudson River view or sand in your shoes. Some offer added amenities like pre-film entertainment (from live bands to magic shows and more), complimentary refreshments, or food for purchase. But all have one thing in common: FREE summer fun!

For another way of enjoying outdoor movies, check out our roundup of drive-in movie theaters. If music is more your scene, we've got you covered if you're looking for outdoor concerts to attend in the region. And don't forget to consult our complete Summer Activity Guide or Family Activity Calendar.

Free in May: 32 Free Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 05/03/2023 - 10:51am

Katonah Museum of Art is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Pollack Family Learning Center with a free event. Photo courtesy of the center

May is always packed with festivals, performances, and other family fun, but this year is particularly loaded with amazing, FREE things to do. We've rounded up dozens of great events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley that don't cost a single dime. From Cinco de Mayo parties to comics fests to sheep shearing, there's something for every age and taste.

Check out loads more fun things to do in our Best of May post. And be sure to take a look at our Free Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families for even more ideas.

Free in April: 45 Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 04/02/2023 - 11:30am

Enjoy a storybook-inspired music and dance session at the White Plains Library courtesy of the Steffi Nossen School of Dance. Photo courtesy of the studio.

Free things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in April abound for local families hoping to save a little green. Our top picks include celebrations of Easter, Passover, and Earth Day, plus the start of spring festivals and great free activities to keep kids busy over spring break.

Dozens of no-cost selections are listed below, and we've got even more fun things to do in our best of April post. And be sure to check our Free Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families for even more ideas.

24 Things to Do for February's Winter Break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 02/12/2023 - 2:00pm

Delight in the scenery and artwork at Teatown Lake Reservation. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

Looking for the best things to do during the February winter break? Read on for a bunch of great options.

If you’re worried about keeping the kids busy during a winter staycation, we've got you covered. We've rounded up two dozen fun things to do during the February break with Westchester and Hudson Valley kids.

These picks for Presidents Day week include in-person events, at-home activities, and fun anytime excursions.

We've also got an entire post dedicated to February's top to-dos, and our Event Calendar is constantly updated.