Katherine Dhurandhar

Latest posts by Katherine

Mommy-and-Me Classes in the Hudson Valley for Kids and Babies

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 08/25/2023 - 11:00am

Moon River Mother and Child offers a variety of parent-and-me music classes that get the whole family grooving. Photo courtesy of Moon River Mother and Child

Mommy-and-me classes are a great way to bond with your child while developing their socialization skills and learning something new. Plus, it's an excuse to get out of the house, meet new friends, and shake up your daily routine.

We've rounded up 14 mommy-and-me classes offered in the Hudson Valley, ranging from parent-child music classes to mommy-and-me soccer and family yoga classes.

For even more after-school programs, check out our full Classes Guide for Westchester & Hudson Valley Kids and our Back to School Guide.

Top Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this Weekend with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Wed, 08/23/2023 - 7:13am

Fight knights or ride a dragon into the sky at the Renaissance Faire in Tuxedo Park. Photo courtesy of the New York Renaissance Faire

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Fun festivities this weekend include the Dutchess County Fair and the opening weekend of the New York Renaissance Faire. Families can also celebrate the end of summer at the Ashokan Center's annual Summer Hoot or Harambee's third annual African-American Festival.

As the countdown to September begins, be sure to check out our end-of-summer bucket list for top things to do before school starts in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Mommy-and-Me Music Classes in Westchester for Kids and Babies

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 08/13/2023 - 7:07am

Sounds Good Westchester invites families to join its music classes indoors, outdoors, or online.

It's never too early to share a love of music with your baby, and mommy-and-me music classes in Westchester are a great way to do just that. These classes can boost your baby's brain power, develop social skills, foster creativity, and even introduce your baby to new languages and cultures. They're also a perfect excuse to let your guard down and boogie to your favorite musical tunes.

Below, we've rounded up 15 mommy-and-me music classes in Westchester for babies and toddlers. The offerings range from mixed-age classes to baby-centered lap-sit programs, with some offering the popular Suzuki method, in which parent and child learn a new instrument together. Others offer additional benefits such as language immersion and learning about the music and cultures of other countries.

Find more classes for kids of all ages in our Guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in Westchester.

20 Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley August 2023

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 6:56am

Make a splash at the Muddy Puddles Mess Fest. Photo courtesy of the fest

There are tons of things to do in August in Westchester and the Hudson Valley–enjoy outdoor movies and concerts, summer festivals, and the best beach days. After all, summer is not over yet!

The Hudson Valley kicks off the month of August with family-friendly summer fun at Fishkill's National Night Out and the start of the Ulster County Fair. Kids also won't want to miss sitting in a biplane (and maybe taking a flight!) at Kids Fly Weekend at the Rhinebeck Aerodrome, or a helicopter tour at the World Helicopter Day celebration.

Other August fairs and festivals include the South Salem Fire Department Carnival, the Sunflower Festival, the Dutchess County Fair, and the kickoff of the New York Renaissance Faire. Families who don't mind a little dirt (or a lot!) are invited to beat the heat by getting muddy with Peppa Pig at the Muddy Puddles Mess Fest in Mahopac or build a winning work of sand art at the Sand Castle Competition at Glen Island Beach.

Don't miss our review of these amazing Historic Hudson Valley tours, plus find more amazing August fun in this list of 25 Ways to Beat the Heat with Westchester Kids, T hings to do with Teens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

20 Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley July 2023 with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 06/30/2023 - 2:44pm

Kids can get moving during the activity-filled Pleasantville Music Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this July? Here are all the family-friendly events and activities you should add to your list–from 4th of July fireworks to fun summer festivals.

It's July and that means fireworks. We have highlighted just a few of the best places in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for viewing these amazing light shows, including Legoland, the New Rochelle waterfront, and Ossining's Riverjam festival. For more fireworks and Independence Day celebrations, see our list of things to do with kids this 4th of July Weekend.

To keep kids entertained on those long summer days, many towns in Westchester are offering free children's activities and family-friendly performances throughout the summer, some on weekday evenings, including Nights in the Park in White Plains and Peekskill Riverfront Children's Entertainment. July fairs and festivals include the new Summer Rampage Pro-Wrestling festival as well as the Putnam Country Fest and 4H Show and the annual Orange County Fair.

Find more top July fun in our rundowns of summer fairs and festivals and free outdoor concerts.

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

4th of July Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Fireworks and More Things To Do

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Wed, 06/28/2023 - 11:25am

Celebrate the 4th of July at West Point's Independence Day Celebration. Photo courtesy of West Point

Looking for the best things to do this 4th of July weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

It's the 4th of July weekend, and that means fireworks shows are lighting up the sky in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, plus are tons of other fun patriotic things to do this weekend. Consider visiting one of the many family-friendly fairs and festivals, including the Great American Weekend, Cornwall's 4th of July Celebration, and the Mamaroneck Fireman's Carnival.

Families can also enjoy a lesson on the historical significance of the holiday by visiting the Independence Day Celebration at New Windsor Cantonment or the July 4th Celebration at Washington's Headquarters.

Did we mention we’re running weekly giveaways all summer long? This week we’re giving away a Mommy Poppins beach towel. Plus, each entry also counts as an extra entry into our Ultimate Summer Giveaway, an all-included trip to Nick Resort Punta Cana! Find out how to enter on our Facebook or Instagram pages!

Off-the-Beaten Path Swimming Holes in the Catskills

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 06/16/2023 - 7:01am

Take the family to the gorgeous Fawn's Leap for a day of swimming.

Jumping into a cool, fresh swimming hole is one of our favorite ways to cool off on a hot summer day in the Catskills. Lucky for us, the Hudson Valley region is filled with off-the-beaten-path swimming holes that are well worth the time it takes to find them.

While some of the swimming holes on this list are established local swimming spots, we have included some more remote spots that require a bit of a hike but afford a little more privacy. For some of the spots, it would be helpful to wear water shoes, while others will require hiking boots. As always, be aware of wildlife in the area, and please use eco-friendly sunscreen and bug spray to avoid contaminating the pristine ecosystems.

For more Catskills fun, check out our picks of things to do in the Catskills with kids as well as family-friendly Catskills resorts. For more ideas on where to go swimming, check out our picks of the best pools and best swimming lakes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Free Hudson Valley Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 06/09/2023 - 8:14am

Shake a leg to free summer concerts for kids at Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park. Photo courtesy of Jazz Forum Arts

Free Westchester and Hudson Valley summer concerts are a great way to make the most of longer days and comfortable temperatures. Many performances are held in the area's beautiful waterfront parks, with sunset views providing a stunning backdrop.

We have rounded up the best venues for concerts throughout the summer, all FREE of charge. From jazz for kids to Rockabilly to Afrobeats, there is something for everyone. Many events also offer food trucks or the option of ordering from local restaurants.

Grab a blanket and your dancing shoes and get ready for summer entertainment. For more family fun this season, bookmark our Event Calendar and our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide.