Sonia Gonzalez

Sonia Gonzalez

Sonia is a veteran editor and writer for Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring greater New York with her husband and their three kids and is always on the looking out for innovative, educational and fun things to do with them. She is thrilled to have this platform to share what she finds with Mommy Poppins readers.

Latest posts by Sonia

Apple Picking in the Hudson Valley: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 08/27/2023 - 7:12am

Pick from a number of apple varieties at Hudson Valley orchards. Photo by Leslie Seaton via Flickr

Apple picking season is here, and many Hudson Valley and Westchester farms celebrate with kid-friendly entertainment, including live music, corn mazes, and hayrides.

I used to look forward to apple picking every year as a child, and now I have just as much fun watching my little ones run through the orchards—not to mention indulging in fresh-pressed apple cider.

For more fall fun, be sure to check out our rundown of the top spots for hot, delicious cider doughnuts in the area and our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Hudson Valley and Westchester farms.

Horseback Riding in NYC: Lessons and Rides for Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Tue, 06/13/2023 - 9:27am

Learn horseback riding basics with Gallop NYC. Photo courtesy of Gallop NYC

Did you know you can go horseback riding in New York City? While your NYC apartment probably won't accommodate a pet pony, you can indulge your child’s love of horses without leaving town. There are several options for family-friendly horseback riding and grooming lessons, plus drop-in trail riding experiences, which offer a unique way to experience the great outdoors in NYC.

While, sadly, there are no stables in Manhattan, you can go horseback riding in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. If that's not enough animal fun for your kid, consider booking an overnight at one of these local farms, and find more animal fun in our Guide to Family-Friendly Farms and Pick-Your-Own Fun near NYC.

Best Sledding Hills in Westchester for Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 01/27/2023 - 1:11pm

Westchester has sledding hills for everyone from tots to teens. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

When the flakes fly, visions of sledding hills fill kids' heads, and all they can think of is bundling up and getting outside for some snow day fun. If your family's plans include sledding, consider heading to one of these popular sledding hills in Westchester County. We've also got top picks for sledding hills in the Hudson Valley in case you want to make your wintery adventure a daycation, plus some helpful tips for keeping little ones safe while they sled.

Be sure to check our Guide to Winter Fun in Westchester and our Boredom Busters Guide for more ideas to keep kids busy on cold winter days.

15 Picture-Perfect Holiday Day Trips near NYC

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Thu, 11/10/2022 - 1:22pm

Take a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express in Whippany, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Morristown and Eerie Railway

While New York City is magical during the holiday season, sometimes you're in the mood for a holiday day trip. If you're looking to get away and experience some holiday happenings not too far from home, we've found 15 great holiday day trips near NYC, where kids can see Santa, dazzling Christmas lights, and even a North Pole village.

From right-in-our-backyard picks to rustic Christmas fun in Mystic, Connecticut, and a theme-park pick in the Hudson Valley, here are 15 picture-perfect holiday day trips worth a drive or train trek this holiday season. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for more seasonal fun and our Day Trips Guide for more local travel destinations.

11 Great Pumpkin Patches near Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 09/18/2022 - 11:41am

Pierson's Farm offers a pumpkin patch and plenty more fall fun.

Looking for the best pumpkin patches near Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for our top picks.

It's easy enough to buy pumpkins from a supermarket or local nursery, but nothing beats hitting a local pumpkin patch for fall fun. At these nearby farms, you'll find top seasonal activities like the best hayrides in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, petting zoos, and plenty more.

Check out our easy pumpkin carving ideas and stencils for Halloween, and find more Halloween activities in our Westchester Halloween Guide.

Looking for other seasonal activities? Consult our Westchester Fall Fun Guide for the best things to do with kids this autumn.

Take the Kids Back in Time at the New York Renaissance Faire

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 08/12/2022 - 5:57am

It's a family-affair at the New York Renaissance Faire, which opens in Sterling Forest on Saturday, August 22.

The New York Renaissance Faire descends on Sterling Forest again this fall, running on weekends and holidays from late August through early October. This annual festival transforms the state park in Tuxedo into a 16th-century village complete with period costumes, music, theater, and crafts.

The massive 65-acre "Renn Faire," as locals call it, has been taking place since 1977, and it kicks off again Saturday, August 26, 2023. Read on for details on what to see there with the kids, ticket discounts, and more.

Looking for more fun in the Hudson Valley? Take a look at our Family Day Trips Guide and our picks for 35 things to do in the region with kids.

Free Boat Rides in the City: Where To Go Canoeing, Sailing, and Kayaking in NYC

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Tue, 05/17/2022 - 11:10am

Kids can join parents to go kayaking in NYC at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo courtesy the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse

With all the water surrounding New York City, it's no wonder there are so many sightseeing cruises and fun ferry rides to great kid destinations. If you want to be your own captain, NYC offers many seasonal opportunities for families to get out on the water by themselves with FREE sailing, canoeing, rowing, and kayaking in NYC.

We've rounded up 10 great New York City organizations offering boating sessions on the local waterways. Find more fun ways to get wet in our Guide to Beaches and Lakes Near NYC.

13 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Thu, 04/21/2022 - 10:56am

Enjoy a wild visit to the Philadelphia Zoo during a weekend getaway to the City of Brotherly Love. Photo courtesy of the zoo

New York City is unlike any other place in the world, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Still, it's great to take a break and skip town for a weekend with the family. If you're looking for family-friendly weekend getaways near NYC, you don't have to travel far to feel like you're a world away.

We've rounded up a baker's dozen of our favorite kid-friendly destinations for city families—all within 3 hours of NYC. If you're looking for other comprehensive guides to weekend getaways near NYC, check out our definitive list of the Hudson Valley's top attractions, our exhaustive survey of family-friendly options in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and our directory of some of New York State's top attractions for families.