Katherine Dhurandhar

Latest posts by Katherine

Free in March: Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 7:08am

Celebrate Purim with singing, stories, crafts, and a carnival at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester. Photo courtesy of the congregation

Free things to do in March abound for local families hoping to save a little green this month. Our top picks for free things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in March include celebrating holidays from Purim to St. Paddy's Day, plus unique picks like Slime Fest, and even a free admission day at one of our favorite local museums: Dia Beacon.

Our top picks are all below, and we've got even more fun things to do in our best of March post, plus top cost-free fun in our Free Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families.

Best Sledding Hills in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Mon, 02/27/2023 - 4:31pm

Catch some air on one of the many sledding hills in the Hudson Valley. Photo by Jeremy McKnight on Unsplash.

The Hudson Valley's sledding hills take on an aura of magic when the first blanket of snow covers the ground. What better way to enjoy it than by getting the kids out of the house for some fresh air and family fun at one of the many sledding hills in the Hudson Valley?

We have pulled together this list of the best sledding hills in the Hudson Valley, plus some tips on how to stay warm and dry and, of course, where to go for hot chocolate afterward.

If you're looking for more seasonal fun, we've got the skinny on sledding in Westchester County, winter hikes in the Hudson Valley, and outdoor ice skating region-wide.

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

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 02/26/2023 - 7:15am

Get dressed in your best for the The Princess & Protector Tea Party at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Photo courtesy of the museum

From Mardi Gras to the return of St. Patrick's Day parades and the arrival of spring, March is a great time to get out and enjoy Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

From the numerous St. Patrick's Day parades and Purim celebrations to sugaring-off parties at the finale of maple sugaring season, March is filled with festivities. Families will also be dazzled by the daring acrobatics at Flip Circus all this month. Other stand-out family events include a Princess and Protector Tea Party, Slime Fest, and theatrical performances every week at the Saturday Morning Family Series at the Rhinebeck Center for Performing Arts.

Find more top March fun in our Spring Fun Guide, which has heaps of great activity ideas, including where to see cherry blossoms and the top spring festivals in the area.

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

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Free in February: 30 Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 02/03/2023 - 7:13am

The Revelators dance troupe performs at the Yonkers Riverfront Library in celebration of Black History Month. Photo courtesy of the library

Looking for FREE things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this February? Read on for dozens of great options.

No need to be stuck in the house this February, as we have found tons of great FREE things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley! Although it may be the shortest month, February is chock-full of holidays and cultural celebrations, including for Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Valentine's Day. Our list also includes FREE things to do over the winter holiday break, including STEM workshops and an indoor sidewalk chalk party.

Read on for more of our top FREE event picks in February, and don't forget to eyeball our just-released Best of February List, which includes our top picks all month long. You can always find more freebies in our Guide to Free Things To Do in Westchester with Kids and our rundown of 50 Free Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Note that some events listed below may require advance registration. Click through to the listings for details.

15 Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley February 2023 with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 01/29/2023 - 6:44am

Catch the Amazing Butterflies exhibit at Lasdon Park this month. Photo courtesy of Friends of Lasdon Park

Whether sending valentines or planning a Presidents Day weekend getaway—there is plenty to love about February!

Standout February activities include the opening of the Amazing Butterflies exhibit in Lasdon Park, where kids can crawl, climb, and swing through fun and educational exhibits while learning about butterfly anatomy and life cycles. Kids can also enjoy a live performance of Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS or a free puppet show by the Tanglewood Marionettes, whose ornate, hand-painted puppets bring to life the story of "The Dragon King." Or bundle up and enjoy some February outdoor favorites, including Eaglefest, the decadent Hot Chocolate Festival, and numerous maple sugaring activities throughout the month.

Find more top February fun in our Winter Fun Guide, which is filled with winter day trips, indoor water parks to visit nearby, and our winter fun list.

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

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3 Days in the Hudson Valley with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 01/27/2023 - 6:33pm

Hang out Lego friends at Legoland New York. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

New York's Hudson Valley was recently named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the top 20 must-see destinations in the world and those of us lucky enough to live here know that is a prime destination for a family trip. Its picturesque hills offer stunning views and numerous activities for all seasons, from hiking and waterfall hopping in the summer to skiing and snowtubing in the winter.

To give you the best bang for your buck, we're giving you a local's perspective on the best things to do in the Hudson Valley. You probably can't do all of these activities in three days (kids could probably spend the entire trip at Legoland), but we have included plenty of options so you can take your pick.

For more family-friendly fun, check out our roundups of Things To Do with Kids in the Hudson Valley, Best Hudson Valley Sledding Hills, and Easy Hikes in the Hudson Valley.

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

Presidents Day Weekend 2023: 17 Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley With Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 10:13am

Sample different flavors of winter's favorite decadent drink at the Hot Chocolate Festival at the Ashokan Center. Photo courtesy of the Ashokan Center

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

This Presidents Day weekend you don't have to worry about keeping kids entertained, even if it's the start of a whole week off. Some of the coolest events of the month, including an amazing and free Black History Month celebration and story time, are taking place this weekend! Enjoy the outdoors with a maple sugaring tour in Cornwall or check out ice carving demonstrations, campfires, and decadent sips at the Hot Chocolate Festival in Olivebridge. And, lest we forget that Monday’s holiday is intended to honor Washington and Lincoln, celebrate accordingly with a cool Presidents Day celebration in Mount Vernon and Vails Gate.

For many, this holiday weekend leads right into a vacation week, so you won't want to miss our roundup of free things to do in February with kids, things to do over February's winter break, and where to go maple sugaring in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

MLK Weekend 2023 in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Best Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Wed, 01/11/2023 - 9:56am

Celebrate MLK weekend with free interactive workshops and enriching service projects honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

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 MLK Weekend.

Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Day by investing a day of service with Shames JCC on the Hudson or at various locations throughout Westchester. Children can also learn about Dr. King and contribute to a community mural in this FREE workshop for kids. The New York Children's International Film Festival is celebrating Black Stories with a series of shorts. MLK Day isn't the only holiday on the horizon, though, and local kids can also celebrate the Lunar New Year with traditional Chinese crafts at the Westchester Children's Museum.

Don't miss our roundup of free things to do in January in Westchester and the Hudson Valley or our picks for Winter Day Trips for Families. Our Winter Fun Guide has tons of fun things to do, too.