Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

Where to Go Maple Sugaring in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 01/20/2023 - 6:55am

Discover the magic of maple sugaring with a Maple Lanes tour at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Maple sugaring is quickly gaining in popularity in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, joining apple picking as one of the area's favorite seasonal pastimes. Maple sugaring events include education about the age-old tradition, which began with Native Americans and evolved to include the use of modern evaporator machinery. Kids love helping collect the sap and getting to taste the sweet rewards after the maple syrup is made. At some venues, the events are rounded out with a pancake breakfast, maple syrup on snow, or other family-friendly fun.

We've rounded up 2023 maple sugaring events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, plus one pick over the border in Connecticut. These events include maple tree tapping to collect the sap, sugaring-off parties where it is cooked into syrup, plus a cooking class for kids to learn what to do with the tasty syrup after it's made.

Looking for more seasonal fun? Check out our Westchester Winter Fun Guide, and subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

30 Best Things To Do this Winter in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Our 2023 Winter Fun List

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 7:00am

A day on the slopes is the perfect way to enjoy the winter season. Photo by Ally Noel

Stave off cabin fever this season with this ultimate guide to winter fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We've discovered 30 fun ways to spend the cold winter days and to keep kids active and entertained all winter long.

Whether you're looking for winter sports, weekend getaways, workshops, nature programs, or indoor activities, we’ve got you covered. Consider trying a winter sport like snow tubing or skiing, get hands-on in a maker space, whip up your own hot chocolate bombs, or maybe find a new passion.

Be sure to bookmark our event calendar for constantly updated picks, and find more fun in our Indoor and Winter Fun Guides.

50 Free Things To Do with Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 01/08/2023 - 11:59am

The Dinosaur Garden offers a short walk, fun dino sightings, and educational, easy-to-read signs. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

Our favorite price is FREE. And who doesn’t love a good bargain? Especially to help offset the high costs of vacation, camps, child care, and holidays in Westchester.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 50 freebie things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. From outdoor adventures and museum access to STEM fun and seasonal excursions, we’ve combed the area to give you plenty of options. Be sure to bookmark this for year-round reference—your family will never be bored (or broke) again!

Keep in mind that for many of these venues, advance reservations might be required. Also, check directly with each regarding COVID-19 policies.

Keep tabs on our Activities Calendar, which is always loaded with free (and low-cost) activities for all ages, and check out our Guide to Free Fun Things to Do With Westchester Kids.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Westchester

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 11/13/2022 - 9:04am

A performance of the Nutcracker at the Bardavon. Photo courtesy of the New Paltz Ballet Theatre

Tchaikovsky’s classic Nutcracker ballet returns after a Covid hiatus to several local venues in 2022, renewing a beloved holiday tradition.

Performances of The Nutcracker this year range from a special show by the Moscow Ballet to others performed entirely by dancers from Westchester and the Hudson Valley, with some venues even offering a shortened version for young children. Alternatively, if your children want to get up and dance with a Sugar Plum Fairy, Scarsdale Ballet is offering an interactive performance of the Nutcracker ballet at its Nutcracker Wonderland Party. Other classic holiday shows on our list include Dickens' A Christmas Carol, performed in its classic stage adaptation and also as a dramatic telling of the story by the author himself. Westchester's own Jessica Lynn also returns for her annual holiday spectacular A Very Merry Country Christmas, which benefits Toys for Tots.

We have so many ways to lift your family's spirits as the year draws to a close: From must-do holiday attractions to craft fairs and more, our Holiday Fun Guide includes festive destinations and at-home activities. Be sure to visit our activity calendar, where you’ll find an ever-growing number of other holiday events we’re curating continuously.

Holiday Craft Fairs and Markets in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 11/04/2022 - 6:50am

Shop local and get a photo with Santa at the Holiday Market at Bethel Woods. Photo courtesy of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Holiday craft fairs and markets are a fun way to shop for seasonal gifts, offering handmade and one-of-a-kind items not found in most stores. Booths are often staffed by the maker, allowing insight into the creative process, and many benefit a charitable cause. Below we've identified holiday fairs and markets in Westchester and Hudson Valley this November and December.

As you peruse our roundup of indoor and outdoor settings, you'll find some of these fairs offer added perks to round out an outing. Why not choose a market that's held in conjunction with a holiday train show, a tour of a historic mansion, or a drive-thru holiday light show? Maybe feast on German food, drink hot chocolate (or mulled wine), or meet Santa? Just be sure to include a purchase for yourself in the budget!

Looking for more ways to enjoy the holiday season? You can find plenty more holiday happenings in our Holiday Guide and constantly-updated activities calendar.

10 Family-Friendly Vineyards and Hard Cider Houses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 10/21/2022 - 11:14am

Adults can enjoy a drink from Hardscrabble Cidery at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard while kids devour the donut pancakes.

Looking for the best family-friendly vineyards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for 10 picks worth a day trip.

While apple picking season is winding down, the rich orchards of Westchester and the Hudson Valley are more than one-trick ponies. Many of the orchards we flock to for farm fun also feature vineyards and hard cider houses. Some are particularly appealing to families, making a visit a fun outing for all ages.

Below we've rounded up 10 destinations for hard apple cider and wine that are suitable for kids. If, however, you are more of a beer connoisseur, there are plenty of Hudson Valley breweries for you to visit as well. Once you've sampled your way through Westchester and the Hudson Valley, be sure to check out our roundup of family-friendly wineries on Long Island. We've also got plenty more seasonal picks in our Fall Fun Guide.

Top Swimming Lessons and Classes for Kids and Babies in Westchester

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 09/21/2022 - 7:38am

Swim Tank offers swim lessons at two Westchester locations. Photo courtesy of Swim Tank

Anytime is a good time to teach your child to swim with indoor swimming lessons available throughout Westchester. Whether you’ve got little ones looking to dip a toe in the water or big kids hoping to compete in swim meets or train as a lifeguard, professional swimming classes can establish safety and enhance skills for lifelong enjoyment of the pool and beach

Below, we've rounded up swimming lessons in Westchester, with options ranging from group swim classes and camps to private (or semi-private) swim classes.

Ready to take the plunge? Read on and book early. We offer many more instructional resources in our Westchester Classes Guide and Kids Class Directory and encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know!

The 25 Best Things To Do with Westchester Preschoolers and Toddlers this Fall

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 09/11/2022 - 7:27am

Dalmatian Day at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting is fun for all. Photo courtesy of the museum

We’ve gathered up our favorite things to do with toddlers and preschoolers this fall in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Whether they ride your shoulders while apple picking or rock out while wearing Halloween costumes and hanging with alpacas, we’ve got the makings of memories to help fill up those photo albums. As an added perk, many of these fall events are FREE!

For more options, check out our Event Calendar and our Fall Fun Guide for Westchester Kids.