Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

20 Things To Do on Mother’s Day 2022 in Westchester With Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 04/29/2022 - 4:25pm

Spend a day or weekend at Mohonk Mountain House for Mother's Day. Photo courtesy of the resort

It’s almost time to celebrate mom! While we love nothing more than a great Mother's Day brunch, wrangling little ones in a restaurant isn't always the most relaxing experience. So, whether you’re trying to avoid a mid-meal meltdown courtesy of your toddler, or just looking to get outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather, we've rounded up 20 things to do this Mother’s Day in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

No matter where the holiday takes you, happy Mother's Day from the team at Mommy Poppins.

Spring Break 2022: Best Things To Do With Westchester Kids on Vacation

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 04/03/2022 - 4:06pm

Wander one of the many kid-friendly-trails in Westchester for a lovely spring break hike.

If you're sticking close to home for spring break this year, it doesn’t mean you have to be stuck at home. There are many fun spring break activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley to keep kids busy over the upcoming vacation. Many of our picks, which cover the school break period from Monday, April 11-Friday, April 15, are even FREE!

Our picks include everything from Easter celebrations to crafting activities, camp options, places to play, and more. Many other options can be found in our Family Activity Calendar and our Guide to Spring Activities for Westchester Kids.

Holiday Events in Westchester for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 12/10/2021 - 11:06am

Lumagica oozes with classic holiday cheer for little ones. Photo by the author

If you’ve recently moved on from “baby’s first Christmas” and are ready for more interactive holiday fun, look no further than our roundup of holiday attractions for toddlers and preschoolers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We’ve found loads of pint-size events to help fill your family scrapbook.

From Santa encounters to holiday crafting, stage performances to train shows, we’ve got two dozen memories in the making. Many holiday events are even FREE! Amidst all this action, be sure to find time to take pictures with Santa and pile into the car to cruise the neighborhood lights.

When you’ve had your fill of running around, refer to our stay-at-home resources, like 101 Christmas activities and cookie recipes to bake with your kids. Still more fun can be found through our Family Activity Calendar and by signing up for our newsletters. And don't forget to visit our holiday fun guide for Westchester families.

Lumagica Transforms Harvest Moon Orchards Into a Dazzling Winter Wonderland

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 12/03/2021 - 10:00am

Lumagica packs plenty of twinkling holiday cheer into the grounds at Harvest Moon Orchard.

If you’ve ever gone apple picking at Harvest Moon Orchards in North Salem, New York, it's worth revisiting this holiday season. You'll be astonished by the orchard's transformation into the region's newest holiday attraction, Lumagica. The orchard’s winding trails and slopes have been repurposed to provide a pastoral setting for a twinkling holiday lights display. In fact, with apples still clinging to some trees, the combination of fall harvest and winter wonderland converge almost surreally.

Read on to learn more about the magic of Lumagica and find more attractions to get your glow on at these drive-thru holiday light shows. We've got more magical picks to carry you through the season in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events.

Westchester's Winter Wonderland Charms Visitors With Drive-Thru Light Show

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 11/26/2021 - 12:00pm

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is a festive 1.2-mile drive through Kensico Dam Plaza.

Formerly an uber-popular walk through experience, Westchester’s Winter Wonderland has been reimagined for safe, seasonal fun and returns for a second consecutive year as a drive-thru holiday lights extravaganza.

Read on for our full review and a sneak peek at some of the stunning displays, and remember our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide are overflowing with curated picks to celebrate, whether you want to venture out or need some ideas for a festive night at home.

How to See the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze on Long Island in 2021

Submitted by Susan Miele on Tue, 09/07/2021 - 11:35am

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is coming to Long Island for Halloween 2021. Photo by the author

Since 2005, The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze has been a must-do Halloween attraction for our neighbors in Westchester County, its popularity multiplying annually along with its sizable, stunning installation. In 2020 the Blaze added a second location at Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island.

Read on for the inside scoop on Long Island's own Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze, which opens on Wednesday, September 22, and learn why this visually striking, aesthetically inspiring walk-through exhibit belongs on your fall bucket list. Stay tuned to our Halloween Guide for more seasonal, spooky fun.

6 Alpaca Farms to Visit in the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 08/15/2021 - 8:00am

Kids can go on a hike with the alpacas at Clover Brooke Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

Given the popularity of petting zoos, it should come as little surprise that dedicated alpaca farms are a destination-worthy attraction in the Hudson Valley. In addition to learning about these long-necked farm friends, visitors might have the opportunity to feed, pet, or even trek with alpacas.

Alpacas are raised for their luxuriously soft fleece, which varies in color from white and black to rose-gray and fawn. Their springtime shearing results in a dramatically different appearance, prompting some visitors to vary the time of year when they visit. Budget both time and money to visit the farms’ gift shops, where artisanal creations might include blankets, winter accessories, and stuffed animals. Just be forewarned: The softness is addictive to the touch!

We’ve rounded up six Hudson Valley alpaca farms for your family’s next day trip. Advance reservations are generally required, and details should be confirmed before heading out. Remember to dress for outdoor conditions, including close-toed shoes, and advise your children to be calm and patient with the animals to optimize their rapport. Masks are generally being worn due to COVID-19.

20+ Great Things to Do in Larchmont with Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 08/08/2021 - 12:21pm

Larchmont Manor Park is a seaside oasis for kids. Photo by the author

A village within Westchester’s Town of Mamaroneck, lovely Larchmont is an upscale community on the Long Island Sound. There is a happening downtown and the most bustling streets for families and kids are Boston Post Road, Palmer Avenue, Chatsworth Avenue, and Larchmont Avenue.