Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

Indoor Activities for Kids: 30Things To Do on a Rainy Day in Westchester

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 08/06/2021 - 1:00pm

Kids can climb the walls at the Cliffs in Valhalla. Photo courtesy of the Cliffs

Whether it’s raining, snowing, hot, or cold, families often need ideas for indoor activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Fortunately, we’ve got loads of options to keep kids active and entertained while getting out of the house.

Though our roundup lists 30 top destinations, several lead to yet more lists, including indoor play spaces, museums, and art studios. With so much to choose from, be sure to bookmark this resource for easy access at the drop of a … snowflake or raindrop.

Mamaroneck With Kids: 25 Things To Do in This Charming Town

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 07/16/2021 - 12:21pm

Hit the beach at Harbor Island Park, which is an action-packed Mamaroneck destination in any season. Photo by author

Situated on the Long Island Sound, the town of Mamaroneck offers waterfront recreation and a hearty downtown, all of it walkable and destination-worthy. Whether you’re living here or just visiting, this desirable suburban community, encompassing the villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont, packs plenty of family-friendly things to do.

The primary artery of Mamaroneck's business district is L-shaped: Mamaroneck Avenue, or the Avenue to locals, runs east to west and is loaded with shops and multicultural eateries. It intersects with Boston Post Road, which runs north to south along the Long Island Sound. While new businesses frequently arrive, a fair number have been entrenched for 50 to 100 years. The Mamaroneck Recreation Department offers inventive family programming year-round, and its harborfront park provides tons of summertime fun.

Read on for our favorite things to do in this charming waterfront town and find highlights of other local spots in our Guide to the Best Places to Live in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

50 Things We Can't Wait To Do This Summer With Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 06/20/2021 - 10:21am

Visit Boundless Adventures, a family-friendly adventure park for thrill-seekers. Photo courtesy of the venue

Summer 2021 is upon us, and it's going to be hopping. From outdoor adventures to special events, we've rounded up more than 50 fun things to do with kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Bookmark this summer bucket list as a guide to planning scrapbook-worthy summer excursions.

If this jam-packed resource isn't enough, there’s even more seasonal fun to choose from in our Summer Fun Guide and our Activity Calendar, which is constantly updated.

Mamaroneck's Marine Education Center: STEM Fun on the Long Island Sound

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 06/16/2021 - 8:53pm

The Marine Education Center lets kids get hands-on with the Long Island Sound.Photo courtesy of the center

Mamaroneck's Marine Education Center is an under-the-radar destination for families. Situated on the Long Island Sound in Harbor Island Park, the small size of the building and staff belies the extensive offerings of this STEM treasure. What’s more, visiting is FREE! Whether you’ve got curious kids or aspiring marine biologists, read on to learn more about this Westchester gem.

When you've had your fun inside, explore the rest of the attractions in the park, including one of our favorite playgrounds and a top-notch seasonal splash pad.

Summer Art Camps for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 03/17/2021 - 7:22pm

Enjoy art in the great outdoors at the Katonah Arts Center's summer camp. Photo courtesy of the Center

Summer camp is on the horizon and artistic kids are sure to feel inspired by this list of summer art camps. These picks cater to kids who like to roll up their sleeves and get dirty in the most creative way possible.

The programs below offer subjects both familiar—drawing and pottery—and also more specialized techniques, such as glass fusing, fashion design, and even horror film production. Beyond channeling your child’s creativity, art camps offer the added benefit of keeping the messy mediums far away from your house!

Read on for our list of summer art camps, and find plenty more summer camp programs for kids of all interests in our Summer Camp Guide or our Summer Camp Directory.

Easter Bunny Pictures and More Seasonal Fun for Westchester Kids in 2022

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 03/12/2021 - 3:24pm

All aboard the Easter Bunny Express with the Catskill Mountain Railroad! Photo courtesy of the railroad co.

With Easter around the corner, it’s time to fill those baskets and schedule your annual Easter Bunny pictures and meet and greets with everyone's favorite springtime celebrity. We’ve gotten ahold of his social calendar and rounded up opportunities for bunny encounters and other Easter fun for families in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Whether you want to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny, ice skate, or join him on a train ride, there are plenty of opportunities. We recommend you hop to it, though, as limited capacity and pre-registration is required for many of these fun encounters.

For more Easter fun, check out our Spring Fun Guide, which has some fun at-home activities like these Easter crafts and egg dyeing ideas and 30+ ways to elevate egg hunts at home. We've also rounded up our top things to do in March, and our Event Calendar gets constant updates, too.

Best Preschool Summer Camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 03/07/2021 - 11:49am

Mohawk Day Camp offers an authentic camp experience, complete with traditional camp activities, innovative programs, and unparalleled facilities. Photo courtesy of the camp

Though spring has just sprung, it's not too soon to finalize plans for summer camp. If you're looking for a perfect summer camp experience for your first-timer, we've found a dozen preschool summer camps in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Most of these programs cater to preschoolers through teens but offer special perks for little ones, like dedicated play spaces, pools, and pint-sized sports equipment. All offer an enriching introduction to summer camp, and most grow with your child for summers to come.

You can find more options from summer art camps to summer camps offering transportation, and budget-friendly summer camp programs in our Summer Camp Guide, or search by age and interest in our Summer Camp Directory. We've even got a list of virtual summer camps. You can also learn more about local and virtual summer camps with our upcoming Online Camp Fair where you can visit virtual booths and watch live camp demos.

But, no matter what sort of camp you're searching for, time is of the essence. Outdoor camps are in high demand, and small-group sizes mean spots are limited. Book soon to avoid missing out on this annual rite of passage.

Family-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 02/19/2021 - 5:06pm

Hit the lanes at these local bowling alleys in Westchester that are open with safety measures in place.

A family bowling outing is a classic go-to activity no matter the season. Nowadays, bowling alleys have become flashy, multi-faceted venues with added attractions like arcades, rides—even ax-throwing.

Read on for 10+ family-friendly bowling alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and find more family fun at these indoor play spaces and in our Indoor Fun Guide.