Westchester County could be the perfect place for your weekend getaway. It is just a short drive from New York City, and offers endless entertainment. The Hudson River and Long Island Sound surround the county, which is home to bustling communities and charming villages. There are many places you can visit: historic sites, haunted houses, etc.
Not only are there many tourist attractions, but the county also boasts a variety of parks and natural preserves. Children can enjoy learning about the natural environment. Cranberry Lake Preserve for instance offers many family-friendly nature programs and interactive displays.
Another great destination is the Bronx River Parkway Reservation. This park is the oldest linear park in Westchester County. It's 13.1 miles of traffic-free transportation, designed to be easily accessed by bike or foot. Many scenic overlooks can be found along the route. Audio tours are also available for a nominal fee.
The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is open to walkers during the spring and summer as well as the fall. It passes through several small communities, and is a popular destination that draws thousands of visitors every year. The trail is open to cyclists, in-line skaters, and walkers.
The Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway is another unique spot to visit. This is a 3.6-mile path over water that has six overlooks. Weekends are open for bicycling, walking and jogging.
This is a great opportunity for you to see the scenic views from the bridge. The road is closed to cars Sundays. To reach the park, take the Metro-North train to Tarrytown and then walk to the entrance on National Road.
The Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival is one of the most popular events in the area. This 43-year old event features live bluegrass music. Participants include both adults and children.
On Labor Day Weekend, the Barton Orchards' BBQ and Brews Weekend is a great way to get outdoors. Children under 12 years old and their parents are free to attend the festival. Barton Orchards' Farm Markets are open to visitors. They can purchase local fruits and veggies, and enjoy the festival's sights.
Sleepy Hollow Craft & Street Fair is another great event. October 12th will see the return of this Halloween extravaganza. You can find over 7,000 pumpkins carved by visitors, as well as haunted carousels rides and live entertainment.
There are many farmers markets across Westchester County. These typically run in the spring and fall and feature local farmers, artists, and artisans. Some markets will also have special events for kids.
Blue Door Art Center is a must-see while you're in the area. This is a local non-profit organization that accepts donations and hosts free art shows and exhibits. Summer on the Sound concert program is open throughout the summer. You can also catch up-and-coming artists at several small art centers.
FAQ
What age should my child reach before they can go outside?
Children need sunshine and fresh air every single day. So whether your kids are toddlers, preschoolers, or elementary schoolers, please encourage them to spend as much time in the sun as possible.
You can limit snow exposure if you live in colder climates. Protect your children's skin from the sun when they are young by wearing sunscreen and hats.
Children under five years of age should spend no more than 10 minutes outdoors at a stretch. You can increase your outdoor time to a maximum of two hours each day.
What are 5 outdoor activities best for kids?
Whether you live in the country or the suburbs, there are tons of fun things to do outside. These are five of the most enjoyable activities that we believe every child should experience at least once.
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Visit the Zoo. Zoos make for great family time. A visit to the zoo allows you to interact with the animals up close, and it also gives you an opportunity to educate your children about conservation and animal welfare. Some zoos offer special programs that help educate visitors about issues facing endangered species worldwide. You can get more information online, or you can call ahead and ask about classes or events at your local wildlife center.
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Visit a nature center - These wonderful places are perfect for learning about the natural world. There are often exhibits and interactive displays as well as lots of hands on activities. You will be amazed at the variety of cool toys that you can give your children! Visits to nature centers are a great excuse and opportunity for your kids to enjoy a walk through nearby forests or parks.
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Take your children on a bike ride - When is the last time that you took them on a bike trip? As much as you enjoyed riding bikes growing up, your kids will also enjoy it. Bike riding is not just good exercise, it's also an excellent way to get to know your local area and uncover hidden treasures.
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Play a Sports Game. Sports games don't only appeal to kids who grew-up playing them. Sports games are still popular with people of all ages. It is important to find something that suits your group. There are many great ways for families to spend their time together, such as basketball, hockey, baseball, and even soccer.
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Watch a Movie Under the Stars - If you've got a big backyard, this may be one of the easiest ways to enjoy the outdoors. All you need is a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic hamper with food and beverages, and perhaps even a grill. Take your blankets outside and enjoy the starry night.
What advice can I give parents to encourage their children to exercise?
Parents who want to encourage their children to exercise should encourage them try other activities. Children will be more likely to continue exercising if they are more active.
Parents should not force their children to participate in certain activities. Instead, they should encourage them to explore other options like swimming, running or hiking.
How can you encourage children to take part in outdoor activities
Kids love to play outdoors. Most parents don't realize the joy that children have when they get out in nature. Outdoor fun can be enjoyed in many different ways. From playing in the dirt to climbing trees to riding bikes and swimming, there is plenty of opportunity for kids to explore the world around them.
But it's not easy to ensure kids are safe when they venture out of their home. Equip them with the right gear and you can help keep them safe while they enjoy the great outdoors. Children who are properly dressed and equipped can be more confident when exploring the great outdoors.
Kids can have fun, no matter what the weather is like. If they have the right gear, children can safely climb hills, jump into the sea, ride bikes, and follow trails.
The ability to recognize and avoid danger should be taught to children. This includes knowing how to look in the rear and forward when running, biking, or hiking.
Parents should show their children how to recognize dangerous situations and avoid trouble. For instance, if a child notices someone walking alone on the trail, he/she should inquire if there are any missing or hurt people. Parents need to teach their children how they should respond to strangers.
It is important that parents encourage their children to learn CPR skills and first aid so they can be there for each other if needed. These lifesaving skills give kids confidence in dealing with any situation.
The last piece of advice we have is to share our knowledge with the next generation. To live long and healthy lives, we must pass on what we have learned.
We hope that you are inspired by this article to get outside with the kids. We hope you enjoy reading our articles and learn more about how to make the most out your time together.
Statistics
- The U.S. outdoor recreation economy supports about 5.2 million jobs, generates nearly $788 billion in consumer spending, and accounts for 2.1 percent of GDP. (wilderness.org)
- You can likely find a 5K to get the family signed up for during any part of the year. (family.lovetoknow.com)
- Later in life, they are also more likely to result in delinquency and oppositional behavior, worse parent-child relationships, mental health issues, and domestic violence victims or abusers10. (parentingforbrain.com)
- So you're less likely to breathe in enough of the respiratory droplets containing the virus that causes COVID-19 to become infected if you haven't had a COVID-19 vaccine. (mayoclinic.org)
- According to the Outdoor Foundation, about half the U.S. population participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2018, including hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing among many more outdoor activities. (activeoutdoors.info)
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How To
Is it safe for me to go camping with my kids?
This is a vital question because it may surprise you how dangerous camping is these days. There are many hazards, including poisonous snakes. wild animals. flash floods. hurricanes. avalanches. wildfires. blizzards.
Parents aren't always aware of these dangers. So they assume that going camping is perfectly safe and fun for children. The reality is that campers now face greater risks than ever in recent years.
The number of deaths and injuries among young campers rose by nearly half between 1980 - 2001. That's almost 1000 children who died camping over those years.
There are also more venomous species in North America today than there were in 1900. Also, poisonous plants, insects and fish are increasing in North America.
Camping can also be dangerous. For instance, according to statistics compiled by the National Park Service, there are roughly 200 fatal accidents involving vehicles yearly near national parks.
Even worse, experts estimate that an average family spends $1300 per year on outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, fishing, and climbing. This includes equipment as well food, fuel, lodging, and transportation.
You should remember that taking your kids camping will cost you far more than if they were staying at home. Spending $1,300 for a weekend trip could easily be doubled.
Perhaps you are wondering why your children should go camping. It is better to go camping with your children than stay inside?
Well, yes, it is certainly better to avoid extreme weather conditions. Here are three reasons to let your children experience the outdoors with nature:
They will be able to develop their imagination. You might be surprised at what happens outside. The sky opens, the stars shine, and the wind blows through trees. This helps children understand the world around them. It gives them the inspiration to imagine themselves flying, exploring outer space, or becoming astronauts.
It will make them healthier. Camping provides many opportunities to exercise and play outside. This can lead later in life to healthier lifestyles. Children who are active in sports have lower rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions. They also tend not to eat junk food or drink as many sugary beverages.
It will teach your children responsibility. Camp teaches your children how to clean up after themselves, prepare meals, and respect others. These lessons can be invaluable at any age, no matter how young your child is. These skills are also valuable for teenagers and adults.