Westchester County is a great place to go for weekend getaways. It's just a few miles away from New York City. The county offers endless entertainment. The Hudson River and Long Island Sound surround the county, which is home to bustling communities and charming villages. You can explore everything from historic sites to haunted house, and there are many other places to see.
In addition to the many attractions, the county has a number of parks and nature preserves. With your children, you can share information about the natural world. Cranberry Lake Preserve for instance offers many family-friendly nature programs and interactive displays.
Bronx River Parkway Reservation is another excellent destination. This park is Westchester County’s oldest and most well-known linear park. Designed to be accessible by bicycle or foot, it is 13.1 miles of traffic-free travel. Many scenic overlooks can be found along the route. Audio tours are also available for a nominal fee.
The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail can be walked during the spring, fall, and summer. The path passes through many small towns and is popular with thousands of tourists each year. The trail is open to cyclists, in-line skaters, and walkers.
Another unique place to visit is the Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway. This 3.6-mile, overwater path has six overlooks. Weekends are open for bicycling, walking and jogging.
It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views from the bridge. However, the road is closed to cars on Sundays. Take the Metro-North train from Tarrytown to get to the park. Then, walk to the entrance at National Road.
Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival is a popular event in the region. This 43-year old event features live bluegrass music. Participants include both adults and children.
Barton Orchards' BBQ Weekend and Brews Weekend are great ways to get outside during Labor Day Weekend. Children under 12 years old and their parents are free to attend the festival. Barton Orchards' Farm Markets offer local fruits, vegetables, and the opportunity to enjoy the festival's sights.
The Sleepy Hollow Craft & Street Fair are two other great events. The Halloween Extravaganza returns on October 12. Enjoy live music and haunted carousel rides as you visit over 7,000 pumpkins.
There are many farmers' markets throughout Westchester County. These typically run in the spring and fall and feature local farmers, artists, and artisans. Special events may be offered at certain markets for children.
While you are in the area, you should definitely visit the Blue Door Art Center. This local non-profit accepts donations, and hosts free art exhibitions and shows. 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
How can I find out if my child has the ability to ride a bicycle safely?
Children who are still learning to walk and need to balance should do so before learning to ride a bicycle. Start by having your child stand up on one foot and then gradually increase the length she stands on her feet. Once she's mastered this task she can then stand on both of her feet simultaneously.
Children already walking should be able to hop on a tricycle or scooter. Ask your pediatrician if your child needs special equipment to ensure he or she is safe.
Your child should be at least 4 years old to begin riding a bike. Begin by teaching your child to balance on two wheels. Next, show your child how to steer by using hand signals. Then, teach your child how safely to stop by using hand signals.
Remember that no matter your child's age, safety must always come first. Make sure your children know how to see both sides of the street before crossing it. Also, make sure they wear helmets while riding bikes.
Are there five outdoor activities that are great for families?
You can spend your time outdoors in many different ways, whether you are an outdoorsman or city dweller. There are so many ways to bond with your family, such as hiking, camping, fishing and even scuba diving.
Here are our top picks for outdoor activities that are perfect for kids of any age.
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Hiking - Explore a state park or hike along trails near you. Be sure to bring water and snacks along with you for the journey. Bring binoculars if you'd like to spot wildlife while out walking. You can pack sleeping bags and tents to keep you warm if your plan is to stay the night.
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Camping – Camping is a great way to take in the natural beauty of nature without ever leaving your house. Pack light and choose a campsite that is close to restaurants and stores. You will need to bring blankets, pillows, flashlights and a torch for nighttime adventures.
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Fishing – Fishing can be enjoyed by both adults as well as children. Kids love catching fish and learning how to bait the hook. Adults also love sitting back and watching their children catch dinner. Choose a lake, pond, or stream where you can cast a line for bass, trout, or catfish.
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Kayaking opens up new perspectives on nature. You can explore rivers and lakes using kayaks, instead of boats. Keep an eye out for birds, turtles, and even whales during your excursion.
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Bird Watching – Bird watching is one the most loved hobbies in America. It's easy enough to see why. You don't need much equipment and it provides hours of entertainment. To visit a national park or bird sanctuary near you, click here. You will have a lot of fun looking for owls or hawks.
How long should my child and I stay outside?
Weather conditions affect how long you spend outdoors. Extreme heat or humidity should be avoided for children.
Children should not be left unattended in direct sunlight, especially during hot weather. They should limit the amount of time they spend outdoors to only 30 minutes.
During rainy weather, you should avoid letting children play outside for more than 15 minutes. If you are forced to leave them alone, bring water and snacks.
How can you involve children in outdoor activities
Outdoor play is a favorite activity for children. Parents don't realize just how much fun kids have outside. There are so many ways to have fun outdoors. There are many ways for children to have fun outside, including climbing trees and playing in dirt. They can also ride bikes or swim.
However, it can be hard to ensure safety for children when they go far from home. To keep children safe while enjoying the outdoors, it is essential that they have the right equipment. Children will feel more comfortable exploring the outdoors if they have the right clothing and equipment.
Children can have fun regardless of the weather. Children can safely climb up rocks, jump into water, ride bikes, or run along trails if they have the correct gear.
Children should be taught to recognize dangers and avoid them. This includes being able to see ahead and behind you while running, biking, or hiking.
Parents should teach their kids how to identify dangerous situations and avoid problems. A child should ask questions if they see someone walking alone along a trail. Parents must teach their children how to properly respond to strangers.
Encourage your children to learn CPR and First Aid skills, so they can support each other when necessary. Learning these life-saving techniques gives kids the confidence to face any situation.
We should share our knowledge with future generations. Future generations must learn from us so that they can live long and healthy lives.
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.
Which outdoor activity is the best for families with kids?
There are tons of activities out there. From climbing to kayaking to hiking, there are endless options for everyone. For family fun, riding bikes together is the best.
You can choose to bike on a paved path, or go through open fields. Either way, you'll laugh and have fun while enjoying the fresh air. Cycling is a great exercise option for both children and adults.
What is it that makes biking such an appealing choice for families? It allows parents to spend quality family time. This is also perfect for kids who struggle with sitting still long enough to enjoy a play date.
Bike riding is also easy for the wallet. Many places offer discounts and deals for families. Biking with your family is a great way to save money and give your children lots of energy.
Also, don't forget to include safety tips. The safety tips and proper dress for emergencies are essential skills that children need to master. They should also be taught how not to become injured.
Bicycling is an option for those who want to get fit again. You can use the fitness level of your bike as motivation.
There are many health benefits to cycling. Biking reduces stress levels, improves heart and mood health, boosts moods and increases bone density. It can even help strengthen your muscles.
Bike riding is an excellent way to be active and fit with your family. It is a wonderful way for family to spend quality time together.
What is the best way for kids to get involved in gardening?
Kids can help with gardening in two ways.
They can teach you how to garden and give you advice on gardening.
Children can help you with gardening by sharing ideas and tips for planting vegetables, flowers, trees, or other plants.
When you're deciding which seeds are best for your area of the country, ask them to plant them.
It is important to remember that children love plants and can learn quickly. If you allow them to help, they will enjoy helping you grow food and making your yard beautiful.
Statistics
- 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)
- A 2020 National Recreation and Park Association survey found that about 82 percent of people in the U.S. consider parks and recreation “essential.” (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)
External Links
How To
Is it safe to camp with my children?
This is a vital question because it may surprise you how dangerous camping is these days. There are numerous dangers to be aware of, such as poisonous snakes or wild animals, bears, wild dogs, tornadoes. Flash floods. Hurricanes. Avalanches. Wildfires. Blizzards.
Problem is, most parents don't know about these risks. Because they think camping is safe and fun, most parents don't realize this. The reality is that campers now face greater risks than ever in recent years.
For example, injuries and deaths among young campers have increased by more than 50% in the time period 1980 to 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. You will also find more poisonous insects, plants, fish, reptiles and other animals than ever before.
There are many ways you could get hurt or killed while camping. According to the National Park Service, there are approximately 200 deaths involving motor vehicles each year in areas near national parks.
The average family spends $1300 per kid on outdoor activities like hiking, boating and fishing. This includes equipment and food, as well gas, lodging, transportation, and other costs.
Remember that camping with your children will likely cost you more than if you stayed at home. Spending $1,300 for a weekend trip could easily be doubled.
You may wonder why you should first take your kids camping. It's safer to keep your children inside, where it's safe and dry.
It is definitely better to avoid extreme weather conditions. These are three reasons your children should be able to experience nature outside:
This will allow them to expand their imagination. Do you know what else happens outdoors? The sky is open, the stars are visible, and the wind blows through the trees. All this will help you and your children learn about the world. It inspires them to dream about flying, exploring space, or becoming astronauts.
It will benefit their health. There are many outdoor activities that can be enjoyed while camping. This can lead later in life to healthier lifestyles. Sports participation is associated with lower rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease in children. They are also less likely to consume junk food and more sugary drinks.
It will teach them responsibility. Your children will learn how to cook, clean up after others, and to respect other people when they camp. These lessons are valuable no matter where your children are in their childhood. They're valuable skills for teens and adults.