Consider Westchester County if you're looking for a weekend getaway. It's just a few miles away from New York City. The county offers endless entertainment. The county surrounds the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. It is home of bustling towns and small villages. From historic sites to haunted houses, there are plenty of places to explore.
In addition to the many attractions, the county has a number of parks and nature preserves. It is possible to share your knowledge about the natural surroundings with your children. Cranberry Lake Preserve has a number of nature programs for families and interactive displays.
Bronx River Parkway Reservation is another excellent destination. This park is Westchester County's oldest linear park. It's 13.1 miles of traffic-free transportation, designed to be easily accessed by bike or foot. Numerous scenic overlooks are found along the way. There is also an audio tour available.
During the spring, summer, and fall, you can take a walk on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. It runs through small towns and is a popular spot for thousands of people each year. The trail is available for cyclists, inline skaters, as well as walkers.
The Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway makes for a unique experience. This 3.6-mile, overwater path has six overlooks. On weekends, the path can be used to walk, cycle, and run.
This bridge is an excellent place to view the breathtaking views. 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, one of the region's most popular festivals, is a must-see. The 43-year-old festival features bluegrass music and is family-friendly. Children and adults are encouraged to participate in the event's activities, including the headless horseman.
The Barton Orchards' BBQ & Brews Weekend is a wonderful way to be outside on Labor Day Weekend. All children under 12 years old, and their families, are welcome to the festival. Barton Orchards' Farm Markets will be open for visitors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables as well as enjoy the festival's sights.
Sleepy Hollow Craft & Street Fair is another great event. October 12th will see the return of this Halloween extravaganza. The Halloween Extravaganza returns on October 12.
There are many farmers markets in Westchester County. These farmers markets typically take place in the spring and fall. They feature local farmers, artists, as well as artisans. Special events may be offered at certain markets for children.
Blue Door Art Center is worth a visit while you're here. The Blue Door Art Center is a non-profit that accepts donations. They also host free art exhibits and shows. Visitors can also enjoy the Summer on the Sound concert series throughout the summer. You will find opportunities to catch the top up-and–coming artists at several art centers.
FAQ
What activities can parents do with their children?
Parents may think that there is not much to do with their kids these days. They have plenty of entertainment options.
While having fun, parents can teach their children valuable lessons. Playing catch with your child could be an opportunity to explain that throwing a ball helps you practice coordination.
You can also show him how you balance your bike without using training wheels if he really wants to.
There are many ways that you can help your child learn and create memories. If you aren't sure what to do with your child, don't worry! Let's just get started and see where it leads.
Is it safe to let my child climb trees?
Trees are strong structures. If you don't evaluate your child's abilities, climbing trees can pose risks.
You have to use both hands and legs to get higher when climbing a tree. To keep balance, your child will need to be able both to use his/her arms and legs.
Your child will need to be able jump between branches easily. This requires strength and agility.
You shouldn't force your child into climbing a tree if she's not physically capable.
If you want to climb a tree with your friends, you can do so by sitting on the lower limbs and using a ladder. Or you can sit on a branch and read books to each other.
What are the top 5 outdoor activities that kids love?
You can find endless outdoor activities no matter where your home is located. These are five activities that every kid should try at least once.
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Go to the Zoo. Zoos provide a wonderful place for quality family time. Not only does going to a zoo allow you to get up close and personal with animals, but it's also a great opportunity to teach your kids about conservation and animal welfare. There are special programs offered by some zoos that help educate visitors on the problems facing endangered species. You can find more information online or by calling ahead to ask about events and classes offered at your local zoo.
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Visit a Nature Center. These are great places to learn more about the natural environment. 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! You can also visit a nature centre to go on a hike through the nearby forests and parks.
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Take a Bike Ride - When was the last time you took your kids on a bike ride? They'll enjoy riding bikes as much as you did growing up. Biking is not only good exercise. It's also great for getting to know your neighbors and discovering hidden gems.
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Play a Sport Game - These games are not just for children who grew up with them. Sports games are still popular with people of all ages. Find something that is suitable for your group. All of these options are great for families who want to spend time together.
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Enjoy a Movie Under The Stars - This may be the best way to take in the great outdoors if you have a large yard. You will need a blanket, lawn chair, picnic basket, food and drinks, as well as a grill. Get your blankets out and go outside. You will be amazed at the comfort it gives you to relax under the stars.
What is the best outdoor activity that a 8- to 10-year-old child can do?
The best outdoor activity for an eight-to-ten-year-old kid is probably riding his bike. You will love the freedom and independence he has on two wheels. Consider taking him to a nearby park, playground, or lake. Even better, if you do, make sure to bring along a helmet and protective gear.
Nothing is more thrilling than feeling the wind in your hair as you pedal fast down a hill, or race across a field. A bicycle gives children something they can do together. Cycling allows children to make friends and bonds with others, which is something that can be difficult for many kids who feel isolated when they are playing sports by themselves.
Children learn many valuable lessons from riding bikes. For instance, they learn how to balance themselves and control speed. They find the time to exercise and burn calories, even though they don't realize it. Plus, biking helps them stay active and healthy.
Maintaining a bike is easy. There's nothing complicated about fixing a flat tire or replacing a chain. Bikes require little maintenance. Kids should spend more time having fun than worrying about whether or not their tires are properly inflated.
Bicycles are cheaper than cars. A typical bike will cost between $25-$200. It means you can afford to purchase a few bikes for your entire family and let them enjoy the benefits of biking.
You can take your kids' bikes to the park or playground, or on a local trail. These places will be fun and your kids won't have any worries about where to put their bikes once they return.
Bicycles are versatile. They can be used indoors and outdoors. These bikes are great for traveling and making friends. Bicycles can also be used in places that don't permit motorized vehicles like New York City.
What are the best other activities you can spend with your family?
There are lots of ways you can spend time with your family. There are two types you should avoid. The first involves talking about yourself while spending time with others. This type of activity typically ends when the conversation stops.
This second activity involves disagreeing about who is better than you. When you do this, you make your spouse feel bad about himself or herself and hurt your children.
You might say, "Well, these arguments are necessary." That's right. We do. Sometimes, however, there are more productive ways to use our time. For example, you could play games with your kids, read books, go for walks, help them with homework, cook dinner, etc. These activities involve your whole family working together.
Instead of fighting over who is smarter or which one is better, why not compete in a game against each other? Or why not choose a book that everybody likes and read it together?
Oder why not make time to watch a film together? What about sharing a meal together to discuss the day? You can also play board games.
These activities are fun and give you a way to enjoy each other's company without fighting. They allow you to learn something new from each other.
Should I let my child run around barefoot?
Yes! Yes. It prevents cuts, bruises, blisters, and scrapes.
You may also want to consider shoes for children with sensitive skin. If your child's feet are sweaty or dirty, it is a good idea to wash them first.
While your children play outside, it's best to always be there to supervise them. You can provide supervision from a distance to ensure your child is safe.
Make sure your child doesn't drink water or eat plants while playing in the grass. Avoid high grass and keep your child from it.
How do you get kids to engage in outdoor activities with you?
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. Kids can explore the world by playing in the dirt, climbing trees, riding bikes and swimming.
But it isn't easy to ensure that kids stay safe when they venture far from home. It is important to provide the proper gear to ensure that children are safe and have fun outside. Children can feel more confident in the great outdoors when they are wearing appropriate clothing.
While the weather may be cold, wet, windy, or rainy, kids can enjoy themselves without worrying too much about safety. If they have the right gear, children can safely climb hills, jump into the sea, ride bikes, and follow trails.
It is important that children are taught how to recognize hazards and avoid danger. This includes being able to see ahead and behind you while running, biking, or hiking.
Parents must teach their children to avoid dangerous situations. For example, if a child sees someone walking alone on a trail, he or she should ask questions such as whether anyone is hurt, missing, or lost. Parents should teach their children how best to react when they meet strangers.
Parents should encourage their children to learn CPR, first aid skills and how to help one another if needed. This will give your child the confidence to tackle 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.
Statistics
- According to The Outdoor Foundation's most recent report, over half of Americans (153.6 million people) participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2019, totaling 10.9 billion outings. (wilderness.org)
- You can likely find a 5K to get the family signed up for during any part of the year. (family.lovetoknow.com)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
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How To
Is it safe to take my kids camping?
This is a critical question as camping today is much more dangerous than it was in the past. 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.
Parents aren't always aware of these dangers. Parents assume that camping is fun and safe for their children. Camping campers are exposed to more dangers than ever before.
The number of campers who were injured or killed by other campers grew by almost 50% between 1980-2001. This means that nearly 1,000 children were killed camping in those years.
In North America, there are more venomous plants than ever before. Insects, fish and reptiles are all more dangerous than ever.
There are also more ways to get hurt or killed when camping. According to the National Park Service statistics, approximately 200 vehicles are involved in fatal accidents each year near national parks.
Experts estimate that the average family spends $1300 per day on outdoor activities such hiking, boating or fishing. This includes equipment, food and gas as well as lodging and transportation costs.
Keep in mind that you will probably spend more money camping than if your kids were at home. Spending $1,300 for a weekend trip could easily be doubled.
Perhaps you are wondering why your children should go camping. It's safer to keep your children inside, where it's safe and dry.
Yes, extreme weather conditions are better avoided. Let your children enjoy nature outside for these reasons:
They will be able to develop their imagination. Are you aware of what other outdoor activities are possible? The sky is always open and the stars can be seen. And the wind blows through forests. This helps children understand the world around them. It inspires them to dream about flying, exploring space, or becoming astronauts.
It will make them healthier. Camping gives you many chances to exercise outside. This can lead you to a healthier lifestyle later in your life. Kids who participate in sports tend to have lower obesity, diabetes, and heart disease rates. They also tend to consume less junk food and drink less sugary beverages.
It will teach your children 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. These skills are also valuable for teenagers and adults.