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 is bordered by the Hudson River, Long Island Sound, and is home both bustling cities 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. Your children can also learn about the environment. For example, the Cranberry Lake Preserve offers a variety of family-oriented nature programs and interactive displays.
Bronx River Parkway Reservation, another wonderful destination, is also available. This park is Westchester County's oldest 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.
You can enjoy a stroll on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail during spring, summer, or fall. It passes through several small communities, and is a popular destination that draws thousands of visitors every year. The trail is available for cyclists, inline skaters, as well as walkers.
The Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway makes for a unique experience. This is a 3.6-mile walk over water with six overlooks. On weekends, the path is open to walking, bicycling, and jogging.
It's a great way to take in the stunning views from the bridge. On Sundays, however, the road is not open to traffic. Metro-North train to Tarrytown. Walk to National Road entrance to reach the park.
The Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival, one of the region's most popular festivals, is a must-see. This 43-year-old event is a family-friendly event that features live bluegrass music. Both children and adults are welcome to take part in the activities, which include the headless horseman.
On Labor Day Weekend, the Barton Orchards' BBQ and Brews Weekend is a great way to get outdoors. All children under 12 years old, and their families, are welcome to the festival. Barton Orchards' Farm Markets offer local fruits, vegetables, and the opportunity to enjoy the festival's sights.
Other great events include the Sleepy Hollow Craft & Street Fair. This Halloween extravaganza will return on October 12. The Halloween Extravaganza returns on October 12.
There are many farmers markets in Westchester County. These markets are held in spring and autumn and feature local artists and farmers. Some markets offer special events that are suitable for children.
Blue Door Art Center is a must-see while you're in the area. This local non-profit accepts donations, and hosts free art exhibitions and shows. Summer on the Sound concert series is also available throughout the summer. There will be opportunities to see the best emerging artists in a variety of art centers.
FAQ
What are 5 outdoor activities best for kids?
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, no matter where you live. Here are five fun activities every child should be able to enjoy.
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Visit the Zoo. Zoos make for great 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. Some zoos offer special programs that help educate visitors about issues facing endangered species worldwide. Online information is available. You can also call ahead to inquire about classes and events 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. The cool things your kids can do will amaze you! You can also visit a nature centre to go on a hike through the nearby forests and parks.
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Take your kids for a ride on a bicycle - When was it that you last took your children on a bicycle? They will be just as happy riding bikes today as they were 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 - Sports games aren’t just the domain of kids who grew to love them. Sports games still entertain people of all ages. The key is finding something that works well for your group. Basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball -- are all great options for families to spend time together.
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A Movie Under the Stars - This is a great way to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of your backyard. A blanket or lawn chair, a picnic bag with food and drink, and perhaps a grill are all you need. Grab your blankets and head outside -- you'll be surprised at how nice it feels to sit under the stars.
Is there any good advice I can give to parents who want their kids to start exercising?
If parents want their kids to get active, they should encourage them to try out different activities. Physical activity is more beneficial for children than it is for adults.
Parents shouldn't pressure their kids into participating in certain activities. Instead, they should encourage them to explore other options like swimming, running or hiking.
How long should my child and I stay outside?
Weather conditions affect how long you spend outdoors. You should avoid exposing your children to extreme heat or humidity.
For example, children should not be left alone for extended periods in direct sunlight during hot weather. Instead, they should limit their outdoor time to 30 minutes at a time.
You should not allow children to play outside in rainy weather longer than 15 minutes. You should bring extra water and snacks if your children must be left alone for any length of time.
What are some other great activities that you could do with your family?
There are many options for spending time with family. There are two types that you should avoid. The first involves talking about yourself while spending time with others. This activity usually ends once the conversation has ended.
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.
Some may respond, "Well these arguments must be used." That's right. We do. Sometimes, however, there are more productive ways to use our time. You could spend time with your children reading, going on walks, helping them with homework, cooking dinner, and other activities. These activities can be fun for you and your family because they involve working together.
Instead of fighting about who is the smarter, why can't you agree to compete against one another in a board game? What about reading a book together that everyone likes?
You could also make time for a movie with your friends. What about sharing a meal together to discuss the day? What about playing board games?
These activities are fun and provide a way for you to have fun without having to fight. They also allow you to learn new things from each other.
What is the best outdoor activity for an 8 to 10 years old child?
The best outdoor activity for an eight-to-ten-year-old kid is probably riding his bike. He'll love his freedom and independence when out on two wheels. You might take him along if you live near any park, lake or playground. A helmet and protective gear are even better if you plan on taking your son.
Nothing can be more exhilarating then feeling the wind in your face while you pedal down a hill and race across a grassy field. Kids can ride a bike together and have something to share. 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.
When kids ride bicycles, they learn many important lessons. They learn to control their speed and balance. They also find time to exercise and burn calories without even realizing it. They can also bike to keep fit and active.
Maintaining a bicycle is simple. You don't need to be a specialist in fixing flat tires or replacing chains. Bikes require little maintenance. Children spend their time having fun and not worrying about how their tires or brakes are working.
Bicycles are cheaper than cars. A typical bike is between $25 and $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 ride your kids' bikes to the beach, park and playground, as well as on trails around town. These places will provide hours of enjoyment for you all, and you won’t have to worry about storing your bike after you get back.
Bicycles are versatile. They can be used indoors and outdoors. These bikes are great for traveling and making friends. You can even use bicycles to get around in areas that prohibit motorized vehicles such as New York City.
Why is family garden important?
Family gardeners are passionate to grow food for their families.
Family gardens are a great way for children to develop responsibility, patience, time management, problem solving skills, and cooperation. In addition to helping parents grow their self-esteem, gardening also teaches them how they can care for the environment.
Adults who are more connected to nature through gardens can feel less stressed and may have better health. When we spend time outdoors, our brains release chemicals called "happy hormones" that make us happier and healthier.
Family gardening is good for your mental and physical well-being. Gardens are a way to give back to society, by conserving natural resources and reducing stormwater runoff. They also filter pollutants and create wildlife habitats.
What are some activities parents can do with their children to keep them entertained?
You might think there isn't much for parents to do with kids nowadays. It's not true. There is so much to keep them busy.
Parents can also teach children important lessons while having a lot of fun. You could, for example, explain to your child that throwing a football is an important skill and helps with coordination.
Or, if he wants to learn how to ride his bike, you could show him how to balance himself without training wheels.
There are many ways that you can help your child learn and create memories. So don't worry if you don't know what to do with your kids! You can just start doing things together to see what happens.
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)
- Ask yourself, 'What do I want to accomplish, and is this likely to produce that result?'" 2. (webmd.com)
- You can likely find a 5K to get the family signed up for during any part of the year. (family.lovetoknow.com)
- 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)
- 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
What outdoor activity is the most enjoyable for kids?
No matter how much fun you had playing sports growing up, there is nothing like spending time outdoors with the family. You can bond with your children by spending time outside, whether they are riding a bike, camping or fishing together.
But while the benefits of spending quality time with your kids are plentiful, finding activities that appeal to adults and children alike can sometimes be difficult. This is why we compiled our list of the best outdoor activities that families can enjoy.
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Fishing can be a fun activity for children. It teaches them important life skills such patience, teamwork, and problem solving. Fishing with kids can teach you a lot about conservation, respecting water resources, wildlife awareness and much more.
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Both parents and their children enjoy camping. It may seem daunting at first to set up camp but it becomes very easy once you are familiar with the process. A weekend away gives everyone a break and allows them to enjoy their normal lives.
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Because it lets kids explore nature while staying at home, hiking is a wonderful activity for them. Children love to hike because they are explorers and adventurers. They also learn about their surroundings and themselves along the way.
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Riding bikes is a great family-friendly sport because it requires little equipment and can be done anywhere. Plus, riding bikes helps kids develop balance, coordination, and strength.
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Playgrounds are a great place for kids to meet new friends and socialize. Play spaces can also be used by older children who love to work on difficult projects.