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 county surrounds the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. It is home of bustling towns and small 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. 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 makes a great getaway. This park is Westchester County’s longest linear park. Designed to be accessible by bicycle or foot, it is 13.1 miles of traffic-free travel. There are numerous scenic overlooks along the way and free audio tours available.
You can enjoy a stroll on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail during spring, summer, or fall. The path passes through many small towns and is popular with thousands of tourists each year. It is accessible to walkers, in-line skaters and cyclists.
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. Metro-North trains run to Tarrytown. From there, you can walk to National Road to reach the park.
Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival is a popular event in the region. The 43-year-old festival features bluegrass music and is family-friendly. Both children and adults are welcome to take part in the activities, which include the headless horseman.
Barton Orchards BBQ and Brews Weekend on Labor Day Weekend is a great opportunity to get outdoors. For children under 12, and their parents, the festival is free. 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. This Halloween extravaganza will return on October 12. The Halloween Extravaganza returns on October 12.
There are many farmers' markets throughout Westchester County. These farmers markets usually take place in the spring, fall, and feature local artisans, artists, and farmers. Special events may be offered at certain markets for children.
Blue Door Art Center is a must-see while you're in the area. The Blue Door Art Centre is a local non profit organization that accepts donations. It also hosts free art shows. Summer on the Sound concert program is open throughout the summer. There will be opportunities to see the best emerging artists in a variety of art centers.
FAQ
Is there any good advice that I can give parents who want their children to begin exercising?
Parents who want to encourage their children to exercise should encourage them try other activities. Kids will likely continue to exercise if they do more physical activity.
Parents shouldn't force their children into certain activities. Instead, they should encourage them to explore other options like swimming, running or hiking.
What length should I spend outside with my children?
Weather conditions determine how much time you spend outdoors. You should not expose your children to extreme heat, humidity, or cold.
For instance, children shouldn't be left in direct sunlight for too long during hot summer weather. Instead, they should limit their outdoor time to 30 minutes at a time.
Avoid letting your children go outside during rainy weather for longer than 15 minutes. You should bring extra water and snacks if your children must be left alone for any length of time.
How old is my child before I allow them to go outside?
Every day, children need sunshine and fresh air. Do not forget to encourage your children to get as much sun as they can, no matter whether they are toddlers, preschoolers or elementary school students.
Limit snow exposure for those who live in cold climates. When your children are young, make sure they have sunscreen and hats.
Children under five years of age should spend no more than 10 minutes outdoors at a stretch. You can increase this time limit until you are able to spend at least two hours a day.
Are there five outdoor activities that are great for families?
Outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers can find many fun ways to spend their time outdoors. You have many options to bond your family and explore nature, from hiking to camping to fishing.
Here are our top picks in outdoor activities for kids of all ages.
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Hiking: Explore the state parks near you or along trails. Be sure to bring water and snacks along with you for the journey. If you want to see wildlife while on foot, bring binoculars. To keep everyone warm, bring sleeping bags and tents if you plan on staying over night.
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Camping - Camping is another way to enjoy nature without leaving home. Pick a campsite near restaurants and shops to pack light. Bring blankets, pillows, and flashlights for nighttime adventures.
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Fishing - Fishing is a great activity for adults and children. Children love to catch fish and learn how to bait the hook. Adults enjoy watching their children catch fish and sitting back to watch. Find a place where you can fish for trout, catfish or bass.
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Kayaking lets you experience nature from a whole new perspective. Kayaking allows you to explore rivers and lakes without the need for boats. During your excursion, be sure to keep an eye for birds, turtles, or even whales.
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Bird watching is a popular hobby in America. It's easy enough to see why. You don't need much equipment and it provides hours of entertainment. Visit a nearby bird sanctuary or national parks. Enjoy looking for hawks, eagles or other feathered friends.
How do you get kids to engage in outdoor activities with you?
Outdoor play is a favorite activity for children. Most parents don't realize the joy that children have when they get out in nature. There are many ways to have outdoor fun. Kids can explore the world by playing in the dirt, climbing trees, riding bikes and swimming.
It can be difficult to make sure that children are safe when they travel far away from their homes. To keep children safe while enjoying the outdoors, it is essential that they have the right equipment. Children can feel more confident in the great outdoors when they are wearing appropriate clothing.
Children can have fun regardless of the weather. If they have the right gear, children can safely climb hills, jump into the sea, ride bikes, and follow trails.
Children should be taught to recognize dangers and avoid them. This includes learning to look ahead and behind them while hiking, biking, or running.
Parents must teach their children to avoid dangerous situations. If a child spots someone alone walking on a trail, ask him or her questions like if anyone is missing, hurt, or lost. Parents must teach their children how to properly 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. Learning these life-saving techniques gives kids the confidence to face any situation.
We should share our knowledge with future generations. 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 will keep reading our articles to find out more about making the most your time together.
Why is family gardening so important?
Family gardeners are passionate to grow food for their families.
Family gardens allow children to learn responsibility while developing patience, cooperation, time management, and problem-solving skills. Growing a garden helps parents build self-confidence and self-esteem. It also teaches how to care for the earth.
The benefits of gardens for adults include a greater sense of connection to the natural world and a lower risk of developing stress. Our brains release "happy hormones", which make us happier and more healthy when we are outdoors.
Family gardening has many benefits that go beyond mental and physical health. Gardens contribute to the local economy, conserve natural resources, reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants to create wildlife habitats.
Statistics
- 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)
- Remember, he's about 90% hormones right now. (medium.com)
- 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)
- A 2019 study found that kids who spend less time in green spaces are more likely to develop psychiatric issues, such as anxiety and mood disorders. (verywellfamily.com)
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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.
Parents aren't always aware of these dangers. 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, the number of injuries and deaths among young campers increased by nearly 50% between 1980 and 2001. That means that almost 1,000 children died while camping during those years.
Additionally, North America has more venomous organisms than ever before. Additionally, there are more poisonous plants, reptiles, fish, and insects.
Camping can also be dangerous. According to the National Park Service statistics, approximately 200 vehicles are involved in fatal accidents each year near national parks.
The average family spends $1300 per kid on outdoor activities like hiking, boating and fishing. This includes equipment, food and gas as well as lodging and transportation costs.
You should remember that taking your kids camping will cost you far more than if they were staying at home. A weekend trip that costs $1,300 could easily cost twice as much.
It might be hard to believe that you should take your children camping before thinking about it. It's safer to keep your children inside, where it's safe and dry.
Well, yes, it is certainly better to avoid extreme weather conditions. These are three reasons your children should be able to experience nature outside:
It will encourage them to think outside the box. What else can you see outdoors? The sky is always open and the stars can be seen. And the wind blows through forests. 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 make them healthier. Camping gives you many chances to exercise outside. This can lead to healthier lifestyles later on in life. Participating in sports can lead to lower obesity and diabetes rates for children. They are also less likely to consume junk food and more sugary drinks.
It will teach them to be responsible. When your kids camp, they learn to prepare meals, clean up after themselves, share responsibilities and respect others. These lessons are important no matter the stage of your child's childhood. These skills are also valuable for teenagers and adults.