Westchester County is a great place to go for weekend getaways. It's a few miles from New York City and offers endless fun. It is surrounded by Long Island Sound and the Hudson River. The county is home to many bustling cities as well as 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. With your children, you can share information about the natural world. 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 walk the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail in the spring, summer and fall. This path runs through several small communities and is a popular destination for thousands of visitors each year. This trail is open for in-line skaters as well and walkers.
Another place you should visit is Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway. This is a 3.6-mile walk over water with six overlooks. The path can be used for walking, biking, and running on weekends.
This bridge is an excellent place to view the breathtaking views. However, the road is closed to cars on Sundays. Metro-North Train to Tarrytown, then take National Road to get to the park entrance.
Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival is a popular event in the region. This 43-year-old event is a family-friendly event that features live bluegrass music. Participants include both adults and children.
Barton Orchards BBQ Weekend is a great place to go outdoors on Labor Day Weekend. Children under 12 years old and their parents are free to attend the festival. Barton Orchards' Farm Markets is open to all visitors.
The Sleepy Hollow Craft & Street Fair are two other great events. This Halloween extravaganza will return on October 12. Enjoy live music and haunted carousel rides as you visit over 7,000 pumpkins.
There are many farmers markets in Westchester County. These farmers markets usually take place in the spring, fall, and feature local artisans, artists, and farmers. Some markets will also have special events for kids.
Blue Door Art Center is worth a visit while you're here. 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 will find opportunities to catch the top up-and–coming artists at several art centers.
FAQ
What activities can parents have with their children?
Parents might be tempted to think that there aren't many things they can do for their kids today. It's not true. There is so much to keep them busy.
While having fun, parents can teach their children valuable lessons. For instance, when you play catch with your kid, you could explain how throwing a ball is an important skill that helps him practice coordination.
You could even teach him how balances on his bike without the need for training wheels.
There are many ways that you can help your child learn and create memories. You don't have to know everything, so don't worry about not knowing what to do. Just start doing things together and see where it takes you.
How long can I be outside with my kids for?
The amount of time you spend outdoors varies depending on weather conditions. Extreme heat or humidity should be avoided for children.
It is important that children are not left out in the sun for prolonged periods during hot weather. They should limit their outdoor time to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Children should not be left outside for more that 15 minutes during rainy conditions. If you must leave them unattended for longer, remember to bring extra water and snacks.
What are some of the most enjoyable activities you can do with your family members?
There are many options for spending time with family. But there are two types of activities you should avoid. The first involves talking about yourself while spending time with others. This activity is usually ended when the conversation ends.
The second activity involves arguing about how better you are than everyone else. If you do this, your spouse will feel guilty and it can also hurt your children.
You might say, "Well, these arguments are necessary." That's right. We do. Sometimes though, we can find more productive uses of our time. You could spend time with your children reading, going on walks, helping them with homework, cooking dinner, and other activities. These activities are enjoyable because they involve you and the family working together.
Instead of fighting over who is smarter or which one is better, why not compete in a game against each other? Perhaps you all enjoy the same book and want to read it together.
Why not take some time to go to a movie together? Why not eat dinner together and discuss how well you did today? Why not play board games?
These activities are fun and provide a way for you to have fun without having to fight. You can also learn from each other.
What outdoor activity is best for a child aged 8-10 years?
The best outdoor activity for an eight-to-ten-year-old kid is probably riding his bike. He will be happy to have his independence and freedom 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. Kids can ride a bike together and have something to share. Bicycling allows kids to build friendships with other children and helps them feel less alone when they're playing sports on their own.
Kids learn lots of important lessons when they ride bikes. They learn to control their speed and balance. They also make time for exercise and burn calories. Bicycling is a great way to stay fit and active.
A bicycle is easy to maintain. It's easy to fix a flat tire, or replace a broken 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 inexpensive compared to cars. A typical bike will cost between $25-$200. That means you can afford to buy a few bikes for your family and let everyone enjoy the benefits of bicycling.
You can ride your kids' bikes to the beach, park and playground, as well as on trails around town. These places will be fun and your kids won't have any worries about where to put their bikes once they return.
Bicycles offer versatility. You can ride them outdoors as well as indoors. You can use them to explore new places or make friends. You can even use bicycles to get around in areas that prohibit motorized vehicles such as New York City.
Which outdoor activity is the most suitable for families with young children?
There are so many options. There are endless activities for everyone: climbing, kayaking, hiking. When it comes to family fun there is no better way than to ride bikes together.
You can bike along a paved path or ride through an open field. No matter what, you will have fun and laugh all the while taking in the fresh air. You can also bike with your children, which is a great way to exercise.
What makes biking so popular among families? One reason may be that it allows parents to spend quality time with their kids. This is great for kids who find it difficult to sit still long enough so they can have fun.
Biking is also easy on the wallet. There are many places that offer discounts for families. Bike riding with your family can help you save money, as well as give your kids plenty of ways to burn their energy.
Safety tips are important! It is important for children to learn how to dress correctly and what to do in an emergency. It is important that they are taught how to not get hurt.
Bike riding is a great way to get back in shape. You can use your fitness as motivation to keep going.
There are many health benefits to cycling. Cycling can help reduce stress levels, improve heart health and boost moods.
If you want to stay active and healthy with your family, biking is an option. It is a wonderful way for family to spend quality time together.
Which five outdoor activities are best for families?
Whether an outdoorsman or a city dweller, there are plenty of fun ways to spend time together outdoors. 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. You should bring water and snacks with you on the trip. If you want to see wildlife while on foot, bring binoculars. For those who plan to stay over, you should bring tents and sleeping bags.
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Camping - Camping offers another way to explore nature without having to leave the comforts of home. Make sure to pack light and locate a campsite with a grocery store and restaurant nearby. Bring blankets, pillows, and flashlights for nighttime adventures.
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Fishing – Fishing is an enjoyable activity for both children and adults. Kids love catching fish and learning how to bait the hook. Adults love watching their children catch dinner. Pick a lake, stream, or pond where you can fish for bass, trout or catfish.
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Kayaking opens up new perspectives on nature. You can kayak on rivers or lakes instead of using boats. During your excursion, keep an eye out to see if there are any birds, turtles or whales.
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Bird watching - Bird watching has become a very popular pastime in America. It's easy for people to understand why. To visit a national park or bird sanctuary near you, click here. Enjoy spotting eagles and hawks as well as other feathered friends.
Statistics
- Ask yourself, 'What do I want to accomplish, and is this likely to produce that result?'" 2. (webmd.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)
- 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)
- 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 camping safe for my family?
This is a crucial question, as you might not be aware of how dangerous camping has become. There are many dangers including poisonous snakes and wild animals, bears and wild animals, tornadoes.
These risks are not well known by most parents. Parents assume that camping is fun and safe for their children. Camping campers are exposed to more dangers than ever before.
The number of deaths and injuries among young campers rose by nearly half between 1980 - 2001. This means that approximately 1,000 children died camping during these years.
There are also more venomous species in North America today than there were in 1900. Insects, fish and reptiles are all more dangerous than ever.
You can also get injured or killed camping. For instance, according to statistics compiled by the National Park Service, there are roughly 200 fatal accidents involving vehicles yearly near national parks.
To make matters worse, experts say that the average family spends $1,300 per child on outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, boating, and climbing. This includes equipment and food, as well gas, lodging, transportation, and other costs.
However, camping with your kids will require you to spend far more money than if the family had stayed at home. You could easily spend twice as much on a weekend trip if you spend $1,300.
It might be hard to believe that you should take your children camping before thinking about it. Isn't it safer for your kids to be inside, where it's dry and warm?
It is definitely better to avoid extreme weather conditions. There are three main reasons that your kids should experience nature outdoors.
It will help them develop their imagination. Did you know that there are other things outdoors? The sky opens, the stars shine, and the wind blows through trees. All of this helps your kids understand what makes the world tick. It inspires them to dream about flying, exploring space, or becoming astronauts.
It will make them healthier. Camping provides many opportunities to exercise and play outside. This can lead to healthier lifestyles later on in 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 them to be responsible. Your children will learn how to cook, clean up after others, and to respect other people when they camp. These lessons are important no matter the stage of your child's childhood. They are great skills to have for when your children become teens or adults.