Westchester County might be a good choice for weekend getaways. It is just a short drive from New York City, and offers endless entertainment. 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 to visit, including historic sites and haunted homes.
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. Cranberry Lake Preserve, for example, offers interactive displays and nature programs that are family-friendly.
Bronx River Parkway Reservation makes a great getaway. 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. You will find many scenic overlooks along your route. Also, you can get free audio tours.
The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail can be walked during the spring, fall, and summer. This trail runs through small communities and is a popular tourist destination. The trail is available for cyclists, inline skaters, as well as walkers.
Another unique place to visit is the Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway. This path, which crosses the water for 3.6 miles, has 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. Sundays are closed to cars. Take the Metro-North train from Tarrytown to get to the park. Then, walk to the entrance at National Road.
The Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival, one of the region's most popular festivals, is a must-see. This event, which has been going strong for 43 years, is family-friendly and 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 are open to visitors. They can purchase local fruits and veggies, and enjoy the festival's sights.
Sleepy Hollow Craft & Street Fair, are just a few of the other fantastic events. October 12th is the return date for this Halloween celebration. Enjoy live music and haunted carousel rides as you visit over 7,000 pumpkins.
There are several farmers markets throughout Westchester County. These markets are held in spring and autumn and feature local artists and farmers. Some markets may also offer special events for children.
Blue Door Art Center should be on your list of things to do while you're there. The Blue Door Art Center is a non-profit that accepts donations. They also host free art exhibits and shows. Summer on the Sound concert series is also available throughout the summer. Many small art centers offer the chance to see some of the most exciting up-and coming artists.
FAQ
Is it safe to let my child climb trees?
Trees are very sturdy structures. Climbing trees is a dangerous activity if you aren't sure of your child's ability to do so.
To climb higher on a tree, you will need to use both your legs and hands. Your child must be capable of using both their arms as well as their legs to keep the balance.
Also, your child should be able and able to move easily between branches. This will require strength and agility.
You shouldn't force your child into climbing a tree if she's not physically capable.
You can still enjoy climbing a tree together by sitting on the lower limbs or using a ladder. Or you can sit on a branch and read books to each other.
Why is family garden important?
Family gardeners have a passion for growing food for their loved ones.
Children learn responsibility through gardening. They also develop patience, cooperation and time management skills. Gardening also helps parents develop confidence and self-esteem and teaches them how to care for the environment.
Gardens also help adults feel more connected to nature, which may lead to lower stress levels and improved health. Our brains produce "happy hormones," which are chemicals that make us feel happier and healthier when we spend time outside.
The benefits of family gardening go far beyond physical and mental health. Gardens give back to society by contributing to local economies, conserving natural resources, reducing stormwater runoff, filtering pollutants, and creating wildlife habitats.
How long should I stay outside with my kids?
Weather conditions affect how long you spend outdoors. You should not expose your children to extreme heat, humidity, or cold.
For example, children should not be left alone for extended periods in direct sunlight during hot weather. They should limit the amount of time they spend outdoors to only 30 minutes.
Children should not be left outside for more that 15 minutes during rainy conditions. If you are forced to leave them alone, bring water and snacks.
How can I determine if my child is ready for a ride on a bike?
Children just learning how to walk will need to learn balance skills before pedaling a bicycle. Begin by getting your child to stand on one foot. Then, gradually increase the distance between her feet. After mastering this skill, your child can now stand on both her feet simultaneously.
Children who can walk should be able ride a tricycle or scooter. Your pediatrician will tell you if your child requires special equipment to make sure he or she is safe.
If your kid is older than four years old, he or she is probably ready to start riding a bicycle. Begin by teaching your child to balance on two wheels. Then, teach him or her to steer using hand signals. Next, teach your child to brake safely.
Safety must always come first, no matter how old your child may be. Remind your children to always look both ways before crossing the streets.
Which 5 outdoor activities are best for children?
No matter where you live, there are many outdoor activities. Here are five of our favorite activities we think every kid should have the chance to experience at least once.
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Go to the Zoo. Zoos are great places for 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 programs to educate visitors about the issues that affect 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. Nature centers are wonderful places where you can learn about the natural world. You will find interactive displays and exhibits as well as many hands-on activities. All the cool things they can do with will be a surprise to your kids! You can also visit a nature centre to go on a hike through the nearby forests and parks.
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Take your children on a bike ride - When is the last time that you took them on a bike trip? As much as you enjoyed riding bikes growing up, your kids will also enjoy it. 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 Sports Game. Sports games don't only appeal to kids who grew-up playing them. Sports games are still popular with people of all ages. Find something that is suitable for your group. Families can spend quality time together by playing basketball, soccer, hockey and baseball.
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Watch a Movie Under the Stars - If you've got a big backyard, this may be one of the easiest ways to enjoy the outdoors. All you need is a blanket or lawn chair, a picnic basket full of food and drinks, and maybe a grill. It's so relaxing to be outside under the stars! Grab your blankets and get out there.
What are the best activities you can do together?
There are many different ways you can spend your time with your loved ones. You should avoid two types of activities. One involves spending time together, while also talking about your own life. This activity is usually ended when the conversation ends.
You can also argue about how you are better than everyone else. You can make your spouse and children feel inferior.
You may think, "Well we must have these arguments." 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 great because you and your entire family get to work together.
For instance, instead of arguing about who is smarter, why not agree to compete against each other in a game? What about reading a book together that everyone likes?
Perhaps you could set aside time to watch a movie? You can also eat together and share your thoughts about the day. What about playing some 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.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- 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'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)
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How To
What is the best outdoor adventure for kids?
It doesn't matter what sport you played growing up, nothing beats spending time outdoors with your loved ones. You can bond with your children by spending time outside, whether they are riding a bike, camping or fishing together.
Although the benefits of spending quality family time are numerous, it can sometimes be difficult to find activities for both kids and adults. 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. When you fish with your kids, you teach them conservation, respect for water, wildlife awareness, among other things.
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Parents and children love camping. It may seem daunting at first to set up camp but it becomes very easy once you are familiar with the process. Everyone will enjoy a weekend away, which allows them to step out of their daily routines.
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For kids, hiking is a great activity because they can explore the outdoors without ever leaving their home. Kids love hiking because they feel like explorers and adventurers and learn about themselves and their surroundings along the way.
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Because it is easy to do anywhere and requires minimal equipment, riding bikes can be a family-friendly activity. Additionally, children can develop strength, coordination, and balance by riding bikes.
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Playgrounds provide many benefits to children, such as the opportunity for socialization and making new friends. Playgrounds are great for older children who enjoy creating and completing challenging projects.