Consider Westchester County if you're looking for a weekend getaway. It's only a few minutes from New York City. There are endless activities. The county is bordered by the Hudson River, Long Island Sound, and is home both bustling cities and charming villages. From historic sites to haunted houses, there are plenty of places to explore.
A number of parks and nature preserves are available in the county. With your children, you can share information about the natural world. Cranberry Lake Preserve is one example of a family-oriented natural program that includes interactive displays and programs.
Bronx River Parkway Reservation makes a great getaway. This park is Westchester County’s oldest and most well-known linear park. The park is 13.1 miles long, and can be accessed by foot or bicycle. You will find many scenic overlooks along your route. Also, you can get free audio tours.
You can enjoy a stroll on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail during spring, summer, or fall. This path runs through several small communities and is a popular destination for thousands of visitors each year. It is accessible to walkers, in-line skaters and cyclists.
Another place you should visit is Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway. This is a 3.6-mile walk over water with six overlooks. On weekends, the path can be used to walk, cycle, and run.
The bridge offers spectacular views. The road is closed Sundays. 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 43-year-old event is a family-friendly event that features live bluegrass music. Children and adults are encouraged to participate in the event's activities, including 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. The Halloween Extravaganza returns on October 12. Over 7,000 pumpkins can be carved and visitors can enjoy haunted carousels and live music.
There are many farmers markets across 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, which is located in the same area as the Blue Door Hotel, should be visited while you are there. 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. Several small art centers will also offer opportunities to catch some of the best up-and-coming artists.
FAQ
Is it safe for my child to climb trees?
Trees are very sturdy structures. If you don't evaluate your child's abilities, climbing trees can pose risks.
To climb a tree higher, you must use both your hands and your legs. To keep balance, your child will need to be able both to use his/her arms and legs.
Also, your child should be able and able to move easily between branches. This requires strength, agility, and coordination.
If your child isn’t physically ready to climb up a tree, don’t force it.
Sitting on the lower branches or using a ladder can allow you to still climb a tree together. You can also take a seat on a tree branch and read each other books.
What are the top 5 outdoor activities that kids love?
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, no matter where you live. These are five activities that every kid should try at least once.
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Visit the Zoo. Zoos make for great family time. A visit to the zoo allows you to interact with the animals up close, and it also gives you an opportunity to educate your children about conservation and animal welfare. Many zoos offer educational programs that will help visitors learn about 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 usually exhibits, interactive displays, and lots of hands-on activities. The cool things your kids can do will amaze you! A visit to a nature center can be a great excuse for a hike in nearby forests or 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? 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. Even today, sports games continue to entertain people of all ages. Finding the right game for your group is key. Basketball, soccer, hockey, and baseball -- are all great options for families to spend time together.
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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. Grab your blankets and head outside -- you'll be surprised at how nice it feels to sit under the stars.
How long should my child and I stay outside?
Weather conditions determine how much time you spend outdoors. It is important to avoid exposing your children too much heat or humidity.
For instance, children shouldn't be left in direct sunlight for too long during hot summer 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 your child must be left unattended for a longer time, make sure you bring snacks and water.
What advice can I give parents to encourage their children to exercise?
Parents who want their kids to begin exercising should encourage them to try different activities. More children will engage in physical activity later in life, the better.
Parents shouldn't force their children into certain activities. Instead, they should encourage them to explore other options like swimming, running or hiking.
What are some activities parents can do with their children to keep them entertained?
Parents may think that there is not much to do with their kids these days. There are many things to do with kids today.
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.
Or, if he wants to learn how to ride his bike, you could show him how to balance himself without training wheels.
There are so many ways you can help your child make memories and develop skills. If you aren't sure what to do with your child, don't worry! Just start doing things together and see where it takes you.
How old should my baby be before I let them go outside?
Children need fresh air and sunshine every day. 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.
Try to limit your exposure to snow if you live somewhere cold. If your children are young, ensure they wear sunscreen and hats whenever they are outside.
Children younger than five years old should not spend more than 10 minutes outside at a time. After that, you can increase the length until you reach a maximum of two hours per day.
Statistics
- Remember, he's about 90% hormones right now. (medium.com)
- 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)
- 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)
- You can likely find a 5K to get the family signed up for during any part of the year. (family.lovetoknow.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)
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How To
Is it safe to camp with my children?
This is an important question because you may not realize how much more dangerous camping is today than it used to be. There are many threats, including poisonous serpents, bears wild animals flash floods hurricanes, flash floodings, tornadoes lightning storms, flash floodings, flash floods.
These risks are not well known by most parents. So they assume that going camping is perfectly safe and fun for children. However, campers now face more risks than in years past.
For example, injuries and deaths among young campers have increased by more than 50% in the time period 1980 to 2001. This means that more than 1,000 children died camping between 1980 and 2001.
Additionally, North America now has more venomous animals than it did in 1900. You will also find more poisonous insects, plants, fish, reptiles and other animals than ever before.
Camping is not the only place you can get hurt or even killed. According to statistics from the National Park Service there are around 200 accidents involving cars each year within national parks.
Experts say the average family spends $1300 per child on outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and boating. This includes equipment, food, gas, lodging, and transportation costs.
You should remember that taking your kids camping will cost you far more than if they were staying at home. For $1,300, you can easily spend twice as much for a weekend getaway.
You might wonder why you should consider taking your kids camping first. You might wonder if it is safer to take your children camping than to stay in warm, dry places.
It is definitely better to avoid extreme weather conditions. But here are three reasons why you should let your kids experience nature outdoors:
It will help them develop their imagination. Are you aware of what other outdoor activities are possible? The sky opens and the stars shine. Wind blows through trees. All of this helps your kids understand what makes the world tick. It makes it possible for them to imagine their futures as astronauts, space travelers, or flying.
It will help improve their health. Camping offers many opportunities to get outside and exercise. This can lead you to a healthier lifestyle later in your life. Participating in sports can lead to lower obesity and diabetes rates for children. They also consume less junk food, and drink fewer sugary drinks.
They will learn responsibility. They will be able to help others and learn how to cook. These lessons can be invaluable at any age, no matter how young your child is. They are valuable skills that they can use as teenagers or adults.