Westchester County could be the perfect place for your weekend getaway. It is only a few kilometers from New York City. This county has 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 to visit, including historic sites and haunted homes.
There are many attractions in the county, but there are also many nature preserves and parks. You can learn about the natural environment with your children. 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 oldest and most well-known linear park. The park is 13.1 miles long, and can be accessed by foot or bicycle. You can enjoy scenic overlooks and audio tours at no cost.
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. This trail is open for in-line skaters as well and walkers.
The Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway makes for a unique experience. This is a 3.6-mile path over water that has six overlooks. Weekends are open for bicycling, walking and jogging.
The bridge offers spectacular views. Sundays are closed to cars. Metro-North Train to Tarrytown, then take National Road to get to the park entrance.
The Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival has become a very popular festival in the region. This event, which has been going strong for 43 years, is family-friendly and features live bluegrass music. Participants include both adults and children.
On Labor Day Weekend, the Barton Orchards' BBQ and Brews Weekend is a great way to get outdoors. 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. Visitors can check out over 7,000 carved pumpkins and enjoy haunted carousel rides and live music.
There are many farmers markets in Westchester County. They are usually held in the spring or fall and feature local farmers and artists. Some markets offer special events that are suitable for children.
Blue Door Art Center is worth a visit while you're here. This non-profit organization accepts donations and offers free exhibits and art shows. Throughout the summer, visitors can also visit the Summer on the Sound concert series. Many small art centers offer the chance to see some of the most exciting up-and coming artists.
FAQ
These are five great outdoor activities for families.
You can spend your time outdoors in many different ways, whether you are an outdoorsman or city dweller. You have many options to bond your family and explore nature, from hiking to camping to fishing.
These are our top picks of outdoor activities for children of all ages.
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Hiking - Take a hike on trails or visit a state forest near you. Be sure to bring water and snacks along with you for the journey. If you plan to observe wildlife while walking, be sure to bring binoculars. If you plan to stay overnight, pack tents and sleeping bags to keep everyone warm.
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Camping - Camping is another way to enjoy nature without leaving home. You can choose to bring light items and find a campsite within walking distance of shops and restaurants. For nighttime adventures, bring blankets, pillows and flashlights.
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Fishing – Fishing can be enjoyed by both adults as well as children. Children love to catch fish and learn how to bait the hook. Adults also love to sit back and watch their children catch dinner. You can fish for catfish, bass, and trout in a stream, lake, or pond.
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Kayaking allows you to see nature in a new way. You can explore rivers and lakes using kayaks, instead of 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 is easy to see why. It requires very little equipment, but provides hours of entertainment. You can visit your local bird sanctuary, national park, or other wildlife refuge. Enjoy looking for hawks, eagles or other feathered friends.
How do I know if my child is ready to ride 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. Once she's mastered this task she can then stand on both of her feet simultaneously.
Children already walking should be able to hop on a tricycle or scooter. Ask your pediatrician about special equipment that your child may need to be safe.
If your child is over four years of age, they are likely ready to learn how to ride a bicycle. Begin by teaching your child to balance on two wheels. Then, teach him or her to steer using hand signals. Finally, show your child how to stop safely by applying the brake.
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.
Should my child go barefoot when running around?
Yes! Yes! It protects against cuts, blisters and bruises.
But, if your child is sensitive to the touch, it may be worth considering wearing shoes. It is also a good idea not to let your child walk on dirty feet.
It's best always to supervise your children when they're playing outside. You can provide supervision from a distance to ensure your child is safe.
Make sure your child doesn't drink water or eat plants while playing in the grass. Keep your child out of areas with high grass to prevent her from doing this.
What activities can parents do with their children?
It might seem like there's not much that parents can do with their children today. You'd be wrong to think that there isn't much for parents to do with their kids these days.
It's also possible for parents to teach their kids important lessons, while having fun. You could, for example, explain to your child that throwing a football is an important skill and helps with coordination.
You can also show him how you balance your bike without using training wheels if he really wants to.
There are many ways to help your child build skills and make memories. You don't have to know everything, so don't worry about not knowing what to do. Let's just get started and see where it leads.
What are some of the most enjoyable activities you can do with your family members?
There are many ways to spend time with your 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.
You can also argue about how you are better than everyone else. When you do this, you make your spouse feel bad about himself or herself and hurt your children.
You might say, "Well, these arguments are necessary." That's right. We do. Sometimes we find more productive ways of spending 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? Perhaps you all enjoy the same book and want to read it together.
Or why not set aside some time to watch a movie together? Enjoy dinner together, and then discuss how your day went. What about playing board games?
These activities are enjoyable and allow you to have fun with your friends without having to fight. They allow you to learn something new from each other.
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)
- 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)
- Remember, he's about 90% hormones right now. (medium.com)
- Ask yourself, 'What do I want to accomplish, and is this likely to produce that result?'" 2. (webmd.com)
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How To
How to get started with your children on a new adventure!
What is the best way to get your kids started on a new adventure together? These are some ideas to help you get your children on a new adventure.
Start small. Don't try and change everything overnight. Instead, you should start with one activity that your children enjoy. Continue to add new activities until you are comfortable enough.
Start early. You should ensure that your children have plenty of practice before you take them on a longer trip. Do not wait to introduce them to new adventures.
Have fun. Make it enjoyable for everyone. It is important to choose activities that both you and your children enjoy.
Keep the focus on learning. You are a teacher even though you may not see yourself that way. By teaching your kids how to cook over a fire, for example, you're helping them learn valuable survival skills.
Make a note of everything. Make a list of all the activities you wish to include before you head out into the wild. This will help you get a clear picture of the activities you want to do on each outing.
Remember that there are many ways to choose from when planning outdoor activities with your kids. These five suggestions will give you great guidance in deciding which activities to include with your next adventure.