Westchester County might be a good choice for weekend getaways. It's only a few minutes from New York City. There are endless activities. 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.
There are many attractions in the county, but there are also many nature preserves and parks. Children can enjoy learning about the natural environment. Cranberry Lake Preserve has a number of nature programs for families and interactive displays.
Another great destination is the Bronx River Parkway Reservation. This park is the oldest linear park in Westchester County. Designed to be accessible by bicycle or foot, it is 13.1 miles of traffic-free travel. Numerous scenic overlooks are found along the way. There is also an audio tour available.
During the spring, summer, and fall, you can take a walk on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. It passes through several small communities, and is a popular destination that draws thousands of visitors every year. This trail is open for in-line skaters as well and walkers.
A unique place worth visiting is the Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway. This path, which crosses the water for 3.6 miles, has six overlooks. On weekends, you can walk, bike, or jog along the path.
The bridge offers spectacular views. Sundays are closed to cars. To reach the park, take the Metro-North train to Tarrytown and then walk to the entrance on National Road.
Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival is a popular event in the region. This 43-year old event 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. The festival is free for kids under 12 and their parents. Barton Orchards' Farm Markets offer local fruits, vegetables, and the opportunity to enjoy the festival's sights.
Sleepy Hollow Craft & Street Fair is another great event. The Halloween Extravaganza returns on October 12. Enjoy live music and haunted carousel rides as you visit over 7,000 pumpkins.
There are many farmers markets across Westchester County. These farmers markets typically take place in the spring and fall. They feature local farmers, artists, as well as artisans. Some markets may also offer special events for children.
Blue Door Art Center, which is located in the same area as the Blue Door Hotel, should be visited while you are 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 concerts are also open to the public throughout the summer. Several small art centers will also offer opportunities to catch some of the best up-and-coming artists.
FAQ
Why is family gardening important
Family gardeners have a passion for growing food for their loved ones.
Family gardens are a great way for children to develop responsibility, patience, time management, problem solving skills, and cooperation. In addition to helping parents grow their self-esteem, gardening also teaches them how they can care for the environment.
Adults who are more connected to nature through gardens can feel less stressed and may have better health. Our brains produce "happy hormones," which are chemicals that make us feel happier and healthier when we spend time outside.
Family gardening offers many benefits beyond the physical and psychological health. Gardens give back to society by contributing to local economies, conserving natural resources, reducing stormwater runoff, filtering pollutants, and creating wildlife habitats.
What are the top 5 outdoor activities that kids love?
Whether you live in the country or the suburbs, there are tons of fun things to do outside. Here are five of our favourite activities that every child should have an opportunity to try.
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Visit the Zoo. Zoos make for great family time. Going to the Zoo is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family and to learn more about conservation and animal welfare. Some zoos offer programs to educate visitors about the issues that affect endangered species. Find out more online or call ahead to find out about classes and events offered by your local zoo.
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Visit a Nature Center. These are great places to learn more about the natural environment. 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! Visits to nature centers are a great excuse and opportunity for your kids to enjoy a walk through 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? You'll find that they will enjoy riding bikes just as much as you did growing old. Bicycling isn't just a good way to exercise; it's also a great method to get to understand your community and find 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 can still be enjoyed by all ages today. The key is to find the best game for your group. All of these options are great for families who want 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. You will need a blanket, lawn chair, picnic basket, food and drinks, as well as a grill. You'll be amazed at how relaxing it is to lounge under the stars.
Are there five outdoor activities that are great for families?
No matter whether you live in the city or out, there are lots of ways to enjoy time 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 state parks and trails nearby. You should bring water and snacks with you on the trip. You can use binoculars to identify wildlife while you walk. For those who plan to stay over, you should bring tents and sleeping bags.
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Camping - Camping allows you to experience nature from the comfort of your own home. Pick a campsite near restaurants and shops to pack light. To make nighttime adventures more enjoyable, pack blankets, pillows, as well as flashlights.
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Fishing – This activity is great for both adults and children. Kids love catching fish and learning how to bait the hook. Adults also love sitting back and watching their children catch dinner. A stream, lake or pond is a good place to cast a line for catfish, trout or bass.
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Kayaking allows you to see nature in a new way. Kayaking is a great way to explore rivers or lakes. Keep an eye out for birds, turtles, and even whales during your excursion.
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Bird Watching - Bird watching is one of the most popular hobbies in America. It is easy to see why. It requires very little equipment, but provides hours of entertainment. Find a local bird sanctuary or national park to visit. Enjoy looking for hawks, eagles or other feathered friends.
How can you get children to participate in outdoor activities?
Kids love being outdoors. However, most parents don’t realize how much joy children can have in the great outdoors. There are many outdoor activities that can bring you joy. Kids can explore the world by playing in the dirt, climbing trees, riding bikes and swimming.
But it isn't easy to ensure that kids stay safe when they venture far from home. The best way to keep kids safe while having fun outdoors is to equip them with the right gear. Children who are properly dressed and equipped can be more confident when exploring the great outdoors.
Children can enjoy the outdoors, regardless of whether it is raining, wet, windy, and cold. Children can safely climb up rocks, jump into water, ride bikes, or run along trails if they have the correct gear.
Children should be taught to recognize dangers and avoid them. This includes knowing how to look in the rear and forward when running, biking, or hiking.
Parents should teach their kids how to identify dangerous situations and avoid problems. 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.
Parents should encourage their children to learn CPR, first aid skills and how to help one another if needed. This will give your child the confidence to tackle any situation.
Our final piece of advice is sharing our knowledge with the next generation. So that future generations can live long, healthy lives, it is important to pass on the lessons learned.
We hope that you are inspired by this article to get outside with the kids. And we hope you will continue to read our articles to learn more about making the most of your time together.
What activities can parents do with their children?
You might think there isn't much for parents to do with kids nowadays. They have plenty of entertainment options.
While having fun, parents can teach their children valuable lessons. You could, for example, explain to your child that throwing a football is an important skill and helps with 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. So don't worry if you don't know what to do with your kids! Let's just get started and see where it leads.
How long should I stay outside with my kids?
The amount of time you spend outdoors varies depending on weather conditions. Avoid exposing children to extreme heat and humidity.
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.
You should not allow children to play outside in rainy weather longer than 15 minutes. If you must leave them unattended for longer, remember to bring extra water and snacks.
How old should my child be before I take them outside?
Children need sunshine and fresh air every single day. No matter if your children are preschoolers, elementary schoolers or toddlers, encourage them to spend as much time as possible in the sun.
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. The length can be increased until it reaches a maximum of 2 hours per day.
Statistics
- Ask yourself, 'What do I want to accomplish, and is this likely to produce that result?'" 2. (webmd.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)
- 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)
- 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)
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How To
What is the best outdoor activity for kids?
It doesn't matter how much you had fun playing sports as a child, spending time outside with your family is the best. Whether learning to ride a bike together, camping, fishing, or even just enjoying nature, spending time out of doors is an important way to bond with your children.
Although the benefits of spending quality family time are numerous, it can sometimes be difficult to find activities for both kids and adults. That's why we created our list of the five best outdoor activities for families.
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Fishing can be a fun activity for children. It teaches them important life skills such patience, teamwork, and problem solving. But when you go fishing with your kids, you also teach them about conservation, respect for water resources, wildlife awareness, and more.
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Camping is another favorite pastime among parents and kids. It may seem daunting at first to set up camp but it becomes very easy once you are familiar with the process. A weekend away from home allows everyone to take a break from their daily routines.
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Because it lets kids explore nature while staying at home, hiking is a wonderful activity for them. Because they feel like adventurers, kids love hiking and can learn about their surroundings.
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Riding bikes is a great family-friendly sport because it requires little equipment and can be done anywhere. Riding bikes can help children develop coordination, balance, strength, and coordination.
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Playgrounds offer many advantages for kids - including the opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Play spaces can also be used by older children who love to work on difficult projects.