If you are planning a weekend getaway, consider heading to Westchester County. It's only a few minutes from New York City. There are endless activities. The Hudson River and Long Island Sound surround the county, which is home to bustling communities and charming villages. You will find many interesting places to visit, from historical sites to haunted residences.
In addition to the many attractions, the county has a number of parks and nature preserves. Your children can also learn about the environment. Cranberry Lake Preserve for instance offers many family-friendly nature programs and interactive displays.
Bronx River Parkway Reservation is another excellent destination. This park is Westchester County’s oldest and most well-known linear park. It's 13.1 miles of traffic-free transportation, designed to be easily accessed by bike or foot. Numerous scenic overlooks are found along the way. There is also an audio tour available.
You can enjoy a stroll on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail during spring, summer, or fall. The path passes through many small towns and is popular with thousands of tourists each year. The trail is available for cyclists, inline skaters, as well as walkers.
The Mario Cuomo Bridge Walkway makes for a unique experience. This 3.6-mile, overwater path has six overlooks. The path can be used for walking, biking, and running on weekends.
It's a great way to take in the stunning views from the bridge. On Sundays, however, the road is not open to traffic. 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. Both children and adults are welcome to take part in the activities, which include the headless horseman.
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 will be open for visitors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables as well as enjoy the festival's sights.
Sleepy Hollow Craft & Street Fair are 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 throughout Westchester County. These farmers markets typically take place in the spring and fall. They feature local farmers, artists, as well as artisans. Some markets will also have special events for kids.
Blue Door Art Center is a must-see while you're in the area. This is a local non-profit organization that accepts donations and hosts free art shows and exhibits. Throughout the summer, visitors can also visit the Summer on the Sound concert series. Several small art centers will also offer opportunities to catch some of the best up-and-coming artists.
FAQ
Why is family gardening so important?
Family gardeners love to grow food for their family.
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.
The benefits of gardens for adults include a greater sense of connection to the natural world and a lower risk of developing stress. Our brains release "happy hormones", which make us happier and more healthy when we are outdoors.
Family gardening offers many benefits beyond the physical and psychological health. Gardens contribute to the local economy, conserve natural resources, reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants to create wildlife habitats.
What are the best 5 outdoor activities for children?
Outside activities are endless, regardless of whether you live in the city or the suburbs. These are five of the most enjoyable activities that we believe every child should experience at least once.
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Visit the Zoo - Zoos offer great places to spend quality time with your family. You can get up close to animals and learn about animal welfare and conservation. Some zoos offer special programs that help educate visitors about issues facing endangered species worldwide. 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 - Nature centers are wonderful places to learn about the natural world. There are usually interactive displays, exhibits, and many hands-on opportunities. It's amazing what kids can do with all of the cool stuff! You can also visit a nature centre to go on a hike through the nearby forests and parks.
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Go on a Bike Ride with Your Kids - When was your last bike ride with your children? You'll find that they will enjoy riding bikes just as much as you did growing old. 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 - Sport games aren’t just for kids. Sports games still entertain people of all ages. The key is to find the best game for your group. Families can spend quality time together by playing basketball, soccer, hockey and baseball.
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A Movie Under the Stars - This is a great way to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of your backyard. All you need is a blanket or lawn chair, a picnic basket full of food and drinks, and maybe a grill. You'll be amazed at how relaxing it is to lounge under the stars.
Here are five outdoor activities that families will love.
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 to take kids outdoors, no matter their age.
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Hiking: Explore the state parks near you or along trails. You should bring water and snacks with you on the trip. If you plan to observe wildlife while walking, be sure to bring binoculars. Pack sleeping bags and tents for overnight stays if you're planning to leave the house.
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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. 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 fishing and learning how to hook the fish. Adults also love to sit back and watch 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 lets you experience nature from a whole new perspective. You can explore rivers and lakes using kayaks, instead of boats. Keep an eye out for birds, turtles, and even whales during your excursion.
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Bird watching - Bird watching has become a very popular pastime in America. It's easy enough to see why. You don't need much equipment and it provides hours of entertainment. To visit a national park or bird sanctuary near you, click here. You will have a lot of fun looking for owls or hawks.
Is it safe for my child to climb trees?
Trees are strong structures. Tree climbing poses risks if your child doesn't have the right physical ability.
To climb higher on a tree, you will need to use both your legs and hands. Your child should be able and able to use both their arms and legs to balance.
Your child will also need to be able to move quickly and easily between branches. This requires strength and agility.
So if your child isn't physically ready to climb a tree, don't force her.
Sitting on the lower branches or using a ladder can allow you to still climb a tree together. You can also read books together by sitting on a branch.
Statistics
- 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)
- You can likely find a 5K to get the family signed up for during any part of the year. (family.lovetoknow.com)
- 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)
- 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
What's the best outdoor activity for kids in the summer?
No matter how many sports you had growing up there was nothing like spending time with the family outdoors. Spending time outdoors with your family is a great way to bond, whether you are learning to ride a bicycle together, fishing, camping, or just enjoying the natural world.
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. Fishing with kids can teach you a lot about conservation, respecting water resources, wildlife awareness and much more.
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Another favorite pastime for parents and children is camping. While it might seem intimidating to set up camp for the first time, you'll realize that it's pretty easy to put together once you do. A weekend away gives everyone a break and allows them to enjoy their normal lives.
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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. Children can also learn strength, coordination, balance and coordination 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.