The Bear Mountain Merry-Go-Round Pavilion The Bear Mountain Merry-Go-Round Pavilion is a special attraction for children of all ages. The Merry-Go-Round features hand painted scenes of the park and 42 hand carved seats of native animals including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more. Both parents and children can select their favorite animal and enjoy a ride on this wonderful Merry-Go-Round.
The Journal News reported: "Tradition goes out the window at the Bear Mountain merry-go-round. Riders may perch themselves on the back of a frog, who sports a jaunty vest and bow tie. Then there’s that charming bear who has a honeycomb strapped onto his back, unaware of the bumblebee about to take a taste. This is not your everyday merry-go-round. The Bear Mountain merry-go-round was designed to represent the native animals in the Hudson River Valley. In addition to the animals, two highly decorated benches on the merry-go-round offer another way to ride, while also being easily converted into accessible seating for those in wheelchairs."
Take the kids to the Local Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish Museum located in Bear Mountain State Park in Bear Mountain, Rockland County, NY. The zoo at Bear Mountain is a fun and educational attraction for kids and parents.
New York State is home to 17 species of snakes. These animals, whose tubular, limbless bodies are instantly and universally recognized, produce mixed reactions among people, from fear to fascination. Serpents figure prominently in the mythologies of nearly all human cultures; however, only in some religions are they a symbol of evil and temptation. It is perhaps for this reason that snakes often are persecuted and killed without any understanding of their true nature.
Snakes play critical roles in the environments where they occur, primarily by the position they hold in food webs in natural communities. Many snakes are top level predators; for example, a single rat snake can consume over 100 rodents a year. Other snakes are important in the control they exert on insect and other invertebrate populations. All snakes form part of the diet of other predators such as hawks and foxes and thereby serve to link higher and lower feeding levels.
Fort Montgomery is located in Bear Mountain State Park, NY 10911. Fort Montgomery was the scene of a fierce American Revolution war battle for control of the Hudson River. On October 6, 1777, the British captured Fort Montgomery and destroyed it in the days that followed.
Today, Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Fort Montgomery State Historic Site is a genuine vestige of our nation's struggle for independence. Visitors will see the actual foundations of the fort's buildings and remains of the fort's earthworks. Visit Fort Montgomery and tour the remains of the 14 1/2 acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River.
Attractions include: Audio-Visual Programs Demonstrations Group Tours Hiking Interpretive Signs Scenic Views Self Guided Tours Visitor Center features artifacts discovered in Fort Montgomery, mannequin displays, a 3 dimensional map model, and a 14 minute orientation film.
The Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center, located in Bear Mountain State Park, was established in 1927. The Zoo presents to the visiting public indigenous wildlife, geology and herpetology. On display are native American artifacts, models of Revolutionary War battles fought on-site, and an exhibit of the origins of the Boy Scouts, and four Museum buildings. See the bald eagle, black bear, owl, river otter and more animals local to Bear Mountain.
The Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center also highlight the history of the area. Learn about the importance of Bear Mountain in the Revolutionary War. Viist the Historic 1777 & 1779 Trails that retrace the routes taken by the British army during the Revolutionary War. Visit Fort Montgomery, a Revolutionary War fort built to defend the Hudson Highlands and protect American control of the Hudson River.
Each of the Museum buildings house different exhibits. Visit the Local Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish Museum, the Geology Museum, History Museum and Nature Study Museum. Press "Blue Button" for more information about the Zoo.
Rainbeau Ridge, a “real and accessible” farm, is located at 9 David's Way, Bedford Hills, NY 10507. Imagine fresh, farmstead, local goat cheese . . . Rainbeau Ridge goat cheese is made practically in your backyard. (Only CAP members can purchase farm products at farm - Click "Blue Button" for more information).
Family & Individual Visits as well as Group Visits are offered seasonally or by prior booking or just come at your leisure during the visiting times. Maps are provided for your use during your visit and you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the farm. We also have Special Events at Rainbeau Ridge, so press "Blue Button" for more information about the farm, kids events, CAP membership and Rainbeau Ridge.
Features Annual Sheep Shearing event Cooking Classes In Lisa's Kitchen Garden Produce Goat Cheese
The Bronx Zoo is the flagship zoo of the largest network of metropolitan zoos in the country. The Bronx Zoo is the heart of the Wildlife Conservation Society and our work to save wildlife and wild places around the globe. With award-winning, cutting-edge exhibits featuring over 4,000 animals, there is no other zoo in the world that offers the diversity, superb viewing, and world-renowned expertise that assures a rewarding experience and the knowledge that visitors can make a difference in the world around them.
Whether you're nose-to-nose with Western lowland gorillas in our famous Congo Gorilla Forest , spotting snow leopards in our naturalistic Himalayan Highlands Habitat, or experiencing almost an acre of an indoor Asian rain forest, you're always within roaring distance of the world's most amazing wildlife. In the end, you'll know that your admission fees went to a conservation organization that has more expert researchers in the field than any other. Together, we make a difference.
The New York Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark. The 250-acre grounds of The New York Botanical Garden have some of the most beautiful natural terrain of any botanical garden in the world, including dramatic rock outcroppings, a river and waterfall, rolling hills, ponds, and a 50-acre remnant of the forest that once covered New York City. Among its 50 gardens and plant collections are an outstanding rose garden, perennial garden, and rock garden, as well as superb collections of daylilies, orchids, conifers, and flowering trees. Throughout the Garden's history, leading landscape and garden designers have contributed designs for individual gardens and collections.
The Garden is home to the nation's largest Victorian glasshouse, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which opened to the public in 1902 and was named a New York City Landmark in 1973. It is home to A World of Plants, a permanent exhibition that includes tropical rain forests, deserts, and the world's most comprehensive collection of palm trees under glass. The Conservatory also houses the Garden's seasonal flowers shows, including the popular Orchid Show and Holiday Train Show.
The New York Botanical Garden is a grand museum of plants. A place to relax, rejuvenate, and experience the wonders of nature. A living “tip sheet” for your home garden. A worldwide leader in studying the Earth’s plant life.
The New York Botanical Garden is all of these things and a great deal more.
Founded in 1891, the Garden is one of the world’s great collections of plants, the region’s leading educational center for gardening and horticulture, and an international center for plant research. The Garden is alive with opportunities for discovery, from an "ecotour" of the world in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory to an innovative indoor/outdoor science museum for kids, to 50 exquisite gardens and plant collections.
Barton Orchards at Fishkill Farms is 60 miles north of New York City in the heart of the Hudson Valley. You can find us in Hopewell Junction, not far from the Hudson River. Our portion of the Hudson Valley has been lush with apple orchards for centuries, a characteristic that lends to the beauty and majesty of the region.
Barton Orchards has two locations:
Barton Orchards is located at 63 Apple Tree Lane Poughquag New York 12570 and at 9 Fishkill Farms Road, Hopewell Junction (Wiccopee) in Dutchess County, New York 12533
For the past 14 years Barton Orchards has been setting the new standard in Pick Your Own farming. Our goal is to create a safe, fun-filled day for you and your family. A place where memories are made and family traditions begin. If this is your first time with us, we welcome you. If your family is returning, welcome back to you and your children. Press "Blue Button" for information about the Harvest Schedule, Events Schedule, Family Activities, School Tours, and more.
Like the 214 year old white oak tree that is the centerpiece of our farm, we have been growing bigger and stronger every year. We invite you, your family and friends to visit our rolling 122 acres of land in the beautiful and historic Dutchess County located in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Barton Orchards has two locations:
Barton Orchards is located at 63 Apple Tree Lane Poughquag New York 12570 and at 9 Fishkill Farms Road, Hopewell Junction (Wiccopee) in Dutchess County, New York 12533
For the past 14 years Barton Orchards has been setting the new standard in Pick Your Own farming. Our goal will always be to create a safe, fun-filled day for you and your family. A place where memories are made and family traditions begin. If this is your first time with us, we welcome you. If your family is returning, welcome back. Press "Blue Button" for information about the Harvest Schedule, Events Schedule, Family Activities, School Tours, and more.
Attractions at Barton Orchards in Poughquag, NY:
Exhibits trees shrubs and perennials that exist in our part of the Hudson Valley.
Pedal Carts for children and adults, Boulder Dash for children and adults, a giant rope maze, tile puzzle, bouncers for the kids!
The Corn Maze is all new every year. Can you find your way out?
The hayrides are free and available about every 10 minutes and can be used to take you up into the orchard and pumpkin patch or once around for enjoyment.
We often have a talented artist available to do face painting.
BindleStick Bill is our resident Storyteller and Singalong performer.
Live Bands - Check Weekend Schedule on the Events Schedule Page.
The Rotten Core Manor Haunted House is a popular event for all. Please no children under 5 years of age.
We have many inflatable bouncers for the kids at Barton Orchards. There is a separate bounce area for the younger kids.
Board a pirate ship or ride the train at the Kids Playground!
The petting zoo features a pony, pigs, and rabbits, There are also Emus and many birds to check out.
MacMenamin's Grill & ChefWorks, serving American Classics, is located at 115 Cedar Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Guests pass through the cooking school's demonstration kitchens on their way upstairs to an inviting dining room. Press "Blue Button" for menus and more about MacMenamin's cooking school (even for Kids).
The Huguenot Children’s Library, a branch of the New Rochelle Public Library, is located at 794 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10804.
The Huguenot Children’s Library is Westchester County ’s first and only children’s library. The library which opened in 1997 is entirely dedicated to children and their families, with books, computers, and activities just for kids, plus a community meeting space that can be used for special events. Outside, the library grounds include a plaza with seating for parents and caregivers adjacent to a state of the art playground.
The Huguenot Children’s Library is the result of an unprecedented community effort spearheaded by a non-profit, non-partisan citizen’s group, the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library. Formed in 1993, this group took a branch library that was closed in 1992, reinvented it as a family destination and raised the funding needed to renovate and operate the library.
Press "Blue Button" for information about:
Storytimes and Special Programs Homework Help Book Connection Teachers Just for Fun Internet Sites School and Family Programs
Riverbank State Park is the only park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Inspired by urban rooftop designs in Japan, this 28-acre multi-level landscaped recreational facility is a state-of-the-art park facility. Rising 69 feet above the Hudson River, Riverbank offers a wide variety of recreational, athletic and arts experiences for all ages, interests and abilities.
Housed in five major buildings are an Olympic-size pool, a covered skating rink for roller skating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter, an 800-seat cultural theater, a 2,500-seat athletic complex with fitness room, and a 150-seat restaurant.
Outdoor sports amenities include a 25-yard lap pool, a wading pool, four tennis courts, four basketball courts, a softball field, four hand/paddleball courts, and a 400-meter eight-lane running track with a football/soccer field.
Riverbank also boasts spectacular promenade views of the Hudson River, the Palisade Mountains and the George Washington Bridge. At water level, there is a 900-seat amphitheater and docking facilities for excursion and fishing boats.
Points of Interest: The "Totally Kid Carousel", created by Milo Mottola and 37 young children.
Parks attractions include: Carousel, Food, Gymnasium, Hiking, Ice Skating, Performing Arts Theater, Picnic Tables, Playground, Playing Fields, Pool, Recreation Programs, Showers, Tennis
Applefest attracts artists from all over the Northeast and beyond, and has become an event everyone looks forward to the entire year. Among the attractions are 275 artisans displaying their handmade jewelry, stained glass, pottery, woodcarving and more. Wonderful food from the traditional American favorites to the more exotic - Greek, creole, kabobs and sausages, along with apples, cider, cookies and cakes - are yours for the tasting. Musical entertainment, games and rides for the children, beautiful crafts and delicious food make for a great day.
U PICK APPLE AND PEAR ORCHARDS at the Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery is located at 114 Little York Road, Warwick NY, 10990 in the foothills of the Hudson Valley. Every autumn, our guests are invited to enjoy our lavish orchards and Pick-Your-Own apples and Pears. Pear picking begins in August. Apples begin to ripen shortly thereafter in early September. With thirty varieties we have an apple for every palate. Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery's commitment to fine food and wine are why we are referred to as a "Bit of Tuscany in the Hudson Valley". Please, bring your family to meet our family and enjoy our farm, winery and orchards.
Our pick your own Apple and Pear orchards are ready for picking beginning early September and ripening continues through early November. We grow Bosc and Bartlett pears and over twenty varieties of apples. Remember pears ripen off the tree while apples ripen on the tree.
Most of the apples available in local supermarkets are grown and marketed because they are easy to grow and store (9 months is not unusual), they can be picked early (before they are ripe), and provide large yields. The apples most widely available are sturdy, beautiful, large tasteless fruits - 3 or 4 varieties have been widely marketed and unfortunately this small sampling represents for many the totality of their “apple experience”.
Our purpose is to grow apple varieties that taste great. Nothing gives us more pleasure than watching a child discover that all apples don’t taste or look alike and that they are “really good”. Some of the apples we grow were popular hundred of years ago and some have been recently introduced (Honeycrisp). Many varieties are “heirloom” varieties because they are older cultivars that are not widely grown commercially and are rarely available. Over the years we have planted more of these “boutique” apples and believe that it is important as well as interesting to keep them available - and lets not forget the great taste. Press "Blue Button" for complete list of apples and pears, picking dates and more information about Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery.
Muscoot Farm was originally a "Gentleman's Farm" owned by the Hopkins Family and used as their summer estate and dairy farm from 1880 to 1924. In 1924 the family moved to the farm year-round and continued the dairy business until 1967 when Westchester County acquired the property. Today, Muscoot Farm has many of the original buildings, some of which were moved to accommodate the Muscoot Reservoir. Visitors can walk through the Dairy Barn, Milk House, Ice House, BlacksmithShop and several other barns and buildings. Livestock and poultry are breeds typical of an early 20th century gentleman's farm and many represent minor (rare) breeds.
Muscoot Farm is an early-1900's interpretive farm owned and operated by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Muscoot Farm is open year-round and offers a full schedule of programs for families, as well as tours, farmyard visits and hayrides for groups by reservation. More than seven miles of hiking trails allow visitors to explore some of Muscoot's 777 acres through fields, woodlands and wetlands. Trail maps are available in the Reception Center.
Parks attractions include: Gallery, Guided Farm Walking Tour, Hayrides, Herb Garden, Hiking Trails, Young Farmers Program (children grades 3 through 8), Refreshment Stand
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is located at 39 Scofield Town Road at High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT in Fairfield County. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center has miles of beautiful walking trails. These trails cover much of the 118-acre property, offering short hikes along Poorhouse Creek to more challenging excursions along the High Ridge Trail. A walk through any trail may afford glimpses of wood duck pairs, painted turtles sunning on rocks, or even a pileated woodpecker. Spectacular glacial erratic boulders are strewn throughout the trail system. An enthusiastic hiker will find a number of different walks to suit a particular mood or season, like finding a secluded bridge on a bird-watching morning, or discovering a cave where coyotes have slept. The trails wind through a mature forest of American beech, oaks, black birch, and other native plant species.
Playground Did you ever wonder what the world is like from an animal's point of view? Scamper through the giant hollow log into Nature's Playground and find out. This exciting new playground in the woods at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is nestled into a rocky hillside and is part of the Overbrook Natural Science Complex. Kids (or adults) can scale a spider's web to a tree house with a lookout, then wind their way down a tubular slide or zoom down the otter slide.
They can jump on a bouncing bug, try to walk across a moving bridge or climb into a hawk's nest to survey their territory. Wiggle like a worm across two huge maple leaves, and crawl through an ant's nest. Dig for fossils in the huge sand pit. They also can become the captain and crew of the boat that's anchored here.
Nature Trails Our trails connect with the 88 acre-Bartlett Arboretum on the north end of the Museum's property.
New England Working Farm Heckscher Farm is open between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for "Down on the Farm" programs. Explore our traditional working farm and discover the sounds, smells, and textures that evoke memories and reveal the nature of farmlife. Observe staff conduct the daily chores that maintain this active, productive farm. Heckscher Farm is a living resource for learning. Children and families make personal connections to a not-so-distant past when farming was a major way of life in the region. Through observation, exploration, and participation, visitors can immerse themselves in the experiences of farming.
Education We are an Educational Institution. The Museum's 10-acre farm provides educational and recreational activities. At the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, we offer year-round classes in art and nature for toddlers through adults. Press "Blue Button" for more information about the Stamford Museum and Nature Center.
Attractions include: Hiking / Walking Playground Nature Trails Working Farm
A respite for hikers and moms with active toddlers, Blue Hill Café offers light snacks, farm-fresh lattes, and jars full of locally grown goodies. Warm paninis made from Hudson Valley cheeses and our greenhouse vegetables and fresh sausages created right in Blue Hill's kitchen are available to eat in the courtyard or to take on a walk around the farm.
Applewood Winery is located at 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick NY 10990 in Orange County. Enjoy wine tasting at a real farm winery in New York's Hudson Valley. Discover New York wines at Applewood Winery. Our wines are made from our own vineyards, orchards and from across the state. We make Chardonnay's, Cabernet Franc, barrel fermented reds, in addition to that we have delicious fruit wines including Hard Apple Cider. Every wine is produced in a "limited edition" with almost every bottle spoken for as soon as its made. So you'll only find our wine at the tasting room and here in our online store.
Enjoy music every weekend in August. Music starts at 2:00 and ends at 5:00. The Cafe will be open serving fruit & cheese platters and sandwiches. Press "Blue Button" for more information about Applewood Winery.
Have you ever wondered what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child, regardless of you own musical ability?
Experience Music Together® and find out how important - and how much fun - your role can be! This spring we will be singing the Maracas song collection with favorites such as William Tell's Ride, Frere Jacques, Wiggle and The Russian Folk Song. With your participation our Music Together classes build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement. We'll help you provide your child with the basic musical skills needed to enjoy school and social musical activities. Please contact us at for any questions you might have. Come join us for fun, music and laughter with the most wonderful people in the world, your children! Press "Blue Button" for locations, schedules, and more about Music Together.
The Westchester Children’s Museum will be a vibrant new learning center that will nurture curiosity, enhance knowledge, and ignite imagination in our children as they explore the history, arts, environment, and cultural diversity of their local and global communities.
Imagine a unique learning space – colorful, clean, with “a sense of space, light and air…” Filled with creative hands-on exhibitions and public programs. The Westchester Children's Museum will be an institution of distinction for our children, one that is fun and educational, and which reflects the true needs and interests of this community, from children and teenagers, to parents and caregivers, to teachers and educators. Drawing from the dramatic history, extensive cultural diversity, flourishing environments and ecosystems, and the rich literary and artistic traditions of Westchester, the exhibitions and programs of the Museum will be state of the art and:
Highly innovative, dynamic, engaging, fun and enriching
Appeal to audiences of different generations, backgrounds, emotional, physical, and learning abilities
Present visitors with the opportunity for hands-on interaction
Stimulate repeat visitation with changing exhibits, performances, and public programs
Press "Blue Button" for Westchester Museum Events and more information about The Westchester Children’s Museum.
Westchester Kids is designed to provide kids with information about things that will be useful and of interest to them. Some of the sites are for younger children and others for teens. Topics included in this site are: Driving, Education, Environment, Fun Stuff, Government, Health, History, Jobs/Volunteer, Recreation, The Arts, and Strictly Westchester. Westchester Kids' Recreation section includes links to various activities in Westchester County and nearby areas.
New York State apple growers have been perfecting their apples for over 300 years. Enjoy them all year long. From the classic McIntosh to the snappy Empire, New York has what you want in an apple. Taste the difference, savor the quality, share the pride.
It's no coincidence that apples are the symbol of good health. In the Middle Ages, the English said "To eat an apple before going to bed will make the doctor beg his bread." We now know that there's a sound basis for the familiar "apple a day" rhyme. Take a look at the nutritional benefits of a medium size Apple Country® apple.
Nutritional Facts: Apples are absolutely fat-free. One apple provides as much dietary fiber as a bowl of bran cereal. Apples are loaded with pectin, a soluble fiber that aids digestion and may help reduce cancer and heart disease. The complex carbohydrates in apples give your body a longer, more even energy boost compared to high-sugar snacks. Snacking on apples can keep you going throughout the day. Apples provide boron, an essential trace element that helps harden bones and help prevent osteoporosis.
Learn: Apple education and see the Kid's Section on apples. Where to pick you own apples. Major health benefits of eating apples. Variety, flavor and best use of each type of apple. Apple recipes.
Beczak Environmental Education Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about the ecology, culture, and history of the Hudson River. Located on the banks of the Hudson in the City of Yonkers within the two-acre Habirshaw Park, Beczak offers exciting interactive learning experiences year-round for young and old alike.
We believe that all children need to safely interact with the natural environment for healthy development. Our engaging, interactive learning programs are built on this principle. One of the primary goals of Beczak is to show even our youngest visitors that the river is part of a complex ecosystem that nurtures an amazing diversity of living things, including people.
Beczak offers an extensive curriculum of interactive educational programs designed to teach students about the complexity of the Hudson River and inspire them to become better stewards of this magnificent resource. Each year more than 5,000 school-age children visit Beczak on class trips and with youth organizations.
All our staff members are trained educators with specialized degrees in fields such as marine biology and environmental interpretation. By creating interdisciplinary programs that meet the New York State Department of Education standards for science, social studies, math, art and English language arts, Beczak educators help animate important concepts that many teachers have introduced in their own classrooms. Press "Blue Button" to learn more about Beczak Environmental Education Center.
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