Sitting just north of New York City, Westchester County receives thousands of visitors every year. The county features an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with parks, historical sites and rural areas. For families in the area, there are a number of activities and attractions appropriate for kids.
Rye Playland Park
Rye Playland Park caters to families with small children. The park features rides for toddlers in its Kiddyland and more intense rides appropriate for grade school children and their parents. Among the 50 rides, the park offers rollercoasters such as the Dragon Coaster and water-based rides such as the Playland Plunge. The Kiddyland offers rides such as the Kiddy Coaster and the Mini Scrambler. Playland sits right on the beach in Westchester and also maintains its own outdoor pool. Thus, guests frequently bring their swimsuits and towels for both salt water and fresh water dips. The park offers snack bars, an arcade, and evening fireworks shows on select summer nights. The park opens in early May and closes just after Labor Day. The park greatly varies its hours, but in peak time, it generally opens at around 10 a.m. and closes around 10 p.m.
Huguenot Childrens' Library
The New Rochelle Public Library offers a branch specifically geared towards children, the Huguenot Childrens' Library. The library has kid-sized furniture, a large selection of children's literature and computers with kid-friendly software. The library also provides free events for kids such as pre-school reading programs, summer reading programs and Summer On the Patio, where trained staff hold activities for children such as ping-pong, badminton, jump rope, and arts and crafts. The library opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and opens at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The library closes at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, 6 p.m. on Monday and Thursday, and 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Muscoot Farm
Muscoot Farm in the Westchester County of Kahtona features a number activities for children and families. The farm offers children between 1st and 8th grade a one week summer camp where they can learn the basics of farming and caring for farm animals. Other activities include viewing the farms animals, walking the 7 miles of trails on the property, hayrides and touring the farm's historical buildings. The farm accommodates birthdays and other groups, although during the months of December, January, February and March, the farm does not schedule birthday parties. The farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays between May and October the farm's market sells produce and other items.
