Things to Do with Kids in Westchester this Weekend

Plan a fun weekend for your family in Westchester County!

By NYMetroParents Staff October 13, 2021

Enjoy these fun weekend activities with your kids in Westchester. Start planning your weekend now.

Looking for day trips and outings? Read or Download the Summer Family Fun Guide today!

Editor's Picks for This Weekend

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

WHEN: Sep. 17 - Nov. 21, See website for schedule
WHERE: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Ave, Croton-on-Hudson, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Experience the magic of more than 7,000 pumpkins lighting up the night at this 18th-century landscape. WANT TO GO? $40-$48; $32-$36 ages 3-17. 914-366-6900.
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Boo At The Zoo

WHEN: Oct. 2 - 31, Saturdays, Sundays, and 10/11, 10am-5:30pm
WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Come dressed in your Halloween best and enjoy magic, pumpkin carving demos, crafts, candy, Halloween show, costume parades, and more! WANT TO GO? FREE with admission: $39.95; $34.95 seniors 65 and older; $29.95 ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger. 718-220-5100.
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Ride the Pumpkin Patch Train

WHEN: Oct. 2 - 24, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White Street, Danbury, Connecticut
AGES: All
WHAT: Ride the Pumpkin Patch Train in a 1920's passenger coach to a pumpkin patch where children can select a free pumpkin and where everyone can enjoy some free cider & cookies. WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 24 months. 203-778-8337.
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Sunset Cinema: Hocus Pocus

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 15, 5:30pm, gates open; film starts at sunset
WHERE: Main Street School Lawn, 101 Main Street, Irvington, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Dress up and come out for this classic movie on the lawn. WANT TO GO? $5. 914-591-6602.
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Family Fun Hike: Halloween Vibes

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Van Cortlandt Golf Course Clubhouse , 115 Van Cortlandt Park South, Bronx, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT:

Spiders, bats, and cats… oh my! Do you have a favorite creepy-crawly creature? Want to paint it on a rock to keep you company throughout this spooky season? Collect rocks and tell (slightly) scary stories and trek up to the tippy-top of the park to historic Vault Hill, a burial vault! Read Aloud Story: The Halloween Tree by Susan Montanari. Program will start at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House at 10am. Enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Ave. Easy hike include a hands-on activity and goody bags for all participants (even parents!). Tickets must be purchased for everyone participating. Please select the appropriate ticket so that goody bags can be prepared! Space is limited, so register soon. VCPA will hold Family Fun Hike Rain or Shine! In the event of heavy downpours or thunderstorms, tickets will be canceled and refunded. Tickets canceled with less than 48 hour notice will not be refunded.

WANT TO GO? $15; $5 per child.
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Make A Sweet Red Panda With Polymer Clay

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2-3pm, ages 5-8; 3-4pm, ages 9-12
WHERE: The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road, Rye, NY
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Use polymer clay to make a cute panda sculpture. WANT TO GO? $25; members receive discount. 914-967-0700.
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The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays the Music of Phish For Kids & More

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 1:30pm
WHERE: Garcia's At The Capitol Theatre, 145 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, NY
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT: Listen to the music of Phish during this kid friendly concert. WANT TO GO? $17; $15 in advance; free for children younger than 1. 914-937-4126.
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1860's Family Fun Day

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 11am-3pm
WHERE: Horace Greeley House, 100 King Street, Chappaqua, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy an afternoon of history, crafts, and games. WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 914-238-4666.
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Legend of Sleepy Hollow Family Storytelling Event FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 17, 10-10:45am
WHERE: Hudson Valley Writers Center , Philipse Manor Station , Sleepy Hollow, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: See a 25-minute retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow featuring additional Halloween treats and activities. WANT TO GO?
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Fall Family Fest Sundays

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 17, 10am-2pm
WHERE: Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT
AGES: All
WHAT:

The Stamford Museum and Nature Center is celebrating the season by bundling all the fun and games of a mini-festival into a single admission price this Fall! Each Sunday they’ll open their site at 10 am with added attractions, enhanced programming, and fun offerings to delight the whole family featuring sock skating rink, pumpkin painting, live animal shows, game zone, local food trucks, apple cider demos, music, and more. Standard admission rates apply after 2 pm. Event will be held rain or shine; tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE.

WANT TO GO? $20; $10 members. 203-322-1646.
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Even More Weekend Fun

Kusama: Cosmic Nature

WHEN: Apr. 10 - Oct. 31, Tuesdays-Sundays, and Monday federal holidays, 10am-6pm
WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: See spectacular installations featuring Yayoi Kusama’s multifaceted art, including monumental floral sculptures. WANT TO GO? $4-$28. 718-817-8700.
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Virtual Fall Storytime with Ms. Tee FREE

WHEN: Sep. 28 - Nov. 2, Stories premier on Tuesdays
WHERE: Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library, 1 Haseco Ave, Port Chester, NY
AGES: Newborn-5
WHAT:

Visit the Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library's website to see and hear Ms. Tee share songs, stories, and more! Ms. Tee misses seeing the children and families from Port Chester and Rye Brook and looks forward to them tuning in for all the fun!

WANT TO GO? 914-939-6710.
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The Mountaintop

WHEN: Oct. 1 - 17, Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm; 10/17 at 2pm
WHERE: Arc Stages, 147 Wheeler Ave., Pleasantville, NY
AGES: 13 and older
WHAT:

The Mountaintop by Pulitzer Prize winner, Katori Hall, at Arc Stages beginning October 1. In its much anticipated sixth season, Pleasantville theater company Arc Stages presents The Mountaintop for their professional company, the Next Stage. The Mountaintop will be directed by Ryan Quinn. Starring: Gabriel Lawrence* & Shavonna Banks* A gripping re-imagination of events the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On April 3, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives with some surprising news, King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people.

WANT TO GO? $38; $30 Students; $28 Seniors. 914-747-6206.
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Halloween StoryWalk at the Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library FREE

WHEN: Oct. 1 - Nov. 1, Anytime
WHERE: Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library, 1 Haseco Ave, Port Chester, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Enjoy walking and reading The Ghosts Went Floating by Kim Norman. WANT TO GO? 914-939-6710.
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Community Garden Children's Workshops FREE

WHEN: Oct. 1 - 22, Fridays, 11am-12pm
WHERE: Ridge Hill, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers, New York
AGES: 3-5
WHAT:

The Ridge Hill Community Garden is back! Along with Kaleidoscope Garden Design, Ridge Hill is excited to invite kids and families to return to the South Lawn for a fun, unique, outdoor activity. Enjoy the fresh air while learning how to plant seeds, water, mulch, harvest, and more! Workshops are geared toward pre-school age children accompanied by their parents or caregivers. RSVP is recommended, but not required.

WANT TO GO? 914-207-2900.
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Read to Lexie FREE

WHEN: Oct. 2 - Nov. 20, Saturdays, 3-4pm
WHERE: Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave, Ossining, NY
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Read to Lexie, a hypoallergenic certified therapy dog. WANT TO GO? 718-825-9916.
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Music in the Streets FREE

WHEN: Oct. 2 - 30, 10/02-10/16, 2-5pm; 10/23, 1-3pm; 10/30, 12-3pm
WHERE: Ridge Hill, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers, New York
AGES: All
WHAT:

Come out and enjoy live country and bluegrass music throughout the month of October. Join Ridge Hill in Fountain Plaza every Saturday afternoon for toe-tapping tunes and dancing!

October 2 - Jake's Rockin' Country Band 2pm - 5pm

October 9 - Country Kings and Queens 2pm - 5pm

October 16 - Texas Wranglers Band 2pm - 5pm

October 23 - Country Kings and Queens 1pm - 3pm

October 30 - Jake's Rockin' Country Band 12pm - 3pm

WANT TO GO? 914-207-2900.
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Read to Rover Squared FREE

WHEN: Oct. 2 - 30, Saturdays, 11am-12pm
WHERE: Mt. Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco, NY
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Meet Nancy and her dog Callie, new members of the Read to Rover Team! Children 5 and older and encouraged to visit the library and read to Callie. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041.
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Birth of Planet Earth Planetarium Show

WHEN: Oct. 2 - 31, Saturdays & Sundays, 3:30pm
WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT:

Join Hudson River Museum for this brand new show, Birth of Planet Earth, which tells the twisted tale of our planet's origins. Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to one billion planets roughly the size of our own. This program employs advanced, data-driven visualizations to explore some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system's violent birth? What does its history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like? Recommended for ages 8+; 24-minute show plus Q&A. Capacity is currently limited to 60 seats per show (50%). Masks are required in the Planetarium until further notice. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.

Photo: Spitz Creative Media

WANT TO GO? $11; $5 youth 3-18; $7 students and seniors. 914-963-4550.
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The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show

WHEN: Oct. 2 - 31, Saturdays & Sundays, 2pm
WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT:

Planetarium educators take you on a unique tour of the sky as seen from our area, with topics ranging from visible planets, bright stars, and the Milky Way, to periodic comets, seasonal constellations, black holes, alien planets, upcoming rocket launches, meteor showers, satellite spotting, and more! In October, we'll welcome the return of the Andromeda Galaxy to the evening skies. Recommended for ages 8+; 60-minute live and interactive show. Capacity is currently limited to 60 seats per show (50%). Masks are required in the Planetarium until further notice. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Sponsored by Domino Sugar Yonkers Refinery.

WANT TO GO? $11; $7 students and seniors; $5 youth 3-18. 914-963-4550.
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Magic Tree House: Space Mission

WHEN: Oct. 2 - 31, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30pm
WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY
AGES: 5-12
WHAT:

Travel with Jack and Annie, stars of the Magic Tree House® best-selling children’s book series, as they search for answers to a mysterious riddle they discover in a written note signed “–M.” Viewers peek into the treehouse and follow Jack and Annie on an exciting adventure as they meet a helpful astronomer and an astronaut. As they travel to an observatory and beyond into space, Jack and Annie nearly get . . . well, we don’t want to give the surprise away! The planetarium show Magic TreeHouse® Space Mission features series author Mary Pope Osborne. Recommended for ages 5–10; 25-minute show plus Q&A. Capacity is currently limited to 60 seats per show (50%). Masks are required in the Planetarium until further notice. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.

WANT TO GO? $11; $7 students and seniors; $5 youth 3-18. 914-963-4550.
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Terror At Quassy Halloween Event

WHEN: Oct. 8 - 31, Fridays-Sundays, 6pm
WHERE: Quassy Amusement & Waterpark, 2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, Connecticut
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Dare to viist the Zombie Hospital, Haunted Catacombs and Cemetery, plus much more. Live entertainment on the stage each night! WANT TO GO? $29.99. 203-758-2913.
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FREE Guided Hikes on Sundays FREE

WHEN: Oct. 10 - Dec. 26, Sundays, 2-4pm
WHERE: Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Kisco, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: See Westmoreland like never before and learn about their diverse, native wildlife and vibrant ecosystems. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8448.
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Stoller Tours

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 15, 9:30-10:30am
WHERE: Katonaah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street, Katonah, NY
AGES: 0-2, Adult
WHAT: Pop your little one into a stroller and experience an interactive tour of current exhibitions. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and students; free for members and children younger than 12. 914-232-9555.
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Artful Families

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 15, 10:30-11:30am
WHERE: Katonaah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street, Katonah, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: Drop-in and enjoy interactive art projects and games intended to captivate younger visitors. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and students; free for members and children younger than 12. 914-232-9555.
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Harrybrooke Park Haunted Trail

WHEN: Oct. 15 - 23, Fridays and Saturdays, 6-10pm
WHERE: Harrybrooke Park , 100 Still River Drive, New Milford, Connecticut
AGES: 13 and older
WHAT: Walk the park after dark and experience all that can go bump in the night, see what might be hiding in the trees and feel the terror! WANT TO GO? $17 until October 10; $20 after October 10; $15 per person with 10 person group discount. 860-799-6520.
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Frothy Forage

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 12-5pm
WHERE: Woodcock Nature Center, 56 Deer Run Road, Wilton, CT
AGES: All
WHAT:

Bring the whole family for a one-of-a-kind hiking and beer tasting experience at FROTHY FORAGE. At secret locations along the Woodcock trails, they’ll feature a unique craft brew from Nod Hill Brewery plus soda tasting with Hosmer Mountain Soda! And, if that isn't enough, your senses will be delighted along your trek with everything from animal encounters, to live music, and food for purchase from an on-site food truck. Furry family members will enjoy some sips and goodies along the trek courtesy of Ridgefield Pet! All proceeds support the nature center.

WANT TO GO? $55 ages 21 and older; $20 children 3 and older; . 203-762-7280.
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Family Fun Hike: Halloween Vibes

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Van Cortlandt Golf Course Clubhouse , 115 Van Cortlandt Park South, Bronx, NY
AGES: 3-8
WHAT:

WANT TO GO? $15; $5 per child.
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Hawk Watch Celebration with Live Raptors from Christine's Critters

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 11am and 1pm
WHERE: Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, Connecticut
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate 50 years of hawk counting at the center! Raptor rehabilitators Christine & Betsy Peyreigne will bring hawks, falcons, eagles, and owls to share the importance of these birds in our ecosystems. You'll get to meet raptors big and small, from Higgins the tiny Northern Saw-Whet Owl (a species now famous for being discovered in the Rockefeller Center tree) to Aurora the Bald Eagle with her 7-foot wingspan! WANT TO GO? $15. 203-930-1353.
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Kindergarten Play Day & Open House FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Blue Rock School, 110 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack, NY
AGES: 3-5
WHAT:

Four and five year olds are invited to visit Blue Rock School for a morning of storytelling, crafts, and outdoor play while their parents learn about the school's progressive approach to education infused with the arts, nature and imagination.

WANT TO GO? 845-627-0234.
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Out of the Darkness Community Walk FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 9am
WHERE: Harbor Island Park, 123 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: The Out of the Darkness Experience unites communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental illness have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. WANT TO GO? 914-610-9156.
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Battle of Pell's Point Encampment FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 10am-4pm
WHERE: St. Paul's Church National Historic Site, 897 S. Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY
AGES: All
WHAT: See a militia drill, musket demonstrations, period games, music and crafts, and talks about the battle and the era of the American Revolution. WANT TO GO? 914-667-4116.
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Minecraft Mania FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 1-2pm
WHERE: Mt. Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco, NY
AGES: 9-17
WHAT:

Put your epic Minecraft skills to the test in this collaborative program. You will need both Minecraft and Zoom downloaded on your device. For 6th grade and up. Zoom Information https://zoom.us/j/99825079404 Meeting ID: 998 2507 9404 Sponsored by the Mount Kisco Library Board of Trustees

WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041.
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Muscoot Movies: Ghostbusters

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 6-8:30pm
WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah, NY
AGES: All
WHAT:

Bring a blanket and watch a "Ghostbusters" (1984) under the stars.

WANT TO GO? $20 family of 4. 914-864-7282.
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The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts: Not-So-Scary Halloween Scavenger Hunt

WHEN: Oct. 16 - 31, Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4pm
WHERE: The SoNo Collection, 100 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: Families with young children can look forward to a Not-So-Scary Halloween Scavenger Hunt, an interactive adventure filled with goofy creatures, bewitching tricks, and a few challenging tasks. Children are invited to come in their Halloween costume (or not) and enjoy this fun escapade. WANT TO GO? $15. 305-467-6717.
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Conservation Corps Volunteer Days FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 16, 12-2pm
WHERE: Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Kisco, NY
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT:

Environmental conservation work is essential for protecting our native wildlife and our community by keeping our water, air, and soil clean. Conservation Corps Days take place once a month and are led by experienced Naturalists. Volunteers will go with Westmoreland Naturalists into the field to help remove invasive plants and protect native plants. These skills are essential for managing your property and preserving New York’s natural beauty. All tools and work gloves will be provided. Please come dressed in weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toed shoes, and long pants. Meet in the Nature Center. Please contact (914) 666-8448 or info@westmorelandsanctuary.org if you would like to attend.

WANT TO GO? 914-666-8448.
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October Grab and Go Halloween Pickup Craft FREE

WHEN: Oct. 18 - 30, Monday, 9am-9pm; Tuesday, 9am-8pm; Wednesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm
WHERE: Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library, 1 Haseco Ave, Port Chester, NY
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Children will be given a bag with all of the pieces they need to make the craft. WANT TO GO? 914-939-6710.
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Looking for more events in your area? Search our comprehensive events calendar.

If you're like us, you love weekends because it's the time when you get to spend quality time with your kids, whether you are planning a day trip to a nearby destination or are looking for things to do that are close to home in Westchester County. There’s lots to do this weekend with your family, from concerts and performances to museum exhibits, shows, crafts activities, seasonal events, parades, and more, so you're sure to find something to do that the whole family will love. Look no further for ideas and plan your weekend with our guide that highlights the best family-friendly (virtual and in-person) events happening in and around Westchester County, including family fun in Mamaroneck, White Plains, Scarsdale, South Salem, Yonkers, Valhalla, Hastings-on-Hudson, Katonah, Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Tarrytown, Larchmont, Croton-on-Hudson, Pellham, Pleasantville, Bronx, and Peekskill. You can also check out our calendar for things to do each month, and for more fun in the New York area, visit our Rockland, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island weekend roundups!

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