Fun Family Events for Kids in Westchester County this Weekend

Weekends are the best to spend quality time with your kids, whether you are planning a huge outing or are staying close to home. 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. Look no further for ideas and plan your weekend in New York with our guide that highlights the best family-friendly events happening in and around your neighborhood. Check out our picks for kids' activities in Westchester County. Also see our guides for weekend fun in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Suffolk, Nassau, and Rockland and Bergen counties. 

RELATED: Get Weekend Activities Sent to Your Inbox

Candle Making
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15 , 1pm
WHERE: Friends of Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye
AGES: 5-17
WHAT: Children will make colorful candles to light up the holidays.
WANT TO GO? $5-$8. 914-967-5150. ryenaturecenter.org.

Family Tour: Landscapes Above & Below
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15 , 2:30pm
WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers
AGES: All
WHAT: Learn about the Hudson River’s connection to deep undersea canyons and efforts to conserve these habitats, then create 3D wire landscapes.
WANT TO GO? $7; $5 seniors; $4 children ages 3-18; free for children younger than 3. 914-963-4550. hrm.org.

Holiday Party Featuring Grateful Dead for Kids With Stella Blues Band
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15 , 11:30am and 3pm
WHERE: Garcia's At The Capitol Theatre, 145 Westchester Ave., Port Chester
AGES: 3-12
WHAT: Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers games, movement, stories, and an opportunity to rock out.
WANT TO GO? $15-$17. 646-230-0100. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

FREE Special Christmas Stories in Motion Program
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15 , 3:30-4:30pm
WHERE: Andersons Larchmont, 96 Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont
AGES: 3-8
WHAT: Celebrate Christmas with stories, activities, a toy drive, and music.
WANT TO GO? 914-834-6900. andersonsbooksny.com.

Holiday Stories from Around the World
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15 , 3pm
WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers
AGES: All
WHAT: Join April Armstrong and Mario Sprouse as they perform holiday stories from around the world from Victorian Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah traditions.
WANT TO GO? $7; $5 seniors; $4 children ages 3-18; free for children younger than 3. 914-963-4550. hrm.org.

Gingerbread House Building
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15 , 12-2pm
WHERE: Fox Center, 198 Carpenter Ave., Mount Kisco
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Each participant will build and decorate their own house to take home and enjoy.
WANT TO GO? $20-$25. 914-666-3059. mountkiscony.gov.

Jessica Lynn- 'A Very Merry Country Christmas'
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15 , 8pm
WHERE: Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill
AGES: All
WHAT: Country music star Jessica Lynn performs alongside dancers, singers, musicians, dazzling effects, a "Toys for Tots" drive, and maybe even a visit from Santa himself!
WANT TO GO? $25-$35. 914-739-0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com.

The Symphony of Westchester All-Baroque Concert
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 16 , 3pm
WHERE: Christopher J. Murphy Auditorium, 715 North Ave., New Rochelle
AGES: 9 and older
WHAT: Alexander Abayev will perform Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons" with the Symphony of Westchester.
WANT TO GO? $50; $35 seniors; $15 students. 914-654-4926. thesymphonyofwestchester.org.

Science Sunday: Medical Sketching
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 16 , 1-3pm
WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT
AGES: 5-12
WHAT: Explore simple science concepts while partaking in fun, kid-friendly experiments, projects, and crafts inspired by the museum’s collections.
WANT TO GO? $10; $8 students and seniors; free for children younger than 5. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

FREE Saw Mill River Audubon Third Sunday Walk
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 16 , 3:30-5pm
WHERE: Pruyn Sanctuary, 275 Woodmill Road, Chappaqua
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Meet at the Woodmill Road trails entrance of Pruyn Sanctuary for a family-friendly walk.
WANT TO GO? 914-666-6503. sawmillriveraudubon.org.

Santa Visits the Rosen House
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 16 , 12pm and 3pm
WHERE: Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah
AGES: All
WHAT: The little ones will be in for an adventure with I Spy a Santa or Two in the Music Room, followed by a 30-minute concert of holiday songs, and a visit with Santa Claus.
WANT TO GO? $15; $10 children. 914-232-1252. caramoor.org.

Brunch with Santa

WHEN: Dec. 15 -16, Saturday-Sunday, 9:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm
WHERE: Stew Leonard's, 1 Stew Leonard Drive, Yonkers
AGES: All
WHAT: Families are invited to a special holiday brunch and photo op with Santa, Rudolph, and Wow the Cow and Cynthia Chick.
WANT TO GO? $16.95; $11.95 children younger than 12. 914-375-4700. stewleonards.com.

Family Art Project: Wintery Birdy Marionettes

WHEN: Dec. 15 -16, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm
WHERE: Wave Hill, 649 W. 249th St., Bronx
AGES: All
WHAT: See which winter birds can be spotted at Wave Hill and make bird marionettes.
WANT TO GO? $8; $4 students and seniors; $2 children ages 6-18; free for children younger than 6; free until 12pm on Saturday. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

'The Nutcracker'

WHEN: Dec. 14 -16, Friday, 10am; Saturday, 12:30pm and 4:30pm; Sunday, 2pm
WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains
AGES: All
WHAT: Experience the thrill of the Nutcracker Prince and Clara as they battle the Mouse King and magically journey to the Land of Sweets.
WANT TO GO? $29; $23 seniors and children ages 10 and younger; $33 day of performance. 800-745-3000. westchesterballet.wordpress.com.

Dickens's 'Christmas Carol'
WHEN: Through Dec. 16, Saturdays and Sundays, various times
WHERE: Old Dutch Church, 430 Broadway, Sleepy Hollow
AGES: All
WHAT: Let master storyteller Jonathan Kruk regale you with his adaptation of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.”
WANT TO GO? $25; $20 child younger than 17; free for children younger than 3. visitsleepyhollow.com/historic-sites/old-dutch-church/.

FREE LIVE! At 650 Lee

WHEN: Through Dec. 21: Fridays, 5-7pm; Saturdays, 2-4pm
WHERE: Jefferson Valley Mall, TK, Yorktown Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy this year-long concert series featuring different genres of music including blues, soul, rock, reggae, jazz, and more. Host John Ford, of Ford Piano, will bring together various local musicians every week at the food court in the Jefferson Valley Mall.
WANT TO GO? 914-739-1224. fordpiano.com.

Mamaroneck Chorus
WHEN: Dec. 16 -22, Sunday, 2pm and 5pm; Saturday, 3pm and 7pm
WHERE: Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck
AGES: 5 and older
WHAT: Steph Chinn is pulling together a roster of multi-generational voices from the area to perform a unique mix of his favorite music from holiday standards to Coldplay.
WANT TO GO? $5 and up. 914-698-0098 . emelin.org/mamaroneck-chorus.

Ballet des Ameriques' 'Nutcracker Dream'
WHEN: Dec. 16 -22, Sunday, 2pm and 5pm; Saturday, 3pm and 7pm
WHERE: Emelin Theater, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck
AGES: All
WHAT: Alexis’ Nutcracker Dream is inspired by the work of Marius Petipa and Rudolf Nureyev and will be presented as a one-hour family-friendly adaptation of the classic ballet.
WANT TO GO? $20-$25. 646-753-0457. balletdesameriques.com.

FREE Christmas Tree Sale

WHEN: Through Dec. 23: Friday, 4-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm
WHERE: North White Plains Firehouse, 621 N. Broadway, North White Plains 
AGES: All 
WHAT: Find your family's holiday tree at this annual sale and fundraiser for the firehouse. 
WANT TO GO? 914-949-3575. ncsfd1.com.

Photos with Santa + Free Gift
WHEN: Through Dec. 24 , see website for schedule
WHERE: Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers 
AGES: All 
WHAT: Santa will be available for photos and visits at his winter home. Throughout the season there will also be a pop-up holiday ice skating rink, a tree lighting celebration, and Cocoa & Carols with Mrs. Claus. 
WANT TO GO? Participants must purchase one of two photo packages for $39.99 or $49.99. 914-968-9570. celebrateyourholiday.com.

10th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Village
WHEN: Through Dec. 24; see website for schedule
WHERE: Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouse, 437 North St., Greenwich, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: The cherished town tradition continues for the tenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer, take a ride on the Polar Express Train and the carousel (Thursday-Saturday), and also enjoy the new Santa’s Village, North Pole on North Street, all just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Parking is free.
WANT TO GO? Price for photo packages vary. 203-531-3047. greenwichreindeerfestival.com

FREE Story Book Yoga
WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Fridays, 10:15-10:45am
WHERE: Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson
AGES: 4 and younger
WHAT: Give your little one a chance to experience the benefits of yoga. A certified kids' yoga instructor leads participants in acting out favorite stories through yoga, music, movement, breath, and sound.
WANT TO GO? 914-271-6612. crotonfreelibrary.org.

Shark-Diving Santa
WHEN: Through  Dec. 30: Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 12:15pm and 2:15pm
WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT
AGES: All
WHAT: Santa Claus will join The Maritime Aquarium’s dive team in December to help demonstrate that sharks aren’t blood-thirsty killers.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Watch him swim up to the exhibit window and pose for pictures!
WANT TO GO? $24.95; $22.95 seniors; $17.95 children ages 3-12. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Daily Zip

WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-5:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-8:80pm
WHERE: Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
AGES: 11 and older
WHAT: Zip across the Bronx River and test your skills with unique aerial adventure climbing courses.
WANT TO GO? $24.99 and up. 718-220-5100. bronxzootreetop.com.

FREE Sunday Cinema @ the TROVE
WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Sundays, 2pm
WHERE: White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains 
AGES: 5 and older 
WHAT: This month's movies include Muppet Treasure Island, The Phantom Tollbooth, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Polar Express, and Solo: A Star Wars Story. 
WANT TO GO? 914-422-1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.

Westchester's Winter Wonderland
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Thursdays, 5-9pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 5-10pm; Sundays, 5-9pm
WHERE: Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway Road, Valhalla 
AGES: All 
WHAT: Celebrate the season with ice skating, rides, a holiday circus, magic shows, a musical light show and Christmas tree, and a Santa experience! 
WHY WE LOVE IT: It's a fun, festive night out on the town for the whole family. 
WANT TO GO? $18-$20; free for children 3 and younger. 914-231-4600. winterwonderland.com.

Flurry Zone! An Indoor Snow Experience
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: daily, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT 
AGES: All 
WHAT: A special snow machine will produce a squall every hour on the hour for five minutes. 
WANT TO GO? $24.95; $22.95 seniors; $17.95 children ages 3-12. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

A Magical Christmas Eve at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum
WHEN: Through Jan. 6, 2019: Wednesday-Sunday, 12pm
WHERE: Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, 295 West Ave., Norwalk, CT 
AGES: All 
WHAT: The exhibit will capture the enchantment and excitement of the night before Christmas and explore Christmas Eve. 
WANT TO GO? $15; $10 seniors; $8 students; free for children ages 7 and younger. 203-838-9799. lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.

Holiday Landmarks Tour
WHEN: Through Jan. 20: Sundays, 2:30pm
WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
AGES: All
WHAT: Meet at the Reflecting Pool for a fascinating overview of the Garden’s history and its importance as a vital NYC cultural destination since 1891. With an expert guide, explore the Tulip Tree Allee, the Fountain of Life, and the Library.
WHY WE LOVE IT: The tour wraps up at the Garden’s “must-see” destination—the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.
WANT TO GO? $23; $10 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2 . 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

27th Annual Holiday Train Show

WHEN: Through Jan. 21, 2019: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx
AGES: All
WHAT: The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show will showcase Lower Manhattan—the birthplace of New York City—in the 27th year of this beloved tradition. Enchanting model trains will zip through a display of more than 175 New York landmarks, including the Woolworth Building, One World Trade Center, the Battery Maritime Building, and the Terminal Warehouse. This year, for the first time ever, the Holiday Train show will feature replicas of two vintage ferry boats from the 1900s.
WANT TO GO? $23; $10 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 718-817-8700. nybg.org

Winter Wonderland Tree Tour
WHEN: Through Jan. 21, 2019: Saturdays, 12:30pm
WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx 
AGES: All 
WHAT: Embark on an invigorating 45-minute walk to view the Garden’s stately conifer collection and old growth forest in the beauty of winter. Even in cold weather there’s plenty of interest in the gardens and collections.
WANT TO GO? $23; $10 children ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2 . 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

FREE jkids Jewish Holiday Program
WHEN: Through June 23, 2019: Sundays, 10-11:15am
WHERE: First Hebrew Congregation, 1821 Main St., Peekskill
AGES: 2-5
WHAT: jkids is a Jewish Holiday Program for kids ages 2-5 with their grown ups (interfaith families welcomed) one Sunday a month at FHC in Peekskill. Refreshments served. Families will connect and kids will have peer groups.
WANT TO GO? 917-739-0500. firsthebrew.org.

RELATED: Find Fun Things to Do Next Week!