Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

Best Bakeries for Kids Birthday Cakes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in 2025

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 08/15/2025 - 8:45am

At Armonk's Sugar Hi, specialty cakes include a brightly-colored ganache drip with candy pieces. Photo courtesy of Sugar Hi

Birthday cakes have reached a new level in recent years, with intricate figurines made out of fondant and even photos printed in icing. Virtually any theme is possible, from unicorns to superheroes. But finding the right baker who can make your (and your child's) vision into a reality is the key.

We’ve rounded up our favorite bakeries in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, all of which are capable of creating custom birthday cakes worthy of The Food Network. Some of these bakeries even host children's birthday parties where kids can try their hand at being pastry chefs and decorate their own sweet treats.

Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for more fun party ideas in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

30 Must-Do Westchester and Hudson Valley Adventures Before the School Bell Rings

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 08/03/2025 - 12:00pm

Enjoy a beautiful summer night with a concert at Caramoor before summer's over. Photo by Gabe Palacio

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley before summer ends? Read on for our top picks.

The start of August sets me in a panic every year: Have I made summer fun enough? How will we squeeze in all the great outings I had hoped to take my kids on? If you're feeling down about the end of summer, we've rounded up our must-dos for the rest of the season. Make the most of summer's swan song with these two dozen options, from annual events to oft-overlooked favorite outings.

Find more great seasonal activities in our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide and check out our list of the best things to do this August with kids.

Ultimate Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids Before They Grow Up

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 07/20/2025 - 7:39am

Gaze at the rainbow-hued hot-air balloons as they are inflated and take to the sky during the Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival and book your own balloon ride. Photo courtesy of the festival

Check out these iconic things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that everyone growing up in the area really must experience!

Westchester and the Hudson Valley offer a slew of family-friendly activities that add to their allure as a great place to raise kids or a day trip destination for nearby families. While some of these are well-known, iconic events, like the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, or seasonal staples, like Rye Playland, the region also boasts many lesser-known attractions. Whether you’ve recently moved to the area or have been living here for years, we’ve got a long list of the best things to do in the region with kids.

This list of 100 things to do in Westchester and Hudson Valley with kids before they grow up includes annual festivals, opulent mansion tours, holiday extravaganzas, essential delicacies, seasonal destinations, and more. We’ve done our homework, so you don’t have to! Some are seasonal, some are year-round, and all are worth trying!

Once you've checked these off, expand your horizons with our list of 100 Things To Do in New York State.

20 Things To Do on Mother's Day 2025 in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 05/04/2025 - 8:04am

Spend a day or weekend at Mohonk Mountain House for Mother's Day. Photo courtesy of the resort

Mother's Day is easy to celebrate in Westchester and the Hudson Valley given the region's natural beauty and great cultural offerings. Whether you're looking to take in a show or want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather, we've rounded up 20 things to do on mom's special day.

If you're looking for meal ideas, check out our roundup of the best Mother's Day brunch spots in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and we make shopping easy, too, with our picks for 50 things moms really want for Mother's Day!

No matter where the holiday takes you, happy Mother's Day from the team at Mommy Poppins!

Spring Break 2025: 25 Fun Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 03/21/2025 - 6:21am

Legoland's new Lego Duplo Peppa Pig Playground opens this spring. Photo courtesy of Legoland

If you're sticking close to home for spring break this year, it doesn’t mean you have to be stuck at home. There are many fun spring break activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley to keep kids busy over the upcoming vacation.

Our picks include everything from Easter and Earth Day celebrations to crafting activities, places to play, and more. Many other options can be found in our Guide to Spring Activities for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids, which includes our story on the very best playgrounds in the region.

26 Things To Do for February's Winter Break in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 01/26/2025 - 10:31am

Delight in the scenery and artwork at Teatown Lake Reservation. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

We've rounded up more than two dozen fun things to do with Westchester and Hudson Valley kids during February winter break, so there's no need to worry about keeping the kids busy during a midwinter staycation.

These picks for Presidents Day week include in-person events, outdoor activities, and fun anytime excursions. We've also got an entire post dedicated to February's top to-dos, and our Family Activity Calendar is constantly updated.

32 Things To Do on a Rainy Day Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 01/24/2025 - 10:30am

Kids can climb the walls at the Cliffs in Valhalla. Photo courtesy of the Cliffs

This list of indoor activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley keeps kids active and engaged for those times when Mother Nature shuts down your favorite local playground.

We've listed our 32 top indoor activities below, though we've got countless more picks on our list of the best indoor play spaces in Westchester and in our Guide to Museums for Westchester and Hudson Valley families.

Family-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 12/20/2024 - 10:10am

Hit the lanes at these local bowling alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

A family bowling outing is a classic go-to activity no matter the season. Nowadays, bowling alleys have become flashy, multi-faceted venues with added attractions like arcades, rides, and even ax throwing.

Read on for the top family-friendly bowling alleys in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and find more family fun at these indoor play spaces and in our Indoor Fun Guide.

Susan Miele

Latest posts by Susan

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