Katherine Dhurandhar

Katherine Dhurandhar is a Community Publisher for Mommy Poppins, representing the Westchester and Hudson Valley region of New York, and a freelance copyeditor for Westchester Publishing Company. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her husband and son.

Latest posts by Katherine

Halloween Weekend 2025 in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Best Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 10/31/2025 - 10:12am

New Paltz's Huguenot Street hosts trick-or-treating and a Halloween parade on Friday. Photo by Tobey Sanford courtesy of Historic Huguenot Street

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley on Halloween weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for Halloween weekend.

This Halloween weekend includes trick-or-treating and other Halloween festivities on Friday, October 31, like Halloween at the Westchester Children's Museum, where kids can make their own Halloween masks, enjoy pop-up spooky storytimes, and parade around in their costumes throughout the day.

Other great weekend events include a Day of the Dead Celebration at New Rochelle Public Library, a post-Halloween Truck or Treat at Clover Stadium in Pomona, and Teatown Lake Reservation's Enchanted Forest.

Beyond our top picks below, we've profiled tons more things to do this holiday weekend in our Halloween Fun Guide for Westchester Kids.

Westchester and Hudson Valley Top 2025 Christmas Events to Book Before They Sell Out

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 10/24/2025 - 9:48am

Legoland New York bursts with holiday cheer during its "Holiday Bricktacular" event. Photo courtesy of Legoland New York

The holiday season is a magical time in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and it is fast approaching. From spectacular illuminated walk-throughs to train rides with Santa, there are tons of events in the area for families to make lasting memories. While it may seem early, tickets are already on sale for many of the big events, and they tend to sell out.

Read on for the scoop on the top local holiday events that are already selling tickets or will start very soon, and get out your calendars to start planning. Bookmark our Events Calendar for updates and grab your tickets early!

For more holiday fun, check out our Holiday and Christmas Activity Guide.

33 Things To Do in Lake Placid with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 10/17/2025 - 9:31am

You don't have to be a skier to take in the views from the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Little Whiteface Mountain. Photo by author

Lake Placid, New York is the perfect destination for winter adventurers. Ski at Whiteface Mountain; ice skate at the Olympic rink; snowshoe, bobsled, or even lead a pack of dogs on a sledding adventure. It’s all there for families in this Adirondacks community five hours or so by car from New York City.

More than four decades after the infamous Miracle on Ice took place in this Olympic sports town, Lake Placid is as endearing as ever, offering its gorgeous backdrop to vacationers. Whether you're looking to live out your Olympic fantasy, hit the slopes, or enjoy a less action-packed getaway, our list of the best things to do on a winter vacation to Lake Placid has picks for all ages and interests. Find more nearby getaways on our Guide to Family Fun in the Adirondacks and Catskills.

Harvest Moon Orchard's New Halloween Walk-Thru, Mystic Moon, Delivers Spooky Thrills

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 10/10/2025 - 7:42am

Mystic Moon has beautifully lit trails and whimsical forest characters. Photo by the author

Known for its spectacular Holiday lights walk-through experience in the apple orchard, North Salem's Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard has introduced a new walk-through experience this Halloween season called Mystic Moon. Set in the forest area on the outskirts of the farm, amid majestic 80-year-old oak trees, Mystic Moon's synchronized music and lighting transform the forest into an enchanted wonderland featuring whimsical characters and numerous fun photo-ops.

I recently visited with my 10-year-old son, and Mystic Moon did not disappoint. Read on for our review and some tips to make the most of your experience.

For more spooky fun, check out our Halloween Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley kids.

Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Best Things To Do

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 10/10/2025 - 7:36am

Decorate a pumpkin at the Pine Island Pumpkinfest, a holiday weekend tradition. Photo courtesy of the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley over the long Indigenous Peoples Day weekend? We've got tons of family-friendly events to add to your list.

Families can enjoy carnival rides throughout the holiday weekend at the annual Eastchester Columbus Day Carnival, which also features a parade, fireworks, and live music. Alternatively, enjoy fall farm festivities all weekend long, including hayrides, live music, kids' activities, and cider and donuts, at Muscoot Farms' Pumpkin Picking Weekend.

For some early Halloween fun, check out the Sleepy Hollow Paddleboarding Witches Festival, which also includes vendors, food trucks, and a live telling of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow with a visit from the headless horseman. In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, learn about some of the original inhabitants of the Westchester area at a Lenape Indigenous Peoples Day presentation at the historic St. Paul's Church.

Scary Haunted Houses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Chills and Thrills 2025

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 10/05/2025 - 5:52am

Head to Ulster Park to catch the spooky Headless Horseman Haunted Houses. Photo courtesy of event

Westchester and the Hudson Valley are teeming with top-of-the-line haunted houses and scream parks, many boasting Hollywood-quality makeup and special effects. If you have teens keen on a thrilling screamfest this Halloween, look no further.

Read on for our list of the top haunted houses and scream parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Some of these are returning favorites that have been recognized as the top haunted houses in the country, such as Pure Terror Scream Park in Monroe. Others can even boast of being held in historic haunted locations, like the Dark Forest at Burn Brae Mansion in Glen Spey.

Find more great Halloween activities in our Westchester and Hudson Valley Halloween Guide.

Top Free Halloween Events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley 2025

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 10/03/2025 - 10:10am

The Tarrytown Halloween Parade draws scores of ghosts and goblins! Photo courtesy of the event

Two of our favorite things collide in October: Halloween and FREE events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. With all the money spent on costumes, ticketed events, and parties, having no-cost events to add fun without adding expense is a perfect way to enhance the season.

From pumpkin painting to trunk or treats, there’s enough variety here to justify getting costume mileage on many occasions throughout the month.

Be sure to check out our Guide to Halloween Fun for Westchester & Hudson Valley Families for other ways to enjoy the spooky season.

Halloween and 20 More Top Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids October 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 09/28/2025 - 11:45am

Join the Monster Party at Legoland's Brick-or-Treat this month. Photo courtesy of Legoland

Halloween is the name of the game in October, which means Westchester and the Hudson Valley are alive with pumpkin patches, haunted houses, fall festivals, and of course trick-or-treating—there are so many opportunities to wear Halloween costumes!

From Oktoberfests to spooktacular celebrations, the region has standout events all month long, including the Sleepy Hollow Paddleboarding Witches Festival and the Tarrytown Halloween Parade. And don't miss taking a scenic train ride to a pumpkin patch on the Catskill Mountain Railroad's Pumpkin Express.

Families can also enjoy spectacular pumpkin light shows throughout the month at the Westchester favorite Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze or at the site of the Woodstock Festival at Peace, Love & Pumpkins at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this month—we're adding more events to the Westchester Events Calendar every day.

Katherine Dhurandhar

Latest posts by Katherine

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