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

4th of July and More Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley July 2025 with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 06/29/2025 - 10:58am

The Orange County Fair is New York's oldest fair and features family entertainment, midway rides, and games for all ages.. Photo courtesy of the fair

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this July? Here are all the family-friendly events and activities you should add to your list–from 4th of July fireworks to fun summer festivals.

It's July, and that means fireworks. We have highlighted just a few of the best places in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for viewing these amazing light shows, like Red, White, and Boom 4th of July at Legoland.

To keep kids entertained on those long summer days, many towns in Westchester are offering free children's activities and family-friendly performances throughout the summer, some on weekday evenings, including Nights in the Park in White Plains. July fairs and festivals include the Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival and Parade, as well as the annual Orange County Fair.

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

Father's Day Weekend 2025 in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Best Things To Do

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 06/13/2025 - 10:43am

Music lovers are invited to celebrate Father’s Day weekend at the Hudson River Music Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

Looking for the best things to do this Father's Day weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Kick off this Father's Day weekend with a Friday night Father's Day Movie Premiere Party for the new How to Train Your Dragon at the Palisades Center. The event features family-friendly activities, including craft stations, a dragon meet-and-greet, games, and contests. Or complete to win free Dave & Buster's for a year at the Dad Games at Dave & Buster's in Pelham Manor.

Music-loving dads can enjoy free live music at multiple venues at the River Arts Music Tour. Or attend the family-friendly Hudson River Music Festival, which features live music for parents and performances for kids by the Rock and Roll Playhouse, Arm-of-the-Sea puppet shows, stories, songs, art workshops, and more.

NOW OPEN: NYBG Van Gogh’s Flowers Wows with Immersive Exhibit Fun for Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Thu, 06/12/2025 - 10:00am

Van Gogh’s Flowers is now open at the New York Botanical Garden through October 26.

The Van Gogh’s Flowers exhibition is now open at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx through October 26. This family-friendly exhibit features large-scale sculptures, 3D floral still lifes, and a dazzling drone show that’ll wow all ages.

An immersive new exhibit inspired by some of the world’s most iconic works of art is a whole new reason to visit the New York Botanical Garden. With its bright and colorful displays, countless photo ops, interactive features and kids’ activities, Van Gogh’s Flowers at NYBG is a must-see that makes a great family day out for all ages.

After visiting on opening weekend, I’m sharing the inside scoop on why it’s fun for kids, plus answers to the most asked questions, ticket details, and tips, like don’t miss the one-of-a-kind nighttime experience that includes a drone show finale that brings “The Starry Night” to life in the most memorable way imaginable.

100 Unforgettable FREE Summer 2025 Activities for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 06/08/2025 - 7:11am

Bring your tots to Ridge Hill for the free Little Explorers programming. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill

Looking for FREE things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this summer? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

With school getting out soon, it's time for summer fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley! With amazing parks and beaches offering hundreds of acres of outdoor space, as well as awesome community libraries, it's no wonder that there are tons of FREE activities to keep kids occupied all summer.

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Free Outdoor Movies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Summer 2025 for Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 06/06/2025 - 7:41am

Catch free summer flicks in Yonkers at Ridge Hill's movie nights. Photo courtesy Ridge Hill

Summer offers up looser schedules and later bedtimes, and FREE outdoor movies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are a great way to take advantage of those seasonal perks.

We've rounded up an assortment of venues offering summer movies for kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley—films both old and new, and for a range of ages, often with the added appeal of a Hudson River view or sand in your shoes. Some of these outdoor movie series offer additional amenities like pre-film kid-friendly activities, live music, or food for purchase. But all have one thing in common: FREE summer fun!

For another way of enjoying outdoor movies, check out our roundup of drive-in movie theaters. And don't forget to consult our complete Summer Activity Guide or Family Activity Calendar.

24 Best Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids June 2025

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 05/30/2025 - 10:09am

Celebrate Juneteenth at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. Photo courtesy of the event

June in Westchester and the Hudson Valley brings festivals for Juneteenth, Father's Day, Pride Month, and ripe strawberries.

June is jam-packed with family-friendly events and activities, including Westchester's Annual Strawberry Festival and kid-friendly outdoor music festivals like the Hudson River Music Festival, held on Father's Day weekend. The music festival features performances by the Rock and Roll Playhouse, Arm-of-the-Sea puppet shows, and art workshops.

Families can also celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month at multiple family-friendly festivals, including the TLPC Juneteenth Celebration in New Rochelle's Glen Island Park and the STEM-based Pride Weekend at the Westchester Children's Museum.

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

Free Summer Concerts and Music Festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in 2025

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 05/23/2025 - 8:27am

Shake a leg to free summer concerts for kids at Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park. Photo courtesy of Jazz Forum Arts

Free Westchester and Hudson Valley, free summer concerts are a great way to make the most of longer days and comfortable temperatures. Many performances are held in the area's beautiful waterfront parks, with sunset views providing a stunning backdrop.

From jazz for kids to rockabilly to Afrobeats, there is something for everyone on the list we've rounded up below. Many events also offer food trucks or other tasty options.

For more family fun this season, bookmark our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

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

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 05/23/2025 - 8:25am

New York Botanical Garden's floral show Van Gogh's Flowers is inspired by the genius of the iconic artist Vincent van Gogh. Photo by Jody Mercier

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this long holiday weekend.

If you're staying in town for Memorial Day weekend, there's no shortage of fun things to do. Celebrate the beginning of summer with the opening of Westchester beaches and local water parks, plus the season opening of the Legoland New York Water Playground, or immerse yourself in a world of floral masterpieces when Van Gogh's Flowers blossom at the New York Botanical Garden.

Families can enjoy free admission to Rye's Playland Park all weekend as part of its Memorial Day weekend celebration, or catch the annual fireworks show at the Sons and Daughters of Italy Festival in Wappingers Falls, which also features carnival rides, a craft fair, and food vendors.

For an easy and cheap family getaway, check out our list of summer day trips and don't miss our rundown of top summer fairs and festivals in Westchester.

Katherine Dhurandhar

Latest posts by Katherine

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