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

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

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Sun, 07/27/2025 - 9:32am

Make a splash at the Muddy Puddles Mess Fest in Mahopac. Photo courtesy of the fest

There are tons of things to do in August in Westchester and the Hudson Valley–enjoy outdoor movies and concerts, summer festivals, and the best beach days. After all, summer is not over yet!

All aboard! Kids won't want to miss a ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad's Dinosaur Express, featuring dinosaur hunters and roaming dinos on the train ride that ends at a dinosaur park. Alternatively, families who don't mind a little dirt (or a lot!) are invited to beat the heat by getting muddy with Peppa Pig at the Muddy Puddles Mess Fest in Mahopac.

Our picks this August also include multiple family-friendly sunflower festivals in the Hudson Valley, such as the Sunflower Festival at Barton Orchards and the Sunflower Extravaganza at Kelder's Farm, both of which feature great photo-ops and tons of activities for kids and adults.

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.

4th of July Weekend 2025 in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Best Things To Do

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on Fri, 07/04/2025 - 10:23am

Poughkeepsie's fireworks show at Walkway Over the Hudson sets off sparklers viewable all along the Hudson. Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do this 4th of July weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

It's the 4th of July weekend, which means fireworks are lighting up the sky in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Consider visiting one of the many family-friendly fairs and festivals, including the Great American Weekend, Cornwall's 4th of July Celebration, or the Mamaroneck Fireworks Spectacular and Fireman's Carnival.

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.

Katherine Dhurandhar

Latest posts by Katherine

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