Sonia Gonzalez

Sonia Gonzalez

Sonia is a veteran editor and writer for Mommy Poppins. She loves exploring greater New York with her husband and their three kids and is always on the looking out for innovative, educational and fun things to do with them. She is thrilled to have this platform to share what she finds with Mommy Poppins readers.

Latest posts by Sonia

Best Pumpkin Patches in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 09/14/2025 - 9:56am

Kelder's Farm in Kerhonkson offers acres of pumpkins to pick, plus tons of family-friendly activities and seasonal photo-ops. Photo courtesy of the farm

It's fall and pumpkin spice time! It's also time to find a pumpkin to paint or carve into a jack o'lantern. While you can find plenty of pumpkins at the grocery store, nothing beats the feeling of picking your own perfect orange beauty straight from the field. And it's a great experience for the whole family to see how they are cultivated on local farms.

We've highlighted our favorite pumpkin patches in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, many of which also host fall festivals featuring pumpkin picking and farm activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos. Many of these local farms are also in picturesque locations, making the perfect backdrop for those fall family photos.

For more fun things to do with kids this autumn, check out our Westchester & Hudson Valley Halloween Guide and our Fall Fun Guide.

14 Best Gymnastics Classes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Kids in 2025

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 09/05/2025 - 10:12am

Gymnastics City in Cortlandt Manor offers classes for all ages, from tumbling tots to competitive teens. Photo courtesy of the venue

Kids love to run, jump, hang, climb, and flip—and most are just as likely to tackle the playground monkey bars as they are to use their bed as a trampoline. Channeling that energy and sense of adventure through a sport like gymnastics can be a great way to enhance motor skills and encourage safe play and exploration, making it an ideal first activity for many young children (honestly, who doesn’t love a jumbo-sized trampoline or a massive foam pit?).

There are plenty of great options for gymnastics classes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and we've rounded them up for you here. Our picks include classes for a range of ages, from mommy-and-me classes for parents and toddlers to competitive teams for teens and tweens. Some even offer specialty programs such as dance, ninja courses, and cheer tumbling.

For more fun and enriching programs for Westchester and Hudson Valley kids, check out our Classes Guide, which includes our story on free and cheap after-school programs in the region.

Apple Picking in the Hudson Valley: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 08/24/2025 - 12:25pm

Pick from a number of apple varieties at Hudson Valley orchards. Photo by Leslie Seaton via Flickr

Apple picking season is here, and many Hudson Valley and Westchester farms celebrate with kid-friendly entertainment, including live music, corn mazes, and hayrides.

I used to look forward to apple picking every year as a child, and now I have just as much fun watching my little ones run through the orchards—not to mention indulging in fresh-pressed apple cider.

For more fall fun, be sure to check out our rundown of the top spots for hot, delicious cider doughnuts in the area and our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Hudson Valley and Westchester farms.

Best Sledding Hills in Westchester for Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 01/19/2025 - 6:53am

Westchester has sledding hills for everyone from tots to teens. Photo by Marisa Iallonardo

When the flakes fly, visions of sledding hills fill kids' heads, and all they can think of is bundling up and getting outside for some snow day fun. If your family's plans include sledding, consider heading to one of these popular sledding hills in Westchester County. We've also got a separate post with top picks for sledding hills in the Hudson Valley in case you want to make your wintery adventure a daycation, plus some helpful tips for keeping little ones safe while they sled.

Be sure to check our Guide to Winter Fun in Westchester and our Boredom Busters Guide for more ideas to keep kids busy on cold winter days.

12 Hotel Suites Around the World That Will Blow Your Kids' Minds

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sat, 12/21/2024 - 12:00pm

SpongeBob fans will go nuts for this pineapple-themed suite. Photo courtesy of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana

When planning a family getaway, where you stay can easily be as exciting as the vacation destination. Amazing hotel suites, bungalows, and villas abound, offering one-of-a-kind experiences for kids and families—they may even end up becoming the main attraction.

We've rounded up 12 splurge-worthy options from across the globe. These suites, bungalows, and villas are designed to spark imaginations and ignite adventure for kids of all ages, with plenty to offer for mom and dad, too. For more travel ideas, check out our Family Travel Guide.

Enchanting Christmas and Holiday-Themed Day Trips from NYC

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 12:08pm

Take a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express in Whippany, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Morristown and Eerie Railway

While New York City is magical during the holiday season, sometimes you're in the mood for a holiday day trip. If you're looking to get away and experience some holiday happenings not too far from home, we've found 15 great holiday day trips near NYC, where kids can see Santa, dazzling Christmas lights, and even a North Pole village.

From right-in-our-backyard picks to rustic Christmas fun in Mystic, Connecticut, and a theme-park pick in the Hudson Valley, here are 15 picture-perfect holiday day trips worth a drive or train trek this season.

Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for more seasonal fun and our Day Trips Guide for more local travel destinations.

See Bronx Zoo Like a Local: Top Tips for a Great Visit with Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Tue, 10/22/2024 - 1:41pm

The Bronx Zoo is full of amazing animals and surprises await around every bend of its sprawling grounds.

First opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo has been a top destination for local NYC families, tourists, and animal lovers of all kinds for generations. I've been a regular at this zoo since I was a child, and now that I'm a parent of three kids in the Bronx, we consider it an extension of our backyard.

Located in the heart of the Bronx at the southern end of Bronx Park and near the borough's own Little Italy, the Bronx Zoo is easily accessible via public transit or by car. One visit is sure to leave a lasting impression, though you'll need more than one trip to experience all there is to see and do. And, since it is the nation's largest urban zoo, it helps to have some pointers before you go—especially if you are visiting with kids. So, read on for 13 tips on visiting the Bronx Zoo like a local. You'll find more parent-tested tips for top NYC destinations in our Visitors Guide to New York City.

14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 08/09/2024 - 11:51am

Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

New York City is unlike any other place in the world, but sometimes we still need a break and these family-friendly weekend getaways near NYC are a great excuse to skip town for a weekend with the family. You don't have to travel far to feel like you're a world away.

We've rounded up 14 of our favorite kid-friendly weekend getaways near NYC for families—all are within 3 hours of NYC. If you're looking for other comprehensive guides to weekend getaways near NYC, check out our definitive list of the Hudson Valley's top attractions, our exhaustive survey of family-friendly options in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, plus our list of New York State's top attractions for families.

Sonia Gonzalez

Latest posts by Sonia

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