Andrus Planetarium at the Hudson River Museum
Hot sweltering days were made for a visit to the only public planetarium in Westchester County. The Planetarium recently underwent a $1.5 million renovation and is now equipped with state-of-the-art projectors that can transport viewers from Earth to visit the Apollo landing sites on the moon, fly them through the rings of Saturn, view the Cassini space probe on its journey, or newest of all, discover the exoplanetary systems beyond the sun. And when you’ve gone through what the planetarium has to offer be sure to enjoy the rest of the Museum.
511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 963-4550. hrm.org.
Bouncing…
Here are two places where kids can burn off energy. Bounce! Trampoline Sports and BounceU of Elmsford offer indoor venues that literally allow kids to bounce off the walls. See the websites and learn about their open bounce schedule.
BounceU of Elmsford, 150 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford. 874-5200. BounceU.com/elmsford.
Bounce! Trampoline Sports, 612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage. 845-268-4000. http://bounceonit.com.
The Cliffs at Valhalla
Don’t let the kids climb the walls at home take them to do some real wall climbing. It’s great exercise and provides hours of fun. The Learn to Climb Package is a great introduction to the sport. Build confidence and technique by taking classes, joining an after school group or climbing team. Want to just walk in and climb? That’s available too!
1 Commerce Park, Valhalla. 328-7625. thecliffsclimbing.com
Grand Prix New York
More than your average entertainment complex, Grand Prix New York offers high-speed indoor Go-Karting racing, a new Spins Bowl bowling alley, arcades, giant bouncy inflatables and dining. Check website for details.
333 North Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco. 241-3131. gpny.com.
Leapin’ Lizards
Conveniently located in the Kohl’s shopping center in Port Chester, Leapin’ Lizards is home to ball pits, slides, mazes, tunnels and a foam forest! An arcade and dining areas for groups to eat are also for you to enjoy.
421 Boston Post Road, Port Chester. 937-5867. leaplizards.com.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
There’s something for every age kid here. Take part in activities with the Master Model Builder and see MINILAND where New York’s top attractions are made of LEGOS. Then play in the soft play area, see the 4D cinema and enjoy a wide variety of LEGO activities.
Westchester’s Ridge Hill, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. 866-243-0770. legolanddiscoverycenter.com.
LIFE: The Place to Be
State-of-the-art arcade games, laser tag, a rockclimbing wall, and four mini bowling alleys are only some of the offerings. This 25,000-square-foot family-fun entertainment center also runs birthday parties and hosts events of any kind for 30 to more than 500 people.
2 Lawrence St., Ardsley. 591-4400. lifetheplacetobe.com.
Maritime Aquarium
See river otters, sea stars, sand tiger sharks and many more water loving friends! Classic IMAX movies, specially made by the aquarium, can also be seen here.
10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.
Neuberger Museum
Not only is the Nueberger a great place to take in art on a hot day it’s also free for children ages 12 and under! The Neuberger houses modern, contemporary and African art. They also host Family Second Saturdays, a day of free hands-on art activities, tours and performances for families the second Saturday of every month.
Purchase College, State University of New York, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase. 251-6100. neuberger.org.
New Roc City
Arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars and roller coaster simulators are only the beginning. There are glow-in-the-dark bowling and miniature golf facilities along with an indoor go-cart track! It is also home to an IMAX theatre and a large Megaplex with 18 movie theaters.
33 Lecount Pl., New Rochelle. 637-7575. newroccity.com.
Sportime USA
This indoor family entertainment center is home to more than 200 video games, bumper cars, laser tag, batting cages, miniature bowling and an accessible rock-climbing wall for children. There is also a massive two level jungle gym filled with slides, mazes and balls. Food and refreshments and restrooms are all on-site.
380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford. 592-2111. sportimeusa.com.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children
The many engaging and educational exhibits offered are sure to keep your child entertained and educated throughout the day. Visit the new “Making Space” exhibit that encourages creative experimentation and play. If you have a toddler be sure to visit the Tot Town designed especially for the littlest museum enthusiasts.
303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.
WeeZee … The Science of Play
Welcome to Westchester’s first indoors, sensory play space. Spanning some 18,000 square feet, WeeZee’s includes an innovative concept and design, as well as state-of-the-art equipment. The play space is great for children of all abilities and ages, including children with Sensory Integration Disorder and learning disabilities spanning the spectrum from dyslexia to autism. There are 35 different elements of training equipment designed to strengthen nervous system conduction in a way that improves academic performance, athletic coordination and social connections in children of all ages. And children just think they are having fun! Annual memberships are available.
Chappaqua Crossing, 480 Bedford Road, Chappaqua. 752-2100. weezeeworld.com.
Westchester Table Tennis
Open seven days a week, this 15,000-square-foot table tennis haven draws men, women and children from all across the county. Play for an hour or play for a day all for a drop in fee of $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 20, including paddles and balls. Yearly memberships, league games and group training or one-on-one lessons are also available.
