SPORTS
Mini Golf
Golf may be a humbling sport, but miniature golf is tons of fun. Grab a club and get out on the course at these local spots:
Brookside Mini Golf @ Tibbetts Brook Park
Midland Ave., Yonkers. 557-5046
Saxon Woods Mini Golf
Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 995-2618
Rye Playland Mini Golf
Playland Access Dr., Rye. 813-7000
Baseball
There’s nothing like the joy of a day (or evening) at the ballpark. To make the visit economical and especially family-friendly consider the local Minor League and Independent League Baseball teams in our area:
Brooklyn Cyclones
Single-A Affiliate of the New York Mets MCU Park
1904 Surf Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.
718-449-8497
Staten Island Yankees
Single-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees
Richmond County Bank Ballpark
75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, N.Y. 718-720-9265
Hudson Valley Renegades
Single-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays
Dutchess Stadium
1500 Rte. 9D, Wappinger Falls, N.Y.
845-838-0094
Biking
Forget just letting the kids ride their bike in the driveway, let them try a new trail for extra fun.
North County and South County Trailways parks.
Blue Mountain Reservation parks.
westchestergov.com/blue-mountainreservation
The Bronx River Pathway parks.
westchestergov.com/bronx-riverreservation
THE ARTS
Westchester Broadway Theatre
Enjoy dinner and a show in an intimate setting. This is ideal for youngsters as they won’t have trouble seeing from any seat in the house. Godspell is performed Aug. 1-2 and 6-9. Other musical revues are scheduled during the month, see website for details. One Broadway Plaza, Elmsford. 592-2222. broadwaytheatre.com.
ArtsWestchester
Be sure to check out Music in the Air, a summerlong group of events that are family-friendly and affordable. Many events are completely free. Hear opera, jazz, tribute bands, an orchestra and see a 90-minute production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. More events and details online at artswestchester.org.
3-D Rhythm of Latin Soul
Two-time Latin Grammy Nominee Michael Tate leads a band he describes as “3-D” – dynamic, diverse and danceable. Influenced by salsa, gospel and Caribbean rhythms, the band’s melodies are reminiscent of classic Latin performers. The performance at 7 p.m. on Aug. 12 is free and ideal for all ages. Renaissance Plaza, Mamaroneck Ave. and Main St., White Plains. cityofwhiteplains.com.
NATURE
Get the kids outside this summer to explore nature, have fun and get some exercise.
New York Botanical Garden
Visit this National Historic Landmark with 250 acres, 50 display gardens, a 50-acre native forest, programs, exhibits, activities, family events, a Children’s Adventure Garden and a Family Garden. The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Pkwy at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.
Muscoot Farm
Muscoot is a working farm with plenty of space for kids to run and explore, animals to see and picnic tables for a packed lunch. Even better, you can stay and play all day for free. The weekends feature family activities such as nature inspired art projects, hayrides and a farmers’ market. It’s one of the best bets in Westchester. Stay for an hour or a full day! Muscoot Farm, Rte. 100, Somers. 864-7282. muscootfarm.org.
Croton Point Park
Try camping at this local park that provides a campground with tent sites, cabins and RV or car camping. Plenty of activities: pool, beach, biking, fishing, nature center. Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson. 862-5290. westchestergov.com/parks.
INSIDE FUN
Don’t let a little rain derail your plans for fun. These venues will keep the family entertained and active.
Westchester Children’s Museum
This summer marks the opening of 4,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits. While construction continues on other parts of the Museum, the galleries overlooking the Boardwalk and Long Island Sound are open to visitors. Tentative hours in August are Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There is a pay-as-you-wish admission policy through the summer. Westchester Children’s Museum, Boardwalk Galleries, Rye Playland. 421-5050. discoverWCM.org.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children
There are many engaging and educational hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages. Toddlers will enjoy a space just for them – Tot Town. 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.
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.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
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.
Jean Sheff is associate publisher and editor of Westchester Family.
