What To Do With The Kids During Winter Break

BRONXVILLE-EASTCHESTER, NY—School's out so parents may be interested in some fun winter break activities for their offspring. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun, enlightening and educational children's activities to be found in the Hudson Valley. Here's what we found.

If we missed a favorite activity, let us know in the comments below.

Westchester

Westchester Children's Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye
The museum offers interactive exhibits that teach children about physics, science, art, technology and design. The museum is usually open Wednesdays through Sundays, but the only winter break hours are from noon to 5p.m. on Dec. 26.

Hudson River Museum and Planetarium, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers

The winter break School’s Out, Stars Are In program features lots of family-friendly activities. All week long, students on break are welcome to River Tours, Family Studio: Art, Family Studio: Science, and free Planetarium Shows. Participants must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Legoland Discovery Center, 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers

Legoland Discovery Center Westchester is an indoor family entertainment center located at Ridge Hill Shopping Center. The attraction includes Lego rides, a soft play area, a 4D cinema and a gift shop.

Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St. (Route 22), Katonah

The museum's Schools Out Arts In programs for kids include a variety of workshops. On Dec. 26 it's Bedazzled Assemblage. On Dec. 27, it's Mixed Media Portrait, on Dec. 28 it's Wearable Art, and on Dec. 29 it's Mini Assemblage. The museum features an interactive Children's Learning Center.

Museum at the John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay Street, Katonah

Families can kick-start the New Year from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 1 at the historic site. During the First Day Family Fun event, visitors can hike around the grounds and warm up by the bonfire with a cup of hot cocoa. Pick up self-guided landscape tour between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. at the registration table in the main parking lot. Free admission.

Yorktown Museum, 1974 Commerce Street, Yowktown
Exhibits and artifacts help children explore the history of Westchester's earliest inhabitants.

Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem

Howl with the wolves for the holidays. A Holiday Howl , where kids can learn more about wolves, takes place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 26. A Pack Chat takes place at 11 a.m. on the 28th and 2 p.m. on the 30th. Check the site for more programs.

The Pelham Art Center, 1 Fifth Avenue, Pelham

The center has a Holiday Break Camp for ages 3-7, and one for kids 8-14, from Dec. 26 to 29. Classes combine a dynamic mix of art and movement, in a real studio including experiments clay, paint and mixed media followed by creative movement, acting and storytelling. Students must bring their own lunch.
Drop in rate $90/day; $81/day members

Paper Bag Players, 13 Library Lane, Mamaroneck

The non-profit players present an absurdly funny show for kids, ages three to eight, at 11 a.m and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 26 at the Emelin Theater.

Rockland

Edward Hopper House Art Center, 82 North Broadway, Nyack

This center focuses on the life and work of iconic American artist Edward Hopper. Every weekend teen leaders engage families in " Hop Into Art " workshops. Open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday or by appointment.

Town of Ramapo Challenger Center, 225 Route 59, Airmont

The center offers interactive learning experience in science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as planetarium shows. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend hours vary. For information on holiday camps, click here.

Bear Mountain Ice Skating Rink, 7 Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove

From Dec. 26 to Dec. 30, rink hours are 10 to 11:30 a.m., noon to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3:30 p.m., 4 to 5:30 p.m., 6 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 9:30 p.m. On New Year's Eve, hours are 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., noon to 1:30 p.m., 3 to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m.

Mount Peter, 51 Old Mount Peter Road, Warwick

Want to get the kids on the slopes? Mount Peter offers free beginner lessons on the weekends for skiers 5 and older. Toddlers and preschoolers can check out the Pete's Pals lesson program for potty-trained kids up to age 4. There are also five different racing teams for various ages and experience levels.

Billy Beez Indoor Playground, 1282 Palisade Center Drive, West Nyack

An indoor playground where kids can run, jump, bounce, slide and climb their way to adventure.

West Point Museum, 2110 New South Post Rd, West Point

A military academy museum that showcases the history of the U.S. army, warfare and weapons.

Putnam
The Putnam Children's Discovery Center, 854 Route 6, Mahopac
Hands-on science exhibits for toddlers to teens, from fantasy play areas and puppet shows to workshops in magic, art, chess, computers, and drama.

Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison
The elegant Federal era period house museum offers insight into area history and the grounds also boast hiking trails. The museum is closed from January through March but there are winter break activities in the last week of the year. There's a family friendly tour where children can search for gingerbread kids in every room. Crafts and activities include candle making, pomander balls, and winter globe ornaments.

Spins Bowl, 23 Old Route 6, Carmel Hamlet

Kids need to burn off some energy? Spins Bowl offers bowling, arcade games, laser tag and more

Florrie Kaye's Tea Room, 69 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel
If your child loves tea parties and can sit still long enough to have one, take her for grown-up tea at Florrie Kaye's where people get the check in volumes of Jane Austen books and grown-ups wear hats.

Mid Hudson Valley

FDR Presidential Library and Museum, 4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
Learn about Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, the New Deal and World War II. Hours are 9 to 5 p.m. November through March.

Dia Beacon, 3 Beekman Street, Beacon
Budding artists will enjoy the innovative art found at the Dia Beacon. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Monday, from January through March.

Mid Hudson Children's Museum, 75 North Water Street, Poughkeepsie
Exhibits that get kids moving, exploring and creating. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Two programs planned for break week include The Gingerbread Man Play at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 28 and a Puppet Maker Lab from 11 to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 29.

Senate House State Historic Site, 296 Fair Street, Kingston
The site was a significant meeting place during the Revolutionary War. From November 1 through April 14 visits are by appointment only. To schedule a visit, contact the site.

Museum of Firefighting, 117 Howard Avenue, Hudson

The FASNY Museum of Firefighting contains collections of firefighting apparatus, equipment, gear and memorabilia. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Museum offers interactive family-friendly opportunities but most interactive activities are for children ages, three to eight, who are at least 36" tall. Children two and under (or under 36" tall) or will not be able to participate in most of these activities due to safety concerns.

Photo: Courtesy of the Mid Hudson Children's Museum