September 1, 2021
Follow us
Places to Go
Written and photographed by Sarah Einhorn
With Sukkos around the corner, the question is what to do on Chol Hamoed. Chol Hamoed Sukkos this year is split up by a Shabbos, so overnight trips are not so practical. I’m sharing some places I’ve visited and enjoyed in the Westchester area that I hope you will enjoy as well.
We decided to take a walk and enjoy the Lasdon Park and Arboretum one mild summer day. We didn’t need to think twice about whether it was worth a visit since there was no outrageous entrance fee. Actually, there is no entrance fee at all, although donations are appreciated!
The gardens are beautiful and the standards are just as high as gardens which charge entrance fees. In addition to regular flowers and trees, there was some unusual foliage. We entered the park opposite the pretty Lasdon Memorial Garden with a fountain in the center and a statue of two children playing on top. The greenhouse and museum were closed when we visited so we headed up to the popular dinosaur garden. We continued to the lake and Chinese Garden through a beautiful path with some unusual trees. After walking about fifteen minutes, we got to the serene lake near the Chinese Garden. We sat down on one of the benches and enjoyed our picnic lunch. When we were done, we continued a bit around the lake before heading back to the car after a very enjoyable day.
Address:
2610 NY-35
Katonah, NY 10536
Phone Number:
914-864-7263
Park Hours: 8 A.M.- 4 P.M.
Museum: 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. Wednesday – Sunday
Price: Free. Donations are appreciated.
Approximate Distance from Flatbush: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Croton Landing Park: Croton-On-Hudson, NY
The kids wanted to visit a park where they could enjoy biking and roller blading, and I wanted beautiful views to go along with it. Croton Landing Park checked all the boxes. The main feature of the park is the 1.25-mile paved pathway alongside the Hudson River. The views of the river are magnificent, and there are many benches along the way to sit and enjoy the views. The pathway ends at the 911 Memorial where there is space to turn around and head back. The Park seems quite popular for people wanting to enjoy both nature and fresh air. While we were biking on the path, I noticed many beautiful trees and flowers alongside the path, and on one side near the parking lot is a big field where there were some people playing soccer.
Address:
1 Van Wyck Street
Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Hours:
5AM – 11P.M.
Price: Free
Approximate Distance from Flatbush: 1 hour, 10 minutes
The gated-in Senasqua Park located near Croton Landing Park is a great place to visit in addition to Croton Landing Park or while other family members bike and walk at Croton Landing. Senasqua Park is a small park that juts out a bit into the Hudson River. The park consists of grassy areas with many benches and picnic tables scattered about. There are also grills near some of the tables. There’s a large picnic pavilion with many tables that can be rented out for events. The playground and volleyball court are set on beach sand. When we were at the park, we enjoyed watching people enjoy a leisurely boat ride in the water nearby. Extending from the park alongside the water (not on the same side as Croton Landing) is the Riverwalk, a walkway alongside the water leading all the way down to Croton Point Park.
Address:
2 Elliott Way
Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Hours:
8AM–10 P.M.
Price: Free
Approximate Distance from Flatbush: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Website: https://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/home/news/senasqua-park-reopen-may-30th
————-
————-
Westchester Children’s Museum: Rye, NY
Westchester Children’s Museum, located on the boardwalk near Rye Playland Amusement Park, is one of the few places that caters to the little tikes. When I visited the museum with my young nieces and nephews, they really enjoyed the interactive activities even though the museum is not large at all. There are coloring projects, water painting and building activities, and there are plenty of staff members ready to help the children with their projects. They also put back all the supplies after the children use them, so that all will be ready for the next group of kids to use. The activities include a tubular fan that blows papers and the like. Children can build their own roller coaster and send a ball down the track. The Westchester Children’s Museum offers wholesome quality family fun and when you end your visit you can always take a walk on the boardwalk by the water just outside.
Address:
100 Playland Pkwy
Rye, NY 10580
Phone Number:
Price:
Parking in Rye Playland Parking lot: Parking fee $10
Approximate Distance from Flatbush: 55 minutes
————-
Sportstime USA Elmsford, NY
Our extended family has a yearly get together at Sportstime USA. It is an all-time favorite for all ages. There are many rides and games and they keep adding more. The main large room has a rock-climbing wall, a freefall ride, and a ride with seats all around that swings almost upside down. The 3-level soft play and ball area is in one corner of the large room and there are lots and lots of arcades, with every possible game, spread throughout the room. The tickets earned from the games can be redeemed at the prize counter. On one side, adjacent to the big room, are batting cages. On the other side there is laser tag and the back room where there are bumper cars, a swing ride, and a Himalayan ride. Children and adults can spend hours in this clean and fun environment. There are two large party rooms that can be rented out for private events or parties.
Address:
380 Sawmill River Rd
Elmsford, NY 10523
Phone Number:
(914) 592-2111
Hours:
Call for the current hours.
Price:
Check online for the current options: https://sportimeusa.com/prices/
Approximate Distance from Flatbush: 55 minutes
————-
Muscoot Farm: Katonah, NY
I was extremely impressed with Muscoot Farm. It is not your typical farm but a combination of history, agriculture, and wildlife in an ideal setting. The farm is set on 777 acres with more than six miles of hiking trails through the beautiful scenic areas. When we visited one very sunny day this summer, we enjoyed strolling around the grounds and observing the many animals including goats, chickens, pigs, turkeys, and ducks. The horses and donkeys stayed in their huts to avoid the hot sun, but we were able to spot the cattle from afar. Historic farm buildings to explore include the milk house, the ice house, the brooder house, and the carriage house, as well as the museum house. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the grounds and many outside the concession stand in the shade. The butterfly garden at the side of the concession stand has beautiful flowers to walk through.
Information, prices, and hours posted here are current as of August 26. It is advisable to call ahead or check online to confirm hours and prices.
Address:
51 NY-100
Katonah, NY 10536
Hours:
10AM – 4 P.M.
Price:
Free. Donations are appreciated
Approximate Distance from Flatbush: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Website: http://muscootfarm.org/
————-
You must be logged in to post a comment.
