School's Out ... 10 Fun Things To Do

It's that magical time of year again. The time between school and camp where the kids can sleep in, relax, go to the playground, pool, have endless playdates and get on your nerves. Just two days into summer break and you are all climbing the walls. A trip into the city is always an option. You can meet up with friends, wait on line at the American Girl Store or check out a museum. But, with several days to fill, there are things to do closer to home. This is in no way a definitive list but a few ideas. Feel free to share some of yours in the comments section below.

Outside Activities:

Muscoot Farm: Animals for the kids and history for you. This "Gentleman's Farm" was a dairy farm until the county took it over in the 1960s. Every Sunday there's a farmers market and an art gallery in the main house on weekends. The farm is located near Route 35 and 100 in Somers. http://www.muscootfarm.org

Pirates of The Hudson The Siege of Sleepy Hollow: Arrr! Before you have the kids walk the plank check this out. From July 2-4 Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow will hold its first ever pirate festival. Kids can take part in treasure hunts, run through a ship wreck and perfect their pirate patois (temporary tattoo included). Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for children under 18. 381 North Broadway, Route 9 in Sleepy Hollow, www.hudsonvalley.org

Saxon Woods Park: Right off the Hutch there is 700 acres for hiking, running, mini-golf and playgrounds. Saxon Woods boasts the county's largest swimming pool (county pass required) and a children's aquatic playground. Open 7 days a week from 8am-dusk. 1800 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains

Greenburgh Nature Center: Right off of Central Avenue is a little bit of wildlife. The GNC is a 33-acre nature preserve with trails, ponds and gardens. Inside the center kids can check out animals and reptiles. There is a wide range of weekend programs throughout the summer including Water Olympics, a puppet show and a storywalk. Space may be limited, but the GNC also offers camp to kids interested in the environment and animals. 90 Dromore Road, Scarsdale. www.Greenburghnaturecenter.org

Bronx Zoo: So, the cobra was a little unhappy, but the kids will love it. Top attractions include the Butterfly Garden, the Children's Zoo and a LEGO Wildlife Expedition that's on from July-September. Ticket prices vary. Weekends get crowded so if you have a weekday off, go then. Also, even if your little one is a good walker, consider a stroller for your young pre-schooler. There is a lot of walking and a lot of hills. Off the Bronx River Parkway and Boston Road. http://www.bronxzoo.com/

Scarsdale Pool: Don’t forget special events closer to home at the Scarsdale Pool during July 4th weekend. The fireworks spectacular is planned for Friday night July 1st, scheduled to begin around 9:15 pm. And on Monday July 4th, the staff hosts a Carnival Day (for pool members only) with fun, games and races from 11 am – 4 pm. Visit www.Scarsdale.com for more details.

Inside Activities: Sometimes it’s just too hot or rainy to stay outside. Here’s a selection of what the great indoors has to offer:

The Scarsdale Public Library: From Baby Yoga to music classes to Chess Club for older kids, there is something happening nearly every day at the town’s library. Best of all, it’s all free. Check out www.Scarsdalelibrary.org for a calendar of events and to sign up.

Dino Dig: Go on your own expedition at this Mamaroneck spot. The kids will get a bucket and shovel so they can dig for fossils and other treasures. Call in advance to set up a time for a dig. The website says no drop offs. 914-381-3466. 300 Phillips Park Road in Mamaroneck. http://www.dinodigusa.com/

White Plains Bowl: Open every day from 9 am until midnight, this is a fun activity for families no matter what time of day. The Bowling Alley’s Summer Unplugged promotion allows kids under 16 to bowl for free (restrictions may apply). 47 Tarrytown Road, White Plains. http://www.amf.com/whiteplainslanes

Grand Prix: Go Karts, an arcade and a bouncy castle! Who needs to play outside with this massive play space up in Bedford Hills. Big kids and grown ups will speed along in go-karts on the inside track. Little kids can jump for hours on the bouncy castle. There is also a full service restaurant complete with ‘grown up’ beverages. 333 North Bedford Rd. Mt. Kisco. Check for hours and availability since they vary at 914-241-3131 or www.gpny.com.

Jen is a freelance journalist who has covered the economy and markets for over a decade at a major financial news outlet. She lives in Scarsdale with her husband and 2 children. Jen has yet to bake a successful batch of cookies.