A Winter Playground for Family Fun

Start the day in Yorktown Heights at White Oak Farm, Westchester’s commercial maple syrup producer. In addition to syrup, the farm store sells maple sugar, maple popcorn, brittle, candies and butter. February and March are prime time for visitors, when sugaring is in full swing.

From there, it’s just a short drive to meet the award-winning huacaya alpacas and Icelandic horses at Faraway Farm Alpacas (no drop-ins, so reserve your private tour in advance). Drop by the gift shop for artisan creations including “the world’s softest stuffed animals.”

After a fond farewell to your new furry friends, turn west to the Hudson River and the charming art-filled town of Peekskill. Taco Dive Bar is a great local lunch stop with family-friendly takeout options.

Snow or no snow, your next stop is Croton Gorge Park, where, depending on the weather, you can spend an afternoon sledding or take a stroll across the road (open to pedestrian and bike traffic only) that spans the Croton River for spectacular views of historic Croton Dam.

Winter is prime time to view bald eagles at Croton Point Park, just minutes away in Ossining. Or, travel a bit farther south (and back in time) to the historic village of Sleepy Hollow to tour the cemetery where Washington Irving is buried.

Either way, cap off the day with a sweet treat from Brrzaar in nearby Irvington, where the temptations range from specialty hot chocolates, in flavors like Nutella salted caramel and unicorn peanut butter, to frozen yogurt with all the toppings.

Stay the night
Turn your family day into a getaway with a night at the Westchester Marriot.