School’s out for summer, things at the office are slow – clearly it’s time again for
that ubiquitous rite of summer – the family vacation. Traveling with the whole family
can be a challenge, but also a grand adventure. If you plan ahead, seek out unique
activities that offer something for all family members, remain flexible and keep your
sense of humor, your run of the mill family vacation can turn into an experience to
be remembered.

The first big decision – where to go? Naturally, for arts lovers traveling with their kids,
we recommend Westchester County. The County is easily navigable by car, and
abounds with world-class accommodations, shopping, restaurants, beaches, parks,
museums ... Yes, museums. A trip to a museum is not always greeted with
enthusiasm by the younger set. But if they can be persuaded, Westchester’s
museums offer a tremendous variety of themes, family-oriented tours and hands-on
activities sure to impress even the most discerning teen.

The Hudson River Museum in Yonkers is well known for its six modern galleries
displaying 19th and 20th century American art in the restored Glenview mansion.
Currently on display are two exhibits featuring kites of all shapes, colors and sizes.
But that’s not all; the museum also offers free concerts and movies throughout the
summer, and a hands-on area that allows children to learn about the universe. Not
to be missed are the star shows in the Andrus Planetarium, featuring the state of the
art Zeiss M1015 Star Machine. (914) 963-4550, www.hrm.org.

Travel north along the Hudson River to the lovely villages of Tarrytown and Sleepy
Hollow, and pay a visit to the Historic Hudson Valley sites Sunnyside and
Philipsburg Manor. At Sunnyside, Thursdays in August feature From a Child's
Perspective. Parents and children are invited to take a highly engaging, specially
tailored tour of Washington Irving’s historic home. The tour is presented with a
special child's eye view of the 19th century: enjoy tales of Sunnyside's young
residents, an interactive scavenger hunt, hands-on activities, and displays of period
toys. Just a few miles away from Sunnyside, Philipsburg Manor may be the most
popular site in the Hudson Valley for children. This working 17th century farm and
trading center features demonstrations of early farm techniques using live oxen,
cows, and sheep. A working water-powered grist-mill is fascinating for children of all
ages, and demonstrations of spinning and open-hearth cooking in the tenant farmer's
house are scheduled frequently. www.hudsonvalley.org.

For a fine art experience, visit the Katonah Museum of Art on a Thursday or
Sunday in August for special family time at the Museum. These days kick off with at
1pm with a See-and-Do Art Family Tour. Educators lead young visitors on a tour of
the exhibition Richard Diebenkorn Prints, and then follow up with printmaking
activities in the Learning Center and Sculpture Garden. The whole family can
experiment with block printing, stamping, solar prints, and much more! Children
ages 4 and up with an adult, free with Museum admission. (914) 232-9555.
www.katonah-museum.org

Is theater more your thing? Many of Westchester’s theaters, such as the Emelin
Theater in Mamaroneck, offer special summer samplings that will delight both
young and old. Don’t miss maroinettes performing Hansel and Gretel, or come see
local kids taking to the stage in the Jungle Book.
www.emelin.org/summer04/children.htm.

Movie lovers should note the dates for Screenings Under the Stars, the free outdoor
film series presented by Westchester County and the Jacob Burns Film Center.
Catch family films such as Shrek and ET: The Extraterrestrial. Movies will be
preceeded by games and contests, and refreshements will be available.Bring a
blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy the show! For schedule information see
www.westchestergov.com/parks.

If you happen to the be in the area on August 14, and are on the lookout for a truly
unique family experience, head up to Mohegan Lake in the northern part of the
county for the Mohegan Colony Storytelling Festival. This Fourth Annual all-day
storytelling and music festival takes place in the historic Mohegan Colony, where
once upon a time Pete Seeger and Paul Robeson performed. Nationally and
regionally known tellers and musicians appear on the Pavilion stage telling adult
tales, while family programs go on in the stone school house opposite. Gather round
a bonfire on the Mohegan Lake Beach for Ghost Stories in the evening, rain or shine!
All venues are covered, food and refreshments available. Bring towels if you wish to
have a dip in the lake. For more info contact Judith Heineman, 773-288-7217.

Of course, no Westchester family vacation would be complete without a stop at
Playland, the region’s premiere amusement park and entertainment center.
Playland features 50 rides for children and adults, including roller coasters, vertical
thrills, water rides, and Kiddyland. Playland also has a beach, boardwalk and pier on
beautiful Long Island Sound, swimming pool, lake boating, picnic area, free
entertainment, mini golf and indoor ice-skating, as well as a FREE summer concert
series offering music for every taste. Thrilling firework displays are set off at 9:15pm,
every Wednesday and Friday in July and August. Owned and operated by
Westchester County, Playland has the distinction of being America's first totally
planned amusement park and a prototype for today's successful theme parks. The
park is highlighted by Art Deco structures and a distinct grass and flower covered
mall. Check out www.ryeplayland.org for a complete schedule of events, directions
and other info.

So what are you waiting for? Get the family together, load up the SUV, and head to
Westchester for some unforgettable summer FUN!