Family-friendly fun for all

Caramoor's Friends Field is the location of many open-air concerts.  Photo courtesy of Caramoor

A guide to family activities and spots around town

By ELIZABETH COLOMBINI 

From working farms to parks and book stores, northern Westchester offers no shortage of interesting destinations for families looking for things to do. Here is a guide to get you started.

Muscoot Farm

A working farm owned and operated by Westchester County, Muscoot is one of the region’s top free-admission treasures. Kids can visit resident animals and explore original 19th-century barns, fields and woodlands spread across 777 acres. The popular Sunday Farmers Market returns in May and runs through November, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with more than 20 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods and artisan items.

Coming soon: Animal Interactions, March 22, from 1 to 2 p.m. Kids ages 8 and up can enter one of the farm’s enclosures to see, touch and learn more about an animal of the farmer’s choice. $25 per person; registration required. 

Muscoot Farm is located at 51 Route 100, Katonah. For more information, visit muscootfarm.org.

Bedford Books, Booksy Galore, Katonah Reading Room

The Katonah Reading Room's new bookclub begins March 24 with "The Twits."

There is something irreplaceable about browsing a real bookshop with a child. The region is fortunate to have three independent options: Bedford Books in Bedford Village offers periodic kids acting and writing workshops; Booksy Galore in Pound Ridge carries new and used books, children’s literature, vintage items and artisan gifts, alongside a vinyl collection, and regularly hosts family events and activities; and The Katonah Reading Room, housed in a building that dates to 1850 as the hamlet’s first library, is now a bookstore and coffee shop steps from the Metro-North station, with a strong children’s section alongside ice cream, candy and art supplies. 

For  more information, visit katonahreadingroom.com, booksygalore.com and bedfordbooks.shop. 

Lewisboro Land Trust 

The Lewisboro Land Trust leads free and low-cost naturalist-led hikes and seasonal events throughout spring. The Leon Levy Preserve in South Salem features ruins of the Black Mansion and a scenic Gorge Overlook Trail, while Mount Holly Preserve connects to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation via Indian Brook. Trail maps are available free at the Lewisboro Library and on the Avenza Maps app. 

Coming soon: Preschool March MUDness Hike, designed for ages 2 to 6 but open to all ages, Friday, March 27, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow. 

For more information, visit lewisborolandtrust.org.

Katonah Museum of Art

Each of KMA's School’s Out/Art’s In workshops explore a different medium.

The KMA is not just a museum for grown-ups. The Pollack Family Learning Center uses a hands-on, interactive environment where children and parents make art together, tied to current exhibitions. Saturday Open Studio runs from 10 a.m. to noon, with new art projects and activities inspired by the works on view. The museum also has something special planned for spring break: School’s Out/Art’s In workshops run from March 31 through April 3, with sessions at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., each day. Each session explores a different medium, from collage and printmaking to wire sculpture. Ages 3 to 8 must be accompanied by an adult; ages 9 and up may be dropped off. Space is limited and registration is strongly recommended. The sculpture garden, shaded by towering pines, is worth a wander as the weather warms. 

Katonah Museum of Art is located at 134 Jay St., Katonah. For more information, visit katonahmuseum.org.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Spanning 4,400 acres across the towns of Pound Ridge and Lewisboro, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the largest park in Westchester County and a must for active families this spring. The terrain is remarkably varied, with hemlock gorges, dry uplands, wetlands, ponds and two rivers, all connected by 35 miles of trails. The trails wind past the Leatherman’s Cave, always a hit with kids, and along the Waccabuc River through meadows with wildflowers. The Trailside Nature Museum, located inside the park, offers exhibits on local wildlife and hosts educational programming for young visitors. Camping is also available, with lean-tos spread across the reservation for families looking to extend the adventure. 

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is located at Reservation Road, Cross River. For more information, visit parks.westchestercountyny.gov or friendsoftrailside.org.

Caramoor 

Caramoor hosts tea parties for children and their favorite plush companions.

Set on 90 acres of Italianate gardens in Katonah, Caramoor’s grounds are open year-round and offer plenty for kids to explore as the season opens. Families can enjoy stroller walks, outdoor discovery and Rosen House tours, with Signature Tours running through March 28. A Spring Birdsong Tour on Friday, April 10, at 9 a.m., is a natural fit for curious young naturalists. The Young Artists program Wednesday, April 15, at 4:30 p.m., invites children ages 7 to 10 for a hands-on art class on the grounds. Caramoor also presents a variety of family-friendly concerts and events throughout spring. 

Caramoor is located at 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah. For more information, visit caramoor.org.

The Brunch House

The Brunch House opened in the former Blind Charlie's Cafe location.. John Turiano photo

The Brunch House recently took over the beloved Blind Charlie’s Café space in Scotts Corners, bringing its family-friendly brunch menu from Mahopac to Pound Ridge. The menu features eggs Benedict, pancakes, crepes, omelets, chicken and waffles, and fun decorated milkshakes in flavors like vanilla, chocolate and cookies and cream. Sandwiches, salads and grilled burgers round out the lineup for bigger appetites. Mimosas and beer are coming soon. Vegan options are available. The Brunch House is located at 74 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge. For more information, call 914-764-8000.

Wogies Bar & Grill

Housed in the old Katonah firehouse building, Wogies is a relatively recent arrival, having opened in June 2025. It’s a sports bar at heart that welcomes kids. Top sellers at this Philly-themed spot include classic Philly cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions, Krazy Kate’s medium buffalo wings and house-baked Philly pretzels. All bread and rolls are baked in-house daily. Kids gravitate toward the french fries and chicken fingers. Open daily, from noon to midnight. Wogies Bar & Grill is located at 156 Katonah Ave., Katonah. For more information, visit wogies.com.

Leonard Park

Mount Kisco’s 120-acre community park is hitting its stride. The newly-renovated adaptive playground, with traditional, bucket and adaptive swings on a rubber surface, is ready for action, and the hiking trails, disc golf course, basketball and tennis courts are all open as the weather warms. Wallace Pond, tucked beside a stone tea house, is a lovely spot for a picnic and some wildlife watching as spring arrives. 

Coming soon: Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, at Leonard Park Fields, for ages 2 to 10, at 10 a.m. 

Leonard Park is located at 25 Wallace Drive, Mount Kisco. For more information, visit mountkiscony.gov. 

Jay Street Bistro

The Jay Street Bistro is a popular choice for families. John Turiano photo

A block from the Katonah Metro-North station, Jay Street Bistro is the kind of all-day restaurant where families linger. Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., breakfast is served until 11 a.m., lunch during the week and a brunch menu on weekends. The grilled cheese is a runaway favorite with kids and adults alike, and the chicken tenders and fries and cheese quesadillas are reliable under-12 crowd pleasers. Weather permitting, outdoor patio seating is available. Jay Street Bistro is located at 63 Katonah Ave., Katonah. For more information, visit jaystreetcafe.toast.site.