Page 49 - Westchester - 2017 Relocation Guide

FOR KIDS
Play a new way
Kids love Yorktown’s Dance for Joy.
READING
Libraries throughout the region spon- sor reading programs year-round. Many encourage older children to read to young- er children. Some create a bedtime-story atmosphere by encouraging participants to wear PJs and bring a plush toy. A num- ber of libraries sponsor special summer reading programs that include reward sys- tems and special events at the end of sum- mer to celebrate readers’ success.
SPORTS
Every neighborhood field or hardwood is put through its paces with school teams, intramural, and travel teams to choose from. Those looking to go the extra mile can work with experienced coaches. Here is just a hint of what is available.
Make the most of your serve at the Armonk Tennis Club, with 14 indoor and outdoor courts. Practice your return at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy at Lake Isle in Eastchester. McEnroe shares his tennis philosophy at this academy prepar- ing the next generation of tennis pros.
Want to learn the ins and outs of soc- cer? Joe Palumbo and his soccer academy in Putnam Valley have the answer.
At 120,000 sq. ft., the House of Sports in Ardsley is the largest indoor sports complex in the New York-Metropolitan area. More than 2,000 athletes train week- ly with academies available in basketball, lacrosse, and baseball.
THEATER
A number of the children’s theaters in the region can point to their performers on the Broadway stage. Explore options at Lighthouse Youth Theatre in Armonk, Random Farms Kids Theater in Elmsford, Yorktown Kids Theater, The Depot Theatre in Garrison, Drama Kids International
Mom, I’m bored.” It’s the universal childhood lament, and if you’re a par- ent, you’ve likely heard it more times than you can count. One of the great things about living in Westchester is that with such an abundance of activities and events for kids, boredom is the exception to the rule. “Sports enthusiasts can always find a team or camp to enhance their skills; budding actors have access to theaters and theater groups; and there are plenty of classes and courses for cooking, dance, karate, art, horseback riding, and more.
throughout Orange County, and Helen Hayes Youth Theater in Nyack.
MUSIC
Make merry music as early as preschool. Programs like Musical Munchkins and Music Together help caregivers and young children find their rhythm with classes in a number of towns. For instrument train- ing, join programs at the Music Conserva- tory of Westchester in White Plains. Ex- plore classical, jazz, rock, folk, and more. There are many expert teachers from Larchmont Music Academy to Putnam Music Center in Mahopac.
DANCE & GYMASTICS
From ballet to tap to hip-hop, students take to dance floors throughout the valley. Hudson Dance and Tumble in Montrose performs their recitals at SUNY Purchase. Dance for Joy in Yorktown has become a holiday tradition with its Nutcracker per- formance. Mamaroneck has benefited from the expertise at Dance Cavise Stu- dios for decades. In White Plains, students train at City Center Dance, home of the Westchester Knicks Dance Team.
Every day you can find aspiring gym- nasts on the bars and beam. Head to Westchester Gymnastics and Cheer in Hawthorne to see students soaring. Spotlight Gymnastics in Pelham Manor includes Olympian Eugenia “Geani” Golea on its experienced staff. Dynamic Gymnastics in Mohegan Lake works with children of every skill level, beginning at age 2. Ziggy’s Gymnastics Academy in Middletown includes classes for special- needs students.
KARATE
Students learn personal discipline while staying fit, whether preparing for a yellow
or black belt in classes or on teams. West- chester Martial Arts Academy in East- chester includes classes in self-defense, kick-boxing, and the traditional martial arts. World Cup Karate Champion Sensei Vladimir Zolottev shares his expertise at Ki Martial Arts in Tuckahoe. Takahashi Karate Doto in Mount Kisco has been teaching traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate for over 30 years.
EQUESTRIAN INSTRUCTION
Horseback riding takes full advantage of living in the Hudson Valley. Riders range from beginners to competitors. Hollow Brook Riding Academy offers lessons and boarding in Putnam Valley with miles of great trails. Echo Farm in South Salem and Summit Farm in North Salem are just two of the reasons these areas are horse coun- try. Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, in Pleas- antville and Brewster, is available to make riding accessible to all.
ART
Artists can explore their creativity at several art centers with after-school and summer programs. The Katonah Art Mu- seum and Hudson River Museum are just two locations where painters, sculptors, and sketchers can turn their next inspira- tion into works of art.
FASHION, COOKING & MORE
Explore the fashion scene at the West- chester Fashion Academy for Children in White Plains. Let your kids get cooking at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agricul- ture in Pocantico Hills or at Hanover Hills Farm in Yorktown Heights. Put your build- ers to work at LegoLand Discovery Center Westchester at Ridge Hill in Yonkers. Pick up some speed on the ramps at the nearest skateboard park.
LIVING IN WESTCHESTER AND THE HUDSON VALLEY | RELOCATION & MOVING GUIDE | 39