Archives for March 2009

The question which lingered on my mind during our walk today was, “what do kids really need?” I was thinking not in terms of their general care, but in terms of their play. I am amazed by the way children are targeted by marketing efforts and by the sheer volume of products that exist in order to entertain, many of which are linked in some way to electronic media. A large number of mainstream toys seem to do the playing {Read More}

This time the alliterative title really could not be avoided. Really. We went to the Greenburgh Nature Center this past week for a great, after school romp.One of the things I’ve realized since starting this group is just how much kids like to climb and slide and find little cozy spots to climb into and make themselves at home. Have you ever noticed how much rock there is in Westchester? Huge, glacial boulder configurations loom large in the woods; surfaces {Read More}

Past Kiddyland, the Gondola Wheel, and the Dragon Coaster lies a peaceful retreat on the Long Island Sound. Rye Playland, with its lights and flash and candy-coated vice is the big draw at the end of Playland Parkway, but in the quiet of a warm, early March Saturday, as the maintenance guys scale the heights of the wonder wheel to be sure it’s in sound working order, you can drive through the parking lot past all the big attractions. And {Read More}

Just a reminder, folks, about this talk at Sarah Lawrence College Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Have I mentioned that I really recommend it? Details and info. in the Parent Resources section WAY at the bottom of the page. Good night,Gina

Spring is coming. Spotting this sweet clump of snowdrops peeking through the brown leaves on the woodland floor, I felt a little jolt of joy at the prospect. It’s been a long, albeit happily cold, winter and the longer days and signs of returning life tempt thoughts of the warm spring days that are soon to arrive. But before they do arrive in full force, let’s take the slow road while watching the season unfold in little bits and spats {Read More}

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, all 4,315-acres of it, is Westchester County’s largest park. And it is truly enormous. First off I want to say that the kids are really growing to be terrific hikers. When we got home this afternoon, the girls and I took a piece of mason’s line, traced our morning’s route on the map and then measured it on scale. We hiked two miles! That may not sound like much, but for a group of kids whose {Read More}

Our Wacky Wednesday Walk yesterday was along the Pocantico River Trail in Rockefeller State Park. The trail follows the Pocantico River through woods and meadows though we didn’t make it much past the first bridge. I love this walk. It was the location of the first Kids Unplugged hike back in January, and I thought we’d return this week. When I planned the walk, I hadn’t planned on Monday’s snow, but I knew there were a couple of decent hills {Read More}

I was greeted this morning at Rockwood Hall, a portion of Rockefeller State Park with expansive, gorgeous views of the Hudson, by the pleasant surprise of a big group of folks ready for the hike. I must say that I wasn’t expecting such a crowd this morning with the short-notice schedule change. So, first off, thanks to all of you who joined us for what turned out to be a really glorious walk. As a sidebar, I just want to {Read More}