Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

Family Day Trip to the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 01/19/2020 - 9:00am

If you're looking for a first museum experience for your kids, the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers is one of the best local options. It's not huge or overwhelming, but it offers plenty to do to keep kids engaged and learning.

The largest cultural institution in Westchester County, the Hudson River Museum includes galleries, a planetarium, amphitheater, historic mansion, picturesque outdoor space, and plenty of family-friendly events and activities. My dad and I took my 5-year-old and 2.5-year-old for a visit on a recent Saturday afternoon, and it was a perfect outing.

Art Studios with Drop-in Sessions for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 01/10/2020 - 11:44am

Whether you’re staring down a long winter weekend with the kids, or you’re already thinking ahead for winter or summer break activities, here’s one idea to add to the list: Let them get creative. Westchester is home to tons of art studios and centers, many of which offer drop-in sessions for kids and families, either daily or on the weekends.

Here, we’ve rounded up a few that give kids a chance to try pottery painting, candle making, glass fusing, and much more.

For even more drop-in activities, check out our roundup of play spaces and free storytimes . And be sure to sign up for newsletters to stay in-the-know about what’s happening in the area!

Top Indoor Birthday Party Places for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 12/29/2019 - 10:30am

It isn't always park or pool party weather, but kids can still have a blast celebrating their birthday at indoor spots throughout Westchester! There's no shortage of places for Westchester kids to get their party on—whether the birthday boy or girl wants to jump on trampolines, scale a rock wall, do yoga, or race go-karts.

Here, we’ve put together a list with choices for a variety of ages (and invite lists)—from preschoolers to tweens and teens. Looking for even more options? Check out our full Party Planning Guide, or head straight to our directory.

Make a Day of It with These Winter Day Trips for Westchester Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 12/15/2019 - 10:00am

Though the weather can be frightful this time of year, there's still plenty to do in the area with kids this winter—especially if you’re looking to make a day trip out of it.

So whether it’s holiday or winter break and you’ve got some dedicated family time on the agenda, or you’re looking for a weekend day trip idea, we’ve got you covered—with everything from kid-centric New York City pop-ups to museums and aquariums that are sure to impress.

Looking for even more winter activities? Check out our Winter Fun Guide and event calendar.

Outrageous Holiday Light Displays in the Lower Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Mon, 12/02/2019 - 1:00pm

‘Tis the season for checking out all the awesome holiday light displays in the area. And we’ve got some great ones for you: Along with a some decked-out houses in Westchester, the Lower Hudson Valley has its own share of festive light shows—including a house with more than half a million (!) lights, a drive-through Christmas Wonderland, and even some brightly lit bugs.

For more holiday fun, be sure to check our Holiday Fun Guide and Event Calendar, and follow us on Facebook.

Know of any other light displays we should check out? Drop us an email, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters to stay in the loop.

Most Spectacular Christmas and Holiday Light Displays in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 11/24/2019 - 8:00am

Families all over Westchester and the Hudson Valley are decking their halls—and their houses—with holiday decorations. And while you can drive through almost any neighborhood and spot pretty lights and festive inflatables, there are certain houses that merit a trip all their own.

Here, we’ve rounded up several of our favorite Christmas light displays, perfect for getting your crew into the holiday spirit. We've also included a few other ways to see holiday lights in Westchester this season, including popular festivals, parades, and tours.

If you're looking for even more holiday happenings, check out our Event Calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide.

The Catskills with Kids: 25 Fun Things To Do in New York Catskills

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 10/20/2019 - 10:00am

When you're up for a road trip, the Catskills offer a slew of great things to do for families in the New York metro area. Whether you have young kids or tweens and teens—or all of the above!—you can enjoy hiking, camping, river rafting, and more.

Covering 600,000 acres and encompassing most of Ulster, Sullivan, Delaware, Greene, and Schoharie counties, the Catskills are rich in natural beauty and historical significance. You'll find family-friendly skiing and picturesque resorts—including the brand-new Kartrite Resort—as well as many charming small towns, including Saugerties, Woodstock, Phoenicia, Tannersville, and Delhi.

Most destinations are about a two- to three-hour drive from central Westchester. Here’s a look at 25 ideas for fun with the kids, no matter your family’s interests.

Looking for even more places to visit in your area and beyond? Check out our travel guide.

Day Trip to Muscoot Farm: Animals and Old-Fashioned Fun for Little Ones

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 10/04/2019 - 12:00pm

Muscoot Farm is a Westchester gem and a great day trip destination, especially now that we're in prime fall fun season. The 777-acre Somers farm offers enough to keep kids having fun without feeling overwhelmed.

In fact, Muscoot Farm is a great farm introduction for younger children, because it allows them to see animals up close without it being as daunting as say, a trip to the zoo might be for that age group. The best part? Admission is FREE.

Marisa Iallonardo

Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

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