Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

New Playground Review: Croton's Sunset Park Now Open

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Thu, 06/22/2017 - 4:00pm

From saucer swings to cool climbing ropes to great picnicking spots, there are so many fun and innovative things to do at area parks and playgrounds this summer. But if you’re looking for something new—and happen to be a Croton-on-Hudson resident—head to the recently renovated Sunset Park, located between Lexington Drive and Sunset Drive.

Not a Croton resident and want to check out what other Westchester and Hudson Valley playgrounds have to offer? We’ve got you covered. For even more family fun, see what’s happening in our Event Calendar.

Free Summer Outdoor Movies for Westchester Kids in June & July

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 06/16/2017 - 4:01pm

There are lots of blockbusters to catch in the theater this summer—and some pretty cool places in the area to watch them—but if you’re looking for something different to do with the family, why not check out an outdoor movie this summer instead? Westchester has no shortage of free or inexpensive screenings happening all over the County throughout June, July and August.

So, whether you want to introduce your kids to a classic from when you were growing up (Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, anyone?) or indulge their inner Moana (it’s showing five separate times!), we’ve got the lineup below.

Looking for outdoor concerts? We've got you covered, and don't forget to consult our complete Summer Activity Guide and Event Calendar.

Snap! Photography Classes and Camps for Kids in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 06/04/2017 - 10:00am

Have a budding Ansel Adams or Annie Leibovitz on your hands? If your kid is always swiping your iPhone to snap some shots or has requested her own DSLR camera, now might be the perfect time to enroll her in a photography class. And Westchester has a whole slew to choose from, whether you’re looking for a week-long summer intensive or a Saturday session during the school year.

We’ve rounded up six places where kids can get behind the lens and learn everything from lighting to editing their shots in Photoshop.

Looking for more classes for kids? Check out what Westchester has to offer in our Classes Guide and follow us on Facebook!

Where to Host a Baby Shower in Westchester—That’s Kid-Friendly

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 04/30/2017 - 10:00am

When looking to host a baby shower in Westchester, there are lots of options throughout the county, from high-end halls to outdoor venues with a more casual vibe. But what if the shower is for a soon-to-be-parent who’s hoping for the event to be more of a family affair? Whether the invite list includes siblings, younger cousins or friends’ little ones, there are a number of places that are great for both adults and kids—and ensure everyone will have a good time.

Here, we’ve rounded up a few restaurants that fit the bill. And if you’re looking for even more restaurants where you can take the whole family, check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Silver Screen in Style: iPic Luxury Movie Theater Now Open in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sat, 04/29/2017 - 10:00am

There's a new option in Westchester for watching those summer blockbusters or going on a date night: iPic Theaters in Dobbs Ferry.

The eight-screen luxury movie theater is the newest in a chain of iPic Theaters throughout the country—and the first of its kind here in Westchester. With other nearby locations in Manhattan and Fort Lee, N.J., the Dobbs Ferry theater marks the company’s 16th location and is set to open on Friday, May 5.

We received a first-hand sneak peek at this upscale—but family friendly—theater. Looking for even more fun places to visit this spring? Check out our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters.

14 Free (or Almost Free) Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 04/14/2017 - 10:00am

What better way to get kids interested in nature and doing their part for the planet than with a variety of fun and educational activities in honor of Earth Day? This year, celebrations take place throughout the month of April and include everything from all-day festivals to a movie screening and creating one-of-a-kind crafts from recycled materials. The best part: They’re all free or inexpensive!

Be sure to check out our Event Calendar for even more activities for Westchester families and follow us on Facebook.

Hippity Hop! Where to Take Photos with the Easter Bunny in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Wed, 03/22/2017 - 10:32am

Say cheese—er, carrots! Easter is almost here, making it the perfect time for family-friendly activities like Easter egg hunts, coloring eggs and of course, having a photo snapped with the Easter Bunny. This year, there are a number of places in and around Westchester where your kids can pose for a picture with Peter Cottontail himself.

Looking for more holiday ideas? Check out our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters!

14 St. Patrick's Day Activities in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 03/10/2017 - 10:19am

Looking for ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the kids? With the return of St. Patrick's Day parades to Westchester and the Hudson Valley, there is no shortage of possibilities this year.

If parades are not your thing, no problem. There are plenty of events that give kids the opportunity to learn, be creative, and have fun—while honoring all things Irish. Whether your little lads and lassies would love to hear traditional Irish toe-tapping music, run for the gold in a 5K race, or simply make shamrock and rainbow crafts, we’ve rounded up activities that offer something for everyone.

Looking for more events, holiday-related and otherwise? Check out our Events Calendar. And with spring coming, why not visit our guide to spring events in the area.