Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

7 Indoor Playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for a Wild Romp

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 08/19/2022 - 11:36am

Tig & Peach offers drop-in, no reservations required, open play 7 days a week.

Sure, there are plenty of great indoor play spaces to turn to in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley—whether your kids are into jumping on trampolines, making art, or going bowling.

But sometimes nothing except a playground will do—and if the weather isn’t ideal for hitting up one of your favorite outdoor parks or playgrounds, taking the fun indoors works too. That’s because there are several places in the area offering up playground-style fun inside, with opportunities to slide, jump, crawl, and hang.

We rounded up a few that work for babies and toddlers up through tweens and even teens—and some that work particularly well for groups of siblings or friends of various ages. Some require reservations, so be sure to check their website or call ahead before you head out.

For even more indoor ideas, check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Westchester Kids. And be sure to keep an eye on our events calendar for lots of fun upcoming activities.

River Tubing and White Water Rafting near NYC: 7 Spots for a Wet-and-Wild Ride

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Mon, 08/08/2022 - 3:15pm

Hit the rapids with Pocono Whitewater for white water rafting near NYC.

When it comes to wet-and-wild summer fun, here's a fresh idea: Why not plan a river tubing day trip or go white water rafting near NYC? After all, you’ve likely already visited some local beaches, swam in our favorite FREE swimming pools, and (of course) hit up a splash pad while attempting to beat the summer heat.

Most of these destinations for river tubing and white water rafting near NYC clock in at around two hours from Midtown Manhattan, making them perfect for a day trip or quick late-summer weekend getaway—some even offer family-friendly camping packages, too. So, read on for our top picks for river tubing and white water rafting near NYC, and find more seasonal fun in our Guide to Summer Fun in NYC for Kids.

Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Westchester: Cool Party Places for Teens

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 07/24/2022 - 9:16am

Gather friends for a climbing party at The Cliffs at Valhalla. Photo courtesy of the facility

Teen birthday party ideas in Westchester may seem tougher to come by than the princess- or pirate-themed fiestas that work for the younger set, but there are lots of options, including parties centered on art, games, rock climbing, or–believe it or not–skydiving.

Read on for the full list sure to please your older kid. And if you’re looking for more birthday ideas, check out our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for Westchester Families, which includes info on where to get a great cake.

Best Beaches near Westchester for Kids and Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/15/2022 - 12:36pm

Rye Town Beach is is a great for families. Photo courtesy of the the town

As you plan your summer must to-do's, a lazy day at one of these beaches near Westchester is worth adding to your list. We think a beach day ranks right up there with visits to swimming pools and splash pads for cooling, wet and wild summer fun. There are a few local beaches in Westchester, which boasts 36 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound, as well as a whole slew of beautiful beaches nearby in Connecticut, Long Island, and New Jersey.

Here’s a look at our favorite beaches near Westchester, where kids can play in the sand and you can bask in the sun. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Summer Activities for Westchester Kids for more seasonal fun.

Top Toddler Playgrounds and Tot Lots Near Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 04/10/2022 - 7:47am

Little ones can take the wheel(s) of the wooden car at Sunset Park.

There are lots of great parks and playgrounds in Westchester, no matter which city or town you live in. But finding a playground that’s suitable for the under-5 set can sometimes be a challenge—you want them to be safe; they want to try that giant, twisty slide with a group of wild 7-year-olds on it. Happily, there are several toddler playgrounds near Westchester. These tot lots have plenty of safe options for keeping little ones occupied while having fun. We've rounded up a few of our favorites.

Read on for 13 toddler playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and find more fun places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Nature Centers in Westchester to Explore With Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 03/18/2022 - 9:46am

Little animal lovers go crazy for the collection at the Weinberg Nature Center, which counts toads, chinchillas, bunnies, and more among its 40+ residents.

Families in Westchester County are surrounded by beautiful green spaces and outdoor destinations. There are great places to go hiking with kids plus plenty of family-friendly farms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. If you're looking for a new way to connect with nature, it might be time to head to one of the many nature centers in Westchester County.

These nature centers allow children—and adults—to learn about the natural world, see undisturbed habitats, and encounter wildlife up close, often in a smaller and less zany environment than, say, a big, crowded zoo. These local nature centers house scenic hiking trails and playgrounds, plus many host interactive events. A visit is a great way to spend a day no matter the season. Read on for all the details on seven nature centers in Westchester.

Top Attractions in Westchester: Best Things To See and Do with Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 02/13/2022 - 1:20pm

Be on the hunt for butterflies at Lasdon Park in Katonah.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned living here, it’s that there’s no shortage of amazing things to do and see in Westchester. From kid-friendly museums and outdoor spaces to annual events that are on every family’s must-do list, it’s easy to keep little ones engaged, and to have a blast while doing it.

So whether you’re visiting family and friends, are thinking of moving to the area, or simply want to play tourist in your own backyard, read on for are some of the top attractions for families in Westchester.

Looking for even more things to do? Check out our Guide to Westchester, see what’s happening in our events calendar, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter.

Art Studios in Westchester Offering Drop-In and Take-Home Art for Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 02/06/2022 - 6:51am

Kids can explore different mediums at MADE: My Art and Design Experience in Mamaroneck.

Whether you’re staring down a long winter weekend with the kids, or you’re already thinking ahead to the next school break, here’s one idea to add to the list: Let them get creative.

Westchester is home to a host of art studios and crafts centers, many of which offer drop-in sessions for kids and families, either daily or on the weekends.

Here, we’ve rounded up seven such art studios that give kids a chance to try pottery painting, candle making, glass fusing, and much more. While the pandemic might have altered some operations, many of these crafty spots offer socially distant table reservations, plus take-home kits so your kids can get creative at home.

For more drop-in fun, check out our roundup of local play spaces open now, and find more things to do in our Event Calendar.