Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

Full-Day Preschools for Westchester Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 01/16/2022 - 6:18am

Bright Horizons offers a diverse curriculum for Westchester children.

Ready to send your little one off to preschool? There are plenty of options throughout Westchester—from cities and towns with universal pre-K programs to nature preschools and half-day cooperative nursery schools. If you're looking for a school that offers longer hours to accommodate your schedule, we've rounded up preschools that offer full-day sessions.

While there are many preschools that offer add-on programs outside of their core morning or afternoon hours (including, for example, early drop-off or extended day), the schools on this list all have core full-day options, many of which include early morning drop-off and early evening pick-up options.

For even more options, check out our Preschools Guide for Westchester Kids.

The Paw Patrol Experiences Comes to Hudson Yards for Limited Run

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Mon, 12/06/2021 - 9:33am

Load up the family and hit the road to check out The Paw Patrol Experience at Hudson Yards—it's here for a limited run!

Paw Patrol has been a staple in our house for years. My now 7-year-old son discovered the show when he was 3—his birthday cake that year is proof—and my daughter, at 4, while not as obsessed as her brother was at the same age, can rattle off all the characters and tell you her favorite (Skye), as of course, can I (Chickaletta, naturally). So, needless to say, they were both excited when they found out we’d be visiting the brand new Paw Patrol Experience at CAMP Hudson Yards. The Paw Patrol Experience, which kicked off in late November runs until Sunday, January 2, making it a great seasonal to-do, especially during the holiday break.

Read on for a full rundown of what you can expect at this immersive, interactive experience, and find more seasonal fun in our Winter Fun Guide.

Kensico Dam Plaza's Renovated Playground Offers Plenty of Playtime Fun

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 10/10/2021 - 1:15pm

Enjoy a ride on one of the many swing sets.

We’ve said it before but it bears repeating: There are plenty of wonderful playgrounds in Westchester County for kids.

And it looks as if the variety is getting even better: We’ve noticed an uptick in renovated playgrounds in the area lately, including one of the newest: the playground at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

We visited recently and came away impressed. Read on, and for even more outdoor fun check out our guide to playgrounds and parks in Westchester, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters.

Art Classes for Kids Near Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Wed, 09/01/2021 - 5:25pm

Channel your child's inner Picasso at a Westchester art class. Photo by Monica Shulman Photography

Whether you’re in the “please don’t color on the walls” phase or your tween is serious about honing her painting skills, you’ll find a creative and enriching art class available in Westchester. The best part? There are classes for any and all interests—from painting and cartooning to clay-making and silk screening.

We’ve rounded up destinations in Westchester where kids can get creative. Have a writer or musician instead? We’ve got them covered too. Check out our full Classes Guide for even more picks.

11 Awesome Dance Classes for Kids in Westchester: Ballet and Hip Hop

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Wed, 08/18/2021 - 9:20am

Ballet, hip hop, and other classes are available for kids at City Center Dance in White Plains.

Whether you’ve been eager to introduce your little one to ballet or hip hop, or your ballerina or hip hop star is eager to hit the stage, there are plenty of options for dance classes in Westchester.

We’ve rounded up a number of dance classes in Westchester that offer both ballet and hip hop classes for toddler ages and older. Also cool? While all of these classes have in-person options, some provide private, at-home, or pod classes for families, along with several that have virtual classes, too. Plus, a number of the studios, including New York Performing Arts Center and Steffi Nossen, offer adaptive classes for kids with special needs.

For even more great kids' classes, check out our Westchester classes guide, and be sure to sign up for our newsletters to stay in-the-know on what’s new.

5 Waterfall Hikes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 08/13/2021 - 1:30pm

The breathtaking Kaaterskill Falls delights little ones.

It’s well documented that kids love water—whether that’s of the pool, beach, or splash pad variety. And if you’ve ever seen your child’s eyes light up at the sight of a waterfall, you know they don’t even need to be in the water for it to be worthwhile. Westchester and the Hudson Valley are home to some stunning waterfalls. Some of them can be seen by simply visiting the park, while a few others require a walk or a waterfall hike to see them. Almost all of these destinations offer other activities to do during youe visit, from playgrounds to spots to stop for a sweet treat.

Looking for even more water fun? Check out our guide to Westchester summer activities, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know.

Playgrounds With Shade for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/23/2021 - 1:26pm

The Greenburgh Nature Center has an inventive playground that's admission-free and open to all to enjoy.

You know how it goes: It’s a beautiful day, and you’re hoping to take the kids to a playground to burn off some energy and enjoy the weather. But finding a spot that isn’t directly in the sun—not only making the kids uncomfortable but the equipment often too hot to even play on—can be a challenge. Thankfully, Westchester boasts plenty of playgrounds with shade.

These spots offer either natural or artificial shade over their play structures. And while parents love the fact they’re not in the direct sun, the kids love the sheer variety of equipment these playgrounds have to offer—from nature-inspired fun to plenty of swings and slides.

Here are a few of our favorite local shade-drenched spots. Find more of our parent-tested playgrounds in our Guide to Playgrounds, including our top picks for toddlers and those playgrounds that make great day-trip destinations.

Visiting Rockefeller State Park Preserve With Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/09/2021 - 3:17pm

Rockefeller State Park Preserve encompasses the former estates of John D. and William Rockefeller

Between the Dinosaur Garden at Lasdon Park, the waterfall at Croton Gorge Park, and a whole slew of trails, my family and I have recently spent some great days outdoors exploring parks in Westchester and beyond. Next up? The massive Rockefeller State Park Preserve.

Once the estate of John D. Rockefeller and his brother, William, the 1,700+ acre preserve has been run by New York State since the early '80s. These days, families can do everything from walking and horseback riding (with your own horse and a permit!) to hiking, sledding, and trying to spot diverse animals and wildlife, like butterflies and birds.

Read on for a closer look at our recent visit. For even more day trip ideas, check out our Guide to Weekend Trips.