Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

9 Best Bunk Beds for Kids and Toddlers

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Thu, 02/20/2020 - 11:11am

The Belden twin over full bunk bed from Pottery Barn is great for overnight guests or siblings.

Bunk beds for kids are great—and have been topping family must-have lists for years, including for those of us living in small spaces. I can remember some 20 years ago when my brothers got their twin over twin model and we all thought it was the coolest thing ever. (The ladder! The height!) Fast-forward and now it's my own two kids enraptured by bunk beds they saw at a friend's house.

But finding the bunk beds that best fit your family isn’t always easy. Let us help: We've rounded-up bunk beds for kids that hit many of the most important points, including picks in different sizes—from toddler bunk beds to full over full bunk beds—and in a variety of price points, starting around $300.

Indoor Swimming Pools with Day Passes for Westchester Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 02/07/2020 - 11:29am

Make it a family swim day at the Rye YMCA. Photo courtesy of the YMCA

If you’re wishing for warm weather, channel some summer fun and head to an indoor swimming pool! While you might have to book an overnight to jump into one of the many hotel pools in Westchester—or head to a favorite indoor water park nearby—there are other spots that offer day passes that include indoor pool access. We've rounded up a few below.

Looking for even more winter activities? Check out our W inter Fun Guide—and be sure to sign up for our newsletters!

Westchester Play Cafes with Fun for Kids and Perks for Parents

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 01/31/2020 - 9:00am

While it’s fun to take the kids to a dedicated play space (and trust us, there are lots of those to choose from in Westchester), there are times when you want to go somewhere that has something for both you and the kids—where you're not just standing around, wishing for some coffee, brownies or—who are we kidding?—both, but actually enjoying them. You’re in luck: There are a few play cafes in Westchester that offer just that.

Looking for even more places to take the whole family? Check out our kid-friendly restaurant guide.

Family Day Trip to the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers

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

The museum offers a variety of engaging, family-friendly activities.

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.

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

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

Romp through the woods in the beautiful Catskills. Photo by Deborah Dadlani

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

Set on 777 acres in Somers, Muscoot Farm is a sweet spot to visit with young children. Photo courtesy of the farm

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.

8 Westchester Parks Perfect for Kids' Outdoor Birthday Parties

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/26/2019 - 12:00pm

Have a pool party at Willson's Waves in Willson's Woods Park in Mount Vernon. Photo courtesy of Westchester Parks

Summer is a great time to throw an outdoor birthday party, but if you don’t have the space (or the desire) to host a bunch of high-energy kids at your house, one of Westchester's beautiful parks can be a great alternative.

Whether you’re looking to have a small party or a big bash, there are lots of parks in the area to accommodate your needs—and many have tons of fun amenities too, from splash pads and swimming pools to playgrounds and soccer fields. Here, we’ve rounded up eight of our favorites.

Looking for even more fun birthday party ideas? Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for Westchester Families, and sign up for our newsletters!

Pick Your Own Blueberries and More at These Hudson Valley Farms

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

Even the littlest visitors can pick their own blueberries. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

Strawberry-picking season may be coming to an end, but never fear: we've got the scoop on Hudson Valley f arms and orchards where you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more all summer long.

Here are a few of our favorite places to go berry picking in the lower Hudson Valley, whether you decide to go for the morning or to make an entire day of it. Either way, be sure to call ahead to make sure the farm has berries on hand.

Looking for even more outdoor fun? Check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.