New Rochelle

Top Indoor Birthday Party Places for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Mon, 09/24/2018 - 11:30am

Hey, it isn't always park or pool party weather, but kids can still have a blast celebrating inside! And trust us: There is 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, bake cookies, 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.

A Dozen New Dessert Spots for Westchester Families

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 08/12/2018 - 11:00am

Sweet news: a host of new sweet spots have opened in Westchester recently, and we’ve rounded them up below. (We also conducted a few taste tests—strictly in the interest of research, of course.)

Our list includes several new ice-cream parlors, three spots for trendy Thai rolled ice cream, and a few eateries offering acai bowls, juices, and smoothies. There’s also new fro-yo, as well as a new bakery that hosts classes and parties.

Read on to get the skinny on these dessert destinations—and be sure you’re signed up for our newsletter and following us on Facebook to stay in the know about news (and more) of interest to Westchester families!

Top Swim Lessons and Classes for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 11:00am

Hoping to get your child more comfortable in the pool? You’re in luck: there are lots of swim class options for Westchester kids, from babies through teenagers. With classes focusing on everything from basic swimming skills and safety to mastering specific strokes, there’s something for every level of swimmer. Choose from group lessons, private lessons, or even lessons in your home pool.

Ready to dive in? We've rounded up a list of swim schools to get you started.

For more ideas, check out our Classes Guide for a full rundown of classes available in the area. Or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know!

July 4th Fireworks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 06/17/2018 - 2:00pm

Independence Day means summer fun, barbecues, and, of course, stunning pyrotechnics. We’ve identified fireworks displays over the course of an entire week (the benefit of Independence Day falling on a Wednesday!) along with lots of added attractions—a carnival, a fair, concerts, sports, bouncy houses, a parade, and other perks.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the famous Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is best visited strategically, and we have the best spots to watch with your family; there’s also a show-stopping fireworks display that’s less frenetic over the bridge in Jersey City, which also features a full agenda of fun.

Be sure to keep tabs on our Event Calendar, and sign up for our newsletters to stay on top of our frequent updates and announcements!

Mini Golf with Westchester Kids: Top Putt-Putt Spots

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/06/2018 - 12:00pm

Between splash pads, swimming pools and amusement parks, there’s so much to see and do in and around Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley this summer. But we'd be remiss if we didn't include one tried-and-true family favorite to the list: mini-golf!

Whether you’re looking for a fun, traditional putt-putt course or something a little different—glow in the dark, perhaps?—we’ve got you covered. Below, we've rounded up a few of our favorites.

For even more great activities, check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook.

7 Awesome Summer Day Camps in Westchester and Rockland Counties

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Sun, 03/04/2018 - 4:00pm

Searching for that true sleepaway experience, but in a day camp setting? How about a totally state-of-the-art camp facility complete with a splash park? Or maybe you've been thinking summer would be the perfect time for your kiddo to work on her backhand or learn to rock climb?

Turns out the Lower Hudson Valley's got it all, folks! And to make your decision a little easier, we've rounded up a number of camps for kids ages 3 to 17 that offer all of the above and then some. With programs ranging from one week to the entire summer, along with pre- and post-camp care and transportation options, there's something for every kid (and every busy parent).

Workouts for Westchester Families to Try Together

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 02/16/2018 - 2:33pm

While there are lots of Mommy and Me classes to take in Westchester, they’re usually geared towards the under-5 set. But what if you’re looking to spend time trying a fitness activity with your kids, like swimming or yoga, once they’ve made their way to elementary school? We’ve got those too!

Here are a few places in where families can work up a sweat together. The best part? You’ll get in a workout, kids will see firsthand the importance of staying healthy and active—and everyone will have fun.

Prefer to workout solo? Check out a list of gyms in the area with on-site childcare.

Where to Donate Toys, Baby Gear and Kids' Clothing in Westchester

Submitted by Melissa Kagan on Fri, 01/12/2018 - 3:00pm

As your children grow, they will definitely outgrow (and lose interest in) clothes, shoes, strollers, car seats and toys alike. And let’s be honest—all that stuff takes up space. Before you haul your unwanted items to the curb on recycling day and hope that someone else takes them, see if any of the following organizations might make good use of them (and possibly give you a tax write-off to boot).

We've gathered several charities where you can donate kids’ toys, gear and clothing in Westchester. Looking for more ways to stay in the know as you watch your kids grow? Sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

New Year's Day: Ways to Kick Off 2018 with Westchester Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Thu, 12/28/2017 - 4:00pm

Whether you plan on spending New Year's Eve at home or out on the town, kids aren't usually sympathetic to late nights even if they stay up with you. So if the chances of you sleeping in on New Year's Day seem pretty slim, you may be looking for fun ways to spend the day out with your family.

While many venues are closed, there are several fun options, including enjoying a romp at Legoland Discovery Center, howling with the wolves or catching last-chance holiday displays. Read on for more details on ways to kick off 2017 with kids in Westchester!

Looking for more ways to have fun this year? Sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

What to Do on New Year's Eve with Westchester Kids

Submitted by Melissa Kagan on Sun, 12/24/2017 - 10:15am

Think shelling out big bucks for a babysitter, staying home or navigating through massive crowds, and keeping everyone awake until half-past-meltdown are your only options to ring in the New Year when you’re a parent? Think again! We’ve identified fun ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve during daylight hours. We’ve even thrown in a couple free, late-night options for older kids.

Our Event Calendar also includes other activities happening on December 31, as well as free New Year’s celebrations for kids the last few days of December. To stay in the know, sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.