Port Chester

10 Westchester Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 10/19/2018 - 2:00pm

There are two types of families when it comes to eating at a restaurant on Thanksgiving: Those who swear by it and those who are simply confounded. We know families in each category and can relate to both. For those of you who want the deliciousness of a Thanksgiving feast served with a side of ultra-convenience, we’ve gathered a list of Westchester restaurants serving turkey with all the trimmings on the big day.

Many of these spots require reservations, so don’t delay! Heading into the city for the parade? We have a list for that, too.

For more family-friendly restaurants, be sure to sign up for our newsletters.

15 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Westchester with Outdoor Dining

Submitted by Janine Annett on Sun, 07/15/2018 - 10:00am

Beautiful weather practically begs for heading to one of these local kid-friendly dining spots with outdoor seating. We’ve got a roundup of 15 restaurants worth trying—with varying price points, atmospheres, and cuisines—where Westchester families can get their alfresco dining fix.

For even more restaurant suggestions, sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 03/18/2018 - 5:22pm

Spring is—finally!—right around the corner, making it a great time to start thinking of all the fun things to do once the weather really starts to warm up. And while there are plenty of kid-specific activities to do outdoors, here’s one the whole family can get in on: Going to one of the beer gardens in the area.

Sure, a beer garden might not seem like the first place you’d take little ones, but with kid-friendly food and even games and toys, they can be a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon.

In search for more family fun? Check our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters.

16 of the Best Party Places for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Westchester

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 02/23/2018 - 2:00pm

As adorable as first, second and third birthday parties can be, the idea of my toddler and 10 to 15 of her closest friends wreaking havoc on my living room and our unsuspecting cats is enough to make me consider just skipping the festivities until she is old enough to lend a significant hand in the post-party clean up. Luckily, there are professionals all across Westchester County who have mastered the delicate science of toddler birthday parties.

If you prefer to party at home, check out our post on in-house party entertainers and stand back as little ones are delighted and amazed. For those of us who opt to leave the work entirely in the hands of the professionals, read on for our top picks for celebrating yearly milestones with the 4-and-under-crowd.

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.

Drop-In: Where Westchester Kids Have Indoor Fun on a Moment’s Notice

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 12/08/2017 - 8:00pm

If you and your kids are feeling cooped up during the cold weather, we have some good news: Westchester offers plenty of places where kids can bounce, jump, climb, play and explore.

We've gathered a big list of locations where you can take the kids to let off some steam. No planning? No problem. Most require no advance registration to attend or have open hours where you can stay and play for a while.

For even more ideas for winter activities, make sure to check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook!

The Best Local Ice Cream Shops in Westchester

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Mon, 05/01/2017 - 4:00pm

Summer's in full swing! We hope you're surviving this heat wave and are having fun making your way around town, checking out all the great things to do in Westchester. While you're out and about, one must-have piece of knowledge is where to find some frozen goodness.

Sure you can hit up some of the big chains or ice cream trucks, but there's just something about a good old-fashioned neighborhood ice cream shop. We're lucky to have lots of great spots, so ride out the summer days and stay cool at one of Westchester's local shops.

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.

Summer Art Camps for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Thu, 01/19/2017 - 9:00am

Choosing a local summer camp is no small task, especially with the myriad options. While many Westchester camps include art projects as part of an all-purpose agenda, several specialize in sparking creativity among budding Picassos and O’Keeffes. If your idea of art is finger-painting and pinch pots, think again; these programs ooze creativity, even in their design, with such diverse offerings as silk screening, metalsmithing, fused glass, cartooning, dream-house design, fashion design, candle-making, puppet-making, graphic-novel development—even making your own art supplies. And that’s not all.

Below, we’ve rounded up eight summer art camps to help you explore your options—and your child’s creativity. Dress for a mess and be glad the paint, glitter and glue aren’t all over your house!

Be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters to stay up to date on the latest events, camps, classes, news and more happening in Westchester—and follow us on Facebook.

Indoor Play Spaces: Where Westchester Kids Can Burn Off Energy

Submitted by Judith Frost on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 5:30am

Even if you have a backyard and rooms full of toys, we still run into the problem of stir-crazy children in need of exercise. While many of the beautiful nature centers and great hiking trails are still options for families in the winter, its good to know there are a number of fantastic indoor play place options in Westchester that range from steals to splurges. Read on to find out where to play and what to know before you go!

Looking for more indoor ideas when inclement weather dampens outdoor fun? Check out our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters. We also have a list of indoor play spaces in the rest of the Lower Hudson Valley that are worth the drive.