Scarsdale

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!

Mother's Day Brunch: Where to Celebrate Mom in Lower Westchester

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 4:00pm

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and it's the one day a year we're mandated to celebrate all things Mom. Whether you're honoring your mother, grandmother, aunt or sister, one of the most popular ways to appreciate the special woman in your life is to treat her to brunch.

Westchester offers a variety of great restaurants featuring Mother’s Day brunch, and we've rounded up some of our top picks for those in Lower Westchester. Many places require reservations, and we suggest hurrying.

Looking for more things to do on Mother's Day and in May? Check out our Event Calendar and follow us on Facebook!

Learn, Play & Grow: 10 Westchester Spots with Enrichment Classes for Babies

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 04/15/2018 - 4:25pm

Westchester has tons of classes for kids of all ages—and babies are no exception. Whether you’re interested in introducing your little one to yoga and gymnastics, or even have her start learning a foreign language, you’ll find something in our area. Here we’ve rounded up a few classes to try, for babies anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 months old.

Looking for even more first-year fun? Read our round-up of Mommy & Me music classes—and be sure to check out our Event Calendar for daily events.

Top Parent and Child Music Classes in Westchester

Submitted by Melissa Kagan on Fri, 03/02/2018 - 11:00am

It's never too early to get started on music appreciation with your child. Taking a baby & me music class can boost your tot’s brain power, help develop social skills, and foster creativity. It’s also the perfect excuse to let your guard down and boogie to your favorite kid tunes.

Here's our comprehensive list of the best music classes for babies and toddlers in Westchester. Looking for even more classes for kids? Consult our Classes Guide 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.

Outside Fun: Maple Sugaring Activities for Kids in Westchester

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 02/09/2018 - 4:00pm

Finding enough family-friendly activities in the cold weather months can be a challenge. Luckily, Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley offer many ways for families to beat the winter blues.

Maple sugaring is a great winter activity for kids. The season begins in February and runs through late March. Ideally, temperatures must dip below freezing at night and warm up during the day so that the sap flow increases. Another fun fact: To make just 1 gallon of pure maple syrup, it actually takes more than 40 gallons of sap. Who knew?!

We've rounded up maple sugaring fun in and around Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Read on for details on where to learn and celebrate this centuries-old tradition. Looking for more winter fun? Check out our Event Calendar.

Give Active Kids a Place to Move at these New Westchester Sports Programs

Submitted by Susan Miele on Fri, 02/02/2018 - 4:27pm

We know all too well how easy it is to feel cooped up during winter. Fortunately, there’s a slew of brand-new sports-related gyms and programs that just became available for Westchester families—offering plenty of alternatives to jumping on the couch cushions for the 1,000th time. There are even options for all ages, many with classes, parties, drop-ins and drop-offs.

Read on for the scoop on new places to get pumped, burn off steam and have fun! If you haven’t yet signed up for our newsletters, be sure to do so now to continually receive news like this and more!

8 Bakeries Making Outrageous Birthday Cakes for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Susan Miele on Wed, 01/17/2018 - 4:31pm

Kids’ birthday parties have become way more elaborate than when we were kids, with large guest lists and elaborate entertainment. Birthday cakes have stepped up their game, too. While some parents opt for simplicity, like buying a sheet cake from the supermarket or Carvel, there’s a definite market for sensational cakes with a heftier price tag.

Below we’ve rounded up Westchester bakeries that have the chops to create cakes worthy of The Food Network. Whether you seek a simple layer cake frosted in buttercream or a three-tiered tower adorned with elaborate fondant figurines, these shops—pardon the expression—really take the cake!

Read on for the skinny and sign up for our e-newsletters to stay in the know about all kinds of resources for Westchester families!

The Best Places to Go Sledding in Westchester with Kids

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Sun, 01/14/2018 - 4:00pm

The snow season is upon us and while you may be considering the practical aspects of snow fall like shoveling, commuting changes and other (hopefully minor) disruptions and annoyances, kids see powdery snow blanketing the yards, sidewalks and cars and all they can think of is ... SNOW DAY!

No worries, we've rounded up the most popular sledding destinations across the county, along with some helpful tips for keeping little ones safe while they sled.

Be sure to check our Winter Fun Guide and Indoor Activity Guide for more ideas to keep kids busy this winter. Our Event Calendar is also full of kid-friendly events and activities happening around town.