Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

Free and Cheap After-School Programs in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 08/20/2023 - 8:13am

The YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County offers homework help, arts and crafts, outdoor play and a host of other fun activities to keep kids engaged after school.

After-school programs are a great way for Westchester and Hudson Valley kids to learn new skills, get help with their homework, and have fun with their friends. These programs are also essential for working and commuting parents.

To help, we’ve rounded up a handful of after-school programs in Westchester and the Hudson Valley that can be a great starting point. Even better—all the programs listed here are either FREE or on the less-expensive side.

For even more after-school programs, check out our full Classes Guide for Westchester Kids and our Back to School Guide.

Where to Play Mini Golf in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 08/06/2023 - 8:29am

Enjoy some quality family time at the Castle Fun Center's mini-golf course.

Looking for the best mini golf in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for our top picks.

Nothing says summertime family fun like a round of miniature golf. And there’s no need to limit this fun to the boardwalk; Westchester and the Hudson Valley offer numerous local destinations for whimsical putt-putt fun.

Read on for the roundup of our favorite mini-golf destinations, and for even more great activities, consult our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide, which includes our roundup of the best sprinkler parks and splash pads in the area.

Best Beach Towns for Weekend Getaways from NYC

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Thu, 06/29/2023 - 6:57pm

Fire Island. Photo courtesy Discover Long Island

When it comes to summer weekend getaways, there's nothing better than a beach town. There are lots of great family beach towns for tri-state area families to visit. From the many beach towns along the Jersey Shore to picturesque beach towns on Long Island and cute Connecticut spots, these beachy weekend getaways are all easy to visit from Midtown Manhattan, and a few are even reachable by public transportation.

Once there, you’ll find kid-friendly beaches, of course, as well as lots of options for fun—from family-friendly restaurants and amusement park rides to mini golf, ice cream shops, and quaint downtowns to stroll. And, while we’ve compiled this list of beach town getaways with weekends in mind, you can opt for a day trip or even extend your getaway to a week or more.

Looking for more summer travel ideas? Bookmark our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways and our Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide for all our top picks.

Best Swimming Pools in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 06/25/2023 - 6:27am

Make a splash at Saxon Woods Pool, which is Westchester 's biggest pool. Photo courtesy of Westchester County Parks

Looking for the best swimming pools in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Here are our picks to add to your list.

Nothing says summer like a day at the pool, and there's no shortage of spots in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley to take a dip. Many have concession stands and places to picnic, as well as playgrounds, hiking trails, mini golf, and other activities worthy of a summer day trip. We've rounded up a baker's dozen of our favorite family-friendly pools in the region. Some of these—particularly the Westchester pools—require county residency, so take note before heading out.

For more summer fun, be sure to check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Best Sprinkler Parks and Splash Pads in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 9:13am

Tibbets Brook Park's swimming complex includes a splash pad complete with cool jets and sprinklers.

While Westchester and the Hudson Valley boast wonderful local pools and swimming lakes, local splash pads are also an easy way for kids to cool off in the summer. The setting is especially fun for younger kids, who can run through the sprinklers and water jets, no swim vest required. Lucky for us, there are terrific family-friendly splash pads and sprinkler parks to choose from in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, whether you’re looking for a quick morning trip or an all-day adventure.

We’ve rounded up a few splash pads and sprinkler parks to check out, from Yonkers to Wappingers Falls, including several that offer FREE entry. Find more outdoor adventures in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds, and bookmark our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide for tips all season long.

Camping at North-South Lake with Kids: Top Tips for a Family-Friendly Getaway

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 4:50pm

Camping at North-South Lake is an all-ages pleaser, with entertainment, safe room to roam, and creature comforts like bathrooms on-site.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a newbie, an overnight camping trip with the kids can be a great experience for the whole family. It was visions of tent camping and afternoon hikes that prompted my husband, two children, and I—plus our friends and their two kids—to book an overnight stay at North-South Lake Campground in Haines Falls last summer.

One of our favorite family-friendly campgrounds for families, this New York state-run facility offers plenty of creature comforts (bathrooms!) and had enough to keep kids occupied (playground! lake!), but not so much that they’d get overwhelmed.

Here’s a closer look at what we did during our family camping trip to North-South Lake Campground. Find more picks for exploring nearby in our Outdoor Fun Guide.

Best Swimming Lakes near Westchester You Need To Discover

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/14/2023 - 7:24am

Make a splash at Croton Point Beach. Photo courtesy of Westchester County

Pools and splash pads are great for summer fun, but swimming lakes in and near Westchester are ideal destinations for cooling off in the great outdoors. While you'll only find a few local swimming lakes and rivers in Westchester County, the Hudson Valley offers plenty of places for freshwater swimming, including some spots that merit a day trip—or are worth visiting as part of an overnight stay at a nearby family campground.

Here, we've rounded up several lakes and rivers that are perfect for swimming with kids this summer, from the Hudson River to Lake Taghkanic.

Looking for even more fun in the sun? Check out our Summer Fun Guide.

Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Thu, 05/11/2023 - 4:47pm

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

These aquariums near NYC make for a fun under-the-sea day trip destination where families can see colorful fish up close, be entertained by a variety of undersea animals, and get a kick out of interactive exhibits, feedings, and shows.

There are a number of great aquariums within an easy day trip from the tri-state area, so the next time your kids request a trip to the aquarium, consider visiting one of these regional picks, which each offer a truly unique undersea experience. At these local aquariums in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, you can see everything from Beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium to the East Coast's largest collection of sharks at the Adventure Aquarium.

Find more day trip-worthy destinations in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways and find all our top picks for animal fun in our Guide to Local Zoos and Gardens.