Christi O'Donnell

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Latest posts by Christi

Family-Friendly Theaters in Westchester: Where to Catch a Live Show with Kids

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sun, 08/09/2015 - 10:00am

Before having kids one of my favorite weekend activities was catching an early dinner before heading to an evening theater production or concert. Happily, post baby, that hasn't changed much (well, unless you consider that strollers, stuffed animals and gigantic characters in neon costumes are now part of the equation). Theater and music are fun, creative and enriching outlets for kids of all ages—and their parents! And while living so close to New York City makes it easy to catch a show anytime, there are plenty of venues in Westchester County that cater to young audiences with top-notch kid-friendly performances. We've rounded up the best live theater venues and performing arts centers that offer quality productions for kids in Westchester!

Why All the Rainbows? 10 Books for Kids About Marriage Equality

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Tue, 07/07/2015 - 12:00pm

Until recently, when asked by kids if two boys or two girls could get married, my standard answer was, "No, but they can be in love if they want to." On June 26, 2015, my answer to this common question changed for good—now it is simply, "Yes." For some children, the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges is a nonevent; for others, it is life-changing. Perhaps your little one noticed the deluge of rainbows on TV, or you’ve suddenly been invited to Uncle Bruce’s wedding to his longtime roommate. Maybe you're celebrating the historic ruling with your family, or you took a wrong turn and found yourself smack-dab in the middle of the NYC's Pride Parade. However the topic has come up—or even if it hasn’t yet—consider checking out one of these fantastic books to help explain inclusive ways to define family.

Music Under the Stars in West Point: Kid-Friendly Summer Concert Series for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Tue, 06/02/2015 - 11:00am

Outdoor concerts are one of the surest signs that summer has arrived. For our family, West Point’s Music Under the Stars series at Trophy Point is a summer night non-negotiatble. Set on a small point of land extending out into the Hudson, these FREE pack-a-picnic events are a full sensory experience. The music, played by the Unite States Military Academy's West Point Band, is always amazing, the view overlooking Cold Spring is breathtaking as the sun sets, and a breezy wind cools off the point on even the hottest evenings.

25 Reasons Westchester Is a Great Place To Raise Kids

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sat, 05/09/2015 - 10:00am

With its wonderful schools, diverse housing market, and myriad things to see and experience (not to mention its proximity to NYC), Westchester County is understandably one of the most desirable places to live in the entire country. So it's a given that it's also an incredible place to raise (or be) a kid!

Whether you’ve lived here all your life, moved here after realizing that 2.5 kids and a dog in a one-bedroom apartment wasn’t your idea of bliss, or stumbled upon our corner of suburbia completely by accident, welcome! Here are 25 reasons why you'll never want to leave.

Places to Play and Learn in Peekskill

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 05/08/2015 - 10:00am

The number of families settling down in Peekskill has exploded over the past decade, and so have the plethora of places for kids to play and learn. In previous posts, we explored things to do in Peekskill and the best places to dine with kids in the area. Now we wrap up our coverage of Peekskill with a roundup of the best places in town to have fun and pick up new skills.

Peekskill has lots of enriching indoor destinations for families, including a contemporary art center, hands-on creative spaces and theater programs. Meanwhile, outside you'll find lush parks with water features and other alfresco fun. Read on for details on awesome places for kids to learn and play in Peekskill—be it on the jungle gym or on the stage.

Day Trips for Mother's Day: 4 Spots Worth the Drive for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Mon, 05/04/2015 - 12:00pm

When you're a kid, Mother’s Day is easy. Just make a card and a macaroni necklace, toss some white bread on a tray, and carry it up to the bed and you’re golden. But for grown-ups, Mother’s Day is an EVENT. For many families, Mother’s Day is a multigenerational gala complete with several tiers of moms, kids and grandmothers—not to mention myriad friends, aunts and fathers who are often celebrated for the dual roles they play.

Here in the Hudson Valley, we are lucky to be at the epicenter of so much beauty in early May—so why not make a whole day of enjoying it? We've rounded up four spectacular Mother's Day adventures that are about an hour's drive from various parts of Westchester, and well worth the trip! For more seasonal activities, be sure to check out our Spring Activity Guide and our May GoList.

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Peekskill

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Thu, 04/23/2015 - 10:00am

When we moved to Peekskill in 2006, only three places on the following list even existed! So to say that Peekskill has experienced a restaurant boom in the past decade is an understatement. There is a restaurant for nearly every palate, and many of them are extremely family-friendly.

As we continue our focus on Peekskill this month, we’ve rounded up some of the best family dining the city has to offer. Our list includes a range of culinary options, traditional kid-pleasers to more exotic fare, long-time local favorites to new-on-the-block eateries worth checking out. Read on to find out where to dine with kids in Peekskill.

Earth Day Outdoor Volunteering Opportunities for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 04/17/2015 - 10:00am

While Earth Day officially falls on April 22, Westchester is celebrating through the end of the month. This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to get their hands dirty and help keep Westchester clean and beautiful. Earth Day, along with I Love My Park Day on Saturday, May 2, are great times to come together with your community, and make a difference in our parks and outdoor spaces.

Children love to help, so in honor of Earth Day and I Love My Park Day, we've rounded up opportunities for kids of all ages to volunteer their time to improve the planet. You'll find some of these events (and many more) in our Event Calendar and April GoList. From planting and weeding in local parks and nature centers, to collecting trash and other cleanup, everyone can pitch in and do their share.