Christi O'Donnell

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Remembering 9/11: Things to Do with Westchester Kids on September 11

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Mon, 09/08/2014 - 4:00am

Every year on September 11th, I think of the 17 children who were in my pre-K class that day, many of whom had parents working in Manhattan just a short train ride away. This year, those former 4 and 5 year olds have the distinction of being the last group of children who are likely to have personal, albeit fuzzy, memories of what happened that day.

Parents, teachers, friends and the media play the primary role in introducing kids to the events of that day in Manhattan, Washington DC and Pennsylvania. Because of Westchester's proximity to New York City, and because so many local families were affected, country residents and visitors have many local options for honoring the day. We've rounded up several ways to commemorate 9/11 with kids, ranging from visiting a local memorial, to volunteering your services, along with recommendations for helping explain the complex events of 9/11. Families interested in traveling into Manhattan on or around September 11th can also take a look at our suggestions for things to do with NYC kids.

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Yorktown

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Tue, 08/26/2014 - 1:00pm

With so many opportunities for hiking, biking, boating and more, it's easy to work up an appetite exploring Yorktown. Luckily, you'll find a variety of restaurants to help you satiate that hunger.

We continue our month-long coverage of Yorktown with a look at our favorite restaurants to enjoy with kids. From kid-and-vegan-friendly cafes and family BBQs to Himalayan curries and sushi, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Read on for our top dining picks in Yorktown.

Stargazing in Westchester: Best Places to See Meteor Showers, Comets and Stars

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Wed, 08/06/2014 - 9:00am

Several times a year I find myself outside on my tiny patio at all odd hours, staring up at the sky in hopes I will catch a glimpse of some spectacular astronomical happening in the skies over Westchester. There are meteor showers, comets, planet alignments, super moons, eclipses, oppositions and conjunctions--not to mention man-made events like shuttle launches and space station pass-overs.

Recently, a friend asked if I knew of any public spaces in the area where the skies are dark enough for stargazing--places that welcome families and amateur astronomers to observe the skies. Happily, there are several places in Westchester and the surrounding area where families can see and learn about the night sky and we've rounded them up for you.

Pack a thermos of hot chocolate, grab some warm blankets and check out these local astronomical viewing sites and activities--one might even say the views are out of this world!

Places to Play in North Salem: Where Westchester Kids Can Learn, Play and Explore in North Salem

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Wed, 07/30/2014 - 11:00am

My daughter and I recently found ourselves with several morning hours to pass in North Salem, and as we hopped from place to place it was clear that the best word to describe the character of this northern Westchester town is peaceful. Children played tag and basketball in the parks, leafed happily though books at the local library, licked ice cream cones in the painted Adirondack chairs outside the farm markets and watched for brightly colored fish in burbling gazing pools. We wrap up July’s spotlight on North Salem with a look at where local families and visitors can play, learn, relax and explore in this sleepy suburb.

Best Family Friendly Restaurants in North Salem

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 07/25/2014 - 9:00am

Even though it is a small town, North Salem has become something of a foodie destination in Westchester County. Surrounded by open fields and small farms, many local businesses focus on making the most of the fresh foods available in the spring, summer and fall months. Seasonal dishes and daily specials are common at many of the restaurants and farms in North Salem, Purdy and Croton Falls and it only takes a few bites to understand why.

We continue our month-long coverage of North Salem with a look at the best places to dine or take out with kids in tow. Our picks offer delicious food to satisfy the pickiest palettes and more adventurous diners, and indulgent desserts to top off any meal.

Family Friendly Restaurants in White Plains

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Mon, 06/30/2014 - 11:00am

In June we have been highlighting the City of White Plains and all it has to offer visitors and residents alike. We've covered our favorite things to do in the city, awesome parks and playgrounds and our picks for indoor fun. Now we're turning our attention to the best places for families to eat in White Plains.

While there are plenty of chain restaurants glowing bright on the street corners and inside the malls, the real dining gems in White Plains are independent, locally owned establishments. Mostly located along Mamaroneck Avenue, the main strip for small shops, these kid-friendly restaurants lend a small town feel to a large suburban city.

Westchester Pool Parties: Best Outdoor Swimming Pools for Kids' Birthdays

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 06/20/2014 - 9:00am

Temperatures are on the rise in Westchester and if your kid is lucky enough to have a summer birthday, why not throw an awesome pool party to commemorate the occasion? Nothing beats a pool party for fun-in-the-sun summer memories--the smell of chlorine, the hot scratchy pavement on wrinkled toes, the endless games of Marco Polo. If you don't have a pool in your backyard, no need to fret! Three of the hottest water play locations in Westchester County are also some of the best places for summertime pool parties!

National Doughnut Day: Free Doughnuts This Friday and Our Favorite Spots to Indulge

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Tue, 06/03/2014 - 1:00pm

There are very few things Mommy Poppins loves more than a free deal...and free foods are at the very top of the list. Every year, on National Doughnut Day, the first Friday in June, Americans raise a fried, sugary, round pastry in remembrance of the Doughnut Lassies who served our country's servicemen in trenches during World War I---or at least, they should. Learn how you too can celebrate this national holiday with a FREE doughnut.