Christi O'Donnell

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Latest posts by Christi

Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Yonkers

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 05/30/2014 - 1:00pm

In the final post of our epic five part series covering the City of Yonkers, Mommy Poppins is looking at the best places to take the kids for family friendly meal. From breakfast to dessert, fancy to fast, Greek to Cuban, there is plenty to choose from on the busy streets of Westchester's largest city. If Italian food is what you're looking for, you're definitely in luck. Not far from Bronx's Arthur Ave, Yonkers is known for its generous pizza slices.

Indoor Play in Yonkers: 12 Places Westchester Kids Can Learn and Have Fun in Yonkers

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sun, 05/25/2014 - 9:00am

Our month-long highlight of Yonkers continues. We've given you the scoop on the best things to do with kids in Yonkers and filled you in on the city's best parks and green spaces. Now we're taking a look at indoor play places for kids in Yonkers.

There's so much to see and do in this city, it was hard to narrow it down, but here it is! We've rounded up our top one dozen picks for family fun in Yonkers. Residents and visitors alike will find that Yonkers is a fantastic family destination. From extraterrestrial explorations and Lego-mania to uneven bars and feature films, Yonkers is simply out of this world.

Tibbetts Brook Park, Lenoire Preserve and Other Outdoor Places to Play in Yonkers

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Fri, 05/23/2014 - 9:00am

Just a hare's breath north of the Bronx borough line, Yonkers, New York State's fourth most populous city, is full of beautiful greenery and lush open space. From stately mansions to meandering bike paths, it is a city that is simultaneously steeped in history and accelerating into the future. Because there is just so much for families to do here, we are dedicating this post to amazing outdoor play spaces for kids in Yonkers--and keep your eyes peeled for our top picks for indoor play coming soon.

Cooking Classes for Kids in Westchester

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Thu, 05/22/2014 - 9:00am

Cooking is a favorite pastime in our house, so my daughter has been in the kitchen since day the day she came home--first in a sling, then in a bouncy seat and, eventually, on a stepstool at the kitchen counter. I’d like to say she’s willing taste everything she cooks, but she’s willing to at least touch it.

Whether your kids are just getting started on their culinary adventures or ready to step out of the home kitchen and work with the professionals, Mommy Poppins has you covered. Westchester County is chock full of classes for the littlest helpers, seasoned sous chefs and talented teens.

Looking for more fun ideas? Check out our Spring Activity Guide.

4 Places for Beading Fun and Parties for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sun, 05/18/2014 - 1:00pm

This post is being updated for 2015.

Kids love getting crafty, so what better way to encourage their creativity and emergent sense of style than with a beading birthday party? In store, in home or in a rented space, these beading businesses provide the materials and know-how to help the your budding designer and all of the birthday guests create stunning jewelry with a professional touch. Girls AND boys will love the special necklaces, earrings and bracelets they created themselves and you will love the ease with which the whole party comes together.

Best BBQ in Westchester: 6 Barbeque Restaurants for Westchester Families

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Sat, 05/10/2014 - 1:08pm

Barbeque is, in my opinion, one of the best and easiest meal options for kids. It’s messy. It’s eaten with your bare hands. It comes with French fries and mac and cheese and, in many cases, it is soft and saucy and perfect for outdoor gatherings.

We are constantly on the lookout for the best places to eat with kids throughout Westchester. Now, in anticipation of Memorial Day, Mommy Poppins has scouted out six of our favorite BBQ restaurants in the county. Whether you’re eating in, carrying out or looking to avoid leaving your lawn chair, these restaurants have got you covered.

10 Summer Camps for Westchester Kids with Special Needs

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Wed, 04/30/2014 - 9:00am

For children with special physical, emotional, learning or medical needs, it can often be difficult to find summer camp programs designed specifically with their challenges in mind. While many traditional summer camps can accommodate a child with some minor needs, those designed to play on the strengths of special needs children while helping them develop in areas of weakness can often offer campers an experience unlike any other.

We've rounded up ten summer camps in and around Westchester County that cater to children with special needs, providing individual attention with low staff to student ratios coupled with programs designed to let kids have fun, learn and explore while developing social skills and confidence in a nurturing and safe environment. Read on for more details on special needs summer camps in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley area. Looking for more camp options? Check out our ever-growing Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory.

6 Sensory Play Spaces in Westchester

Submitted by Christi O'Donnell on Tue, 04/22/2014 - 11:00am

In recent years, Westchester County has seen an explosion in the number of parents seeking services, enrichment and experiences for children who experience sensory information in non-standard ways. In response, businesses and institutions across Westchester have created programs to match the needs of local families. While there are many places where parents can go for occupational and physical therapy, there are also times when kids just want to do what kids do best--play! We found six local gyms and play spaces that open their doors to kids who experience the world in unique ways, helping them develop motor skills, core strength, balance, coordination, sensory integration and more in a fun and engaging way.