Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

Most Spectacular Christmas and Holiday Light Displays in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 11/27/2022 - 7:40am

The Keeler Christmas light display in Putnam Valley features nearly 1 million lights.

Looking for the best Christmas light displays in and near Westchester? Read on for our top picks.

Families all over Westchester and the Hudson Valley are decking their halls—and their houses—with holiday decorations. And while you can drive through almost any neighborhood and spot pretty Christmas lights and festive inflatables, certain houses merit a visit all their own.

We’ve rounded up several of our favorite local Christmas light displays for 2022, perfect for getting your crew into the holiday spirit. While most of these displays are of the homegrown variety, you can find plenty of spectacular professional displays in the tristate area, too.

If you're looking for even more holiday happenings, check out our events calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide to hear about all the fun as soon as we do.

Holiday Volunteering Opportunities for Kids and Families in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sat, 11/19/2022 - 11:35am

Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Looking for volunteering opportunities in Westchester this holiday season? Read on for several options in the area.

The holiday season is a great time to give your time and talents to worthy causes, and there is no shortage of ways to help out around Westchester. Whether you volunteer regularly or are just looking into it for the first time, we've got lots of ways your family can get involved in the community. All those listed here welcome kids and teens—and could absolutely turn into the start of a new family tradition.

Read on for several ideas, and be sure to check out our Holiday Guide for even more family activities.

Fall Bucket List for Kids: 20 Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this Fall

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 09/09/2022 - 6:25am

Run wild at the forest obstacle course at Greenburgh Nature Center this fall. Photo courtesy of the center

It's hard to pull together a fall bucket list because we love everything about fall: the leaf-peeping, the pumpkin picking, and the fun to be had around Halloween. Sleepy Hollow is the center of the Halloween universe, after all, and Westchester and the Hudson Valley abound with fall activities. Here, we’ve rounded up 20 of our favorite fall activities near Westchester that are sure to please everyone from little ones to teens. Many of them are even FREE.

If this fall bucket list isn't enough entertainment for your family, be sure to bookmark our list of family-friendly fall festivals near Westchester and our seasonal Guide to Fall Fun for more fun things to do.

Top Kids Resale and Consignment Shops in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 09/02/2022 - 10:00am

Blackbird Attic carries a wide variety of curated consignment finds for all ages. Photo courtesy of Blackbird Attic

Here’s the thing about kids: They need a lot of stuff. From strollers and scooters to winter coats and summer dresses–not to mention the things they use only once or twice. (We’re looking at you, Halloween costumes!)

That’s where consignment shops can come in handy. Consignment shops typically sell "gently used," name-brand items at a fraction of their original prices. There are many consignment shops throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley, from stores that are open every day to pop-up sales. And, on the flip side, if you find yourself with lots of baby gear to unload, consigning–often by appointment, sometimes as walk-ins–can also be an option.

Looking for more ways to shop Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Check out our Stores and Sevices Guide. And for other thrifty activity ideas, be sure to bookmark our Free Fun Things to Do With Westchester Kids Guide.

7 Indoor Playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for a Wild Romp

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 08/19/2022 - 11:36am

Tig & Peach offers drop-in, no reservations required, open play 7 days a week.

Sure, there are plenty of great indoor play spaces to turn to in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley—whether your kids are into jumping on trampolines, making art, or going bowling.

But sometimes nothing except a playground will do—and if the weather isn’t ideal for hitting up one of your favorite outdoor parks or playgrounds, taking the fun indoors works too. That’s because there are several places in the area offering up playground-style fun inside, with opportunities to slide, jump, crawl, and hang.

We rounded up a few that work for babies and toddlers up through tweens and even teens—and some that work particularly well for groups of siblings or friends of various ages. Some require reservations, so be sure to check their website or call ahead before you head out.

For even more indoor ideas, check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Westchester Kids. And be sure to keep an eye on our events calendar for lots of fun upcoming activities.

River Tubing and White Water Rafting near NYC: 7 Spots for a Wet-and-Wild Ride

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Mon, 08/08/2022 - 3:15pm

Hit the rapids with Pocono Whitewater for white water rafting near NYC.

When it comes to wet-and-wild summer fun, here's a fresh idea: Why not plan a river tubing day trip or go white water rafting near NYC? After all, you’ve likely already visited some local beaches, swam in our favorite FREE swimming pools, and (of course) hit up a splash pad while attempting to beat the summer heat.

Most of these destinations for river tubing and white water rafting near NYC clock in at around two hours from Midtown Manhattan, making them perfect for a day trip or quick late-summer weekend getaway—some even offer family-friendly camping packages, too. So, read on for our top picks for river tubing and white water rafting near NYC, and find more seasonal fun in our Guide to Summer Fun in NYC for Kids.

Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Westchester: Cool Party Places for Teens

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 07/24/2022 - 9:16am

Gather friends for a climbing party at The Cliffs at Valhalla. Photo courtesy of the facility

Teen birthday party ideas in Westchester may seem tougher to come by than the princess- or pirate-themed fiestas that work for the younger set, but there are lots of options, including parties centered on art, games, rock climbing, or–believe it or not–skydiving.

Read on for the full list sure to please your older kid. And if you’re looking for more birthday ideas, check out our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for Westchester Families, which includes info on where to get a great cake.

Best Beaches near Westchester for Kids and Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/15/2022 - 12:36pm

Rye Town Beach is is a great for families. Photo courtesy of the the town

As you plan your summer must to-do's, a lazy day at one of these beaches near Westchester is worth adding to your list. We think a beach day ranks right up there with visits to swimming pools and splash pads for cooling, wet and wild summer fun. There are a few local beaches in Westchester, which boasts 36 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound, as well as a whole slew of beautiful beaches nearby in Connecticut, Long Island, and New Jersey.

Here’s a look at our favorite beaches near Westchester, where kids can play in the sand and you can bask in the sun. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Summer Activities for Westchester Kids for more seasonal fun.