Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

Gorgeous Glamping Near NYC for Your Next Family Getaway

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Thu, 04/28/2022 - 7:42pm

Bellfire's glamping resort in the Catskills offers creature comforts like a grill, fire pit, and even a sauna.

If you want to sleep in the great outdoors, but not necessarily on the ground, consider glamping. This elevated form of camping provides hotel-style perks, plus the kitsch appeal of camping.

Think of glamping as an upgraded version of traditional camping, typically with a larger, canvas tent already set up, often with beds, mattresses, and other creature comforts like picnic tables and grills built into your campsite. Most of these destinations for glamping near New York City are open between May and October and can include everything from bathrooms with running water to hotel-quality linens, kitchens, electricity, and even air conditioning.

These glamping spots in New Jersey, upstate New York, and the Poconos are also packed with family-friendly extras, including pools, playgrounds, hayrides, mini golf, and we even found one glamping site that's home to a ropes course, on top of nature activities, like biking and fishing. Some even offer hotel-level features, like on-site restaurants. Read on for our full list of destinations to go glamping near New York City, and find more ideas for a family-friendly getaway in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Top Toddler Playgrounds and Tot Lots Near Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 04/10/2022 - 7:47am

Little ones can take the wheel(s) of the wooden car at Sunset Park.

There are lots of great parks and playgrounds in Westchester, no matter which city or town you live in. But finding a playground that’s suitable for the under-5 set can sometimes be a challenge—you want them to be safe; they want to try that giant, twisty slide with a group of wild 7-year-olds on it. Happily, there are several toddler playgrounds near Westchester. These tot lots have plenty of safe options for keeping little ones occupied while having fun. We've rounded up a few of our favorites.

Read on for 13 toddler playgrounds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and find more fun places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Nature Centers in Westchester to Explore With Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 03/18/2022 - 9:46am

Little animal lovers go crazy for the collection at the Weinberg Nature Center, which counts toads, chinchillas, bunnies, and more among its 40+ residents.

Families in Westchester County are surrounded by beautiful green spaces and outdoor destinations. There are great places to go hiking with kids plus plenty of family-friendly farms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. If you're looking for a new way to connect with nature, it might be time to head to one of the many nature centers in Westchester County.

These nature centers allow children—and adults—to learn about the natural world, see undisturbed habitats, and encounter wildlife up close, often in a smaller and less zany environment than, say, a big, crowded zoo. These local nature centers house scenic hiking trails and playgrounds, plus many host interactive events. A visit is a great way to spend a day no matter the season. Read on for all the details on seven nature centers in Westchester.

Top Indoor Birthday Party Places for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 02/18/2022 - 10:30am

Build birthday memories brick by brick at Legoland. Photo courtesy of Legoland

It isn't always park or pool party weather, but kids in Westchester still can have a blast celebrating their birthday at indoor spots throughout the area. There's no shortage of places for Westchester kids to get their party on—whether the birthday boy or girl wants to jump on trampolines, scale a rock wall, do yoga, or race go-karts.

Here, we’ve put together a list with choices for a variety of ages (and invite lists)—from preschoolers to tweens and teens. Looking for even more options? Check out our full Party Planning Guide, or head straight to our directory.

Top Attractions in Westchester: Best Things To See and Do with Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 02/13/2022 - 1:20pm

Be on the hunt for butterflies at Lasdon Park in Katonah.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned living here, it’s that there’s no shortage of amazing things to do and see in Westchester. From kid-friendly museums and outdoor spaces to annual events that are on every family’s must-do list, it’s easy to keep little ones engaged, and to have a blast while doing it.

So whether you’re visiting family and friends, are thinking of moving to the area, or simply want to play tourist in your own backyard, read on for are some of the top attractions for families in Westchester.

Looking for even more things to do? Check out our Guide to Westchester, see what’s happening in our events calendar, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter.

Art Studios in Westchester Offering Drop-In and Take-Home Art for Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 02/06/2022 - 6:51am

Kids can explore different mediums at MADE: My Art and Design Experience in Mamaroneck.

Whether you’re staring down a long winter weekend with the kids, or you’re already thinking ahead to the next school break, here’s one idea to add to the list: Let them get creative.

Westchester is home to a host of art studios and crafts centers, many of which offer drop-in sessions for kids and families, either daily or on the weekends.

Here, we’ve rounded up seven such art studios that give kids a chance to try pottery painting, candle making, glass fusing, and much more. While the pandemic might have altered some operations, many of these crafty spots offer socially distant table reservations, plus take-home kits so your kids can get creative at home.

For more drop-in fun, check out our roundup of local play spaces open now, and find more things to do in our Event Calendar.

Full-Day Preschools for Westchester Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 01/16/2022 - 6:18am

Bright Horizons offers a diverse curriculum for Westchester children.

Ready to send your little one off to preschool? There are plenty of options throughout Westchester—from cities and towns with universal pre-K programs to nature preschools and half-day cooperative nursery schools. If you're looking for a school that offers longer hours to accommodate your schedule, we've rounded up preschools that offer full-day sessions.

While there are many preschools that offer add-on programs outside of their core morning or afternoon hours (including, for example, early drop-off or extended day), the schools on this list all have core full-day options, many of which include early morning drop-off and early evening pick-up options.

For even more options, check out our Preschools Guide for Westchester Kids.

The Paw Patrol Experiences Comes to Hudson Yards for Limited Run

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Mon, 12/06/2021 - 9:33am

Load up the family and hit the road to check out The Paw Patrol Experience at Hudson Yards—it's here for a limited run!

Paw Patrol has been a staple in our house for years. My now 7-year-old son discovered the show when he was 3—his birthday cake that year is proof—and my daughter, at 4, while not as obsessed as her brother was at the same age, can rattle off all the characters and tell you her favorite (Skye), as of course, can I (Chickaletta, naturally). So, needless to say, they were both excited when they found out we’d be visiting the brand new Paw Patrol Experience at CAMP Hudson Yards. The Paw Patrol Experience, which kicked off in late November runs until Sunday, January 2, making it a great seasonal to-do, especially during the holiday break.

Read on for a full rundown of what you can expect at this immersive, interactive experience, and find more seasonal fun in our Winter Fun Guide.