Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

Tarrytown With Kids: 20 Things To Do in the Scenic Rivertown

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Wed, 06/02/2021 - 10:00am

Explore the stunning grounds of Lyndhurst Mansion. Photo courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Westchester is home to so many amazing family-friendly towns, and Tarrytown is definitely one of our favorites. One of Westchester's scenic Rivertowns right on the Hudson River, Tarrytown has a population of about 11,000 and checks all the boxes for a great day trip: parks and green space for kids to run around, a cute downtown that's easily walkable, and a slew of adorable shops and restaurants to visit. Plus, there are some great family-friendly events and cultural spots to round out your experience.

Here, we've rounded up 20 of our favorite things to do in Tarrytown with kids from toddlers to teens.

Visit the Dinosaur Garden and More at Lasdon Park & Arboretum

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Wed, 05/12/2021 - 10:00am

The Dinosaur Garden at Lasdon Park & Arboretum is one of many family-friendly trails, and it beckons kids to come and explore.

While nothing has been easy about this past year, one small upside has been the number of great outdoor parks and preserves we’ve visited in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. From Croton Gorge Park to Minnewaska State Park, my family and I have been able to spend time in nature and truly take in the natural beauty that is practically right in our own backyard. On the agenda recently: A visit to Lasdon Park & Arboretum, a 234-acre park on Route 35 in Katonah.

Bought by the Lasdon family in the 1930s as its "country retreat," Westchester County purchased the land in the mid-1980s, transforming it into a public green space with gorgeous gardens, lots of family-friendly walking paths, and (best of all for the kids) a Dinosaur Garden. There is plenty here to keep Westchester families engaged, and it makes a great day trip destination for New York City families, too.

Read on for more details on how to fill your day at Lasdon Park & Arboretum, and find more outdoor fun in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

5 Things To Do on a Day Trip to Croton Gorge Park

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Wed, 04/21/2021 - 10:00am

Croton Gorge Park is a gorgeous destination in any season.

From excellent playgrounds for little ones to wonderful destination parks, there are plenty of reasons for Westchester families to head outside year-round. One of my personal favorite outdoor destinations is Croton Gorge Park, a 97-acre county-owned gem on Route 129 in Cortlandt. It's home to the Croton Dam and a huge, cascading waterfall, one of the park's defining features.

These days, there’s lots for families to do while visiting Croton Gorge Park. We’ve rounded up our top five ways to spend the day. If you're looking for even more outdoor fun, check out these easy state park hikes nearby and the seasonal activities in our Spring Fun Guide.

Top PBS Kids Shows That Never Get Old

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Thu, 04/08/2021 - 9:01am

Elmo and his parents on Sesame Street. Image courtesy of PBS

Let’s be honest: Parents are not the only ones who have been watching more TV during the past year. (Hello, Bridgerton binge!) And while we may have come to terms with switching on a screen to occupy kids when we have to take a work call (*raises hand*), we still want to make sure our toddlers, preschoolers, and kids in early elementary school are getting a mix of entertaining and educational content—a sweet spot PBS Kids has always done super well.

PBS Kids has made a lot of shows, and while they're all great, it can be hard to know where to start! We’ve rounded up our all-time favorite PBS Kids shows—from forever favorites like Sesame Street to newcomers like Molly of Denali—for you to turn to the next time the kids (or you) are begging for a TV break.

Short Hikes for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Wed, 04/07/2021 - 1:46pm

Little ones love to stretch their legs on the trails and explore nature all around. Photo by Sara M.

Now that the layered-clothes stage of winter is over, heading outside for short bursts of activity with your little ones feels much more manageable (and enjoyable). While you can spend time at one of the many toddler-friendly playgrounds in the area, going outside for a family-friendly hike is another great idea.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite local Westchester hikes to take with toddlers and preschoolers—some take you through wooded areas, others by the beach, and others that may be a bit of a drive but are worth it for the much-needed change of scenery. Plus, all of the hikes are a manageable 1-1 1/2 miles, and many are stroller, bike, or scooter friendly.

Looking for more outdoor fun this spring? Check out our Spring Fun Guide.

Empire State Trail With Kids: Family-Friendly Local Sections to Explore

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 6:06pm

V.E .Macy Park makes for a fun diversion from your Empire State Trail trek.

While we love a good winter hike, there's nothing better than getting outside on a fresh spring day. After being cooped up all winter, we're excited for all of the open-air adventures to be had nearby, and the newly completed, 750-mile-long Empire State Trail has us feeling especially inspired to get out and explore.

Read on for more details about the trail and our favorite local sections with family-friendly pit stops nearby, whether you pick it up in Lower Manhattan or the Lower Hudson Valley.

Where to Host Birthday Parties For Westchester Kids in 2021

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 02/14/2021 - 3:39pm

MADE offers several different party options in-studio or online via Zoom, materials included.

Just because birthday parties might not look exactly like the big blowouts of years past doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of other ways to celebrate—from hiring a virtual performer to finding birthday party venues that can cater to our new normal.

And thankfully, there are lots of birthday party options in Westchester, whether your artsy kid wants to try their hand at making slime or pottery or you want to go the route of setting up a ninja course in your backyard with the help of some professionals. Here are nine local venues and vendors helping make sure kids' birthday party dreams (still) come true.

Looking for more kid-friendly party ideas? Check out Party Guide for plenty of options.

9 Winter Hikes to Take With Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 10:45am

Teatown Lake Reservation offers miles of scenic, easy trails that are as fun to explore in the winter as they are in the summer. Photo by author

For many of us, spending time outdoors every day—especially now, when many indoor activities are limited—is key to maintaining some sense of normalcy. There are times, though, when a neighborhood walk just won’t cut it. That's when you can head out for one of these winter hikes at one of the many parks and preserves in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

The best part? Not only will you find hikes that work for toddlers up through teens, but many of these sites also offer other outdoor activities to try as well, whether it’s a winter zoo visit, an outdoor picnic, or even heading to an on-site playground if you’re up for it. Here, we’ve rounded up nine local, parent-tested options we love.

Looking for even more cold-weather activities? Check out our Winter Fun Guide.