Marisa Iallonardo

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

Family Day Trip to the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 01/19/2020 - 9:00am

The museum offers a variety of engaging, family-friendly activities.

If you're looking for a first museum experience for your kids, the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers is one of the best local options. It's not huge or overwhelming, but it offers plenty to do to keep kids engaged and learning.

The largest cultural institution in Westchester County, the Hudson River Museum includes galleries, a planetarium, amphitheater, historic mansion, picturesque outdoor space, and plenty of family-friendly events and activities. My dad and I took my 5-year-old and 2.5-year-old for a visit on a recent Saturday afternoon, and it was a perfect outing.

Day Trip to Muscoot Farm: Animals and Old-Fashioned Fun for Little Ones

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 10/04/2019 - 12:00pm

Set on 777 acres in Somers, Muscoot Farm is a sweet spot to visit with young children. Photo courtesy of the farm

Muscoot Farm is a Westchester gem and a great day trip destination, especially now that we're in prime fall fun season. The 777-acre Somers farm offers enough to keep kids having fun without feeling overwhelmed.

In fact, Muscoot Farm is a great farm introduction for younger children, because it allows them to see animals up close without it being as daunting as say, a trip to the zoo might be for that age group. The best part? Admission is FREE.

8 Westchester Parks Perfect for Kids' Outdoor Birthday Parties

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/26/2019 - 12:00pm

Have a pool party at Willson's Waves in Willson's Woods Park in Mount Vernon. Photo courtesy of Westchester Parks

Summer is a great time to throw an outdoor birthday party, but if you don’t have the space (or the desire) to host a bunch of high-energy kids at your house, one of Westchester's beautiful parks can be a great alternative.

Whether you’re looking to have a small party or a big bash, there are lots of parks in the area to accommodate your needs—and many have tons of fun amenities too, from splash pads and swimming pools to playgrounds and soccer fields. Here, we’ve rounded up eight of our favorites.

Looking for even more fun birthday party ideas? Check out our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for Westchester Families, and sign up for our newsletters!

Pick Your Own Blueberries and More at These Hudson Valley Farms

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 07/12/2019 - 10:00am

Even the littlest visitors can pick their own blueberries. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

Strawberry-picking season may be coming to an end, but never fear: we've got the scoop on Hudson Valley f arms and orchards where you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more all summer long.

Here are a few of our favorite places to go berry picking in the lower Hudson Valley, whether you decide to go for the morning or to make an entire day of it. Either way, be sure to call ahead to make sure the farm has berries on hand.

Looking for even more outdoor fun? Check out our Summer Activity Guide for Westchester Kids.

12 Mommy and Me Classes You Can Take on the Weekend in Westchester

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Wed, 07/03/2019 - 1:00pm

Sprout Wellness offers flexible options for classes with kids. Photo courtesy of Sprout Wellness

Whether you’re interested in mommy and me music classes, dance, or yoga, Westchester has no shortage of kids' classes you can take with your child. But for working parents—or any parent who’s short on time during the week—it can be tough to find a class that fits your family’s schedule.

The good news: There are a number of mommy and me classes that meet on the weekends. Here, we’ve rounded up 12 parent/child classes that take place on either Saturday or Sunday.

Find more classes and enrichment programs in our Classes Guide for Westchester Kids.

Top Swim Lessons and Classes for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Mon, 07/01/2019 - 11:00am

Take Me to the Water Swim School offers classes for kids starting at 6 months.

Hoping to get your child more comfortable in the swimming pool? You’re in luck: there are lots of swim class options for Westchester kids, from babies through teenagers. With classes focusing on everything from basic swimming skills and safety to mastering specific strokes, there’s something for every level of swimmer. Choose from group lessons, private lessons, or even lessons in your home pool.

Ready to dive in? We've rounded up a list of swim schools to get you started.

For more ideas, check out our Classes Guide for a full rundown of classes available in the area. Or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know!

25 Fun Things to Do with Westchester Kids Over Winter Break

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 12/16/2018 - 9:00am

Check out the Westchester Children’s Museum's Young Discoverer's program on Wednesday, December 26.

Just when the hectic-ness of the holidays are behind you, you'll be staring down a week without school. What to do? So much!

Whether you want to head to a museum, take the kids to tea, or kick off the New Year with a kid-friendly celebration, we’ve got 25 fun things for Westchester families to do over winter break 2018.

Looking for even more activities? Check out our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters!

30 Awesome Things To Do with Westchester Preschoolers this Fall

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Tue, 09/11/2018 - 10:00am

Pick and decorate a pumpkin at Fishkill Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm

We usher in autumn with the start of school and the uncorking of champagne (just us?), but it's also a time to take part in such annual traditions as apple picking, pumpkin picking, and Halloween celebrations. It also gives Westchester families one last opportunity to visit certain outdoor spots before they close up shop for the winter.

We’ve gathered up our favorite things to do with preschoolers this fall in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. For more options, check out our Event Calendar—and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook.

Latest posts by Marisa Iallonardo

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