We all love our little cozy corners of Westchester. There are many things to do and see, places to eat, and parks to visit. Who doesn’t love exploring the county and “finding” the kid-friendly gems! We are spotlighting some of those awesome places so that other moms can take advantage and get a glimpse into the awesomeness that is Westchester! Read all posts in our Spotlight on Westchester Series.
White Plains is the commercial hub and county seat of Westchester. A 30-minute train ride to Manhattan, White Plains is home to over 58,000 people and offers some of the best shopping, arts, and dining in the county, as well as a more commuter-friendly atmosphere than its neighbors to the north.
What to Do
Bowlero White Plains: With 56 bowling lanes, an arcade, and lane-side food and drinks, Bowlero is fun for the entire family. You can also host a birthday party with unlimited bowling and kid-friendly features, such as bowling bumpers.
Westchester County Center: The Westchester County Center is Westchester’s premier setting for concerts, trade shows, sporting events, conventions, seminars, and other community events. The Westchester Knicks, the exclusive NBA Development League affiliate of the NY Knicks, play all 25 home games at the Westchester County Center. I’ve taken my kids to see the Royal Hanneford Circus here. Additionally, the venue has hosted various events for all ages, including the New York Metro Reptile Show, the Harlem Globetrotters, the Nutcracker, Baby Shark Live, the Kidz Bop World Tour, and the Westchester Toy and Train Show.
White Plains Performing Arts Center: White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) showcases regional theatre, music, dance, comedy, family programming, and theatre education. With 410 seats, this state-of-the-art theatre is located in the City Center building in downtown White Plains. Past productions include Masquerade: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Aida, Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, and Cabaret.
The Westchester: With some of the most high-end stores around, this mall includes Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Gucci. One of the best parts is the free kids’ play space in the food court area.
Outdoor Fun
Bicycle Sundays: During the warmer months, often May through October, Westchester County residents and visitors can enjoy 6.5 miles of the Bronx River Parkway from the Westchester County Center in White Plains south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. This free event draws 60,000 participants each year who bike, walk, and jog the route while it is closed to vehicular traffic.
Saxon Woods Park: With 700 acres, Saxon Woods Park features an 18-hole golf course, miniature golf, the county’s largest swimming pool, a children’s aquatic playground, and the county’s only playground accessible to people with disabilities. The park’s trails are popular with hikers, cross-country skiers, and horseback riders.
Silver Lake Preserve and Cranberry Lake Preserve: These are great spots for more scenic hiking trails in the White Plains area.
White Plains Farmers’ Market: Open on Wednesdays on Court Street between Martine Avenue and Main Street from late April through late November. Vendors include Dr. Pickle, Hudson Valley Fish Farms, Lamar Bread, Rambling Coffee, Kariba Farms, Capital Distillery, and many others.
White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival: For over 50 years, the White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival has brought fine arts and crafts to Tibbits Park in the center of White Plains. The event features a variety of art mediums, including painting, photography, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, textiles, and more. It also includes a free children’s art workshop and food vendors.
Where to Eat
Aberdeen Seafood & Dim Sum: Often recommended as the best Chinese food in the county, Aberdeen specializes in homemade dim sum and an extensive buffet-style menu with many specialty dishes. Located adjacent to the White Plains Marriott, Aberdeen is open daily for takeout and delivery.
City Limits Diner: It’s no wonder it’s always busy. It sits at a busy intersection where Central Avenue meets Tarrytown Road and the Bronx River Parkway, across from the Westchester County Center. But it’s no ordinary diner. Owned by Livanos Restaurant Group, City Limits offers high-quality, fresh menu items. And like most diners, breakfast is served all day.
Cantina Taco & Tequila Bar: A vibrant neighborhood favorite, Cantina Taco & Tequila Bar has become a staple for great tacos and a lively atmosphere. By day, it’s a welcoming spot for the whole family, with a well-priced kids’ menu that makes dining out easy. Come happy hour, it transforms into the perfect place to unwind with margaritas, catch up with friends, or kick off a girls’ night out. From Thursday through Saturday, live DJs keep the energy high with hits that might just have you forgetting it’s long past your bedtime.
Emma’s Ale House: Named after the owner’s yellow lab and decorated with dog-inspired artwork, it is an upscale pub and restaurant serving classic comfort food. The burgers are top-notch.
Hudson Grille: Hudson Grille serves up contemporary American fare on bustling Mamaroneck Avenue in a casual yet elegant setting. Enjoy their dining room or head outdoors to their beer garden.
Lilly’s: Great for a girls’ night out or a date night, Lilly’s is “where tapas meets the brick oven,” with craft cocktails, contemporary small plates, and fresh seafood. Another mainstay on Mamaroneck Avenue, head here for dinner, lunch, brunch, or inventive drinks.
Coffee & Ice Cream
Ice Cream Social: This bright, cheerful ice cream shop has been a neighborhood favorite. Owned by two local moms, it’s known for its creative flavors, from Unicorn Cake to Insta Graham, making every visit a treat for kids and grown-ups alike.
Coffee Social: The team behind Ice Cream Social recently opened Coffee Social, a cozy café that’s quickly becoming a local gathering place. Stop in for yummy lattes and locally baked treats, then stick around for community events ranging from karaoke nights to improv shows.
Araras Coffee: Step inside, and you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Brazil. From authentic Brazilian coffee to imported treats (you can never have too many brigadeiros, in my opinion!), every visit is warm, welcoming, and full of flavor. Friendly staff and an inviting atmosphere make it an easy choice for your daily coffee stop.
The Pamplemousse Project: Part coffee shop, part candy store, it offers something for everyone. Parents can enjoy a great cup of coffee while kids browse the candy selection, making it a fun stop for the whole family. It’s also a welcoming place to settle in for a few hours of work or conversation, and every purchase makes a difference, as 100% of profits are donated to local nonprofit organizations.
