We all love our own 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 Westchester’s awesomeness! Read all posts in our Spotlight on Westchester Series.
Yonkers is the largest city in Westchester County and the third largest city in New York. Yonkers is a fabulous city to live in, thanks to its proximity to Manhattan and its stunning views of the Hudson River. With an array of diverse restaurants, schools to choose from, and parks to explore, there is something for everyone here. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Yonkers so special!
Play Outside
Bicycle Sundays occur on the Bronx River Parkway on, you guessed it…Sundays in May, June, July, and September from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a 13.1-mile loop from White Plains to Yonkers, and you are welcome to bike, skate, walk, or jog on the BRP. If you have plans to travel during the aforementioned times, be prepared to find an alternate route due to the parkway closure.
The South County Trailway is a picturesque trail developed on the former Putnam Division Railroad, which was used from 1881 to 1958. Portions of the trail run parallel to the Saw Mill River Parkway (northbound). The paved multi-use trail spans fourteen miles from Valhalla through Yonkers to the New York City Border of Bronx Borough.
For me, the best seasons to go for a walk while my daughter roller skates the paved trail are during the fall and springtime when the foliage is breathtakingly beautiful. It can be easily accessed via Tibbetts Brook Park, as well as from both Toussant Avenue and Tompkins Avenue. A word of caution when traveling with youngsters: there are a few exits from the Saw Mill River Parkway across the trail. Each intersection has a painted crosswalk and gated barrier to prevent motor vehicles from entering the pathway.
Untermyer Gardens Conservatory is a public garden that overlooks the Hudson River. The horticulture and architecture are spectacular to experience, and the conservatory includes a walled garden, an amphitheater, a great gate, and a sundial garden, to name a few. This would be a great spot for family photos! Keep in mind that you must obtain a permit from the City of Yonkers to have professional photography taken on the premises. Special events mainly occur on the weekends throughout the year.
Lt. Roy McLaughlin Park is located on the corner of Teresa and Kneeland Avenues in the Lincoln Park Section of Yonkers. It features a gated playground with many slides and swings to accommodate children of all ages and abilities. This hidden gem offers plenty of benches and seating for chaperones, including picnic tables with umbrellas to shield them from the hot summer sun. You don’t have to worry about finding parking; there are many spaces available on the quiet residential street, or you can find a spot in the shared parking lot of Lincoln High School.
If the kids want to do more, bring their bikes to ride on the high school sports track surrounding the football field. Get your steps in while they run, jog, bike, skate, or play on the great lawn. Note: the track and field are only open to the public after school hours and days. Adjacent to the parking lot is a basketball court and tennis court. Many days, Mr. Softee visits the park.
The Yonkers Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K races occur every September. This scenic yet hilly race starts and finishes in downtown Yonkers, travels through the hills of Yonkers, and runs along the majestic Hudson River. This race is perfect for both beginners and seasoned runners. Yonkers Marathon is even a Boston Marathon Qualifier!
Tibbett’s Brook Park, located on the west side of Yonkers, was one of the first parks developed by Westchester County. The park features a large aquatic complex, including a lazy river, a splash zone for toddlers, and a lap swimming area. Entry lines can get long, and the pool can get crowded as this is a Westchester County Park and is not limited to just Yonkers. Tibbett’s also features two playgrounds, tennis and pickleball courts, an outdoor fitness area, mini golf, paved trails, playing fields, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a large lawn that hosts various activities throughout the year. Admission fees are enforced from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends for Westchester County Residents only.
Skating at EJ Murray’s is a staple of childhood! Murray’s has open skating all year long. The rink is used for roller skating in the warmer months and ice skating during the colder seasons. Many programs are offered, including hockey and figure skating lessons, as well as special events such as birthday parties, which can be rented for private group events. The rink features bleacher seating for spectators, a snack bar, and skate rentals. There is also an outdoor skate park on the premises.
Play Inside
D1 Training on Market Street is great for sports training, physical education, and those looking for a fun twist on working out. If you are training for a marathon or a sport or simply want to build strength, speed, and stamina, you will certainly want to have these certified coaches. Each has their own style, but all are friendly, encouraging, motivating, and welcoming. They will help you achieve your goals and can adjust to your level and ability.
Each class allows for team building. We love it because there’s no contract. It’s easy to find the class that fits your schedule or sign up for private, semi-private classes. We registered my daughter from January through the end of April as a physical education requirement for homeschooling. I love that it was easy to reserve a spot for her age group. Sometimes, she couldn’t make it, but the app made it easy to cancel her reservation to open the spot for another student. She is looking forward to returning in September. Parents can stay or go shopping at Whole Foods, located across the street, or any of the many shops in the Ridge Hill Shopping Center while their child attends class.
No Limit Ninja on Lake Avenue in the historic Alexander Smith Carpet Mills Art District. This facility is one of the largest locations in the tri-state area. This is the place to be for play and physical training, featuring obstacle courses suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced. Classes accommodate people of all ages, from 4 to 94, with group classes and open gym. Hosting an event? No problem, they’ll bring the obstacle course to you.
GymCats Gymnastics at One Odell Avenue in Executive Park offers group and private classes for ages three and up. I especially loved being able to watch my daughter from a room with a wide window while she was in class. Camps fill up quickly, so it’s best to get on their mailing list. There is a separate fitness center that shares space adjacent to the gym, allowing you to work out while your child is having their lesson.
Alamo Drafthouse on Central Park Avenue is a stylish movie theater with creative cocktails and bites to eat that will be served directly to your seat. That’s right! You do not have to get up in the middle of the movie to order more popcorn or another beverage. And speaking of the popcorn, I’m pretty sure it’s the best movie theater popcorn I’ve ever had.
The Blue Door Art Center is a not-for-profit organization that serves many underserved communities throughout Westchester County. The small art gallery, located on Riverdale Avenue, offers educational programs and workshops, including public art projects and writing classes led by professional instructors. Monthly public events, such as children’s art workshops, poetry readings, performances, and “Open Mic,” require reservations as space is limited. The gallery is open to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Summers on the Science Barge don’t get any cooler than this! The floating greenhouse operated by Groundwork Hudson Valley is situated on the Hudson River at 99 Dock Street. It’s an educational experience the whole family will enjoy. Open to the public for free on weekends beginning May 31 through October from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. One of my favorite things to see is the carp, which helps to feed plants and vegetation grown without soil. Be sure to check out the nearby Beczak Environmental Educational Center. A short distance down the road, you’ll see various aquatic animals native to the area. The Center for Urban River at Beczak (CURB) is operated by students and faculty of Sarah Lawrence College and offers programs for adults and children.
Let’s Learn
The Riverfront Library is one of three Yonkers Public Libraries (the other two being the Will and Crestwood Libraries). The Riverfront Library has become our favorite because of its ideal location, surrounded by numerous restaurants and shops, and with views of the beautiful Hudson River and the Palisades. The library offers numerous programs throughout the year for people of all ages, including Bilingual Storytime, Maker Mondays for Teens, Tuesday and Thursday Teen Gaming, Homework Helper, Zumba, and more. In addition to these wonderful weekly programs, the library has an Art Gallery open to the public for free. Much of the art displayed is by local artists. Exhibits change seasonally, so be sure to check it out. Some new services available at the Riverfront Library include 3D Printing, Meeting Rooms, and a newly designed Sensory Room for children under eight years old.
You must check out the Yonkers Aquatics Program for swimming lessons or competitive swimming. Swimming lessons are through Starfish Swim Instruction and the Condors Youth Swim Team. Lessons take place at Mark Twain Pool on Woodlawn Avenue, occur once a week, and run for eight weeks. The sessions are 30 minutes long. This is by far the most affordable lesson in the area. You need to have your child undergo a swim test before the program begins to determine the appropriate level class for enrollment. Class enrollment fills up extremely fast, so be on the lookout for the registration dates and times.
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site was renovated in 2022, featuring modern interactive exhibits and displays designed to meet the needs of multilingual speakers, individuals with hearing impairments, and those with visual impairments for a self-guided tour. The newly designed museum is accessible for visitors with strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers. Guided tours included with admission, offered daily from Wednesdays through Sundays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Admission is free for children (ages 0-12), $3 for students and seniors (62+), $6 for adults. Numerous family-friendly events are held throughout the year.
Hudson River Museum is a must-see! It is located on Warburton Avenue, with spectacular views of the Hudson River and Palisades. The museum offers a range of weekly and monthly programs, workshops, and events for people of all ages. With plenty of free parking, the modern entrance hides the wonderous “Glenview” Guided Age Mansion, an Amphitheater, and Planetarium. The museum’s shop has something for everyone. Tickets for planetarium shows and Glenview tours are an additional cost not included in general admission from Wednesdays through Fridays 12–5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free on the first Friday of each month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Let’s Eat
Don Jose Mexican Restaurant on Central Avenue is a must-try for everyone. Situated next to the former Bed Bath and Beyond, there is plenty of free parking. Each food item is prepared to order and features free-range chicken and organic vegetables. The guacamole is available in various sizes and levels of spiciness, ranging from mild to hot. My favorite dishes to order are the Tamal Con Pollo and Platanitos Machos, both of which can be found on their menu under Starters. I don’t like hot, spicy food. I love that the waitstaff is always patient with my many questions about the ingredients. They even provide samples of their sauces upon request because I can never remember which one I like best topped on an enchilada.
Tomo Japanese Cuisine on McLean Avenue is another family favorite. This chic restaurant is great for all gatherings. Whether you are dining with your family, meeting up with friends, or going out for date night. They offer authentic Asian cuisine, including hibachi and fresh sushi dishes. Pricing is reasonable. Portions are large, including their lunch specials. Be sure to save space for dessert. Our favorite is the vanilla fried ice cream.
Fresh & Co on North Broadway in the Historic Boyce Thompson Center is a healthy chain eatery offering freshly made breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and hot food. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Don’t have time to stay? Prepackaged items and drinks are available as well.
Lost Borough Ice Cream at One Larkin Plaza, situated next to DMV (Dept. of Motor Vehicles), is one of my family’s favorite ice cream shops. We love ice cream! Even during the winter months, and fortunately for us, they are handmade in small batches, so nothing goes to waste. There is something for everyone, from cookies, sorbets, ice cream, milkshakes, hot chocolate, and boba tea. The menu changes seasonally, but you will always find Dominican Style Vanilla Ice Cream flavor. Two of my favorites are Messy Girl (sweet cream, pound cake, and strawberry preserve) and Bad Habit (plain base, graham crumbs, and blueberry preserve) as a double scoop and as a shake.
Go Shopping
Ridge Hill is a staple of Yonkers. It has it all, from restaurants (Texas de Brazil, The Cheesecake Factory, Yardhouse, Little Buddha) to shopping (Gap, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Dick’s, Apple) to indoor play areas for the kids, such as Monster Miniature Golf, Hapik, iFly, SkyZone, and Legoland Discovery Center. These are all great options for birthday parties. Let’s not forget Showcase Cinema movie theatre and Whole Foods either! Ridge Hill has something for everyone; you could easily spend all day here. There is even an Urgent Care on premises should you need medical care.
The Cross County Center is another open-air mall between the NYS Thruway and the Cross County Parkway. With over 100+ stores, you are sure to find whatever you are looking for. And let’s not forget about the good eats like Chipotle, Haagen-Dazs, Olive Garden, and Shake Shack, to name a few. Other amenities include Blink Fitness, Showcase Cinemas, Super Stop and Shop, and the Hyatt Place Hotel. Parking is free and easily accessible via public transportation.
