We all love our cozy little 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 incredible 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.
If you plan on spending some time in lower Westchester, Larchmont is a great little village to explore. Ok, so technically, it is a part of the town of Mamaroneck, but it has its own identity. The main “town” is charming and studded with unique shops and eateries. There are plenty of outdoor activities, creative arts, and family fun opportunities.
Things To Do
Hommocks Park Ice Rink is home to a large rink open to the public. Here you can free skate, take lessons, participate in youth hockey leagues, and even have a birthday party. Check their website for open skate hours before you go. Rentals and concessions are available. Parking is free and ample.
Plaster Palace Pottery offers an open paint-your-own style studio. They carry characters (like Elmo) and piggy banks for little ones, while older ones may like to challenge themselves to paint a platter or jewelry box. The artists will help you choose paint colors and give hints about different techniques. This is also a great spot for a unique birthday party opportunity. Limited free parking is available in their lot.
D.I.Y Slime is a wonderful option when your children want to make slime but you don’t want to get it all over your new couch. D.I.Y. Slime is a make-your-own slime shop that offers a full menu of different types of slime and more than 100 add-ins, including beads, charms, glitter, confetti, gold leaf, chalkboard paint, glow-in-the-dark pigment, and more than a dozen scents! They have drop-in hours after school and on weekends and will even host your next party at their store or in your home or backyard!
Larchmont is a waterfront village with many parks that offer spectacular views of the Long Island Sound. Manor Park, located on Park Avenue in Larchmont, offers many benches and trails to walk along the sound shore. All year round, you will see people taking pictures, lounging, walking dogs, and enjoying the view. Parking is available on the public streets, but you must read the street signs. The only downfall, mamas, is that there is no play equipment. So, if you have little ones in tow, you may want to try Flint Park instead.
Flint Park is located at the end of Locust Avenue in Larchmont and offers a large area with many different options for outdoor activities. There are baseball and soccer fields (including a soccer turf) and multiple tennis courts. The playground is large, includes swings, and has different play structures for children of all ages. There is a small sand pit as well. My favorite part of Flint Park is that there is a public restroom (toddler moms understand why this is so important). There are also many benches and tables available for use. If you are a naturalist, you may enjoy their natural trails. In the summer, there are evening concerts at Flint Park on Thursdays. This large park offers something for everyone in the family and is a must-visit.
Where To Eat
If you want to take a meal (and perhaps have a picnic in one of the beautiful parks in the area), try Larchmont Meateria, a minimarket with a deli counter and an assortment of prepared foods. The owners of this long-standing Larchmont staple are friendly and will help you put together a menu for a special catered event. They are more than willing to give you a taste of one of their many delicious and fresh salads. They even have cookies for children at the checkout counter. (Bonus! I like to use the behave, and you can have a cookie line – it works every time!).
Larchmont is worth the trip, especially on a bright, sunny day when you can walk up and down Chatsworth, Palmer, and Larchmont Avenues. It has a charming feel with many shops to wander in and out of.
I also have to add that the Larchmont Pharmacy also carries anything you need while you are on your Larchmont adventure. They have saved me many times when I am in need of medical supplies or even a gift for someone. The owner is fantastic, the staff is friendly, and the store is always in perfect condition. I highly recommend stopping in if you are in the area.