Let’s face it, who do parents ask when they want the truth about a neighborhood shop, an afterschool class or a party entertainer? Other parents of course!
This is what the Westchester Family Family Favorites contest is all about. We’ve asked you, our readers, what your favorites are in 40 categories. We’ve tallied the numbers and here are the results. Each category has an alphabetized list of the top five finalists with a highlight of the overall winner.
Keep this article handy so you can refer to it all year long. Tell your friends too. In addition, the article is always available just a click away in the complete digital July 2017 issue at westc
This list is compiled through a random survey of Westchester Family magazine readers, enewsletter subscribers and social media followers between March 1, 2017 and May 31, 2017. This list is not meant to represent an endorsement from Westchester Family or Community News Group. Westchester Family and Community News Group do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any person related to use of any business, service or individual included on this list. As of press time all contact information for winners was verified. All top five nominees are listed in alphabetical order. In the event of a tie in voting, all honorees with votes making them eligible to be in the top five have been listed and a special note of a tie is included.
Family Fun
Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, our readers tell us these are their family’s favorite places to play.
Amusement Center
Top 5
•Great Play (Scarsdale)
•Legoland Discovery Zone (Ridge Hill in Yonkers)
•Rockin’ Jump (Mt. Kisco, Ridge Hill in Yonkers)
•Rye Playland (Rye)
•Sportime USA (Elmsford)
The Winner
Playland
Playland Pkwy., Rye, NY
914-813-7010 or 7000
At Playland there are more than 50 rides for children, youngsters and adults, free entertainment, beach, pool, boardwalk and pier, lake boating, picnic area and mini golf. Kiddyland is dedicated to the youngest visitors with rides that are age appropriate. Check their schedule for summer fireworks displays.
Family Resort
Top 5
•Camel Back Resort (Tannersville, PA)
•Great Wolf Lodge (Scotrun, PA)
•Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Center (Pocono Manor, PA)
•Rocking Horse Ranch (Highland, NY)
•Smugglers’ Notch Resort (Smugglers’ Notch, VT)
The Winner
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
4323 Vermont Rte. 108 South
Smugglers’ Notch, VT
855-240-9392
This mountainside resort village offers eight pools and four waterslides! There’s also a day-long children’s program for ages 6 weeks to 17 years that offers fun for kids and freedom for parents. Plus, plenty of daily activities for families to enjoy together. Visit their new $4.2 million FunZone 2.0, a 26,000-square-foot Family Fun complex!
Family Theatre (Live)
Top 5
•Broadway Training Center (Hastings-on-Hudson)
•Emelin Theatre (Mamaroneck)
•Play Group Theatre (White Plains)
•Tarrytown Music Hall (Tarrytown)
•Westchester Broadway Theatre (Valhalla)
The Winner
Westchester Broadway Theatre
1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford, NY
914-592-2222
Families can see a wide variety of shows each year at the longest running year-round Equity theatre in the state of New York. Broadway performers, directors and designers create exciting productions just for the main stage, children’s theatre, special events and concerts that Westchester Broadway Theatre presents. This July and August families can enjoy Annie, one of the world’s best-loved musicals and winner of seven Tony awards.
Museum for Families
Top 5
•Hudson River Museum (Yonkers)
•Katonah Museum of Art (Katonah)
•Museum of Natural History (NYC)
•Stepping Stones Museum for Children (Norwalk, CT)
•Westchester Children’s Museum (Rye)
The Winner
Westchester Children’s Museum
100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY
914-421-5050
The Westchester Children’s Museum (WCM) is the first and only children’s museum in Westchester County. It was built by a determined grass roots effort that took years. This vibrant, colorful, interactive museum lets children take the lead with numerous hands-on exhibits including a Toddler’s Beach, Build Your Own Roller Coaster, Makerspace, Reading Nook, KEVA Planks Construction Zone, Wind Tunnel Design and spaces for creative inspiration.
Nature Center
Top 5
•Greenburgh Nature Center (Scarsdale)
•Muscoot Farm (Katonah)
•New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
•Stamford Museum & Nature Center (Stamford, CT)
•Teatown Lake Reservation (Ossining)
The Winner
Greenburgh Nature Center,
Nature’s Discovery Playground
99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale
914-723-3470
This 33-acre woodland preserve offers trails, a pond, gardens and a live animal museum. Plus, great family programming during the week and on weekends. Make sure to take the kids to the Nature’s Discovery Playground, an outdoor playground suitable for all ages. Here kids can climb, slide and swing in a natural setting. The treehouse-like structures are magical.
Place to Pick Apples
Top 5
•Barton Orchards (Poughquag)
•Fishkill Farms (Fishkill) * tie
•Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard (North Salem)
•Outhouse Orchards (North Salem)
•Stuarts’s Farm (Yorktown Heights)
•Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights) *tie
The Winner
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag
845-227-2306
Take the kids to pick their own apples from mid-August to November and enjoy the other activities at the farm. There’s a petting zoo, a wooden ship playground, gem stone mining, duck races and a Farm Market & Bakery with homemade Apple Cider Doughnuts and other yummy eats. Pick-your-own apples is a must for Westchster families,.There’s also a Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival held here on July 7, 8 and 9, 2017
Place to See Animals
Top 5
•Bear Mountain Zoo (Bear Mountain)
•Bronx Zoo (Bronx)
•Greenburgh Nature Center (Scarsdale)
•Muscoot Farm (Katonah)
•Summit Farm (North Salem)
The Winner
Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx
718-220-5100
The largest metropolitan zoo in the United States has 265 acres of parkland and naturalistic habitats for some 4,000 animals. Outdoor exhibits, indoor exhibits, camel rides, a Bug Carousel, lion and penguin feedings, a Wild Asia monorail, plus a dedicated children’s zoo all add to the year-round possibilities for fun and discovery. Buy tickets online for 10 percent off.
Water Park
Top 5
•Aquatopia Indoor Water Park (Camelback Resort, PA)* tie
•Great Wolf Lodge (Scotrun, PA)
•Hersheypark (Hershey, PA)* tie
•Kalahari Resorts & Conventions (Pocono, PA)
•SplashDown Beach (Fishkill)
•Sesame Place (Langhome, NY)
The Winner
SplashDown Beach
16 Old Rte. 9 West, Fishkill
845-897-9600
At America’s “Biggest Little Water Park” there’s an amazing number of awesome water rides for every age. The splash park with 50 interactive features is a hit with toddlers. Older kids like adventurous rides such as Humunga Half-Pipe and the Artic Plunge Racer. There’s also an indoor arcade if you need a break from the sun.
Activities & Learning
Art Studio for Kids
Top 5
•Clay Art Center (Port Chester)
•Fun Craft of Scarsdale (Scarsdale)
•Katonah Art Center (Goldens Bridge)
•Pelham Art Center (Pelham)
•Scribble Art Workshop (Dobbs Ferry) * tie
•Young At Art Studio (Scarsdale) * tie
The Winner
Katonah Art Center
65 Old Bedford Road, Goldens Bridge
914-232-4843
KAC currently offers125 visual arts classes for all ages and skill levels in their over 6,000-square-foot studio. There are specialty workshops for all ages, music classes, kid’s birthday parties and weekly half-day and full-day summer and holiday camps. There’s also a handy art supply retail store.
Children’s Theater Company
Top 5
•ARC Stages (Pleasantville)
•Broadway Training Center of Westchester (Hastings-on-Hudson)
•Children’s Theater Company of Peekskill (Peekskill) *tie
•Mike Risko Music School (Ossining)
•Play Group Theatre (White Plains)
•Random Farms Kids Theater (White Plains) *tie
The Winner
Play Group Theatre
1 N. Broadway, #111, White Plains
914-946-4433
Jill Abusch, artistic director and Steve Abusch, executive director, are co-founders of the Play Group Theatre (PGT), that offers a full component of programs for students ages 4 to adult. MainStage and Theatre Lab are performance programs culminating in public or open performances. Classes are offered in Design Tech, Little theatre (ages 4-6), Improv Troupe, acting, musical theatre dance, voice, college counseling, audition coaching and camps.
Indoor Playspace
Top 5
•Great Play of Scarsdale (Scarsdale)
•Jodi’s Gym (Mt. Kisco, NYC)
•The Little Gym (Scarsdale)
• Play Place (Elmsford)
The Winner
Gymboree Play & Music of Scarsdale
450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale
914-472-0192
For 40 years Gymboree Play & Music has been offering kids the chance to move and groove in their developmental classes that help develop cognitive, physical and social skills as they enjoy the art of play. Age appropriate classes for kids ages birth to 5. There’s everything from Baby Lab to School Readiness classes.
Pottery Center
Top 5
•A Maze in Pottery (Briarcliff Manor)
•Clay Art Center (Port Chester)
•Paint Your Own Pottery, Inc. (Scarsdale)
• Fun Craft of Scarsdale (Scarsdale)
•Westchester Putnam Pottery (Mahopac)
The Winner
A Maze in Pottery
76 N. State Road, Briarcliff Manor
914-502-0088
There’s no appointment needed (except for a group of five or more) at this friendly studio. Choose a piece of pottery, pick out your paint colors and have fun being creative. Return to pick up your glazed and fired piece that’s microwave and dishwasher safe. Kids birthday parties are a big hit here.
Movie Theater for Families
Top 5
•Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (Yonkers)
•City Center 15: Cinema de Lux (White Plains)
•Jacob Burns Film Center (Pleasantville)
•IPic Theater (Dobbs Ferry)
•Showcase Cinema de Lux Ridge Hill (Yonkers)
The Winner
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
2548 Central Park Ave., Yonkers
914-226-3082
Settle into your roomy seat for the show and be served a meal – there’s a kids’ menu too! There are select “baby days” just for parents with babies. And Alamo Family movies mean there’s always something for kids to see. A good reason Alamo makes a great kids’ birthday party venue. Check out Spider-Man Homecoming this month.
Academic Enrichment Program
Top 5
•Hudson Learning Lab (Pleasantville)
•Kumon (Croton-on-Hudson, Eastchester, Dobbs Ferry, Hartsdale, Mamaroneck, Mohegan Lake, Mt. Kisco, New Rochelle, Ossining, Pleasantville, Port Chester, Scarsdale, Somers, Tarrytown, White Plains, Yonkers, Yorktown Heights)
•New Era Creative Space (Peekskill)
•Mathnasium (Ardsley/Irvington, Cortland, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, Rye)
•Sylvan Learning Center (White Plains, Yonkers)
The Winner
Kumon
Locations throughout Westchester
800-222-6284
With 17 locations throughout Westchester, this academic program is specially designed to help kids build math and reading skills. Children in preschool through 12th grade are taught to become self-learners. The program was developed by Toru Kumon, a math teacher who developed the materials and principles while tutoring his 8-year-old son.
Tutoring (Individual or Program)
Top 5
•Mathnasium (Ardsley/Irvington, Cortland, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, Scarsdale/Central Avenue, Rye )
•Sylvan Learning (White Plains, Yonkers)
•Kumon (Croton-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Hartsdale, Mamaroneck, Mohegan Lake, Mt. Kisco, New Rochelle, Ossining, Pleasantville, Port Chester, Scarsdale, Somers, Tarrytown, White Plains, Yonkers, Yorktown Heights)
•The Kid Organizer, Marcella Moran (Hartsdale, Pleasantville, Rye)
•Nancy Silva (travels to your location)
The Winner
Mathnasium
Several locations in Westchester
877-601-MATH (6284)
The goal of Mathnasium is to help kids find how math makes sense. Experienced tutors use a customized learning plan and proprietary methods to help students succeed in math. If your student does well in math this method can help him excel grade level expectations. Tutoring is available for the elementary, middle school and high school student.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Top 5
•Curious on Hudson (Dobbs Ferry)
•The Digital Arts Experience (White Plains)
•Mathnasium (Ardsley/Irvington, Cortland, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, Rye)
•STEM Alliance of Larchmont (Larchmont)
•Sylvan Learning (White Plains, Yonkers)
The Winner
The Digital Arts Experience
170 Hamilton Ave., #100, White Plains
914-644-8100
The Digital Arts Experience (DAE) helps students develop their interest in all things digital. The fully equipped classrooms feature the latest creative software, a makerspace with 3D printers and scanners, a photo and video studio, a recording studio and other equipment that makes learning digital easy. Experienced instructors are passionate about teaching digital arts to kids. Summer Camps and after-school programs available.
Classes/ Lessons
Acting Class for Kids
Top 5
•ARC Stages (Pleasantville)
•Mike Risko Music Center (Ossining)
•Broadway Training Center of Westchester (Hastings-on-Hudson)* tie
•Play Group Theatre (White Plains)
•Star Kidz (Chappaqua, Harrison, Rye Brook, White Plains)
•Random Farms (Briarcliff Manor)* tie
The Winner
Play Group Theatre
1 N. Broadway, #111, White Plains
914-946-4433
Students can study acting and perform in MainStage and Theatre Lab productions at Play Group Theatre. Children from as young as age 4 can experience the joy of performing. Private acting lessons, audition coaching and college counseling are also available. See their website for a complete guide to their classes.
Baseball Program for Kids
Top 5
•A-Game Sports (New Rochelle)
•Game On 13 (Elmsford)
•Little League Baseball (Many in Westchester)
•Perfect Pitch & Swing Summer Baseball Camp (Ardsley)
•Yankees Baseball Summer Camp
The Winner
A-Game Sports
856 Main St., New Rochelle
914-278-9477
Readers highly recommend this Westchester youth sports organization that offers training programs, leagues, recreational activities, plus baseball, softball, basketball and soccer camps. Quality coaches teach skill and sportsmanship to players of all ages. Birthday parties also offered on-site.
Dance Class or Studio for Kids
Top 5
•Academy of Dance Arts (Elmsford)
•Breaking Ground Dance Center (Pleasantville)
•Central Park Dance (Scarsdale)
•Dance for Joy (Mohegan Lake)
•Studio B Dance Center (Eastchester)
The Winner
Studio B Dance Center
277 White Plains Road, Eastchester
914-793-2799
Since 1996, Studio B has provided a state-of-the-art dance facility with dance training in ballet, jazz, tap, musical theater, modern, contemporary and hip-hop. Classes include Baby Ballerinas for children ages 18-36 months through a series of age appropriate levels right up to the teens. Students can also participate in the Performance Company. Birthday parties are popular here.
Gymnastics Class
Top 5
•GymCats Gymnastics Center (Yonkers)
•Gymnastics City (Cortland)
•The Little Gym (Scarsdale)
•Jodi’s Gym (Mt. Kisco, NYC)
•ISG Gymnastics (Harrison)
The Winner
Jodi’s Gym
25 Hubbels Dr., Mt. Kisco
914-244-8811
Great gymnastics classes and excellent instructors help kids stay healthy and fit. Babies ages 9-14 months can get started with Teeny Tumblers and progress through a wide variety of classes until their tweens. Jodi’s also offers private lessons, playtime, birthday parties, school break and summer camps, music and art.
Horseback Riding Stable
Top 5
•Fox Hill Farms (Pleasantville)
• Kentucky Riding Stables (Harrison) * tie
• Rocking Horse Ranch (Highland, NY)
• Summit Farm (North Salem)
• Twin Lakes Farm (Eastchester)
• Westchester Trail Rides (Croton-on-Hudson) * tie
The Winner
Summit Farm
24 Bloomer Road, North Salem
914-669-9622
Family-owned horseback riding stable and school offering riding lessons, horse boarding, training, trail rides and pony parties in a relaxed fun atmosphere. Lessons are available for beginners to advanced students. The facility includes outdoor and heated indoor arenas. Equine-assisted therapy for students with special needs is also available through the non-profit program H.O.P.E.
Music Lessons for Kids
Top 5
•Belle School of Music (Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers)
•Harrison School of Music (Harrison)
•Mike Risko Music School (Ossining)
•Bach to Rock (Mamaroneck)
•Music Conservatory of Westchester (White Plains)
The Winner
Harrison School of Music
253 Halstead Ave., Harrison
914-698-1500
Students from 4 to 70+ can take music lessons at Harrison School of Music. Classes are available in electric and acoustic guitar, piano, drums, singing, voice, bass, saxophone, violin, flute and clarinet. Professional, experienced musicians teach students of all ages and all abilities. Comfortable parent’s lounge makes waiting easy. Music recitals are held at least two times a year.
Special Needs Recreation Program
Top 5
•Backyard Sports (White Plains)
•Green Chimneys (Brewster) * tie
•KidAbilities (Hawthorne)
•JCC of Scarsdale (White Plains)
•South East Consortium for Special Services, Inc. (Mamaroneck)
•Westchester Music Conservatory (White Plains) • tie
The Winner
KidAbilities LLC
1 Skyline Dr., #298, Hawthorne
914-345-2400
Children learn through play, and children with special needs are no different. Yet good therapy is not just play. At KidAbilities children learn through challenges designed to address their specific occupational, physical and speech needs. Licensed professionals are devoted to ensuring each student’s success.
Tennis Program for Kids
Top 5
•The Play Place (Elmsford)
•Club Fit (Briarcliff Manor, Jefferson Valley)
•Yonkers Tennis Center (Yonkers) * tie
•Brad Levine (Ossining)
•New Rochelle Racquet Club at Pine Brook (New Rochelle)
•Sportime (Mamaroneck, Eastchester) * tie
The Winner
The Play Place
175-11 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford
914-347-5291
With a philosophy of “putting the fun back in fundamentals” it’s no surprise that kids and parents appreciate the tennis program at The Play Place. The USTA 10 & Under Tennis Program, which uses appropriate-sized equipment, is taught here. Kids as young as 2 1 /2 years old can learn the basics of tennis.
Ice Skating Center
Top 5
•Brewster Ice Arena (Brewster)
•E J Murray Skating Center
•Hammocks Park Ice Rink (Larchmont)
•Playland Ice
•Westchester Skating Academy
The Winner
Hammocks Ice Rink
140 Hommocks Rd., Larchmont
914-834-1069
Owned and operated by the Town of Mamaroneck, this enclosed public ice skating facility offers skating opportunities for all ages. Youth Hockey Leagues are organized in age groups from 5 to 12, and the figure skating program offers lessons for ages 4 and up. Recreational public skating is also popular here and rental skates are available. The rink also hosts birthday parties.
Services & Shopping
Birthday Party Place
Top 5
•Studio B Dance Center (Eastchester)
•Breaking Ground Dance Center (Pleasantville)
•Great Play of Scarsdale (Scarsdale)
•Jodi’s Gym (Mt. Kisco, NYC)
•Gymboree Play & Music (Scarsdale, Jefferson Valley, Yorktown)
The Winner
Studio B Dance Center
277 White Plains Road, Eastchester
914-793-2799
Birthday parties are popular for boys, girls and co-ed gatherings of all ages at this dance center. Parties for ages 2 and up are held one at a time in their bright, attractive studio. Party teachers lead the group in fun musical and dance activities. Unlimited free parking.
Children’s Exercise Program
Top 5
•Club Fit (Briarcliff, Jefferson Valley)
•Great Play of Scarsdale (Scarsdale)
•The Little Gym of Scarsdale (Scarsdale)
•Jodi’s Gym (Mt. Kisco, NYC)
•The Rock Club at Pine Brook Fitness (New Rochelle)
The Winner
Great Play of Scarsdale
969B Central Park Ave., Scarsdale
914-713-3470
This interactive gym for kids has programs for three age groups including toddlers (ages 6 months to 3 1/2), preschoolers (ages 3 1/2 to 5 1/2) and school-age kids (ages 4 1/2 to 10). Start with a parent/child class and as your wee one grows explore other single or multi sport options. Kids develop motor and fitness skills in their Interactive Gym™.
Exercise Program for Adults
Top 5
•Club Fit (Briarcliff, Jefferson Valley)
•Life Time Athletics (Harrison)
•The Rock Club at Pine Brook Fitness (New Rochelle)
•The Studios at Pine Brook Fitness (New Rochelle)
•Yoga Haven (Tuckahoe)
The Winner
Club Fit
Briarcliff Manor, Jefferson Valley
914-762-3444, 914-713-3470
Each Club Fit facility offers a wide range of fitness classes, there’s also an aquatic center, kid activities and sitting services. Racquetball and tennis courts are located in each location. Locker rooms have sauna and steam rooms plus there is free towel service. There are massage therapists on-site. The Summer Camp programs fill up fast and summer memberships are also available. Birthday parties are popular here too.
Haircuts for Kids
Top 5
•Just Kidz Hair Salon (Elmsford)
•Kidsstyles (Bedford Hills)
•Scarsdale Children’s Hair Salon (Scarsdale)
•Fun Cuts for Kids (Larchmont)
•Supercuts (Peekskill, Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers)
The Winner
Scarsdale Children’s Hair Salon
450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale
914-574-5320
A salon that looks more like a toy store makes it easy on parents to get the kids inside for the sometimes-dreaded haircut. The staff works to make the experience fun and quick. Easy in, easy out is what parents want.
Ice Cream
Top 5
•Blue Pig (Croton-on-Hudson)
•King Kone (Pleasantville)
•Carvel (Numerous location throughout Westchester)
•Main Street Sweets (Tarrytown)
•Penny Lick Ice Cream Company (Hastings-on-Hudson)
The Winner
Penny Lick Ice Cream Company
580 Warburton Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson
914-525-1580
Made from real, fresh ingredients such as milk, sugar and eggs – this ice cream this is how ice cream was meant to taste. The classic flavors never go out of style and seasonal favorites such as Peach Cobbler, Raspberry Chip are very cool. Sold at Farmers’ Markets and in their store front in Hastings-on-Hudson. Birthday parties are held on-site.
Local Bakery for Kid’s Birthday Cake
Top 5
•Anna Artuso’s Pastry Shop (Yonkers)
•ABC Cakes (Mamaroneck)
•Baked by Susan (Croton-on-Hudson)
•Homestyle Desserts, Inc. (Peekskill)
•Riviera Bakehouse (Ardsley)
The Winner
Riviera Bakehouse
660 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley
914-693-9758
Whether it’s a birthday, graduation or other special occasion, custom cakes or cupcakes from Riviera Bakehouse adds a magical touch. Everything here is made in-house and from scratch. The baked goods taste great and the whimsical designs are a work of art. Open seven days a week.
Local Clothing Store for Kids (New Clothes)
Top 5
•Lester’s Clothing (Rye) *Winner tie
•LOL Kids Armonk (Armonk) * Winner tie
•Neil’s Corner Spot (Mt. Kisco, Scarsdale)
•Squires Family Clothing & Footwear (Chappaqua, Katonah)
•Wyatt Lily (Scarsdale)
The Winners
Lester’s Clothing
18 Rye Ridge Plaza, Rye Brook
914-908-5688
Lester’s carries clothing, shoes and accessories for contemporary juniors, young men, kids and baby. An amazing variety of brands fill the racks, which is a popular spot for sweet 16 and bar/bat mitzvah wear. Lester’s is now looking for new models so fill out the entry form online to enter your kid.
LOL Kids Armonk
384 Main St., Armonk
914-219-5232
If you are looking for something special parents say you’ll find it here at LOL Kids Armonk. They carry high-quality clothing for babies, boys and girls from a collection of international designers. They also carry distinctive boys’ and girls’ shoes, boots and sandals. Be sure to also check out their cute collection of toys, and trinkets, which make great gifts.
Consignment Store for Kids
Top 5
•Once Upon a Child (Scarsdale) * tie
•Once Upon a Child (Somers) * tie
•Affordables (Dobbs Ferry)
•Baby Chic, A Consignment Boutique (Tarrytown)
•The Preppy Turtle (Bedford)
The Winner
Once Upon a Child
Somers and Scarsdale
914-621-0003 / 914-874-5535
Now with two Westchester locations! Parents report finding good bargains at this shop that buys and sells gently used children’s clothes, toys and equipment. If the store wants your items, they make you an offer and if you accept you walk out with cash the same day. See their website for rules and what they are buying.
Dentist for Kids
Top 5
•Main Street Pediatric Dentistry (Tuckahoe)
•Meyers & Nakisbendi Dental Associates (White Plains)
•Valley Pediatric Dentistry (Jefferson Valley)
•White Plains Pediatric Dental Group (White Plains)
•Summerfield Pediatric Dentistry (Scarsdale)
The Winner
Main Street Pediatric Dentistry
115 Main St., Tuckahoe
914-633-4440
mains
Penny Resnick-Graulich, DMD, Francisca Ceron, DDS, Emele Preis, DDS, and a team of dental hygienists offer excellent dental care in a kid-friendly environment. The staff is trained in a variety of methods that put children at ease, making the visit pleasant for the child, parent and dentist. Warm the kids up before going by visiting their website and watching the kid-friendly videos and playing fun games.
Pediatrician
Top 5
• Chester Pediatrics (White Plains) * tie
• NY Presbyterian Group, Lawrence J. Baskind, M.D.
•Pediatrics on Hudson (Hastings-on-Hudson)
• Scarsdale Pediatric Associates (Scarsdale) ** tie
• Tomahawk Farms Pediatrics (Somers)
•Westchester Health, Nicholas Germanakos, M.D., Mt. Kisco * tie
• West Med Pediatrics (New Rochelle, Rye, White Plains, Yonkers) ** tie
The Winner
Pediatrics on Hudson
615 Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson
914-963-1663
Board certified doctors and nurse practitioners have been serving families here for 25 years. Care is given to children ages birth to 21. They are affiliated with The Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of Columbia Presbyterian and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. A complimentary prenatal or “meet and greet” appointment is available. Open six days a week.
Pampering Place for Mom
Top 5
•Angelface Day Spa (Yorktown)
•Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary (Bronxville)
•Michael Robert Salon & Spa (Mohegan Lake)
•Oasis Day Spa (Dobbs Ferry, NYC)
•Tranquility Day Spa (Scarsdale)
The Winner
Tranquility Spa
917 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale
914-713-0066
Moms can use a little pampering from time to time and our readers have selected Tranquility Spa as the place they’d most like to go. Who wouldn’t like a massage, a facial or any one of the special body treatments they offer. Hint: gift certificates are available.
Pet Shop
Top 5
•Petco (Baldwin, Hartsdale, Larchmont, Mt. Kisco, Mt. Vernon, Port Chester, Yonkers)
•PetSmart (Greenburgh, Mohegan Lake, Port Chester, Scarsdale, Yonkers)
•Bird Jungle (Scarsdale)
•Bark & Meow (Tarrytown)
•Pet Goods (Scarsdale)
The Winner
Pet Goods
1125 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale
914-472-6050
Whether you have a dog, cat, fish, bird, reptile or other small animal you can find something for them at this family-owned business that was started in 1979. They carry a wide range of food products including Blue Buffalo and Orijen Dog Food plus animal supplies and accessories. View their monthly Pet Goods Promotions on their website that lists specials and a variety of frequent buyer, reward points and discount programs.
Photographer (for Family or Child)
Top 5
•Jamie Kilgore Photography (Katonah)
•Donna Mueller Photography (Pleasantville)
•Greg Perry, (Ossining)
•Leila Sutton Photography (Croton-on-Hudson)
•Venture Photography (Greenwich, CT)
The Winner
Donna Mueller Photography
Pleasantville
914-980-2267
As a mom of three boys Mueller knows how important it is for families to have great photos of your kids as they grow and change. Mueller photographs weddings, first communions and all manner of portraits. She also creates celebratory DVDs. Visit her online galley to see examples of her work.
Place to Dine with Children
Top 5
Applebee’s (Larchmont, Eastchester)
•Brother Jimmy’s BBQ (White Plains)
•California Pizza Kitchen (Scarsdale)
•City Limits (White Plains)
•Smash Burger (Cortlandt Manor, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, White Plains)
The Winner
California Pizza Kitchen
365 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale
914-722-0600
Parents say they enjoy dining out with the kids when they go to California Pizza Kitchen. The food is good and ample, there’s a kids’ menu, you never have to worry about parking and there’s a full bar. They even offer delivery and curb side service. What more could you want?
Pizza
Top 5
•Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria (Yonkers)
•Lucio’s Pizza, (Pleasantville)
•Nonna’s Brick Oven Pizzeria (Peekskill)
•Pizza Mia (Eastchester)
•Sal’s Pizzeria (Mamaroneck)
The Winner
Pizza Mia
9 Mill Road, Eastchester
914-793-0333
Some 18 Specialty Pizzas plus the traditional small, large, extra-large and Sicilian are served up daily. The menu also includes appetizers, salads, soups, pasta, hot and cold wedges, calzones and full dinners. Delivery is available.
Our Readers Also Like…
We asked our readers for favorites we might have missed, so here are a few wonderful suggestions from those who know best — parents.
Best Bookstores
Anderson’s (Larchmont), Scattered Books (Chappaqua), Little Joe’s (Katonah), Village Bookstore (Pleasantville)
Best Youth Sailing Program
Shattemuc Yacht Club (Ossining)
Favorite Language School for Kids
French American School of New York (Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Larchmont)
Favorite Outdoor Playground
Reis Park (Katonah), Kensico Dam (Valhalla), Harbor Island Park (Mamaroneck)
