Larchmont: Essential Things Parents Must Know

In the 19th century, the Village of Larchmont, a 1-square-mile area located within the Town of Mamaroneck in Westchester County, was known as a summer playground for New York’s elite, and summer residents chose to incorporate it as a municipality in 1891. Today, the village prides itself on maintaining a friendly, small-town atmosphere. This quaint town is nothing to scoff at, though, with its abundance of family-friendly options. Plus, if you move to Larchmont, you’re basically moving to the beach—this charming village is located on Long Island Sound. Another bonus is the Larchmont Newcomers Club, a membership-based group that organizes playgroups for families and adult-only events to help new residents make friends and ease their transition to small-town life. 

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering moving your family to Larchmont.  
    

Schools in Larchmont

Public Schools Serving Larchmont

Students who live in Larchmont will attend one of the six public schools in the Mamaroneck Union Free School District, including:

   
The STEM Alliance of Larchmont-Mamaroneck is a nonprofit organization that enhances kindergarten through 12th-grade STEM education and initiatives to the schools in the district. This organization hosts after-school programs at Hommocks Middle School, summer camps, MHS Talks—Career Roundtables at Mamaroneck High School, and an annual STEM-tastic event.

Private Schools Serving Larchmont

There are a handful of private schools in the Larchmont area, including preschools, a bilingual school, and religious schools.

   
Private preschools serving Larchmont include:

   
The bilingual private school serving Larchmont is French American School of New York, a French-English academic program accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization with three campuses in the area: Preschool (nursery through kindergarten) in Scarsdale, lower school (first through fifth grades) in Larchmont, and Upper School (sixth through 12th grades) in Mamaroneck 

   
Private religious schools serving Larchmont include:

Public Transportation: Metro-North Railroad

For parents who commute into New York City on a daily basis for work, or if you want to take the family into the city for a show or to explore, the Metro-North Railroad has a stop in Larchmont on the New Haven Line (1 Railroad Way, Larchmont). The commute is approximately 40 minutes from Larchmont to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan.
    

Houses of Worship in Larchmont

There are a handful of churches and synagogues at which families can practice their faith in Larchmont, including:

Things to Do with Kids in Larchmont

Though the Village of Larchmont is only 1 square mile, there is an abundance of kid- and family-friendly fun including the local library, parks and playgrounds, sports leagues, and more.
     

Beaches Serving Larchmont

Manor Beach

Part of Larchmont Manor Park, this beach is for those who live within the 10538 zip code only, though residents must apply for access each year, and patrons must rent a bathhouse or locker to use the beach. Open Memorial through Labor days, the beach offers swim lessons, junior lifeguarding, and yoga classes for an additional fee.
     

Kids’ Sports Leagues Serving Larchmont

While many kids in elementary school want to start playing a sport, their schools don’t have sports teams. Don’t despair: There are a few kids’ sports leagues serving Larchmont, including:

Museums in Larchmont

Larchmont Historical Society

The nonprofit educational corporation discovers, preserves, and shares information concerning the history of Larchmont, and promotes the preservation of historical sites and structures. The society maintains an archive, offers regular programs for community members, and conducts tours for children and adults. The LHS also hosts an annual House Tour during which participants walk or ride a trolley along Larchmont Avenue and visit some of the area’s most historic homes.
    

Sheldrake Environmental Center

Though it extends into neighboring towns, the Sheldrake Environmental Center is based in Larchmont and offers nearly 60 acres of green space, including woods, meadows, a pond, a lake, and wildlife, and the walking trails are dog-friendly as long as dogs are kept on leash. The center also offers educational programs for kids, adults, and families, as well as school trips and summer camps.

Courtesy Sheldrake Environmental Center

Sheldrake Environmental Center hosts a variety of programs to help connect the community with nature.

Parks and Playgrounds in Larchmont

The Village of Larchmont is home to many parks and green spaces for picnicking and relaxing, including Addison, Constitution, Kane, and Plaza parks. The village also has a handful of parks that offer playgrounds, sports fields, and more, including:

Sports Facilities in Larchmont

Bonnie Briar Country Club

Founded in 1921, this family-oriented country club offers a 19-hole golf course, four Har-Tru tennis courts, two red clay tennis courts, an Olympic size swimming pool, a children’s pool, and dining facilities. The club also offers youth golf and tennis programs.
    

Hommocks Park Ice Rink

An enclosed public skating facility, this rink offers hockey leagues, public skate times, birthday parties, ice-skating lessons, youth hockey, and special events.
    

Hommocks Pool

Though it’s restricted to pool permit holders and their guests, the pool offers memberships for residents and non-residents. The pool offers swimming classes for infants, toddlers, and children ages 3-12, as well as swim teams, water fitness classes, and lifeguarding classes.
    

Horseshoe Harbor Yacht Club

Founded in 1888, this club, located in Manor Park, promotes sailing, seamanship, casual racing, kayaking, and camaraderie for members through its many social activities, including community and moonlight sails, an annual scavenger hunt, potlucks, and picnics.
    

Larchmont Yacht Club

Founded in 1880, this club provides a family-oriented social environment for members with facilities such as a clubhouse with dining room, marina, pool, beach grill, tennis courts, and paddle tennis.
     

Memorial Park Tennis Courts

While a permit is required to access the courts, the facility also offers tennis lessons for adults and various lessons for children ages 4 and older.
     

Shopping in Larchmont

Grocery Stores in Larchmont

There are a handful of grocery store options in the Village of Larchmont, including:

   
If shopping locally is more your style, Larchmont’s Down to Earth Farmers’ Market is held in the Metro-North Parking Deck off Chatsworth Avenue on Saturdays, 8:30am-1pm, from the end of April through mid-December. You’ll find plants and flowers, ciders, pastas, coffee beans, pickles, stews, sauces, jams and jellies, baked goods, fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy, honey, and fresh meat and seafood.
    

Everyday Shopping in Larchmont

There are a variety of local shops to choose from for your everyday needs in Larchmont, such as:

   
There are also a handful of local retailers and shops in nearby Mamaroneck, including Miller’s and Toy Box, two mom-and-pop toy stores.
    

Restaurants in Larchmont

Larchmont has a variety of restaurants and cuisines that the family will enjoy, including:

  
Additional popular restaurants and eateries are located in nearby Mamaroneck including the perennial favorite, and nationally registered historic landmark, Walter’s Hot Dog Stand.

Main image: The Larchmont Public Library opened in 1926 after Edward F. Albee donated the land, and St. Clair Bayfield and Florence Foster Jenkins staged A Midsummer Night’s Dream to raise funds.
Courtesy Randi Robinowitz