Abstract: The instant disclosure provides cellularized hydrogels containing cells encapsulated in linked polymers of hyaluronic acid, heparin and other components as described herein. Such cellularized hydrogels find use in variety of purposes including effective transplantation of cells into a host organism for cell therapy and the derivation of desired cell types. Other purposes include but are not limited to use as a tissue model for the in vitro study of cellular responses and behaviors. The instant disclosure also provides methods, including methods of making and using the described cellularized hydrogels. Also provided are kits that include components for making and/or using cellularized hydrogels e.g., according to the methods as described herein.