Things To Do With Kids in Scarsdale, NY

Rye Town Park offers families the perfect Long Island Sound beach escape with calm swimming areas ideal for young children, a well-maintained playground, and expansive picnic grounds with breathtaking water views. This local gem combines classic beach fun with park amenities, making it easy to spend an entire day without the hassle of more crowded shoreline destinations.

Kensico Dam Plaza is a breathtaking waterfront park in Valhalla that offers families an expansive great lawn perfect for picnics, kite-flying, and outdoor play, along with well-maintained playgrounds and scenic walking paths. The park's crown jewels are the free summer concert series and the legendary Fourth of July fireworks display that draws families from across Westchester County.

Playland Park is a nostalgic gem on the Long Island Sound offering classic amusement park fun for the whole family. With over 50 rides ranging from gentle kiddie attractions to thrilling roller coasters, plus beach access and a charming boardwalk, it's a full-day destination that combines old-school charm with seaside recreation.

Smash N' Shake offers families a relaxed waterfront dining experience right at Playland's marina. Kids love watching the boats come and go while enjoying classic American favorites, and the outdoor seating makes it easy for parents to let little ones stretch their legs between bites. The casual atmosphere means you don't have to worry about noise levels or restless children.

Cranberry Lake Preserve offers 190 acres of pristine nature right in Westchester, perfect for introducing kids to the outdoors without a major trek. The well-maintained, easy trails wind through forests and around a scenic lake, while the hands-on nature center features live animals, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that make learning about local ecosystems fun for little ones.

Tibbetts Brook Park is a sprawling 161-acre outdoor paradise in Yonkers that offers something for every age and energy level. From splashing in seasonal pools to exploring nature trails, playing baseball, or enjoying a relaxed picnic under the trees, this well-loved park provides countless ways for families to spend quality time together without breaking the bank.

The Hudson River Museum is a hidden gem in Westchester that perfectly blends education and entertainment for families. Kids can explore fascinating planetarium shows that transport them through space, tour the historic Glenview mansion for a step back in time, and enjoy rotating hands-on exhibits designed specifically for young learners.

The Yonkers Downtown Waterfront is a beautifully revitalized riverside destination that offers families a perfect blend of outdoor play and scenic relaxation along the Hudson River. Kids can run free in open green spaces, enjoy well-maintained playgrounds, and take leisurely strolls along the scenic pier while parents soak in stunning river views and easy access to waterfront dining.

Van Der Donck Park is a spacious community gem in Yonkers that offers everything families need for an active outdoor day. With multiple playgrounds for different age groups, open fields perfect for impromptu soccer games or kite flying, and shaded walking trails ideal for stroller-pushing parents, this park delivers variety without overwhelming little ones.

This unique floating greenhouse on the Hudson River offers hands-on learning about sustainable agriculture that feels like stepping onto a science fiction eco-ship. Kids can explore hydroponic growing systems, learn about solar and wind power, and see how food grows without soil,all while enjoying river views and fresh air in this one-of-a-kind educational environment.

Stone Barns Center is a working farm and educational center where kids can experience sustainable agriculture firsthand. While the famous Blue Hill restaurant operates on-site, families visit for the weekend farm tours and pasture walks that let children meet heritage breed animals, explore vegetable gardens, and learn where their food comes from in a beautiful Pocantico Hills setting.

As New York City's third-largest park, Van Cortlandt Park is a true family oasis in the Bronx, offering an incredible variety of activities that can keep kids entertained for hours. From cooling off at the splash pad to exploring nature trails and stepping back in time at the historic Van Cortlandt House Museum, this 1,146-acre park delivers both adventure and education in a beautiful natural setting.

Step back in time at this stunning 1840s Greek Revival mansion set within Bronx's largest park. Kids will love exploring the elegant period rooms, wandering through the formal gardens, and discovering the carriage house, while nature trails through Pelham Bay Park offer additional adventure. Special family programs and educational tours make history come alive for young learners.

Pelham Bay Park is a sprawling 2,700-acre urban oasis in the Bronx,three times larger than Central Park! Families can spend entire days exploring Orchard Beach (the Bronx's Riviera), multiple playgrounds, woodland trails, and wide-open spaces perfect for everything from picnics to horseback riding. With activities spanning from athletic fields to nature preserves, there's something here for every family member.

Wave Hill offers 28 acres of stunning gardens, woodlands, and nature trails overlooking the Hudson River, making it a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Kids can explore greenhouse conservatories, participate in hands-on family art workshops, and roam through meadows and forests while parents enjoy breathtaking views and beautifully curated gardens.

City Island feels like a New England coastal village tucked away in the Bronx, offering families a refreshing nautical escape without leaving NYC. Kids love the beach access, ice cream shops lining the main avenue, and watching boats sail by while you enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants with casual, family-friendly atmospheres.