Things To Do With Kids in Westchester, NY

Rye Nature Center offers 47 acres of natural woodland where kids can explore nature trails, get up close with live wildlife exhibits, and participate in hands-on educational programs year-round. This beloved community nature preserve combines outdoor adventure with learning opportunities, making it perfect for curious young explorers who want to experience local wildlife and ecosystems without venturing far from home.

Longford's Ice Cream is a beloved Rye institution that's been delighting families with homemade ice cream for generations. Kids go wild for the creative flavors and eye-poppingly generous portions that make this neighborhood shop a must-visit treat destination. The friendly atmosphere and consistently delicious quality keep local families coming back week after week.

Rye Recreation is a community hub that keeps kids active year-round with an impressive variety of programs. From swim lessons and youth sports leagues to engaging summer camps and creative classes, this well-loved recreation center offers something for every family, whether you're Rye residents or visiting from nearby communities.

Marshlands Conservancy offers 147 acres of pristine wilderness right in Westchester County, making it an ideal escape for families who want to introduce kids to nature without traveling far. With easy salt marsh trails, an engaging nature museum, and exceptional bird watching opportunities, it's a hands-on outdoor classroom where children can spot herons, egrets, and dozens of other species while learning about coastal ecosystems.

Rye Golf Club offers a delightful mini golf experience that's perfect for families looking to enjoy quality time outdoors. With well-maintained holes designed to accommodate everyone from first-time putters to seasoned mini golfers, this charming course provides a fun, low-pressure environment where kids can develop their skills while parents relax and enjoy the game together.

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.

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.

This charming coastal rental offers families the best of both worlds,a comfortable home base within walking distance to Milton Point's peaceful neighborhood beach. Kids will love the easy access to calm Sound waters perfect for young swimmers, plus nearby playground equipment and open grassy areas ideal for picnics, kite flying, and beach games.

Lenoir Preserve is a hidden gem offering 40 acres of natural exploration right along the Hudson River. Kids can hike wooded trails looking for wildlife, explore the riverfront shoreline, and discover the historic mansion while learning about local ecology through hands-on educational programs.

The Grinton I. Will Library serves as Yonkers' flagship library branch, housed in a beautiful historic building that offers far more than just books. Families will find an impressive lineup of children's programs including interactive story times, educational workshops, and seasonal activities that make learning fun and engaging for young minds.

Lange's Delicatessen is a welcoming neighborhood deli that's been feeding Westchester families for years with hearty portions and a relaxed atmosphere where kids can be kids. The extensive menu features classic deli favorites alongside breakfast all day, making it perfect for picky eaters and families with varying tastes who want a casual, no-fuss dining experience.

Untermyer Performing Arts Council brings live theater magic to families in Yonkers with professionally-produced shows that captivate young audiences. This beloved community theater has earned its stellar 4.9-star rating by offering accessible, family-friendly performances and exceptional youth theater programs that let kids experience the arts both on stage and in the audience.

Untermyer Gardens is a breathtaking 43-acre historic estate that feels like stepping into a secret fairy tale world. Kids will be captivated by the dramatic walled Persian gardens with colorful mosaics, the impressive Greek-style amphitheater perfect for imaginative play, and stunning fountains that create a magical atmosphere for exploration and photos.

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.

Cross County Center offers a one-stop destination for families combining retail therapy with genuine entertainment for kids. Beyond typical mall shopping, families will find dedicated children's play areas, family-friendly restaurants, and regular seasonal events that transform this Yonkers shopping center into an engaging outing rather than just an errand run.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The New York Botanical Garden offers 250 acres of stunning landscapes where kids can explore nature right in the heart of NYC. With interactive children's gardens, seasonal exhibitions, and plenty of space to run and discover, it's an educational outdoor adventure that feels like escaping to the countryside without leaving the Bronx.

Step into literary history at this charming 1840s cottage where Edgar Allan Poe spent his final years. The cozy house museum offers family-friendly tours that bring 19th-century life to vivid reality, complete with period furnishings and engaging stories about Poe's life in the Bronx. It's a wonderful introduction to American literature and local history that's manageable even for younger children thanks to the cottage's small, intimate size.