Lasdon Public Gardens and & Veterans Memorial
About
Lasdon Public Gardens offers families a perfect blend of natural beauty and kid-friendly fun in Katonah. Beyond the stunning formal gardens and peaceful walking trails, kids can cool off at the splash pad, burn energy on the playground, and explore the grounds while parents enjoy one of Westchester's hidden gem destinations.
Highlights
- ✓Splash pad for cooling off on hot summer days
- ✓Well-equipped children's playground
- ✓Easy walking trails perfect for little legs
- ✓Veterans Memorial with educational opportunities
- ✓Seasonal events including flower festivals and holiday celebrations
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring swimsuits and towels during warm months,the splash pad is a major hit and kids will want to play for at least an hour
- 2.Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the designated areas; there's no food available on-site
- 3.Visit on weekday mornings for the most peaceful experience and best photo opportunities in the gardens
- 4.Don't miss the Lilac Collection in May or the Chinese Friendship Pavilion,both are unique features kids find fascinating
- 5.Wear comfortable walking shoes as the grounds cover 234 acres with varied terrain on the trails
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) offers the most spectacular blooms and perfect weather for outdoor play. Weekday mornings are least crowded, while summer weekends are busiest due to the splash pad. Early morning visits (8-10 AM) provide cooler temperatures and quieter exploration time.
What to Know
Admission is free with suggested $5 donation per person. Free parking available on-site. No food vendors, so pack snacks and water. Restrooms available near the playground area.
Seasonal Notes
The gardens are most stunning April through October. The splash pad typically operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. Special events include spring tulip displays, summer concert series, and fall harvest activities. Winter months are quieter with limited blooms but trails remain open.
Nearby Eats
Head to Katonah's downtown (5 minutes away) for family favorites like Blue Dolphin Ristorante for pizza and pasta or Lulu's Coffee & Bakery for sandwiches and treats.
More Activities Near Westchester
Kensico Dam Plaza
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.
Blue Hill At Stone Barns
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.
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center offers families 150 acres of peaceful woodland trails perfect for little explorers. Kids can wade in the shallow brook searching for tadpoles and crayfish, discover hands-on nature exhibits in the center, and join seasonal programs like maple sugaring and owl prowls that make learning about nature exciting and interactive.
Muscoot Farm
Muscoot Farm is a sprawling 777-acre working farm in Katonah that offers an authentic farm experience completely free of charge. Kids can get up close with livestock including cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep, enjoy seasonal hayrides, explore miles of nature trails, and participate in hands-on agricultural programs that teach them where their food comes from.