Best Swimming Lakes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for Families in 2025

Get to Lake Tiorati early to beat the crowds. Photo courtesy of New York State Parks
Get to Lake Tiorati early to beat the crowds. Photo courtesy of New York State Parks
5/11/25 - By Marisa Iallonardo

Swimming lakes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are ideal destinations for cooling off in the great outdoors. While you'll only find a few local swimming lakes and rivers in Westchester County, the greater Hudson Valley region offers plenty of places for freshwater swimming. 

Here, we've rounded up several lakes and rivers perfect for swimming with kids this summer.

Looking for even more fun in the sun? Check out our Summer Fun Guide for Westchester and the Hudson Valley, which includes our story on the best beaches in the region

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Editor's note: Please click through to the websites before venturing out. Lakes can close suddenly due to weather conditions and algae blooms. It's always best to check the official sites before loading up the kids. 

1. Croton Point Park – Croton

Open Saturdays and Sundays only: Saturday, May 24, 2025, through Sunday, August 31, 2025. Also open holidays: Friday, July 4, and Monday, September 1.
Croton Point Beach offers swimmers an inviting stretch of the Hudson River nestled inside the 508-acre Croton Point Park. Area families can enjoy a day of playing in the sand and swimming in the river. Hang around after your swim and check out other activities at the park, like the hiking trails. 

2. Lake Welch – Stony Point

Open Monday through Friday for picnicking only. Beginning Saturday, May 24, 2025, swimming is available Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays. Beginning Monday, June 16, 2025, swimming is available Monday-Friday and Weekends/Holidays.
Part of Harriman State Park, this swimming spot is open every day in the height of summer. Once the kids tire of the water – if that's even possible –there are fun hiking trails to check out. Hours to swim are 10am-5:45pm on weekdays and 9am-6:45pm on weekends/holidays.

3. Lake Tiorati – Southfields

Open for swimming weekends and holidays only, starting Saturday, May 24, 2025, then daily from Friday, June 27-Sunday, August 17, 2025. 
Also located in Harriman State Park, this swimming spot offers lots for families to do along with swimming, like hanging out on the beach or enjoying a picnic. There are showers where you can wash up and change, and leashed dogs are welcome. Hours to swim are 10am-5:45pm on weekdays and 11am-6:45pm on weekends/holidays.

4. Canopus Lake – Carmel

The beach is now open 7 days a week through Labor Day, 9am-6pm.  
Situated in Fahnestock State Park, Canopus Lake has a large sandy beach, a designated swimming area, and multiple shady spots with picnic tables and grills. There is also a dock for fishing, and boats are available for rent at the park office. The park has a bathhouse with showers and a snack bar with hot food items, as well as ice cream and beverages. There is also a campground if you want to make a weekend of it. 

5. Lake Taghkanic — Ancram

The East Beach is closed. The West Beach is open weekends and holidays only, Saturday, May 24-Sunday, June 22, 2025, and 7 days a week from Monday, June 23-Monday, September 1, 2025. 
Looking for a great day trip? About 90 minutes from central Westchester, Lake Taghkanic State Park offers loads of family-friendly activities—from swimming in the lake and building castles on the beach to playing on the grass or the playground. For lunch, you can snag a picnic table and grill or skip the packing and visit the concession stand instead. For even more details on this action-packed spot, check out our full review.

6. Lake Minnewaska – Kerhonkson

The beach is scheduled to reopen for the 2025 season in mid-June.
This beautiful glacial lake surrounded by towering rocky cliffs is perhaps one of the most picturesque swimming spots in the Hudson Valley. Located inside Minnewaska State Park just outside the town of New Paltz, the lake features a small beach and designated swimming area with a nice dock that's great for sunning or jumping off. The park has bathrooms and changing areas, a visitor center, and miles of hiking and biking trails. For more things to do in Minnewaska State Park, check out our full review

RELATED: Best Beaches Near Westchester: Family Fun at the Shore

North-South Lake
Take a dip in North-South Lake this summer. Photo by Diana Kim

7. North-South Lake – Haines Falls

The park will be open from Friday, May 16-Sunday, October 26, 2025.
If you're hoping to take the family camping, consider North-South Lake Campground. It's a great spot for an overnight or day trip that's about 2 hours away from central Westchester. Swimming is available at two beaches as long as a lifeguard is present. Call the campground for the exact hours. Kids can stay busy with many additional activities, from hiking to horseshoes to playing on the playground.

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