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1. Ride the Dino Train

Take a train ride back in time to the Jurassic Period on the Catskill Mountain Railroad's Dinosaur Express, featuring roaming dinos on the train and a dinosaur park at the end. Check the calendar for more kid-themed seasonal train rides, including the summertime favorite Ice Cream Express.

2. Visit the Legoland New York Water Playground

Cool off with slides, a giant dumping bucket, Lego Pirates, and more at Legoland New York's seasonal water playground, and check out the new Peppa Pig playground while you're there!

3. See Van Gogh's Flowers

Visit the Van Gogh's Flowers exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden, a family-friendly outdoor exhibit featuring interactive sculptures, kids' activities, and a dazzling drone show after dark. You can also head to the Everett Children's Adventure Garden for Van Grow!

4. Pick-Your-Own Sunflowers

The fields of sunflowers are bursting with blooms in August throughout the Hudson Valley. Pick your own sunflowers and take amazing photos at Kelder's Farm's Sunflower Extravaganza, which also includes a petting zoo, slides, a giant jumping pillow, and a taproom for adults. Or check out the Sunflower Festival at Barton Orchards.

5. Go for a Wild Ride

Check out the Dragon Coaster and all the fun rides at Rye Playland, or visit the Playland pool and beach.

6. Go to a Baseball Game

Root, root, root for a local minor league baseball team—whether it's the Hudson Valley Renegades or the New York Boulders.

RELATED: Getaways and Day Trips from Westchester & Hudson Valley

Climb through the trees at Boundless Adventures. Photo courtesy of Boundless Adventures

7. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

Book a ride in a tethered or full-flight hot air balloon at the Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival, or just enjoy the festivities, which include fireworks, helicopter rides, and a kids' zone.

8. Visit Boundless Adventure

Climb to new heights at the treetop adventure park in Purchase. 

9. Swim in a Lake—or Two

From Croton to Haines Falls, there are lots of great local spots to jump in a lake (or a river).

10. Visit a National Park 

Head to one of the local National Park Foundation sites, like the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, for FREE on Monday, August 4, 2025. 

11. Head to the Drive-In

Go retro and watch an outdoor movie old-school style at a classic drive-in theater.

12. Get on the Water

From kayaking to paddleboarding, you can easily find somewhere to float your boat (or tube).

13. Get a Little Dirty—for a Good Cause

Splash and stomp at the Muddy Puddles Mess Fest, on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Carmel, in support of pediatric cancer research.

14. See an Outdoor Concert

Bring a blanket and take in an outdoor summer concert.

15. Go Fro-Yo Tasting

Hop from one fro-yo spot to another and pile on the toppings.

RELATED: 50 Things We Can't Wait To Do This Summer With Westchester Kids

Enjoy the New York Renaissance Faire at Sterling Forest this month. Photo by Susan Miele

16. Visit the New York Renaissance Faire

Don your best Elizabethan garb and bring your sense of humor to the New York Renaissance Faire.

17. Ride in a Helicopter

Head to the Westchester County Airport for a 12-minute helicopter ride around the area. 

18. Go Peach Picking

Take advantage of summer's bounty and pluck peaches right off the tree at these pick-your-own orchards.

19. Visit the Palisades Center 

Check out tons of indoor activities in the Palisades Center in West Nyack, which features an ice skating rink, a go-kart track, climbing walls, and a ropes course. Check the calendar for free activities for kids as part of the venue's Kids Club.  

20. Tee it Up

Play a round of mini-golf at one of the many courses throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

21. Watch an Antique Air Show

You can be a spectator—or even fly in an antique plane yourself—at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

22. Eat Outdoors

Take advantage of the weather at one of these top outdoor dining destinations.

23. Hit the Beach

You won’t even have to travel outside the county to visit one of these great beaches.

24. Head to a Nearby Water Park

Raise the excitement level a notch at one of these cool-down, splash-around water parks.

25. Go to a Carnival

South Salem's Fireman’s Carnival in early August is always a hit with kids.

26. Go Bike Riding

Take the family biking at one of these great spots throughout Westchester. 

27. Play at a Park

Hike, swim, splash, picnic, and more at one of these destination parks.

28. Check Out an Eclectic Show

Head over to the Hudson River Museum’s outdoor amphitheater and catch one of the many cool performances taking place in August.

29. Spend the Day at the Dutchess County Fair

Hit the rides, see the animals, and catch the live shows at New York’s second-largest county fair.

30. Tour a Historic Mansion

Take a trip back in time at one of the historic homes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, many of which offer dedicated kids' programming, annual and seasonal events, and fairs and festivals,

This post is updated annually.