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How to Choose Activities Everyone Will Enjoy

First off, if you have kids of different ages, family outing stress can be relieved with a little planning. Make sure that whatever you choose is appropriately accessible for all the members of your family. Sometimes, this just means making sure that parking is easy.

You'll want to pick a place that has many options under one roof, and with enough interactive spaces for young kids or immersive ones for older kids. Multi-sensory is best. Food, bathrooms, and rest areas can be absolutely vital.

Tips for a Stress-Free All-Ages Westchester/Hudson Valley Day

• Planning is key!
• Mix active time with rest hours, making sure you aren't rushing from thing to thing. 
• Don't burn out. Stick with 1-2 spots. 
• Especially in the Hudson Valley, driving for 30-45 minutes is to be expected. Take in the scenery. 

Outdoor Adventures for All Ages in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Ward Pound Ridge – Pound Ridge

Westchester's largest park has 4,700 acres of interest for all ages and all seasons, with varied terrain and lots of easy hikes.

Don’t miss: The Trailside Nature Museum, especially rich in Native American culture and artifacts.

For Toddlers: Take littles for a picnic, or go on a nature scavenger hunt.
For Big Kids: Camping and fishing are good options for kids who are looking for an adventure.
For Teens: All of the above, plus some of Ward Poud Ridge's more difficult hikes and horseback riding.

Teatown Lake Reservation – Ossining

More than just a park, Teatown is both a nature preserve and an environmental education center. Plus, it's very pretty.

Don’t miss: Hudson River EagleFest. Exactly what it sounds like.

For Toddlers: The visitor center is ideal for toddlers, with exhibits and a gift shop.
For Big Kids: Lots of programs and events that bigger kids will enjoy, like live animal demonstrations and more.
For Teens: Teens can join you on a longer walk to the two-acre Wildflower Island, home to 280 species of plants.

Bear Mountain – Tomkins Cove

Regionally famous for good reason, Bear Mountain is the pride of the Hudson Valley and home to activities for all ages.

Don’t miss:  Trailside Museums and Zoo. 'Nuff said.

For Toddlers: The Merry-Go-Round and the nearby playing field are perfect for toddlers, and conveniently close to the parking lot.
For Big Kids: Can't go wrong with moderate hikes, fishing, an outdoor pool for the summer, and skating/skiing for the winter.
For Teens: Take a climb up to the Perkins Memorial Tower on top of the mountain for breathtaking Valley views.

Museums and Culture for All Ages in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Hudson River Museum – Yonkers

The Hudson River Museum is a great all-rounder, complete with both art and science for every interest.

Don’t miss: The only public planetarium in Westchester!

For Toddlers: The museum has an Early Explorers playspace for the younger set, as well as family activities aimed at all ages.
For Big Kids: Kids waking up to the world will love both the renowned landscape paintings and the quirky beloved Bookstore installation.
For Teens: Check out the Summer Ampitheater for evening performances, game nights, karaoke, and more.

The planetarium at the Hudson River Museum delivers wow factor. Photo courtesy of the museum

Historic Huguenot Street – New Paltz

For a unique outing sure to check some boxes, tour Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, where you can combine a history lesson with a day on the town.

Don’t miss: The calendar of events, where you will find everything from special tours to performances and more.

For Toddlers: Though all the tours are the same, there is plenty to interest young kids, like crafting projects and historical replicas that will light up their imagination. 
For Big Kids: Many of their educational programs are geared towards this age range, and are also available to homeschooled kids.
For Teens: Teens will love the evening ghost tours, especially in October.

Dia: Beacon – Beacon

Dia Beacon remains my personal favorite art museum for kids of all ages. It's spacious, fun to explore, and with lots to think about.

Don’t miss: The current exhibition. There is always something new and interesting at Dia.

For Toddlers: Richard Serra's enormous steel sculptures are a blast for younger kids to get lost in. But no touching!
For Big Kids: Louise Bourgeois Crouching Spider. Cool for big kids, can definitely be scary for toddlers, take it from me.
For Teens: Whatever draws them. Let them lead you through the galleries and see where their interests lie.

Westchester and Hudson Valley Entertainment Anyone Can Get Into

Skyzone Trampoline Parks – Westchester, Multiple Locations

For bouncing, throwing, running, jumping, and more, head to your nearest Skyzone in Mount Kisco, Spring Valley, or New Rochelle.

Don’t miss: Skyzone is a great place for a unique party, complete with food, drinks, and trampolining. 

For Toddlers: Toddler Jump sessions are available to bounce all the energy out, at least temporarily...
For Big Kids: Foam pits. Cannot go wrong with foam pits.
For Teens: Challenges like the warrior course or free climbing.

Legoland – Goshen

Ah, Legoland. The myth, the brick, the legend. There's always something to build here, whether Lego or memory.

Don’t miss: The seasonal events calendar, where all year you can find something special to do.

For Toddlers: Lego play zones and splash areas for low-stress imaginative play.
For Big Kids: Big kids will love 4D shows at the multisensory theater.
For Teens: Rides, coasters, and the Master Model Builder Experience for a look behind the scenes.

Legoland has features that will appeal to all ages. Photo by Jody Mercier

Castle Fun Center – Chester

The Castle Fun Center is a smorgasbord of family fun, with rides, food, laser tag, and, naturally, more foam balls.

Don’t miss: Go Karting. There is even a track for younger kids (over 5).

For Toddlers: A park-within-a-park, the Inflatapark is an indoor area with lots of rooms for toddlers to literally bounce of the walls.
For Big Kids: Besides Go Karts and laser tag, there is also a fully stocked arcade for kids to explore.
For Teens: A rock wall and axe-throwing provide a more challenging excursion for older kids.

Seasonal Favorites for All Ages in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Spring

The Marshlands Conservancy in Rye comes to life in the spring, especially with the annual Day of the Horseshoe Crabs when the crustaceans appear in multitudes by the shoreline. Further up, check out the Beacon Strawberry Festival in June for all things berry.

Summer

Rye Playland remains a classic destination for Westchester families in the summer. And up in Wappinger's Falls, the Hudson Valley's own Renegades play ball all summer long.

Fall

Fall is the Hudson Valley's favorite season, and you can celebrate with regional favorite The Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze. There are also many farms to explore for apple and pumpkin picking, with Fishkill Farms being this blogger's favorite.

Winter

Kensico Dam Plaza is transformed in December to Westchester Winter Wonderland, where light displays are sure to get you in the holiday mood. Or head up to Mohonk Mountain House for a cozy weekend in front of the fire and ice skating.

Westchester and Hudson Valley Food Stops that Make Everyone Happy

City Limits Diner – White Plains

Classic diner food at a local favorite, with breakfast all day, as well as lunch and dinner.

Hudson Social – Dobb's Ferry

Pub food right by the train station. Sandwiches, burgers, and more (more means brunch, obviously).

Bartaco – Port Chester

Fresh fish and clever Mexican dishes on the water. Great kids menu for both picky and adventurous eaters.

Hudson Farmer and the Fish – Sleepy Hollow

More upscale New American dishes, but without the fussiness. Think lobster bisque, tostadas, and skirt steak.

Meyer's Olde Dutch – Beacon

Local favorite for burgers and dogs, with outdoor seating and a great cocktail menu for grown-ups.

Sloop Brewing Co. – Hopewell Junction

Don't let the fact that it's a fully equipped brewery fool you, Sloop Co. is a great place for kids with outdoor seating, games, and pub food. The tater tots are delightful.

Everready Diner – Hyde Park

Another locally renowned diner, further north. There is always something for everyone at a diner, and Everready is ready for all ages.

Hudson and Packard – Poughkeepsie

Well-loved Detroit-style pizza in Poughkeepsie, with creative options like shittake mushrooms and rosemary-roasted chicken.