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Swim Spots: Beaches and Lakes in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Since time immemorial, the best option for cooling down is also the most obvious: getting in the water! Here are some of our favorite spots to swim in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We've also got a full list of lakes and beaches in the area, or you can take a short trip to a nearby beach in NY or NJ.

• Playland Beach & Pool – Rye
  The only proper beach in Westchester, this beach suffers from questionable water quality due to its proximity to the East River. The shoreside pool offers the same benefits, however.
  Why it's great: Sun, sand, and water!
  Tip: Payment is required both for parking and separately for beach access.
   
• Croton Point Park – Croton-On-Hudson
  This large park includes a river beach with access to swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and more.
  Why it's great: Excellent for photography, with gorgeous river views and lots to do.
  Tip: Contact Riverkeeper for up-to-date water quality reports. 
   
• Peekamoose Blue Hole – Sundown
  Located in the Sundown Wild Forest, this much-photographed swimming hole can get crowded but is worth the effort on a hot day.
  Why it's great: Peekamoose is a local treasure, picturesque and paradisaical. The epitome of forest bathing.
  Tip: Don't be one of those tourists--Peekamoose is a delicate ecosystem. Make sure to clean up before you go.
   
• Split Rock – Mohonk
  Part of the Mohonk Preserve and just down creek from Peekamoose, Split Rock Coxing Hill is another Hudson Valley swimming hole, complete with a waterfall.
  Why it's great: Less renowned than Peekamoose, Split Rock is also less crowded.
  Tip: Split Rock is on the Shongum Path trail. Be careful around the falls.
   
• Lake Minnewaska – Kerhonkson
  Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a rugged and gorgeous park in the Shawnagunk range that boasts three lakes and two beaches.
  Why it's great: Beyond the lake, there is a lot to explore in Minnewaska State Park, with 50 miles of trails and innumerable views.
  Tip: Know before you go. Water quality reports are here.
   
• Lake Welch – Stony Point
  A man-made lake complete with beach and campground, Lake Welch is a great pick for ease of access.
  Why it's great: An accessible beach that is even available in the winter for ice fishing, which might be nice just to imagine while sweltering on its shore in the summer.
  Tip: Like all lakes in the Hudson Valley, Lake Welch can be buggy, so bring spray.

Take a mini-vacation to Willson's Waves. Photo courtesy of Willson's Waves

Splashes and Water Attractions

Not all water must involve swimming, of course. Sometimes it's enough to wade, splash around, and relax on a hot summer day. Our Ultimate Guide to Westchester and Hudson Valley Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds has it all, but here are some favorites.

• Splashdown Beach – Fishkill
  Venerable Hudson Valley institution Splashdown Beach bills itself as "America's Biggest Little Water Park." We don't really know what that means, but we'll take it!
  Why it's great: Over 50 water features to explore and lots of food options.
  
  Tip: If the park closes due to inclement weather, it is possible to get a free day pass to make up for it.
• Willson's Waves – Mount Vernon
  If you are a Westchester resident, bob up and down in this wave pool or enjoy the slides.
  Why it's great: There is no parking fee for this splash pad, which is a nice bonus for its 57 different fountain heads on its main splash deck.
  Tip: Proof of residency is required for entry, or a County Park pass.
   
• Tibbetts Brook Park – Yonkers
  The original Tibbet's Brook has largely disappeared into culverts underneath the city, but the next best thing is its eponymous park, complete with lazy river, fountains, and more.
  Why it's great: One of the first parks developed by Westchester County, this 161-acre gem has yearlong attractions, including festivals and more.
  Tip: The price with a day pass is $5, and without is $10. Tibbetts Brook is open until dusk.
   
• Bowdoin Park – Wappinger's Falls
  The splash pad at this lower Hudson Valley location is open from 10am-7pm, weather permitting, and is a great place to take younger kiddos.
  Why it's great: This is one of the quieter splash pads on our list, and a nice way to cool down without big crowds.
  Tip: During a heat wave, it's always best to head to a splash pad either earlier or later in the day.
   
• Delano-Hitch Aquatic Center – Newburgh
  Just opened in 2025, Newburgh's new aquatic center boasts a full-size pool, a splash pad, and a concession stand.
  Why it's great: Delano-Hitch is the most recently developed attraction on our list, so its facilities are brand new.
  Tip: Daily admission rates are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, with an option for a season pass.
   
• Saxon Woods Park – White Plains
  Another great option for little kids, Saxon Woods Park includes both a pool and a splash pad, as well as an accessible playground and shaded forest walks.
  Why it's great: Saxon Woods has the only playground in Westchester that's accessible to the disabled, and also features beautiful hardwood forests.
  Tip: This Westchester Park requires either proof of residency or a County park pass.
   
• Legoland Goshen – Goshen
  More than just Legos, Legoland Goshen offers a water playground perfect for hot summer days.
  Why it's great: If you're going to Legoland, you'd best make a day of it. Check out our Legoland Guide first.
  Tip: Reservations are required, so be sure to make yours before you go.

Make a trip to Bona Bona for ice cream topped with a signature homemade Italian meringue. Photo courtesy of Bona Bona

Cool Treats: Ice Cream and More

It's possible, but unlikely, that there are too many great options for ice cream in the area. Here are five options, but here are more possibilities for both Weschester and the Hudson Valley.

• Bona Bona Ice Cream – Port Chester
  Totally unique, Bona Bona's treats are a combination of ice cream and gelato, topped with a signature Italian meringue. For grown-ups, the flagship shop also includes a boozy milkshake bar.
  Why it's delicious: Chef Nick started his Bona Bona on Chopped, and continues to impress to this day.
  ​Tip: There are two Bona Bona locations, in Port Chester and in Baldwin Place, New York. Don't forget to take a pint home with you.
   
• Longford's Small Batch Ice Cream – Armonk
  Grab a scoop or two at Longford's and you can be sure that it is both homemade and delicious.
  Why it's delicious: Classic flavors, from vanilla to chocolate to cookie monster. Yes, that is a classic now.
  Tip: Try their sorbet for a sweet change.
   
• Bellvale Farms Creamery – Warwick
  For ice cream with a view, check out Bellvale Farms Creamery, situated on the farm where it's made. As fresh as it gets!
  Why it's delicious: According to Tripadvisor, this is in the top 10 percent of ice cream parlors in the world.
  Tip: Opens at noon every day, while the closing time depends on the season.
   
• Paleteria Fernanez – Port Chester and Mamaroneck
  Paleteria Fernanez excels with its paleta ice pops, with flavors ranging from passionfruit all the way to avocado
  Why it's delicious: So many fruit pop flavors to try, plus milk pops, juices, and more
  Tip: For a savory treat, try the Mexican street corn.
   
• Five Pennies Creamery – Beacon
  Big on nostalgia, this Beacon favorite offers a menu of over 100 flavors, all made on site and ready for cones or to be packed into pints
  Why it's delicious: Five Pennies was founded by a native Brooklynite who was looking for a classic New York ice cream experience
  Tip: Find it in the Hudson Valley Food Hall, and much else besides.

Free Indoor Activities to Keep Kids Cool

For when it's just not worth it to even think about going out in the sun, we've got you covered with our Free Fun Things to Do with Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids. Here are some of our favorite indoor options (and remember that your local library is always a great free resource).

• Marine Education Center – Mamaroneck
  The Marine Education Center hosts a small museum with aquariums, a touch tank, and free admission. It maintains a full calendar of programs and events as well.
  Why it's great: The Marine Education Center is an intimate space staffed by people who really care. There is a lot for kids and adults alike to learn here.
  Tip: Open every day from 9am to 4pm in the summer.
   
• Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum – Poughkeepsie
  The third Sunday of every month from 5:30-7:30pm is Family Free Night at MHDM, where kids can explore exhibitions and engage in educational play. Many museums in the area and in NYC have free days for families, so check out our guides for more info.
  Why it's great: Family Free Night turns out a great crowd of friendly kids and families.
  Tip: Admission is usually $14.50 for both adults and kids, but babies under 1 are free.
   
• Wassaic Project – Wassaic
  Another option for a museum with free admission (suggested donation of $10) is the Art Nest at Wassaic Project, where the artistically inclined can enjoy a contemporary gallery show.
  Why it's great: Cutting-edge contemporary art in a picturesque Hudson Valley landscape.
  ​Tip: Wassaic Project also offers lots of workshops and classes for all ages.

Kid-Friendly Museums and More for Air-Conditioned Enjoyment

While we are on the subject, there are many more museums in Westchester and the Hudson Valley when the day calls for nothing more than staying out of the sun while still keeping the kids entertained. We also have a full Museum Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids with many more options.

• Westchester Children's Museum – Rye
  Just next door to the Rye beach, Westchester Children's Museum offers curiosity, enriching play, and air conditioning!
  Why it's great: STEAM-based play that is close to everything fun at Playland.
  Tip: Storytime, music, and movement classes are all on the calendar.
   
• Dia: Beacon – Beacon
  Perpetual favorite Dia: Beacon never disappoints with its massive warehouse space full of contemporary sculpture. Always worth the trip, being perhaps one of the best art museums for kids in the state.
  Why it's great: It's not every day that you can find a contemporary art museum where kids invariably find something to love.
  Tip: The museum occasionally has climbable sculptures. This is a great joy for kids, but make sure to ask first.
   
• Howe Caverns – Howe's Cave
  For a different kind of all-natural air conditioning, head to Howe Caverns for some easy spelunking. Howe Caverns offers many different tours, a cafe, gift shop, and more.
  Why it's great: A unique experience that gets you away from the sun and into a completely new world.
  Tip: The caverns include a fun panning experience called the Howe Caverns Mining Co that's not to be missed.
   
• Jacob Burns Film Center – Pleasantville
  Westchester's own arthouse theater includes sensory-friendly screens aimed at kids and families. Head into a dark, cool theater for a matinee and wait out the hottest part of the day.
  Why it's great: Lots of showtimes and options for kids and families, plus a great concession stand and wine bar/cafe.
  Tip: Be sure you check beforehand to see if the film is marked as sensory friendly so you can be sure the kids and the people around you both will have a good experience.

Tips and Tricks for Staying Cool

Extreme heat is no joke, and kids can be especially vulnerable to the weather. Here are some general dos and don'ts for keeping everyone healthy in the summer months.

• Prepare. Keep an eye on the weather and be ready. Stock the freezer with ice, make sure the windows can be covered, and any door/window insulation is intact.
• Don't rely on fans as your main source of cooling. They might provide a sense of relief, but they are really just blowing hot air around. If you do not have any AC, you can place a container of ice in front of a fan to turn it into a low-cost AC system.
• Know what heat-related illness looks like. Watch out for high body temp, dry (not sweaty) skin that is red or hot to the touch, rapid pulse, and dizziness or confusion.
• During a heat wave: take cool baths or showers, wear loose clothing, stay out of the sunlight during peak hours by seeking shade or staying in, drink lots of fluids, and try not to move around too much!
• Freeze water bottles, fruit, juice, coffee/tea, etc.
• Water needs a little help sometimes. Sports drinks don't hydrate you better than water, but the sodium helps with water retention, and the sugar provides replenishing carbohydrates that might be needed, especially if you are active.
• Start cooling the car down before you leave. It's a small thing. I always forget to do it, and I always regret forgetting.
• To cool someone down quickly, put ice packs or cold, wet towels on wrists, back of the neck, and forehead.

FAQ

Q: What’s the best time of day to go out during a heat wave in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?
A: Before 11am or after 4pm. Even if you are planning on swimming, it is not advisable to go outside during peak sunshine hours.

Q: Are there any free public indoor play spaces?
A: Yes. Local libraries are a great resource no matter what the season, so take advantage of the AC. Likewise, you can check your local area for community centers.

Q: Can you get heat stroke indoors?
A: Yes, temperatures can spike in poorly ventilated homes without AC. Draw curtains, use fans, and drink lots of fluids.