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Hike the lush trails of Rockefeller Park. Photo by Sara M

Best Outdoor Activities in Westchester this Summer

1. Take a Walk in the Park

Enjoy one of Westchester’s beautiful parks with kid-friendly hikes built into the fun.

2. The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary

The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye is home to thousands of species of birds, and it's an official Audubon Important Bird Area!

3. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail

A local favorite, the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail links together some of Westchester’s most beautiful river towns.

4. Croton Point Park

Speaking of the river, Croton Point Park is a great destination for picnics and gorgeous views.

5. Croton Gorge Park

And, if you can’t get enough of parks named Croton, Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt is a must-visit.

Lake Taghkanic features a sandy beach for swimming, along with playgrounds, restrooms, a snack bar, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Photo courtesy of New York State Parks

6. Go For a Swim

What’s summer without water? Whether you are looking for a freshwater swimming lake, a beautiful local beach, or a local swimming pool, Westchester has something for everyone.

7. Go For a Paddle

If you like water but also staying (mostly) dry, try any of these popular boat rental destinations where you can kayak, paddleboard, or go river tubing.

8. Hop on a Bike

These local bike trails will cool you off as you feel the breeze in your face while cruising the county.

9. Visit a Destination Playground

Our list of destination playgrounds is a great jumping-off point for a daycation! See if you can visit them all this summer.

The Dinosaur Garden at Lasdon Park & Arboretum is one of many family-friendly trails, and it beckons kids to come and explore. Photo by Marisa Illanardo

10. Lasdon Park

Check out a nature center or an arboretum at Lasdon Park in Katonah, which is well known for its peaceful tree-lined strolls and, yes, its kid-friendly dinosaur trail!

11. Untermyer Gardens

Yonker’s Untermyer Gardens is another great choice for serene gardens.

Romp with farm animals at Greenburgh Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the center

12. Check Out a Nature Center

For an outdoor/indoor experience that’s both fun and educational, the Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale and Mamaroneck’s Marine Education Center offer animal exhibits and kids' programs.

13. Boundless Adventures

For the energetic kid: climb, swing, and jump at Boundless Adventures in Purchase.

14. Splash Around at a Water Park

Take a day trip to a nearby water park for floating, soaking, and slides.

15. Have a Farm Day

Pick your own fruit at Croton Falls’ Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, Yorktown’s Hilltop Hanover Farm, or one of these other localish farms with family-friendly entertainment.

Unique Outdoor Attractions to Visit in Westchester this Summer

16. Go River Town-Hopping

Pay a visit to one of Westchester's historic Rivertowns for shopping, dining, and great views. There is always more to explore!

17. Listen to Live Music

Get out and get moving at one of the many outdoor concerts and summer movie festivals.

18. Take in Some Shakespeare

Just north of Westchester in Garrison, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival has offered theater under the stars for more than 30 years.

19. Go to One of Many Fairs and Festivals

And for more festivals, check out our list of 26 great family-friendly fairs and festivals throughout Westchester.

20. Drive-In Movie Theater

Grab some soda and popcorn and enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in movie at one of these old-school theaters.

21. Playland Park

Visit Westchester’s resident theme park, Playland, which will reportedly open Memorial Day weekend.

22. Play Mini Golf

Putt away at one of the many mini-golf courses in our area.

23. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Katonah’s Caramoor offers a summer of music festivals and outdoor concerts in its gorgeous wooded oasis, as well as tours and an afternoon tea service at the historic Rosen House.

Best Indoor Attractions for Rainy Summer Days

24. Westchester Children’s Museum

The Westchester Children’s Museum in Rye offers enriching indoor fun.

25. Hudson River Museum

Another favorite is the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, with galleries and sculptures galore.

26. Try a Free Event at Your Local Library

Your local Westchester libraries are always replete with FREE events and activities.

27. Head to an Art Studio

Get creative and paint-splattered at these drop-in art studios.

28. Tour a Historic House

Turn the clock way back with a tour of a historic house.

29. The Kykuit Estate

Perhaps the best-known historic house is the Rockefellers’ Kykuit Estate in Sleepy Hollow. Visit to find out why.

30. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown gives visitors a glimpse into the life of America's first famous author.

31. Enjoy some Bowling

Strike or hit the gutter at these family-friendly bowling alleys.

32. Indoor Play Spaces

Find some shade at indoor play spaces, where your kids can burn off energy without the sunburn.

Ice creams and Italian ices are made on-site at the Village Creamery & Sweet Shop. Photo courtesy of the shop

33. Ice Cream Time

Visit one of our favorite local
for a sweet, kid-approved treat.

This article is updated annually. Susan Miel contributed additional reporting.