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Paddle away at the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club kick-off event. Photo courtesy of the event
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6/2/23 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

Looking for FREE things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this summer? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

With school getting out soon, it's time for summer fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley! With amazing parks and beaches offering hundreds of acres of outdoor space, it's no wonder that there are tons of FREE activities to keep kids occupied all summer. 

Free summer festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley include multicultural festivals celebrating Indian, Hispanic, Muslim, Ukrainian, and many more cultures. Many towns are offering FREE children's activities in the parks throughout the summer, including magic shows, animals, juggling, and more. On warm summer evenings, catch a movie under the stars at one of the many parks offering FREE family-friendly outdoor movies all summer, including Harbor Island Park, the Cortlandt Waterfront, and Under the Poughkeepsie Walkway. 

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide and our Activity Calendar. 

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Many events in this listing occur on multiple dates, so be sure to read through the entire description and click through for addresses, times, and any reservation requirements. 

More Free Activities in the Hudson Valley this Summer

Free Summer Concerts | Free Summer Movies | Summer Festivals

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Power yourself by pedal on Bicycle Sundays. Photo courtesy of the Westchester County Police Department
Power yourself by pedal on Bicycle Sundays. Photo courtesy of the Westchester County Police Department

Free Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley All Summer Long

Bicycle Sundays

Various Towns
Multiple Dates from June to October
Cyclists, joggers, walkers, in-line skaters, and scooters can take to the open road on Sundays when the Bronx River Parkway is closed to motorized vehicles for a 13.1-mile stretch from Main Street in White Plains to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.  READ MORE

Family Fun Days at Westchester Pools/Beaches

Multiple locations
Weekends through August 12, 2023
Four Westchester County pools/parks will play host to a series of five family fun days this summer, featuring a DJ, dancing, and games. READ MORE

Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market

Poughkeepsie
Tuesdays through October 24, 2023
The Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market opens its 2023 season on Monday, May 2 and will run weekly through October 24 on Tuesday afternoons. The Market offers a wide range of farm-fresh greens and vegetables, fruit, herbs, apple cider, baked goods, eggs, poultry, and vegetable plant starts. The market also features live music and community outreach vendors.  READ MORE

Outdoor Movies in Harbor Island Park

Mamaroneck
Saturday, June 10 -Sunday, September 9, 2023
Enjoy FREE outdoor kids' movies at Harbor Island Park four Fridays between June and September. Admission is free, and food is available from food trucks at the park. The September 9th showing is also a family camp-out night.  READ MORE

Cortlandt Concert and Movie Nights

Cortlandt
Thursdays, June 15 -August 3, 2023
Dine on fare from local food trucks while enjoying the sounds of live bands, then stick around (on select nights) for a kid-friendly movie. Pre-show entertainment kicks off each evening starting at 6pm. Views of the Hudson River in the background add to the charm. READ MORE

Nights in the Parks - White Plains

White Plains
Multiple dates from Monday, June 19-Thursday, August 10, 2023
The Nights in the Park series returns to White Plains with FREE outdoor entertainment events in summer evenings in six different parks, including free concerts and special performances. Kids' programs include art in the park, magic shows, kids' concerts, and sports.  READ MORE

Autumn Storywalk on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail

Dobbs Ferry
Daily from June 30 through August 31, 2023
Visit Dobb's Ferry library's Autumn Storywalk on the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail featuring Señorita Mariposa by Ben Gundersheimer. Available in Spanish and English.  READ MORE

Movies Under the Walkway

Poughkeepsie
Saturdays from June 24 to August 5, 2023
Set against the scenic Walkway Over the Hudson, outdoor flicks are presented on five summer Saturdays. Films start at sunset and are preceded by live music, food trucks, and activities.  READ MORE

Tykes Tuesdays at the Palisades Center

West Nyack
Tuesdays, July 4 - August 29, 2023
Kids 12 and under can enjoy free activities at various businesses in the Palisades Center on Tuesdays in the summer, including ice skating, cookie decorating, and climbing the adventure course.  READ MORE

Ridge Hill Music on the Hill Summer Concert Series

Yonkers
Fridays through July 30, 2023
Come out and enjoy outdoor concerts this summer with talented musicians every Friday through September. This year’s musical lineup features multiple genres, including jazz, Latin jazz, Salsa, and Afrobeats. READ MORE

Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow (TASH) Farmer's Market

Tarrytown
Saturdays through July 29, 2023
Enjoy farm-fresh food, live music, and kids' activities every Saturday in the summer at the TASH Farmer's Market.  READ MORE

Peekskill Riverfront Concert Series

Peekskill
Select dates from July 4 to August 20, 2023
Peekskill's annual summer concert series returns for six evenings in July and August. A different band performs each week, with varying styles like country, soul, and rock.  READ MORE

Wild Wednesdays: Animal Introductions

New Rochelle
Select Wednesdays in July and August 2023
Meet different animals every week at the library, presented by the Stamford Museum and Nature Center and the Weinburg Nature Center. Kids are invited on this one-hour journey featuring mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds presented by a naturalist.  READ MORE

Summer Arts in the Amphitheater

Yonkers
Fridays and Saturdays, July 7 – August 12, 2023
Eclectic performances are offered in the outdoor amphitheater at The Hudson River Museum on Friday and Saturday nights in July and August. This year's lineup features multicultural concerts, a falconer show, and mind-reading. All shows are our favorite price: FREE. READ MORE

Peekskill Riverfront Children's Entertainment

Peekskill
Mondays, July 10-August 7, 2023
In addition to offering free outdoor concerts and family films, Peekskill Recreation has also lined up entertainers to get the giggles out. Enjoy bubbles, magic tricks, animals, juggling, and storytelling.  READ MORE

Kensico Dam Screenings Under the Stars

Valhalla
Select Saturdays in July and August 2023
Enjoy pre-show entertainment and an outdoor movie on three evenings this summer at Kensico Dam Plaza.  READ MORE

Family Free Night at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

Poughkeepsie
Repeats every third Saturday of the month
Come in after-hours and explore all of the museum exhibits for free at family free nights at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum.  READ MORE
Learn all about big trucks and even sit in the truck cabs at Big Trucks Day at the Museum of Firefighting. Photo courtesy of the museum
Learn all about big trucks and even sit in the truck cabs at Big Trucks Day at the Museum of Firefighting. Photo courtesy of the museum

Free Things To Do in June in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

SHMF Kickoff + River Arts Music Tour

Peekskill
Sunday, June 3, 2023
Celebrate the official kickoff to the Road to Sleepy Hollow Music Festival 2024 — and a brand-new stop on the 8th Annual RiverArts Music Tour at Horan’s Landing on with six live bands, kids’ activities, food trucks, beer, and award-winning pizza from Beekman Ale House.  READ MORE

Big Truck Day at the Museum

Hudson
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Learn all about big trucks and even sit in the truck cabs! Fire trucks, a garbage truck, a street cleaner, a school bus, and many more vehicles will be visiting the museum for the day, so come check out all the big truck action. When you complete your big truck tour, try your hand at the big truck prize punch game. READ MORE

Hudson River Family Seining

Yonkers
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Join CURB staff in the Hudson for a turn at seining and adding to the aquatic population research. READ MORE

Annual Ossining Village Fair

Ossining
Saturday, June 10, 2023
This celebration includes a wide range of vendors, games, a kids zone with bouncy house, food, a beer garden, and live entertainment.  READ MORE

Festival at the Falls

Wappingers Falls
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Enjoy local food and craft vendors at the sixth annual Village of Wappingers Falls Festival at the Falls event. The festival includes entertainment, vendors, children's games, and food trucks.  READ MORE

Poughkeepsie PKGO Pride Parade and Festival

Poughkeepsie
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Celebrate Pride Month with a colorful parade and a festival featuring local food vendors, local queer-owned businesses, and activities for children and families. DJ Dolce will be spinning the tunes to keep everyone dancing the whole afternoon! READ MORE

White Plains Juneteenth Parade and Festival

White Plains
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Celebrate Juneteenth with a parade featuring bands, dancers, drummers, music, stiltwalkers, and more with a festival afterward including entertainment, vendors, and food.  READ MORE

Welcome to Fairy Hollow

Somers
Saturday, June 10-Sunday, June 18, 2023
All nature lovers are invited to explore Lasdon Park's new forest path that transports children into a magical world of fairies while learning about the care and importance of forests. READ MORE

Rockland Pride Sunday Festival

Nyack
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Now in its 25th year, Rockland Pride Sunday is back in-person for a day filled with music, dancing, and pride. This free family-friendly event in downtown Nyack features live music, drag queens, the crowning of Mx. Rockland County Pride, outdoor dining, shopping, vendors, and more. Free children's activities include bounce houses, face painting, and an arts and crafts tent. READ MORE

Y Healthy Kids Day and Duck Derby

Sleepy Hollow
Sunday, June 11, 2023
This annual event centers around promoting kids' health. Held in conjunction with the Rotary Ducky Derby, you can "sponsor" a contestant in this waterfall scramble.  READ MORE

Beacon Strawberry Festival at Pete and Toshi Seegar and Riverfront Park

Beacon
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Enjoy an old-fashioned strawberry festival to celebrate the arrival of spring, with live music on two stages, strawberry shortcake, arts and crafts vendors, children's activities, and more fun in Pete and Toshi Seegar and Riverfront Park on the Hudson River.  READ MORE

Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival

Yonkers
Friday, June 16-Sunday, June 18, 2023
Sponsored by the Ukrainian American Youth Association, this annual tradition brings Ukrainian food, culture, music, dancing, crafts, and traditions to Yonkers, along with carnival rides and games, plus assorted vendors. Proceeds go toward Ukrainian relief organizations. READ MORE

Juneteenth Celebration - Mamaroneck

Mamaroneck
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Join OneMamaroneck for a celebration of Juneteenth in Columbus Park, featuring food trucks, song and dance performances, drumming, face painting, a basketball tournament, and more. Guests repaint the Black Lives Matter street mural. READ MORE

Father's Day Concert

White Plains
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Relax and enjoy a concert with dad in Turnure Park on Father's Day evening, featuring The Gentlemen of Soul.  READ MORE

Pride Party

Dobbs Fery
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Celebrate Pride Month at the Dobbs Ferry Public Library with a storytime led by local families, reading Pride books with therapy dog Buddy, craft stations for all ages, music, food, a parade, and more.  READ MORE

Father's Day Antique Tractor Pull

Montgomery
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Spend the day with dad at the Orange County Farmers Museum’s annual Father’s Day Antique Tractor Pull. Watch the pullers drag the weighted sled down the track in a friendly competition of who can go the farthest or make the 300-foot full pull. READ MORE

Big Equipment Day

Katonah
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Muscoot Farm invites visitors to get up close and learn about all the machines that run the farm, including tractors, mowers, and more.  READ MORE

Summer Kickoff Riverfront Festival

Yonkers
Saturday, June 24, 2023
The Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club kicks off summer with this free riverfront festival, featuring food and music as well as kayaking, rowing, stand-up paddleboarding, seining, riding on the Voyageur canoe, making art with recyclables, and more. READ MORE

Hudson Valley Food Truck Festival at Barton Orchards

Poughquag
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Sample a range of dishes from diverse food trucks and vendors with live music and a farm market at Barton Orchards in Poughquag. Activities for kids include a petting zoo, gem stone mining, a dog park, and wooden playground. The tap room and restaurant are also open.  READ MORE

Discover the Summer Event

Poughkeepsie
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Enjoy a day of summer fun at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum's outdoor pavilion. Meet New York Times bestselling authors and award-winning children’s book illustrators, among other activities.  READ MORE

African-American Heritage Celebration

Valhalla
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Celebrate African-American culture at Kensico Dam Plaza. Enjoy live music, food, dance, drama, poetry, and a wide array of vendors. Bring a blanket or folding chairs and enjoy performances on the lawn.  READ MORE
Enjoy the performances at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Valhalla. Photo courtesy of Kensico Dam Plaza
Enjoy the performances at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration in Valhalla. Photo courtesy of Kensico Dam Plaza

Free Things To Do in July in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

Annual Great American Weekend

Goshen
Saturday, July 1-Sunday, July 2, 2023
This two-day annual tradition, organized by the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, features some 150 craft booths, live entertainment, children's activities, and extensive food choices.  READ MORE

Kensico Music Festival and Fireworks

Valhalla
Monday, July 3, 2023
Start the Independence Day celebration a day early in with entertainment, music, and fireworks in Kensico Dam Park. Enjoy eats from local vendors who set up a food court on-site. READ MORE

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Valhalla
Sunday, July 9, 2023
Celebrate Hispanic culture at Kensico Dam Plaza. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a day of live music, food, vendors, and more. READ MORE

Family Fun Day

Wappingers Falls
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Join the community for a day of fun with local vendors, free face painting, kids' activities, and the one and only Empanada Mama Food Truck.  READ MORE

Italian Heritage Celebration

Valhalla
Sunday, July 23, 2023
Celebrate Italian heritage at Kensico Dam Plaza. Enjoy live music, food, lots of family activities, and a wide array of vendors. READ MORE
Dig into the Sand Art Competition in New Rochelle competition. Photo courtesy of the event
Dig into the Sand Art Competition in New Rochelle competition. Photo courtesy of the event

Free Things To Do in August in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

National Park Fee-Free Day

Hyde Park
Friday, August 4, 2023
On select dates in 2023, The National Park Service is offering free admission at all national parks, including sites that typically charge an entry fee. Though participating locations are scattered nationwide, there are several such attractions in the Hudson Valley area. READ MORE

Great Hudson River Fish Count & Family Fun Day

Yonkers
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Join Yonkers youth leaders for a day full of science learning, interactive activities, and fun throughout Harbishaw Park!  READ MORE

Family Fun Day and Sand Art Competition

New Rochelle
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Bring your best buckets, shovels, and molds (and a few friends) to this county-sponsored sand-castle competition. Enjoy family-fun games as well.  READ MORE

Heritage of India Festival

Valhalla
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Enjoy traditional Indian dance performances, music, food, vendors, and more at this celebration of the culture of India.  READ MORE

Beacon Corn Festival

Beacon
Sunday, August 13, 2023
This festival, hosted by the Beacon Sloop Club, celebrates all things corn at the Beacon Riverfront Park. Expect live music, food, craft vendors, and free kids’ activities. READ MORE

Jewish Music & Arts Heritage Festival

Valhalla
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Celebrate Jewish culture at Kensico Dam Plaza at the 44th annual Jewish Music and Arts Festival. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a day of music, Israeli dancing, children's activities, food, vendors, and more.  READ MORE

Muslim Heritage Celebration

Valhalla
Sunday, August 27, 2023
Explore Muslim culture through exhibits, performances, and food. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Willson's Waves (and additional locations)
Turnure Park (and other locations)
Pete and Toshi Seegar and Riverfront Park
First Presbyterian Church Park
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum (and other locations)
Beacon Riverfront Park