Our Epic 2025 Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in the Hudson Valley with Kids

Awosting Falls in Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a lovely hike to a beautiful waterfall. Photo by Lisa Warden

Every season in the Hudson Valley brings its own unique charms and a catalog of family-friendly fun. But summer in our region brings a bonanza of things to do that you are certain to enjoy just as much as your kids.

From stunning outdoor hikes and swimming spots to super-fun indoor activities, there's something for every mood and every family.

For even more ideas, check out our Summer Fun Guide, which includes our story on must-do summer activities in Westchester. 

89 Free Activities for Kids in NYC June 2025: Best Things To Do

The annual PrideFest street fair features live music, artists, craft vendors, food trucks, performers, and more. Photo by Walter Wlodarczyk/NYC Tourism + Conventions

June marks the kick-off to the summer season and tons of fab, free things to do in NYC. From the Lower East Side's Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival to the Mermaid Parade on Coney Island and train-inspired fun with Mommy Poppins at Grand Central, plus lots of Juneteenth and Pride events, we've found more than 80 family-friendly free things to do in NYC this June with kids.

Embark on a Long Island Doughnut Crawl with Kids at these Sweet Spots

Donuts4Days in Islip serves up sweet treats that are also Instagram-worthy. Photo courtesy of the shop

Doughnuts are a favorite treat for Long Island families in any season. These mouthwatering desserts have been elevated with unique recipes, sugary combinations, and fruit explosions to delight any kid's wildest treat cravings. 

We've rounded up a list of the best doughnut shops and bakeries in Long Island offering classic favorites, breakfast cereal doughnuts, candy-stacked doughy treats, fruit-filled and cream-packed ones, as well as savory options. Many spots offer gluten-free doughnuts and vegan options, while some have sugar-free combos. My kids never turn down a dessert adventure! 

Read ahead for our top picks to start your Long Island doughnut crawl with the kids. For even more culinary and dessert adventures, check out our Guide to Long Island's best Family-Friendly Restaurants, which includes our story on LI's old-fashioned ice cream parlors.

Free Outdoor Movies in New Jersey Summer 2025

See "Moana 2" at Deptford Family Movie Night. Photo courtesy of Disney

Looking for FREE summer outdoor movies for New Jersey families? Here are some to add to your list.

See your favorite flicks under the stars this summer as beaches and parks throughout the state host FREE outdoor movies on supersized screens. Bring a blanket or beach chair (and maybe a little bug spray), and catch an old or new favorite.

Round out your summer plans with our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide!

Eat Your Way Through These Kid-Friendly Night Markets in NYC

The options are endless at the Queens Night Market. Photo courtesy of the market

Summer evenings scream for alfresco eats, and New Yorkers have plenty of options, from kid-friendly restaurants with outdoor space to family-friendly beer gardens. Another option: the spate of outdoor night markets popping up across the boroughs, with international eats, live music, and plenty of people watching. Even better, we’ve perused the options and culled a selection of eateries in these popular night markets in NYC to please even the pickiest kids. Read on to find your new favorite outdoor family dinner spot.

Find all our top picks for kid-friendly eats in our NYC Kids' Guide to Restaurants.

Our Epic 2025 Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in Westchester with Kids

Katonah’s Caramoor offers a summer of music festivals and outdoor concerts in its gorgeous wooded oasis, Photo by Gabe Palacio

There’s a reason that people say Westchester is one of the best places to raise kids. Whether you and yours love to explore nature, enjoy unique outdoor attractions, or run for the air conditioning, Westchester offers summer fun for everyone.

Below, you'll find our 2025 summer bucket list for kids in Westchester, so be sure to bookmark this guide to planning scrapbook-worthy summer excursions. If this jam-packed resource isn't enough, there’s even more seasonal fun to choose from in our Summer Fun Guide and our Family Activity Calendar, which is constantly updated.

Stay tuned, too, because we'll be back next week with a bucket list of Hudson Valley fun this summer in case you're ready to stretch your seasonal adventure.

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