INDOOR FUN

The Field Library
4 Nelson Avenue
Part of The Westchester Public Library System, The Field Library offers a variety of recurring children’s programs throughout the week with special monthly and seasonal events. From Book Babies and Tales for Tots to LEGO Clubs and book groups for elementary kids, there is something for everyone in the numerous programs they offer. The yearly Teddy Bear Tea Party is not to be missed!

New Era Creative Space
1016 Brown Street
Based in an historic Peekskill building, New Era Creative Space grew out of the founder’s desire to fill an empty space with creative initiatives. Today it is a diverse space alive with programs in theatre, cooking, science, robotics, music, art and writing--just to name a few programs. NECS offers programs during the day, in the afternoon, on weekends and during school vacations. In addition to single day and recurring programs they also host summer camps offer space for parties and other celebrations.

EMBARK
925 South Street
EMBARK is a theater and performing arts venue in Peekskill which hosts a variety of programs for adults and small children alike. Children’s classes and camps include dance, theater, spoken word and  musical programs for ages 3 and up. Their biggest festival of the year is generally the Firefly And Fairy Festival in Depew Park in July. This festival is the culmination of a week of Firefly and Fairy camp during which small children write and produce their very own play.

Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Arts
1701 Main Street
More commonly known by the abbreviation HVCCA, this contemporary art museum has a lot to offer. Their popular Art For Families program takes place on Sunday afternoons and offers children and their families an opportunity to make art with visiting artists or museum educators that is related to current exhibits. HVCCA also works with many local schools to introduce children art and artists with whom they are unlikely to be familiar. Admission is modest at $2 for kids ages 8 to 18; kids under 8 are FREE. 

OUTDOOR FUN

Depew Park
1 Robin Drive
Hidden behind the schools administration building, Depew Park is a true diamond in the rough. It houses the city’s pool complex, two tracks, ball fields, a fishing/skating pond, hiking trails, tennis courts, a basketball court, picnic pavilions and a newly remodeled playground that I promise you is 10 degrees cooler in the middle of a summer day than anyplace else in the town. The bathrooms are adjacent to the playground and there are picnic tables and a shade shelter on the playground themselves—honestly, if you bring food with you, there is little need to leave.

Riverfront Green
Railroad Avenue
The playground at the Riverfront Green is the largest and most extensive in Peekskill--as well as in many surrounding town. While some sections of the equipment are suitable for small children, the bulk of it is geared towards older, more agile children and play on this playground is often fast and furious (and you'll find the requisite ice cream truck in the parking lot). During the summer months, evenings are particularly busy, as the town puts on concerts, magic shows, petting zoos and other family events. Small train enthusiasts also love this park because the Metro North tracks run nearby and the freight trains are also visible across the river. The bathrooms are just a short walk from the play structure.

Peekskill Landing Park
This new public green space officially opened in September 2014, after a $3.6 million rehabilitation and is the first phase in a multi-year waterfront revitalization. It's an easy walk from the Riverfront Green to Historic Peekskill Landing Park and this new 4+ acre site boasts a pedestrian footbridge and trails and paths for biking, jogging or walking, among other features. Kids can marvel at the larger-than-life outdoor sculpture exhibit. 

Lepore Park Spray Park
Main Street
Located within the larger Lepore Park (which includes a playground and basketball courts with night-time flood lights), Peekskill’s only spray park is a refreshing attraction for many area youth. A variety of geysers, sprinklers and hydrants spout water for children to play in during the summer months. The spray park generally opens after school ends and runs throughout the summer from about 11 to 3 each day. Bathing suits are mandatory and water shoes are very strongly encouraged.