In summer, Westchester and the Hudson Valley become a steam bath, and we understand where the "humid" in our humid continental climate designation comes from. As a parent who is decidedly more of a cold-weather person, the heat can feel like a personal affront when my kids get rambunctious.

While it's always tempting to grumble away the summer in a dark room like a grouchy vampire, here are some more constructive ideas for staying cool as the temperature climbs. Swim, splash, get ice cream, or just go where the AC is with these 25 heat wave activities for kids.

Below you'll find our list of beaches, lakes, splash pads, frozen treats, museums, and more. Scroll to the bottom for some essential tips to stay healthy during the most extreme heat, and check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Guide for more outdoor fun, indoor entertainment, and tips for beating the heat.

Check out these iconic things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that everyone growing up in the area really must experience!

Westchester and the Hudson Valley offer a slew of family-friendly activities that add to their allure as a great place to raise kids or a day trip destination for nearby families. While some of these are well-known, iconic events, like the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, or seasonal staples, like Rye Playland, the region also boasts many lesser-known attractions. Whether you’ve recently moved to the area or have been living here for years, we’ve got a long list of the best things to do in the region with kids.

This list of 100 things to do in Westchester and Hudson Valley with kids before they grow up includes annual festivals, opulent mansion tours, holiday extravaganzas, essential delicacies, seasonal destinations, and more. We’ve done our homework, so you don’t have to! Some are seasonal, some are year-round, and all are worth trying!

Once you've checked these off, expand your horizons with our list of 100 Things To Do in New York State.

One of the sweetest parts of summer is an outing to a local ice cream shop. Whether you're cooling down with a shake or lounging on a bench and licking a cone, these frozen treats are hard to pass up.

Westchester has its fair share of independent ice cream parlors. We've rounded up several of our favorites below so that families can get in their "last licks" of the summer. Whether you prefer to keep things simple with traditional treats or get excited about inventive confections like donut ice-cream sandwiches, we've got the goods.

Check out our story on Westchester and the Hudson Valley's most epic desserts and more foodie inspo in our Westchester & Hudson Valley Family Restaurant Guide. 

Since moving to Olivebridge—just 15 minutes from the stunning Ashokan Reservoir—my family has discovered the joy of slow nature days filled with fresh air, epic views, and easy trails for little legs, so if you're looking for a perfect day in the Catskills, look no further.

Whether it’s scooting along a waterside path with my sons, spotting eagles in the sky, or finishing the day with a stroll in the family-friendly town of Woodstock, here are my favorite things to do with kids near the beautiful Ashokan Reservoir. We've got more ideas for local outings on this list of the best things to do in the Catskills with kids and in our Family-Friendly Guide to Day Trips and Getaways.

Teen birthday party ideas in Westchester and the Hudson Valley may seem tougher to come by than the princess- or pirate-themed fiestas that work for the younger set, but there are lots of options, including parties centered on art, games, rock climbing, or–believe it or not–skydiving.

Read on for a list of options sure to please your older kid. And, if you’re looking for more birthday ideas, check out our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for Westchester Families, which includes info on where to get a great cake.

Situated in Catskill Park, on the northeastern edge of Ulster County, Saugerties, New York, is a charming destination for families. It's a jumping-off point to explore mountains, woods, and gorgeous river views. It's got tons of small-town appeal, including family-friendly festivals, historic landmarks to explore, kid-friendly destinations, plus plenty of Hudson Valley hospitality at the small businesses that dot its main street. Plus, Saugerties is the only riverfront town with a lighthouse you can spend the night in!

Read on for 20 fun things to do, see, taste, and explore in Saugerties with kids, and be sure to check out our Guide to Day Trips in Westchester and the Hudson Valley for more lovely towns to explore in the region and beyond.

Westchester County and the Hudson Valley are home to several historic homes that offer visitors more than just a glimpse into the past. Many have dedicated kids' programming, annual and seasonal events, fairs and festivals, stunning displays, and exhibitions.

These architecturally stunning homes have been restored or maintained throughout the years (and in some cases, centuries) and offer a peek into prominent, wealthy family life, as well as interactive programming that brings history to life in fun, educational, and unforgettable ways.

Find our story on visiting Storm King Art Center in the Hudson Valley with kids and more ideas for cultural enrichment in our Museum Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.