25 Things To Do in Rye with Kids
While Rye, New York, is probably best known for its famous theme park, Playland, the small city is bursting with plenty of other family-friendly features, including excellent community facilities, parks, shops, restaurants, and attractions—all within a 45-minute train ride of Manhattan.
It's no wonder that Rye and the Village of Rye Brook are among the most sought-after areas to live in Westchester. We've gathered a list of our favorite things to do with kids in Rye, both indoors and out, below.
Looking for more family fun? Consult our Event Calendar for our daily picks.
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Playland Park is one of the area's top amusement parks. Photo by Mommy Poppins
Top Attractions in Rye for Families
1. Visit Playland
Ride the famous Dragon Coaster or choose from many more options—including an entire kiddie area—at the iconic Rye Playland amusement park.
2. Get outside at Crawford Park
Spend the day at Crawford Park—a 36-acre preserve in Rye Brook that houses an early 20th-century mansion, picnic pavilion, playground, walking trail, and a large lawn.
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Create, play, and explore at the Westchester Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
3. STEM it up at the Children’s Museum
Spend an afternoon building, creating, and exploring at the Westchester Children’s Museum with fellow mini-makers
4. Learn about history
Brush up on area history with a fun-filled day of learning at the Jay Heritage Center. Choose from a tour of the mansion or hang out on the grounds.
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The Rye Town Park & Beach is a popular destination each summer. Photo courtesy of the town
5. Hit the beach
Enjoy fun in the sun at Rye Town Park & Beach, one of Westchester's few swimming areas where proof of residency isn't required.
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The Rye Nature Center holds year-round programs for children, including camps and workshops. Photo courtesy of the center
Free Things to Do in Rye with Kids
14. Take in the views
Head to Rye Hills Park for stunning views of the Long Island Sound (plus basketball courts and a walking trail).
15. Commune with nature
Spend a day exploring Rye Nature Center, including the wooden playground and trails, which are free. Or, opt for one of the center's programs or events.
16. Visit the library
Check out the extensive children’s events and programming and take in the gorgeous grounds of the Rye Free Reading Room.
17. Experience nature
Get the entire family outside at the Marshlands Conservancy, a wildlife sanctuary comprised of freshwater ponds, trees, and hiking trails.
18. Window shop
Take a stroll down picturesque Purchase Street for some window (or actual) shopping, fantastic dining options, and more.
19. Hit the playground
Have fun at Garibaldi Park playing tennis, basketball, or baseball–or just enjoy a romp in its great playground.
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Get the massive onion rings at Bareburger—you won't regret it. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.
Best Eats in Rye with Kids
20. Go for burgers
Bring the family to Bareburger for burgers, onion rings, and milkshakes—hey, they’re organic!
21. Find something for everyone
For a true kid-friendly and delicious meal, dining at the historic Rye Grill & Bar—with its clam strips and sliders—is a must.
22. Dine by the water
Enjoy lunch or dinner by the water at the newly opened Tiki Beach, which includes a beer garden.
23. Have something sweet
Try a nostalgic treat at The Snackery Bakeshop, which offers fresh takes on Moon Pies, Twinkies, and more.
24. Try a nut-free treat
For a nut-free sweet treat (or a gluten- or sugar-free option) stop into Cerbone’s Bakery, where you’ll find delicious confections, ices, and cakes.
It's always a good day to sample some ice cream at Longford's. Photo courtesy of the shop
25. Don’t forget the ice cream
If you prefer ice cream, you can’t go wrong with one of the many homemade flavors at Longford’s, a Westchester staple.
Places featured in this article:
Rye Playland
Cerbone's Bake Shop
Westchester Children's Museum
Rye Free Reading Room
Crawford Park
Little Language League
Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
Marshlands Conservancy
Pier Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Longford's
Jay Heritage Center
Garibaldi Park
The Rye Arts Center
Rye Historical Society
Rye Grill & Bar
Candy Rox
Bareburger