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16 Things To Do with Teens and Tweens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Pose in front of Legoland's Mt. Rushmore. Photo by the author

7/21/23 - By Tom Stefanchik

For parents, it can be quite challenging to find activities to keep their teens and tweens entertained; too old for kiddie stuff, too young for full-blown adult activities. Fortunately, Westchester and the Hudson Valley offer a plethora of recreational activities to entertain kids of all ages. With that in mind, here are some of the top things to do with teens and tweens in the region.

Check out our rundown on cool college enrichment classes for Westchester teens and more in our Tweens and Teens Guide to Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

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Top Things To Do with Teens and Tweens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

1. Play and Shop Till You Drop

There’s so much more to do at Palisades Center than just shopping. Your kids will enjoy four levels of fun, including a bowling alley, ice rink, the world’s tallest indoor ropes course, and much more.

2. The Sporting Life

With more than 150 arcade games, batting cages, laser tag, super fly, free fall, rock climbing wall, bumper cars, amusement rides, billiard tables, and more, there’s something for everyone at Sportime USA in Ardsley. It’s also a great location for birthday parties.

3. Paint a Masterpiece

Bring out your child’s creative side at Muse Paint Bar, with locations in White Plains and Yonkers. Artist instructors take you step-by-step through the creation of your masterpiece. Kitchen and bar on-site.

4. See a Broadway Show … in White Plains

Each summer, the White Plains Performing Arts Center offers a series of production aimed at younger audiences, presented with a cast of young performers. This summer you can see "Mary Poppins Jr.," "Finding Nemo Jr.," and "Seussical Kids. "Better still, tickets for these shows start as low as $16.

5. Have a Play Day

Enjoy the rides, games, and entertainment of a world-class amusement park right here in Westchester County at the venerable Rye Playland. Relax at their beach or pool and make it a full day of fun.

6. Hit the Links Indoors

Nasty weather day? No worries, your kids can still enjoy a few rounds of golf at Monster Mini Golf's indoor, monster-themed course, conveniently located at Ridge Hill. Plan to spend the day because there’s also mini bowling and an arcade.

Greenburgh Nature Center Coats
Meet the goats at Greenburgh Nature Center.

7. Get in Touch with Nature

Explore the wonders of nature at the Greenburgh Nature Center, where you and your kids can enjoy forest trails, organic gardens, a barnyard, live animals, a Native American Replica Village, and more. Inside the Manor House, see more live animals, a greenhouse, and other related exhibits.

Teens can spend a day cooling off at Tibbetts Brook Park Aquatic Complex. Photo courtesy of Westchester County Parks

8. Tibbetts Water Park

Looking to cool down and spend a day at the water park? Well, there's no need to drive for hours. The Tibbetts Brook Park Aquatic Complex is an exciting recreational compound featuring slides, a lazy river, in-pool basketball and volleyball, sprayground, lap lanes, and much more.

9. See the Stars

Go stargazing indoors and see one of the sky-themed shows at the Hudson River Museum Planetarium. Shows run on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

10. Pizza Time

Teens, tweens and all ages love pizza. And family favorite Pizza and Brew in Scarsdale has been serving pizza and other classic Italian favorites for more than 40 years. Recent additions include an oversized garden sidewalk patio for outdoor dining and family-style portions to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

11. Hit the Bricks

Your kids don’t need to be a LEGO Master Builder to enjoy everything Legoland New York has to offer. All of the rides and attractions are family-friendly, and the newly opened Water Playground will give your kids a fun place to cool off.

Watch a movie with friends or family under the stars at Movie Night at Ridge Hill. Photo courtesy of Ridge Hill

12. See a Movie for Free

Take the kids to the movies without spending a dime at Movie Night at Ridge Hill. The films are shown on their jumbo screen starting at sunset on the last Thursdays of the month. Furthermore, retailers and restaurants will host pre-movie activities on Market Street, starting at 7pm.

13. Get Cooking!

Let your teens and tweens explore the culinary arts at Cooking Together with Gather Culinary, held on various dates at Cross County Shopping Center. The 1-hour classes teach kitchen safety, cooking techniques, how to read a recipe, and more.

14. A Day on the Farm

Although it is now a Westchester County Park, Muscoot Farm was once a fully operational dairy farm. There you can see more than 50 animals (cows, horses, sheep, ducks, etc.) and tour historic buildings, such as the milk house and carriage house. Muscoot also offers special events, educational programs, and more than six miles of scenic trails.

Enjoy engaging, STEM-inspired activities at The Science Barge. Photo courtesy of The Science Barge

15. Science Time

Enjoy some hands-on, STEM-inspired fun at The Science Barge. The floating environmental center operates completely off the grid and grows tons of fresh produce with zero net carbon emissions.

16. Dinner and a Show

Enjoy a little entertainment with your dinner at Banzai Hibachi in Hartsdale. Food is prepared fresh at your table by chefs with more than a little showmanship, and the hibachi lobster is to die for.