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Enjoy the views of the Peekskill Riverfront Park and Hudson River Walk. Photo by the author

Top Free Things To Do in Peekskill, NY, for Families

1. Peekskill Riverfront Park and Hudson River Walk

No trip to a Hudson Valley river town is complete without a walk along the water. At the Peekskill Riverfront Park, families can stroll along the bank and try to catch a glimpse of the freight trains lumbering along the opposite shore. There are charter trips available at the nearby marina for fishing or river tours.

2. Depew Park + Pool

Easy trails, bocce ball, and even horseshoe courts offered at this attractive city park. Visitors can also swim at the Veterans Memorial Pool, which includes a shallow option for kids.

3. Blue Mountain Reservation

Continue on through Depew Park and you will find yourself in the Westchester wilderness of the Blue Mountain Reservation, surrounded by 1,538 acres of trees. The Blue Mountain Trail Lodge is available for group rentals, and the Sportsman’s Center offers pistol, rifle, and archery ranges.

4. Field Library

Field Library stays busy year-round with FREE events, classes, gaming, storytelling, and more. Check out the website for the current month’s offerings.

5. Riverfront Summer

Riverfront Park comes to life every summer with FREE concerts, movie nights, and events for the whole family. Come down to the banks of the gently flowing Hudson from July through early August for FREE summer fun.

RELATED: Westchester's Rivertowns with Kids: 75+ Things To Do

The Peekskill Train Station is a jumping-off point for a day exploring the quaint town. Photo by the author

Best Things To Do in Peekskill, NY, with Kids

6. Peekskill Museum

Check out local artifacts, including fully furnished Victorian-era bedrooms and a collection of antique cast-iron stoves, sure to delight those interested in history and beautiful objects.

7. Hudson Valley Irish Festival

The Hudson Valley Irish Center celebrates the enduring connection between the Emerald Isle and New York every September during this Riverfront Park festival. Enjoy traditional music and dance, crafts, food, and drink while indulging in Peekskill’s gorgeous river views.

8. Flea Market

On Sundays March through November, Peekskill hosts an array of clothing, crafts, and collectible vendors. And, the city’s main export is always on hand: friendliness!

9. Lincoln Depot

The Lincoln Depot Museum is just a short walk from Peekskill Station. Commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s 1861 visit, this museum offers art and artifacts related to the 16th president.

10. Spins

One of our favorite local family fun centers, Spins is the largest entertainment center on the Hudson River and includes a fully stocked arcade, ropes course, axe throwing, two restaurants, and a bar. It's great for parties or a special date night, and comes complete with gorgeous river views.

11. Paramount Theater

The Paramount Theater is a Westchester landmark, which opened its doors in 1930 as a movie theater. Acquired by the city in 1977, it now provides live music and events for all ages, including comedy, theater, and magic shows. Bookmark our Family Activity Calendar to see what's playing!

12. Bruised Apple Bookshop

Explore an eccentric collection of books, vinyl, and curiosities at this charming used bookstore and Peekskill standby.

13. Farmers Market

Starting in June and running through Thanksgiving every Saturday, the annual Peekskill Farmers Market includes all the seasonal farm fresh staples, plus crafts and plenty of personality. Then again, personality is never lacking in Peekskill.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Restaurants in the Rivertowns

Curl up on a couch with a warm drink at Peekskill Coffee. Photo courtesy of the cafe

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Peekskill

14. The Central

Hop off the Metro-North and the first option for food and drink is The Central at Peekskill Station. Recently opened, it offers a menu of new American and Mediterranean-inspired provisions.

15. Peekskill Coffee

Also known as Peekskill’s living room, Peekskill Coffee is the perfect place to find a latte, a crepe, a pastry, and a comfy sofa to kick back and enjoy it. Friendly staff, board games, Wi-Fi, and a great playlist make this a must-stop.

16. Homestyle Desserts

A local favorite, Homestyle Desserts has been baking cakes, pies, and cookies, serving ice cream, and making breakfast for hungry patrons since 1969. I never leave without at least one cannoli. OK, at least two.

17. Benny’s Brown Bag

Benny's Brown Bag is home to generous sandwiches, craft beer, grilled cheeses, and a gorgeous banana pudding. What more could a person want?

18. Kathleen's Tea Room

A special mention goes out to Kathleen’s Tea Room, which suffered a serious setback when its roof collapsed in 2021. Kathleen’s perseveres as a food truck and serves tea, scones, and sandwiches as it rebuilds its brick-and-mortar spot.

19. Apropos

A Michelin-recommended restaurant, Apropos is another local hot spot for Mediterranean-inspired fare. Attached to the historic Abbey Inn, Apropos offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and, you guessed it, gorgeous views of the Hudson River.

20. Iron Vine

If you think about it for any time at all, you’ll realize that, yes, you could go for some tapas right now. Iron Vine has Peekskill covered when the mood strikes with ceviche, bacon-wrapped dates, croquetas, and more.

21. Slainte

Newcomer Slainte offers Irish classics like fried fish and boxty, plus unexpected treats like bao and Irish poutine. Of course, there are plenty of pints, too.

22. Taco District

Check out a delightful menu of tacos and small plates with unique Guatemalan flavors at Taco District. Expect to find tacos, battered cod, braised short rib, portobello, and more options.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Peekskill, NY

23. The Abbey Inn & Spa

A renovated former convent, The Abbey Inn and Spa is a luxe destination, featuring a full spa, the aforementioned Apropos restaurant, and a gorgeous vista.

24. Holiday Inn Express and Suites

Close to Spins, parks, and the Riverfront Walk, this Holiday Inn includes a fitness center with a pool and complimentary breakfast.

25. Inn on the Hudson

A budget option with attractive decks and views of the water, the Inn on the Hudson offers a complimentary breakfast and kids stay for FREE. If you're traveling with a group, consider booking its on-site Air BnB for hotel amenities with whole-house accommodations.

A previous version of this story was published in 2015.

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