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Father's Day in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: 14 Things To Do

Take a family ride during Bicycle Sundays this Father's Day in Westchester. Photo by Jim Zisfein

6/5/22 - By Tom Stefanchik

Father's Day in Westchester makes me realize not only how lucky I am to be the dad of two awesome boys, but also how lucky I am to live where I do. There are just so many things for a dad and his kids to do, from family-friendly restaurants to fun in local parks, gardens, and more. Here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate Father’s Day with my family.

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1. Eat at Pizza and Brew

A favorite spot of mine since it opened more than 40 years ago, Pizza & Brew Scarsdale restaurant serves classic Italian favorites the whole family will enjoy, and the new sidewalk patio is perfect for an outdoor Father’s Day dinner. For more options, check out these other family-friendly beer gardens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

2. Stroll the Bronx River Parkway

A sunny Father’s Day is the perfect time for a leisurely stroll in this scenic green space. As you stroll along the well-shaded walkway, which crisscrosses the river, you’ll encounter cranes, ducks, geese, and irresistibly cute goslings.

3. See a Movie

The recently opened Look Dine-In Cinema in Dobbs Ferry is my favorite place to take in a film. Housed in the same location as the former Ipic, which closed in 2020, it features many of the same amenities: ultra-plush, power-operated, fully reclining seats with swivel tables to hold drinks and snacks. A major improvement, however, is that all food and beverage ordering is done from your seat, using a QR code. Simply scan the code, place your order, and it's delivered right to your seat–even during the movie.

dinner being prepared at a table on Father's Day in Westchester
Watch in amazement as dinner is prepared before your eyes at Banzai Hibachi.

4. Enjoy Dinner and a Show

My family and I always enjoy a little entertainment with our dinner, so Banzai Hibachi in Hartsdale is one of our favorite restaurants. Food is prepared fresh at your table by chefs with more than a little showmanship, and the hibachi lobster is our favorite.

5. Fire up the Grill

Sometimes on Father’s Day, we just stay home and grill, and gourmet food superstore Stew Leonard’s in Yonkers is a great place to pick up steaks, lobster, fresh veggies, and all the fixings. While you shop for dinner, the kids can enjoy singing and dancing bananas, cows, and chickens.

6. Enjoy Fine Dining

Our go-to restaurant for or any special occasion is Zuppa in Yonkers, which offers sophisticated cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Among my favorites are eggplant meatballs, veal bolognese, lobster ravioli, and rack of lamb. And don’t forget to try one of their awesome espresso martinis. A children’s menu is also available.

7. Hit the Batting Cages

Being a huge New York Mets fan, I love taking a few swings in the batting cages at Sportime USA in Elmsford–note that the facility is moving to Ardsley this summer. And there are plenty of games and rides for the kids to enjoy while dad is getting his game on.

Baskets of fresh berries can be purchased from the Farmers Market on Father's Day in Westchester
Load up on locally sourced fruit and veggies plus lots of other treats too at the Irvington Farmers Market.

8. Visit the Farmers Market

A healthy home-cooked meal with fresh ingredients from Irvington Farmers Market makes for a great Father’s Day meal. While there, enjoy live music, great views of the Hudson River, and a relaxed, laid-back vibe.

9. Go Greek

We just love Greek food, and my family and I can get all our favorite delicacies at Lefteris Gyro, in Ridge Hill, along with a nice walk and some shopping. Afterward, we always watch the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

See the flowers and at waterfall on Father's Day in Westchester at Untermyer Gardens
Stroll through the beautiful Untermyer Gardens.

10. Start a Tradition

It is a Father’s Day tradition for our family to take a walk in Yonkers' Untermyer Gardens, a sprawling and scenic urban oasis that the whole family can enjoy. Kids love climbing around the Temple of Love, while parents appreciate the classic beauty of the Walled Garden.

11. Hit the Links...

Too hot on Father’s Day to play outside? No worries, you can still play a few rounds at Monster Mini-Golf, an indoor, monster-themed course located on the second floor of Ridge Hill. Plan to spend plenty of time, because there’s also mini-bowling and an arcade.

12. ... Or the Lanes

I always enjoy bowling a few frames at Homefield Bowl, an old-school neighborhood bowling alley in Northwest Yonkers. There are often leagues playing and birthday parties happening, so be sure to check availability in advance.

13. Go for a Bike Ride

Burn some calories before heading out for that big Father’s Day meal. The Bronx River Parkway Bicycle Sundays are now in session, and the parkway is open exclusively for bicyclists, in-line skaters, scooters, walkers, and joggers from the Westchester County Center to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, a round-trip of 13 miles.

Girl petting a bunny rabbit on Father's Day in Westchester
Meet the bunnies at the Greenburgh Nature Center.

14. Commune With Nature

My family and I enjoy exploring the wonders of nature at the Greenburgh Nature Center, where you can take in forest trails, organic gardens, a barnyard, live animals, a Native American Replica Village, and more.

A version of this post was first published in 2017. It has since been updated.

Photos courtesy of the venues