30 Best Things To Do this Winter in Westchester and the Hudson Valley 2024

A day on the slopes is the perfect way to enjoy the winter season. Photo by Ally Noel
A day on the slopes is the perfect way to enjoy the winter season. Photo by Ally Noel
1/14/24 - By Susan Miele

Stave off cabin fever this season with this ultimate guide to fun things to do this winter in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We've uncovered 30 fun ways to spend the cold winter days and keep kids active and entertained all winter long.

Whether you're looking for winter sports, weekend getaways, workshops, nature programs, or indoor activities, we’ve got you covered with this list of fun things to do this winter. Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Indoor Fun and our Westchester and the Hudson Valley Winter Fun Guide for more fun this freezin' season.

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Best Things To Do this Winter in the Hudson Valley

1. Pop-In Play Space

Get your fix of indoor play at a Pop-in! Play Space, which offers 60-minute, 90-minute, or half-day sessions.

2. Hudson River Museum

Head to the kid-friendly Hudson River Museum—and be sure to check out a show at the planetarium while you're there.

3. American Dream

This New Jersey mega mall is packed with enough amenities to keep you busy all season long.

4. Go Rock Climbing

Shape up for springtime in The Gunks by visiting these indoor rock climbing gyms during the long winter days.

RELATED: Free Museums and Museum Days in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Best things to do this winter: Westchester Children's Museum
Explore the Maker Space at the Westchester Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

5. Westchester Children's Museum

Visit the Westchester Children's Museum in Rye and walk through the fun STEM-focused exhibits, or sign up for one of its events.

6. Play for Free

Hit one of these 19 free indoor places to play spread throughout the region ranging from museums to bookstores, nature centers, and more.

7. Escape Room

Test your family’s deductive skills as you work together to find your way out of one of these local escape rooms.

8. Play Ninja Warrior

If your kids love to flip, climb, and challenge themselves with parkour, these local ninja warrior gyms and obstacle courses are a perfect diversion.

9. Try Snowtubing

Book a lane for a family snow tubing adventure in the Westchester and Hudson Valley area.

RELATED: Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways near NYC

Best things to do this winter: Mohonk Mountain House
Mohonk Mountain House offers pristine grounds and plenty of fun winter recreation. Photo courtesy of the resort

10. Mohonk Mountain House

Splurge on day passes to Mohonk Mountain House, which currently includes outdoor activities and hiking trail passes.

11. Go Skiing

Westchester is close to several family-friendly ski areas suitable for first-timers and experts alike.

12. Go Sledding

Take the plunge at one of our top picks for snow day sledding in Westchester or head to one of these Hudson Valley sledding hills.

13. Honor the Bald Eagle

Pay homage to our majestic national bird on Saturday, February 3 at the annual Hudson River EagleFest, which celebrates the bald eagle’s return to the area.

14. Do a Good Deed

In the spirit of MLK Day, rack up community service credits at one of several local volunteering events.

RELATED: Cross-Country Skiing Destinations near Westchester

Best things to do this winter: Ice skating at Gorham's Pond
Lace up and enjoy ice skating or pond hockey. Photo courtesy of Friends of Gorham's Pond

15. Go Ice Skating

We've got picks for the best ice skating rinks and ponds in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, plus more picks in Connecticut, and NYC.

16. Dine Outdoors

Experience the latest alfresco dining craze by reserving a table in a heated igloo at Salsa Picante in White Plains—and enjoy some great Mexican food, too

17. Snowshoeing

Go snowshoeing at Minnewaska State Park. If you don't have gear, don't worry. Rentals are available.

18. Get Away

Opt for a change of scenery in the mountains or by the shore by planning a low-cost winter weekend getaway.

19. Make Art

Schedule a studio visit or pick up a to-go kit at one of these local art studios in Westchester.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Ski Areas near NYC

Best things to do this winter: Hiking
Don't let the cold keep you from the hiking trails. Photo by Ally Noel

20. Go Hiking

Bundle up for a hardy winter hike and compare the views on the various trails.

21. Catch a Page to Stage Adaptation

Kids between the ages of 6 and 9 will love seeing the new production of Dot Dot Dot at the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck on Saturday, March 16.

22. Have Fun Delivered

Sign up for a monthly subscription box to deliver new activities to your kids (ooh, mail!).

23. Explore a New Area

See all the offerings in nearby Litchfield County, Connecticut, where year-round fun awaits. Or visit another quaint community nearby.

24. Enjoy a Cold Treat

Embrace the cold: There's no rule against getting ice cream in the winter.

25. Go Maple Sugaring

Head to Ashokan's Annual Maple Fest on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 for some maple tree fun—plus campfires, nature walks, and more.

26. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

Visit the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture to see sustainable agriculture up close. Its grounds are FREE to visit in the winter.

RELATEDKid-Friendly Farms in Westchester and Hudson Valley

Best Things To Do this Winter in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Winter's Dream in Lake George
Have lots of hands-on fun at the immersive Winter's Dream. Photo by Ally Noel

27. Escape to Lake George

This Adirondack town isn't just a summer destination. In fact, it's a winter wonderland with light shows, winter carnivals, ice castles, and more fun to help you embrace the season.

28. Hit the Water Park

These indoor water parks make for a perfect daycation to escape winter's chill!

29. Visit Windham

This charming Catskills town is loaded with things to do, including skiing at Windham Mountain Club and plenty of fun beyond the slopes.

30. Romp at an Indoor Playground

Our favorite playgrounds may be frozen over, but these indoor romping spots welcome kids year-round.

A version of this post was first published in 2021 and has been updated annually.