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60 Free Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this Summer with Kids

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5/26/24 - By Katherine Dhurandhar

Looking for FREE things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this summer? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

With school getting out soon, it's time for summer fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley! With amazing parks and beaches offering hundreds of acres of outdoor space, it's no wonder that there are tons of FREE activities to keep kids occupied all summer. 

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

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Many events in this listing occur on multiple dates, so be sure to read through the entire description and click through for addresses, times, and any reservation requirements. 

More Free Activities in the Hudson Valley this Summer

Free Summer Concerts | Free Summer Movies | Summer Festivals

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Free Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley All Summer Long

Westchester Bicycle Sundays

Various Towns
Multiple Dates from May to October
Cyclists, joggers, walkers, in-line skaters, and scooters can take to the open road on Sundays when the Bronx River Parkway is closed to motorized vehicles for a 13.1-mile stretch from Main Street in White Plains to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.  READ MORE

Family Fun Days at Westchester Pools/Beaches

Multiple locations
Weekends through August 11, 2024
Four Westchester County pools/parks will play host to a series of five family fun days this summer, featuring a DJ, dancing, and games. READ MORE

Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market

Poughkeepsie
Tuesdays through August 6, 2024
The Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum will run weekly through October 6 on Tuesday afternoons. The market offers a wide range of farm-fresh greens and vegetables, fruit, herbs, apple cider, baked goods, eggs, poultry, and vegetable plant starts. The market also features live music and community outreach vendors.  READ MORE

Outdoor Movies in Harbor Island Park

Mamaroneck
Saturday, June 8 -Sunday, September 7, 2024
Enjoy FREE outdoor kids' movies at Harbor Island Park four Fridays between June and September. Admission is free, and food is available from food trucks at the park. The September 7 showing is also a family camp-out night.  READ MORE

Cortlandt Concert and Movie Nights

Cortlandt
Select Thursdays, June 13 -August 8, 2024
Dine on fare from local food trucks while enjoying the sounds of live bands, then stick around (on select nights) for a kid-friendly movie. Pre-show entertainment kicks off each evening starting at 6pm. Views of the Hudson River in the background add to the charm. READ MORE

Neighborhood Nights in the Parks - White Plains

White Plains
Multiple dates from Monday, July 8-Thursday, August 15, 2024
The Nights in the Park series returns to White Plains with FREE outdoor entertainment events in summer evenings in six different parks, including free concerts and special performances. Kids' programs include art in the park, magic shows, kids' concerts, and sports.  READ MORE

Movies Under the Walkway at Walkway Over the Hudson

Poughkeepsie
Select Saturdays from June 29 to August 10, 2024
Set against the scenic Walkway Over the Hudson, outdoor flicks are presented on three summer Saturdays. Films start at sunset and are preceded by live music, food trucks, and activities.  READ MORE

Ridge Hill Music on the Hill Summer Concert Series

Yonkers
Fridays through September 7, 2024
Come out and enjoy outdoor concerts this summer with talented musicians every Friday through September. This year’s musical lineup features multiple genres, including jazz, Latin jazz, Salsa, and Afrobeats. READ MORE

Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow (TASH) Farmer's Market

Tarrytown
Saturdays Memorial Day Weekend through Thanksgiving
Enjoy farm-fresh food, live music, and kids' activities every Saturday in the summer at the TASH Farmer's Market.  READ MORE

Wild Wednesdays: Animal Introductions at the New Rochelle Library

New Rochelle
Select Wednesdays in July and August 2024
Meet different animals every week at the library, presented by the Stamford Museum and Nature Center and the Weinburg Nature Center. Kids are invited on this one-hour journey featuring mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds presented by a naturalist.  READ MORE

Kensico Dam Screenings Under the Stars

Valhalla
Select Saturdays in July and August 2024
Grab your picnic blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an outdoor movie on three evenings this summer at Kensico Dam Plaza. Refreshments will be available for sale. READ MORE

Family Free Night at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

Poughkeepsie
Repeats every third Saturday of the month, 2024
Come in after-hours and explore all of the museum exhibits for free at family free nights at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum.  READ MORE

North Salem Farmers Market

North Salem
Repeats every second Saturday through September
The North Salem Farmers Market will be on Back Street in Croton Falls from May to September on the second Saturday of each month. Showcasing 20 vendors from the local region each bringing the finest local, thoughtfully grown and made food from veggies and fruit to pasture-raised meats, eggs, dairy, baked goods, oils, honey, cheese, fresh flowers, native plants, and much more. There will also be kids' activities and live music.  READ MORE

Croton-on-Hudson Summer Family Entertainment Series

Croton
Wednesdays from June through August, 2024
This outdoor entertainment series features live acts designed for family audiences, including music, storytelling, magic shows, and even outdoor movies.  READ MORE

Saturday Summer Sings: Musical Island Adventure with Miss Jolie at the New Rochelle Library

New Rochelle
Select Saturdays in July and August, 2024
Join Miss Jolie for a special island-themed program filled with songs, stories, and lots of movement and dancing at the New Rochelle Library. Jolie brings a twist to classic children's music playing her ukulele, guitar, and other musical instruments (+ props for the children too!) READ MORE

Summer Sizzle Outdoor Concerts in New Rochelle

New Rochelle
Every Saturday through September 21, 2024
Enjoy free concerts in Ruby Dee Park every Saturday this summer, accompanied by food trucks on Lawton Street. A series of special signature events also offer afternoon festivities where attendees can enjoy local food trucks, craft tents, and engaging activities for the whole family.  READ MORE

Capoeira for Kids at the New Rochelle Library

New Rochelle
Mondays, July 8-August 12, 2024
Discover the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira. Disguised as a dance and performed to traditional Brazilian music, children will learn specific offensive and defensive movements. Participants will  be in constant motion as they practice the basic movement - the "ginga." READ MORE

Free Things To Do in June in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

TLPC Juneteenth Celebrations in New Rochelle

New Rochelle
June 1-30, 2024
TLPC’s Juneteenth Celebration 2024 is a citywide event with 10 participating community organizations and institutions and begins June 1 and ends June 30. Events include a jazz concert, spoken word, African dance, a historic trolley tour, kids' games, exhibits, lectures, film screenings, gospel concerts, drum line performances, an African marketplace, food vendors, and more.   READ MORE

Scarsdale Music Festival

Scarsdale
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Enjoy a day of live music and fun for all ages at the 4th annual Scarsdale Music Festival. This year's enhanced family fun zone features carnival games, face painters, arts and crafts, musical demonstrations, DIY and STEAM activities, sports, inflatables, and more! READ MORE

Asian-American Heritage Celebration at Kensico Dam

Valhalla
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Celebrate Asian culture with an afternoon of music, dance, exhibits, vendors, and food.  READ MORE

Festival at the Falls in Mesier Park

Wappingers Falls
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Enjoy local food and craft vendors at the annual Village of Wappingers Falls Festival at the Falls event in Mesier Park. The festival includes live music, entertainment, vendors, children's games, and food trucks.  READ MORE

Hudson River Family Seining

Yonkers
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Join CURB staff in the Hudson River for a turn at seining and adding to the aquatic population research. At each site, visitors are invited to join in the fun and see what can be pulled in when sampling the Hudson with nets. READ MORE

Juneteenth Kickoff Festival at New Rochelle Boys & Girls Club

White Plains
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Break bread with the Westchester & Rockland Juneteenth Coalition in celebration of the first African American Holiday! Enjoy traditional foods prepared by award-winning Chef El-Amin, an original play about Juneteenth, historical reenactments, music & dance performances, kids' activities, an exhibit on the history of Juneteenth, and much more! READ MORE

Tarrytown Craft, Food and Street Fair

Tarrytown
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Peruse the wares of some 100 vendors and crafters while enjoying local food, beverages, live entertainment, and kids' activities along Tarrytown's Main Street. READ MORE

Nanuet Street Fair

Nanuet
Sunday, June 2, 2024
The Nanuet Street Fair features more than 170 vendors plus live music, kids' activities, food, and a car and Jeep show.  READ MORE

Albanian Heritage Festival at Kensico Dam

Valhalla
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Discover and celebrate all things Albanian. Taste the food, hear the music, learn the dances, with crafts and activities for kids.  READ MORE

RiverFest in Cornwall's Donahue Park

Cornwall
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Held on the scenic shores of the Hudson River in Donahue Park in Cornwall-on-Hudson, this annual festival features assorted entertainers as well as live music, food, vendors, kids' crafts, and activities.  READ MORE

Croton-on-Hudson Summerfest

Croton-on-Hudson
Sunday, June 2, 2024
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson hosts its 36th Annual Summerfest street fair filled with live music, entertainment, delicious food, and over 100 street vendors. READ MORE

Festa Italiana in West Harrison

West Harrison
Friday-Sunday, June 7-9, 2024
Celebrate Italian heritage all weekend long at Saint Anthony of Padua Church's annual festival. Enjoy Italian food, children's activities, games, and more.  READ MORE

Poughkeepsie PKGO Pride Parade and Festival

Poughkeepsie
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Celebrate Pride Month with a colorful parade and a festival featuring local food vendors, local queer-owned businesses, and activities for children and families. The Festival at Waryas Park features 70+ local food vendors, artists, businesses, a bouncy house and kids zone, and more. READ MORE

Rockland Pride Sunday Festival in Downtown Nyack

Nyack
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Now in its 25th year, Rockland Pride Sunday is back in-person for a day filled with music, dancing, and pride. This free family-friendly event in downtown Nyack features live music, drag queens, outdoor dining, shopping, vendors, and more. Free children's activities include bounce houses, face painting, and an arts and crafts tent. READ MORE

Beacon Strawberry Festival at Pete and Toshi Seegar and Riverfront Park

Beacon
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Enjoy an old-fashioned strawberry festival to celebrate the arrival of spring, with live music on two stages, strawberry shortcake, arts and crafts vendors, children's activities, and more fun in Pete and Toshi Seegar and Riverfront Park on the Hudson River.  READ MORE

STEAM Pride Performance at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

Poughkeepsie
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Join the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum in recognizing the diverse community with a FREE Pride program in the outdoor Pavilion! Expect engaging science demonstrations, singing songs, and plenty of fun activities to keep you moving, led by a fabulous drag performer! READ MORE

Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival

Yonkers
Friday, June 14-Sunday, June 16, 2024
Sponsored by the Ukrainian American Youth Association, this annual tradition brings Ukrainian food, culture, music, dancing, crafts, and traditions to Yonkers, along with carnival rides and games, plus assorted vendors.  READ MORE

Juneteenth Celebration in Haverstraw

Haverstraw
Friday-Wednesday, June 14-19, 2024
The Haverstraw African American Connection’s 2024 Juneteenth events will take place over four days. Activities include a live band, presentations, re-enactments, vendors, food, music, and KIDZone. READ MORE

Big Truck Day at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting

Hudson
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Learn all about big trucks and even sit in the truck cabs! Fire trucks, a garbage truck, a street cleaner, a school bus, and many more vehicles will be visiting the museum for the day, so come check out all the big truck action. When you complete your BIG truck tour, try your hand at the prize punch game and meet Otto, the incredible, talking robot car who has a lot to say about safety! READ MORE

Father's Day Concert in Turnure Park

White Plains
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Relax and enjoy a concert with dad in Turnure Park on Father's Day evening. Bring a picnic blanket/lawn chairs and enjoy the soulful sounds of Joe Boykin and Friends.   READ MORE

Hudson Valley Food Truck Festival at Barton Orchards

Poughquag
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Sample a range of dishes from diverse food trucks and vendors with live music and a farm market at Barton Orchards in Poughquag. Activities for kids include a petting zoo, gem stone mining, a dog park, and wooden playground. The tap room and restaurant are also open.  READ MORE

Father's Day Antique Tractor Pull at the Orange County Farmers Museum

Montgomery
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Spend the day with dad at the Orange County Farmers Museum’s annual Father’s Day Antique Tractor Pull. Watch the pullers drag the weighted sled down the track in a friendly competition of who can go the farthest or make the 300-foot full pull. READ MORE

Big Equipment Day at Muscoot Farm

Katonah
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Muscoot Farm invites visitors to get up close and learn about all the machines that run the farm, including tractors, mowers, and more.  READ MORE

Village of Pelham Juneteenth Celebration

Pelham
Sunday, June 16, 2024
The Village of Pelham invites you to a day of inspiration, education, cultural connection, and entertainment as we honor and celebrate the Juneteenth Federal Holiday. Enjoy live entertainment, food, art, dancing, a DJ, and more! READ MORE

Poughkeepsie Greek Festival

Poughkeepsie
Friday, June 21-Sunday, June 23, 2024
Expect feasting, entertainment, and insights into Greek culture at this multi-day festival. Immerse your family in Greek culture with Greek music, food, performances, and dancing. Children's activities are also on the agenda, including a bouncy house, and vendors sell their wares. READ MORE

Discover the Summer Event at Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

Poughkeepsie
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Enjoy a day of summer fun at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum's outdoor pavilion. Meet New York Times bestselling authors and award-winning children’s book illustrators, among other activities.  READ MORE

African-American Heritage Celebration at Kensico Dam

Valhalla
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Celebrate African-American culture at Kensico Dam Plaza. Enjoy live music, food, dance, drama, poetry, and a wide array of vendors. Bring a blanket or folding chairs and enjoy performances on the lawn.  READ MORE

Free Things To Do in July in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

Taste of the Hudson Valley Food Truck Festival and Fireworks

Newburgh
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Celebrate July 4 with the Hudson Valley's best food trucks, plus live entertainment and a fireworks extravaganza after dark. READ MORE

4th of July Parade in Peekskill

Peekskill
Thursday, July 4, 2024
The Peekskill Volunteer Firefighters Association hosts the annual 4th of July Parade on Crompond Road in Peekskill.  READ MORE

Goshen Annual Great American Weekend

Goshen
Saturday, July 6-Sunday, July 7, 2024
This two-day annual tradition, organized by the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, features some 150 craft booths, live entertainment, children's activities, and extensive food choices.  READ MORE

Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Kensico Dam

Valhalla
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Celebrate Hispanic culture at Kensico Dam Plaza. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a day of live music, food, vendors, and more. READ MORE

Dino Hunter Safari at the New Rochelle Library

New Rochelle
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Slither, fly or stomp on down and join this nutty professor--Professor Livingpebble--on a Dino-Safari. Kids will get in touch with their inner T-Rex and embody reptiles big and small, carnivore or herbivore, while enjoying comic antics that are anything but fossilized! Kids encouraged to attend in Safari attire!  READ MORE

Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival & Parade

Sleepy Hollow
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Have you heard the legend of the Hudson River mermaids? You will at the inaugural Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival! The fun begins with a parade on land and water, followed by a post-parade party in the park for all ages, with music, community art-making, face painting, food trucks, and bounce houses. READ MORE

Italian Heritage Celebration at Kensico Dam

Valhalla
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Celebrate Italian heritage at Kensico Dam Plaza. Enjoy live music, food, lots of family activities, and a wide array of vendors. READ MORE

Otisville Country Fair

Otisville
Thursday-Sunday, July 25-28, 2024
This good old-fashioned country fair has a hay-bale toss, a chainsaw competition, horseshoe tournament, car show, tractor pull, cast-iron frying-pan toss, hayrides, antique machinery, storybook princess parties, animal tent, and food.  READ MORE

Free Things To Do in August in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids

Family Fun Day and Sand Art Competition at Glen Island Beach

New Rochelle
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Bring your best buckets, shovels, and molds (and a few friends) to this county-sponsored sand-castle competition. Enjoy family-fun games as well.  READ MORE

Arm of the Sea Theater Performance at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum

Poughkeepsie
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Join the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum for an exciting, FREE performance as Arm-of-the-Sea Theater presents Estuary Tales: The Life & Times of the Hudson River! This performance spectacle fuses live music, dance, and large-scale puppet theater in a deep dive into the checkered history of “America’s River.” READ MORE

Heritage of India Festival at Kensico Dam

Valhalla
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Enjoy traditional Indian dance performances, music, food, vendors, and more at this celebration of the culture of India.  READ MORE

National Park Fee-Free Day

Various locations
Saturday, August 4, 2024
On select dates in 2024, The National Park Service is offering free admission at all national parks, including sites that typically charge an entry fee. Though participating locations are scattered nationwide, there are several such attractions in the Hudson Valley area. READ MORE

Beacon Corn Festival

Beacon
Sunday, August 11, 2024
This festival, hosted by the Beacon Sloop Club, celebrates all things corn at the Beacon Riverfront Park. Expect live music, food, craft vendors, and free kids’ activities. READ MORE

Ecuadorian Heritage Festival at Croton Point Park

Croton-on-Hudson
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Enjoy music, entertainment, crafts, and food vendors at the Ecuadorian Heritage Festival held in scenic Croton Point Park.  READ MORE

Saugerties Caribbean Carnival & Parade

Saugerties
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Experience the festive culture of the Caribbean at this fun, family-friendly carnival with face painting, a costume contest, DJ, arts & crafts, food vendors, and more, plus a colorful parade. READ MORE

Jewish Music & Arts Heritage Festival at Kensico Dam

Valhalla
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Celebrate Jewish culture at Kensico Dam Plaza at the annual Jewish Music and Arts Festival. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a day of music, Israeli dancing, food, vendors, and children's activities including free face painting, a WonderSparks puppet show, and juggling with Ned Gelfars. READ MORE

Muslim Heritage Celebration at Kensico Dam

Valhalla
Sunday, August 27, 2024
Explore Muslim culture through exhibits, performances, and food. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Willson's Waves (and additional locations)
Turnure Park (and other locations)
Ruby Dee Park (in front of downtown New Rochelle Public Library)
Scarsdale Village Center
Boys & Girls Club- New Rochelle
Pete and Toshi Seegar and Riverfront Park
Haverstraw African-American Memorial Park
First Presbyterian Church Park
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum (and other locations)
Beacon Riverfront Park