Our Epic 2025 Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in Westchester with Kids

There’s a reason that people say Westchester is one of the best places to raise kids. Whether you and yours love to explore nature, enjoy unique outdoor attractions, or run for the air conditioning, Westchester offers summer fun for everyone.
Below, you'll find our 2025 summer bucket list for kids in Westchester, so be sure to bookmark this guide to planning scrapbook-worthy summer excursions. If this jam-packed resource isn't enough, there’s even more seasonal fun to choose from in our Summer Fun Guide and our Family Activity Calendar, which is constantly updated.
Stay tuned, too, because we'll be back next week with a bucket list to Hudson Valley fun this summer in case you're ready to stretch your seasonal adventure.
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Best Outdoor Activities in Westchester this Summer
1. Take a Walk in the Park
Enjoy one of Westchester’s beautiful parks with kid-friendly hikes built into the fun.
2. The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye is home to thousands of species of birds, and it's an official Audubon Important Bird Area!
3. The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail
A local favorite, the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail links together some of Westchester’s most beautiful river towns.
4. Croton Point Park
Speaking of the river, Croton Point Park is a great destination for picnics and gorgeous views.
5. Croton Gorge Park
And, if you can’t get enough of parks named Croton, Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt is a must-visit.
6. Go For a Swim
What’s summer without water? Whether you are looking for a freshwater swimming lake, a beautiful local beach, or a local swimming pool, Westchester has something for everyone.
7. Go For a Paddle
If you like water but also staying (mostly) dry, try any of these popular boat rental destinations where you can kayak, paddleboard, or go river tubing.
8. Hop on a Bike
These local bike trails will cool you off as you feel the breeze in your face while cruising the county.
9. Visit a Destination Playground
Our list of destination playgrounds is a great jumping-off point for a daycation! See if you can visit them all this summer.
10. Lasdon Park
Check out a nature center or an arboretum at Lasdon Park in Katonah, which is well known for its peaceful tree-lined strolls and, yes, its kid-friendly dinosaur trail!
11. Untermyer Gardens
Yonker’s Untermyer Gardens is another great choice for serene gardens.
12. Check Out a Nature Center
For an outdoor/indoor experience that’s both fun and educational, the Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale and Mamaroneck’s Marine Education Center offer animal exhibits and kid's programs.
13. Boundless Adventures
For the energetic kid: climb, swing, and jump at Boundless Adventures in Purchase.
14. Splash Around at a Water Park
Take a day trip to a nearby water park for floating, soaking, and slides.
15. Have a Farm Day
Pick your own fruit at Croton Falls’ Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, Yorktown’s Hilltop Hanover Farm, or one of these other localish farms with family-friendly entertainment.
Unique Outdoor Attractions to Visit in Westchester this Summer
16. Go River Town-Hopping
Pay a visit to one of Westchester's historic Rivertowns for shopping, dining, and great views. There is always more to explore!
17. Listen to Live Music
Get out and get moving at one of the many outdoor concerts and summer movie festivals.
18. Take in Some Shakespeare
Just north of Westchester in Garrison, the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival has offered theater under the stars for more than 30 years.
19. Go to One of Many Fairs and Festivals
And for more festivals, check out our list of 26 great family-friendly fairs and festivals throughout Westchester.
20. Drive-In Movie Theater
Grab some soda and popcorn and enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in movie at one of these old-school theaters.
21. Playland Park
Visit Westchester’s resident theme park, Playland, which will reportedly open Memorial Day weekend.
22. Play Mini Golf
Putt away at one of the many mini-golf courses in our area.
23. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
Katonah’s Caramoor offers a summer of music festivals and outdoor concerts in its gorgeous wooded oasis, as well as tours and an afternoon tea service at the historic Rosen House.
Best Indoor Attractions for Rainy Summer Days
24. Westchester Children’s Museum
The Westchester Children’s Museum in Rye offers enriching indoor fun.
25. Hudson River Museum
Another favorite is the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, with galleries and sculptures galore.
26. Try a Free Event at Your Local Library
Your local Westchester libraries are always replete with FREE events and activities.
27. Head to an Art Studio
Get creative and paint-splattered at these drop-in art studios.
28. Tour a Historic House
Turn the clock way back with a tour of a historic house.
29. The Kykuit Estate
Perhaps the best-known historic house is the Rockefellers’ Kykuit Estate in Sleepy Hollow. Visit to find out why.
30. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside
Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown gives visitors a glimpse into the life of America's first famous author.
31. Enjoy some Bowling
Strike or hit the gutter at these family-friendly bowling alleys.
32. Indoor Play Spaces
Find some shade at indoor play spaces, where your kids can burn off energy without the sunburn.
33. Ice Cream Time
Visit one of our favorite local ice cream shops for a sweet, kid-approved treat.
Originally published in 2020. Susan Miel contributed additional reporting.
Places featured in this article:
Croton Aqueduct
Hudson River Museum
Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary