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

1. Check out the Christmas Lights

Celebrate the festive season at one of the spectacular holiday lights displays in the area, or take a tour of the best-decorated houses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. 

2. Try Snowtubing

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

3. 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.

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

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. American Dream

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

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 1, 2025, 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.

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

RELATED: Family-Friendly Ski Areas near NYC

Traipse through the pristine snow in Minnewaska State Park. 

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.

20. Go Hiking

Bundle up for a hardy winter hike and compare the views on the various trails. Make sure to visit one of the area's spectacular frozen waterfalls. 

21. Head to the Theater

The whole family can enjoy an adaptation of the beloved holiday classic at Emelin Theatre's Nutcracker Dream, with 8 matinee and evening performances in December. Check the calendar for more family-friendly performances at the Emelin, including The Little Mermen on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

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

Visit a nearby Christmas village or explore the White Mountains of New Hampshire, featuring skiing, scenic train rides, and Ice Castles. 

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 8, 2025, for some maple tree fun—plus campfires, nature walks, and more. Or check out one of the other spots for maple sugaring in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

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.

27. Escape to Lake George

This Adirondack town isn't just a summer destination. In fact, it's a winter wonderland with skiing, snow tubing, a winter carnival, and more fun to help you embrace the season.

RELATED: Inexpensive Winter Weekend Getaways near NYC

Splash around in the tropical waters at Aquatopia at Camelback Resort.

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.