Yonkers

Westchester's Rivertowns with Kids: 75+ Things To Do

Submitted by Susan Miele on Sun, 07/14/2019 - 10:00am

There's so much to do in Westchester’s Rivertowns, the scenic and charming cities, towns, and villages that line the eastern shore of the Hudson River, from Yonkers to Peekskill.

The best part about the Rivertowns, of course, is their location along the water. This affords them not only scenic views and aquatic activity, but also a rich history from centuries of settlement along its banks.

Below we've rounded up assorted highlights of Westchester's Rivertowns for family fun, including kid-friendly restaurants, cool museums, beautiful parks, historic mansions, and much more. There are also numerous family-friendly events—from festivals to performances—that can be found year-round on our Event Calendar and via our free newsletters.

15 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Westchester with Outdoor Dining

Submitted by Janine Annett on Fri, 06/28/2019 - 10:00am

Beautiful weather practically begs for heading to one of these local kid-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating. We’ve got a roundup of 15 eateries worth trying—with varying price points, atmospheres, and cuisines—where Westchester families can get their alfresco dining fix.

Looking for more dining options? Check out our Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Best Swimming Pools for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 06/07/2019 - 11:00am

Nothing says summer like a day at the pool, and there's no shortage of spots in Westchester and the lower Hudson Valley to take a dip. These area pools offer everything from water slides and three-foot waves to a lazy river! Need a break? Many have concession stands and places to picnic, as well as playgrounds, hiking trails, mini-golf, and other activities to truly make it a great day out.

Here, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites. Some of these—particularly the Westchester pools—require county residency, so take note before you head out. Another note: Yonkers' Sprain Ridge Pool remains closed for repairs, but a 2019 reopening may still be in the cards, so stay tuned!

Prefer splash pads instead? Check out our list of go-to spots—and look to our Summer Guide for even more warm-weather fun.

Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds in Westchester and Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Sun, 05/12/2019 - 9:00am

Ready to cool off this summer? There are plenty of local pools and swimming lakes, but if you’re looking for something a little different, a splash pad or sprayground is a great choice. The setting is especially fun for younger kids, who can run through the sprinklers and water jets, so swim vest required. Lucky for us, there's a slew of family-friendly sprinkler parks to choose from in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, whether you’re looking for a quick morning trip or an all-day adventure.

We’ve rounded up a few to check out, from Yonkers to Wappingers Falls, including several that offer FREE entry.

Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 04/19/2019 - 10:00am

Spring is finally here, and it's time to start planning outdoor fun. Here's something the whole family can get in on: going to one of the beer gardens in the area. Sure, a beer garden might not seem like the first place you’d take little ones, but with kid-friendly food and even games and toys, it can be a great spot to spend a sunny afternoon.

In search of more family fun? Check our Event Calendar, and sign up for our newsletters.

Affordable Summer Camps for Westchester Kids

Submitted by Marisa Iallonardo on Fri, 04/05/2019 - 3:15pm

There are tons of fun summer camp options in our area, no matter what your child is interested in—from traditional camps to STEM programs. If you're looking for budget-friendly options that won't break the bank, we’ve rounded up a slew of affordable day camps in Westchester.

For this list, that means a camp that’s $350 and under a week. Many of the camps featured offer half-day sessions as well as early-bird or sibling discounts. Plus, there are often options for financial aid and/or scholarships—and even if you don’t see the information listed, you can always ask to see if it’s a possibility.

For even more options, check out our Summer Camps Guide for Westchester Kids, or search our Camp Directory. And be sure to sign up for our free newsletters to find even more fun things to do this summer!

Indoor Trampoline Parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Fri, 02/22/2019 - 10:00am

Where do you go when the kids are bouncing off the walls on a cold or rainy day? Somewhere they’re allowed to bounce off the walls, of course!

We’ve rounded up indoor trampoline parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley where kids can jump, hop, leap, and bounce to their hearts' content. Take note that these spots also offer birthday parties, making them an option for those winter (or even extra-hot summer) birthdays.

Looking for more places to play? Check out our Indoor Play Guide and sign up for our newsletters!

Museums with Cool Kids' Programming in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Sonia Gonzalez on Fri, 02/15/2019 - 11:00am

While there are many fantastic family-friendly museums and exhibits in New York City, you don't necessarily have to travel to NYC for an enriching cultural outing. We've rounded up 11 museums right here in Westchester and the Hudson Valley that offer lots of stimulating fun, in subjects ranging from fine art to firefighting.

All of these museums offer family programs that allow kids (and grown-ups) to explore and learn about the collections by engaging in a variety of hands-on activities. Best of all, a lot of these programs are free with museum admission—and many of the museums themselves offer free admission to children under a certain age. Don't forget to check with your local library to see if it offers free passes.

Read on for more about these cultural gems, which make for great family day trip destinations.

Indoor Action Centers Where Westchester Kids Can Burn Energy

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Fri, 01/11/2019 - 10:00am

When cold and rain makes outdoor play impossible, it's good to know there are a number of fantastic indoor play options in Westchester where kids can burn off all that excess energy. We've rounded up the biggest and best places where kids can run, jump, bounce, climb, and play when outdoors just isn't an option.

Looking for more indoor ideas when inclement weather dampens outdoor fun? Check out our Guide to Indoor Fun and Play Spaces for Westchester Kids, and look to our Event Calendar for tons of fun indoor happenings all year long.

Free Museum Days in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Lisa Johnston on Thu, 01/03/2019 - 8:00am

Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley are rife with enrichment opportunities, and some of the best places for these experiences take place in our area museums. While frequent visits can get costly, all of the museums on this list have FREE days or times. Some programs still require registration, so we suggest you check with the museum before you head out.

Reminder: In addition to the days and times listed here, many libraries hold a number of free museum passes as well.