Experts contend that unstructured time to play contributes to children’s mental, physical and emotional well-being. Good reasons to take your kids to these great playgrounds this summer.
Special Needs Accessible
There is literally something for everyone at this 700-acre park. Here you’ll find the county’s only playground that is accessible for children with special needs. There’s also an 18-hole golf course and a mini golf course, as well as the county’s largest swimming pool, an aquatic playground with sprays and sprinklers and picnic areas too. County pass not required for admission, but you must provide proof of Westchester residency with a valid New York State license to swim or picnic.
Saxon Woods Park
1800 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains
995-4480
parks.westchestergov.com/saxon-woods-park
Playground and More
You’ll find a fun playground just left of the entrance to this 126-acre park in Chappaqua. Kids can enjoy swings, sandbox and several jungle gyms. In the winter months the hill just behind the playground is a popular sledding site. Parents appreciate the on-site bathrooms and benches. This is a dog-friendly park where dogs can actually be walked off leash. There are 3.4 miles of trials, including one that is handicapped accessible. Sport fields can be reserved.
Gedney Park
161 Millwood Road, Chappaqua
238-3909
Water Fun Too
In this 44-acre village park you’ll find a great playground with climbing structures and swings. The added bonus here is water fun. Check out the 700-square-foot salt water beach, the sprinkler-spray playground, fishing floats and boat launching area. Rest rooms and showers are on-site as well as picnic tables, a pavilion, benches, ball fields and a tennis club. Outdoor concerts and other special events are held here. Fees for parking and to use the beach.
Harbor Island Park
123 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck
777-7784
Live Animals
Greenburgh Nature center is a 33-acre preserve that includes an Animal Museum with an iguana, a snake, a chinchilla, a tortoise, birds of prey and staff to provide a hands-on experience. Outdoors find trails, gardens and a pond. The Nature’s Discovery Playground reconnects children and families with nature. Several creative wooden play structures offer climbing, swinging, sliding, a mini rock wall and ramps – all great for exploratory fun. Admission is $7 adults, $5 children ages 2 to 12.
Greenburgh Nature Center
99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale
723-3470
