4 Fun & Free Outdoor Activities

So, you think nothing is free? Think again. Just when you need a summer activity to keep the kids occupied, here comes this list of four outings that can tame the boredom monster.

Outdoor Sculpture at PepsiCo

The creatively landscaped and meticulously maintained gardens on the grounds of the PepsiCo campus house 45 large and important outdoor sculptures by major 20th century artists. It is now open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. after being closed for renovations. Take a picnic, stroll the grounds and let the children work off some steam.

Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens

pepsico.com/sculpture-gardens

Play Days at Jay

On Fridays through October, families can pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at the John Jay Homestead. This historic site is the former home of John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States. Kids can explore the Discovery Centers and help volunteers collect eggs from the chicken coop. The Education staff also leads hands-on activities. It’s a fun afternoon, from noon to 2 p.m., in a beautiful setting.

John Jay Homestead

johnjayhomestead.org

Get Some Exercise

Visit this old railway 1.2-mile steel cantilever bridge that spans the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and Highland, N.Y. for great 360-degree views, some good exercise and a sense of adventure. Strollers, bikes, dogs on leash, roller-skating and picnicking are all permitted. The Walkway is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. Walk or bike the additional Walkway loops to extend the experience.

Walkway Over the Hudson

walkway.org

Live Music

Enjoy a summer evening by dining al fresco (take a picnic) and introduce your children to the sound of live jazz. Jazz Forum Arts 2018 Free Summer Concerts features evening concerts in Tarrytown on Friday, July 11,18, 25 and August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. See their website for other free concerts in Ossining, Sleepy Hollow and Dobbs Ferry.

Jazz at Pierson’s Park

jazzforumarts.org

— Jean Sheff