Summer Bucket List: 36 Really Cool Things to Do this Summer in Westchester

Summer Bucket List: 36 Really Cool Things to Do this Summer in Westchester

Summer is right around the corner! Whether you’re staying local this summer, or looking for more activities in between camp and travel, we’ve got you covered in our bucket list of cool things to experience in Westchester. From swimming to camping to outdoor music festivals to sleeping with wolves (!!), you and your kids will love checking things off on this list as you explore the many cool things Westchester has to offer. Happy exploring!

1. 1. Spend the day at Muscoot Farm: Enjoy a day with the beloved farm animals at Katonah’s Muscoot Farm. They offer tons of fun and educational programming and events, including their popular farmers’ market and art show on Sundays. Your kids will love roaming around the grounds and hopping on their red tractor. Bring a picnic to enjoy lunch at one of their many picnic tables. 51 NY-100, Katonah, NY 10536.
   2. Visit Rye Playland: Opening for the season on June 9th, Rye Playland is the ultimate Westchester attraction, offering rides for kids of all ages, including the classic Dragon Coaster, Ferris Wheel, Grand Carousel, and so much more. If you have time, take a walk along the Rye Boardwalk, the location for the movie, “Big.” 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580.
   3. Explore the Westchester Children’s Museum: For another Rye adventure, spend the day at the Westchester Children’s Museum where your kids can explore their current exhibits like the Toddler Beach, Wind Tunnel, Build Your Own Roller Coaster, and more. They also have regular programming over the weekend where your kids can enjoy art and STEM projects. Playland Bathhouse, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580.
   4. Go to LEGOLAND Discovery Center: For some indoor fun, visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Yonkers. Enjoy 12 attractions, including a 4D cinema, a laser ride, the Merlin’s Apprentice flying ride, and hours of access to play with LEGOs. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10710.
   5. Go climbing Boundless Adventures: Swing from the trees (literally) at Boundless Adventures. Located in Purchase, this adventure park features 11 total courses that will have you swinging, climbing, and zip-lining through the trees. The course is for kids 7 years and up that has swinging and climbing adventures for all skill levels, including 110 bridges, 23 ziplines, and 4 leaps. 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, New York 10577.
   6. Stroll through Lasdon Park and Arboretum: Take a stroll through the gorgeous Lasdon Park this summer. Kids will love the dinosaur exhibit where they look at giant replicas. Enjoy the nearby gardens and on-going events through the summer including the upcoming Fine Arts festival. 2610 NY-35, Katonah, NY 10536.
   7. Visit the Katonah Museum of Art: Soak in some culture at KMA by checking out their rotating exhibits of visual artists. They also offer some incredible activities for the kids on the weekends, including creative community art projects and summer socials.134 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536.
   8. Watch a movie at Kensico Dam Plaza: Screenings Under the Stars is back this summer with a line-up of free movies to enjoy with your kids. This includes Sing 2, BossBaby: Family Business, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Adams Family 2. Admission and parking are free and be sure to bring blankets, folding chairs and snacks.1 Bronx River Parkway Road, Valhalla, NY 10595.
   9. Check out a summer concert: There are tons of summer concerts going on all around Westchester. At the Kensico Dam Plaza, enjoy a line-up featuring  Garcia’s presents Dead Meat, The Nerds, Songs in the Attic, and Riots and SAGE.Tickets are $10 per person. 1 Bronx River Parkway Road, Valhalla, NY 10595
   10. Watch a play at a local theater: You don’t have to go to Broadway to see a show. In Westchester, check out the line-up at the Bedford Playhouse, Arc Stages, Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, Emelin Theatre, Westchester Collaborative Theater, Yorktown Stages, Irvington Theater, and more for a bustling roster of live theater, music, and community happenings.
   11. Hike at Teatown Lake Reservation: This 1,000-acre nature preserve has much to see and explore. Enjoy a hike with your family, or one of their many events this summer, including live concerts and guided tours. 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining, NY 10562.
   12. Enjoy Farm Fest at Fable: Celebrate the wonders of the farm at Farm Fest! Held on June 26th, this event includes local vendors, live music, and of course the chance to see farm animals. 1311 Kitchawan Road, Ossining, New York 10562.
   13. Hike and explore Westmoreland Sanctuary: There is so much to enjoy at Mount Kisco’s Westmoreland Sanctuary, including self-guided hikes, Mommy and Me hikes, scavenger hunts, birding, and more. 260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Kisco, NY 10549.
   14. Enjoy a local day at the beach: Soak in the sun at one of Westchester’s local beaches at Rye Beach, Glen Island Park, or Croton Point Park Beach. Various entry and parking fees do apply and differ per location.
   15. Rock out at The Pleasantville Music Festival: The popular festival is back with a fun line up that includes Paula Cole, 10,000 Maniacs, X Ambassadors, and more! Held on July 9th, the outdoor festival also includes activities for the kids, a zero-waste program, and a beer/wine garden for adults. Parkway Field, 44-98 Marble Avenue, Pleasantville, NY 10570.
   16.  Hike Ward Pound Ridge Reservation: The county’s largest park, there is much to explore at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. You can visit the Trailside Nature Museum, hike, enjoy a picnic and even camp on the grounds. Route 35 and 121 South, Cross River, NY 10576.
   17. Visit your local farmers’ market – or a new nearby one. There are tons of ways to support local farms and vendors in Westchester. In addition to artisanal goods and fruits and veggies, many also have live music and kids’ activities. Try Mount Kisco Farmers Market, Pleasantville Farmers Market, Chappaqua Farmers Market, Down to Earth Farmers Markets, and more. 
   18. See a movie at Jacob Burns Film Center: Take a break from the sun and check out a movie at JBFC. They also have kids programming via their JBFC Kids division and classes throughout the summer that a budding film lover will surely enjoy. 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570.
   19. Take a class at the NYC Water Skiing & Wakeboarding School: Actually located in Peekskill, this cool school is a great way to take a water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing class as a family as you soak in the sights on the Hudson. 5 John Walsh Blvd, Peekskill, NY 10566
   20. Check out a concert at Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts: Don’t miss a chance to see a show at this beautiful concert venue. For families, they are offering a free Juneteenth event as well as the American Roots Music Festival and the Jazz Festival. You and your family can also explore and picnic from Wednesday-Sunday (10:00am-4:00pm) for free. 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY 10536.
   21. See a show at Tarrytown Music Hall: This iconic venue is an incredible place to see a concert or play. Families will love the upcoming production of The Spongebob Musical (showing May 18th and 19th). Check back often to see their on-going line-up of shows. 13 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
   22. Rock out at The Capitol Theater: Check out a show with your kids at The Capitol Theater. Commonly referred to as “The Cap, Garcia’s (next door) usually has shows from the School of Rock band on the weekends, or you can introduce them to one of your favorite bands. 149 Westchester Avenue, Port Chester, NY 10573.
   23. Check out the White Plains Art Festival: Enjoy a collection of arts and crafts at this popular outdoor market. Held on June 4th and 5th for over 50 years, you’ll find paintings, glasswork, jewelry, photography, ceramics, home decor and more. The event also includes free arts and crafts for the kids and food/drink vendors. Tibbits Park, North Broadway & Lake Street, White Plains, NY 10601. 
   24. Spend a day at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture: This educational center offers Family Field Trips two Saturdays per month at 11:00am and 1:00pm with a children-oriented tour of their growing spaces and pastures. 630 Bedford Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
   25. Visit the Croton-Gorge Park:  This attraction is quite a sight as you soak in the beauty of the Croton Dam and the spillway. Make a day out of it by enjoying a picnic and hike. There is also a nearby playground for the kids. 35 Yorktown Road, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520.
   26. Visit Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center: Known for their farm store, families can also enjoy the grounds of Hilltop Hanover by seeing the farm animals (the goats are a favorite), enjoying a picnic, or taking a class such as the upcoming Beautiful Bugs and Slippery Slugs. They also have a summer camp and weekly camps during school breaks. 1271 Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.
   27. Visit the Hudson River Museum: The museum has much to offer for families, including rotating exhibitions and special programming. Currently, this includes the “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” in their Planetarium as well as family art studio workshops. 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701
   28. Explore the Untermyer Gardens: An unexpected gem in Westchester, the Untermyer Gardens is a free garden space that you and your family can enjoy as you soak in the gorgeous landscape and grounds that was once owned by investor and lawyer, Samuel Untermyer. The gardens were acquired by the City in 1946, which has been under restoration since 2011. Over the summer, they also offer 11 concerts in their amphitheater featuring dance performances, jazz, a gospel choir, and classical orchestral and vocal music.
   29. Sleep with Wolves Wolf Conservation Center: This is one really cool bucket list item you can do as a family is to sleep with the wolves at the Wolf Conservation Center. This weekend event is a great way to learn more about why it’s important to save the wolves, all while camping under the stars with the center’s 30+ wolves! The event also includes a pizza party, movies under the stars, fireside snacks, and tents. 7 Buck Run, South Salem, NY 10590.
   30. Cool off at The Palisades Center: Indoor attractions are always a good idea for some mid-day relief. The Palisades Center has tons to offer with attractions such as Adventure Awaits, AMC Theater, Billy Beez, OH MY GOD! Virtual Entertainment Center, Levity Line, and of course tons of shopping.1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY.
   31. Learn more about the environment at Greenburgh Nature Center: Soak in the beauty of this 33-acre nature center where your kids can enjoy outdoor adventures and hikes. They also have special programs throughout the summer. 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583
   32. Go Virtual at The Edge VR: Enjoy an interactive virtual world at The Edge VR. Great for small groups and families, this immersive experience takes you through the VR gaming experience, The Edge of Space as you move freely through the world of the game. 33 N. Riverside Avenue, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520.
   33. Take a dip at a local pool: Cool down at one of the County’s local pools, including Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers, The Brooks at Tibbetts in Yonkers, or Wilson’s Waves Pool in Mount Vernon. Each pool has separate fees. Various locations.
   34. Camp at Mountain Lakes Park: Camp in a yurt at the beautiful Mountain Lakes Park in South Salem. They also have rustic camping options and camping in cabins. 201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY 10560.
   35. Check out an event at Blue Door Art Center: A non-profit/community center, the Blue Door Art Center has tons of programming and events for the kids all summer long. Some to check out this summer include the Children’s Art Workshop Dioroma Aquarium on June 4th and Get Creative with Words on June 18th.13 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701.
   36. Enjoy ice cream: And of course, we’re guessing you and your kids are going to have ice cream. Some favorites: King Kone in Katonah, Ice Cream Social in White Plains, Bona Bona Ice Cream in Port Chester, Village Creamery & Sweetshop in Valhalla, Bigfoot Creamery in Ossining, and Penny Lick Ice Cream in Hastings on Hudson, to name a few.

Have a great summer! We hope you have the best time, checking off some of these Westchester favorites off your list.