Westchester Summer Bucket List for Families 2025
Explore all the summer activities Westchester has to offer.
As the trees bud with lush green leaves and the sun begins to warm our faces, we’re preparing for a summer full of fun. This year’s summer bucket list is jam-packed, from local beaches and ice cream shops to cultural festivals and art centers. Enjoy all Westchester has to offer, with something for everyone of every age. Pack your sunscreen and water and prepare for these summer adventures in Westchester!
Psst…Check Out Carnivals, Festivals, Fairs and Parades in Westchester, Rockland County, and Bergen County: June 2025
- Have a Fun Day at Playland: Kick off the summer season with a visit to the iconic Playland Amusement Park. The park is filled with things to do, including more than 40 rides for kids of all ages, games, live entertainment, fireworks, and much more. After your visit, don’t forget to visit the historic boardwalk and grab a bite to eat at Tiki Beach Pier Restaurant. 1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY
- Get some exercise with Bicycle Sundays: Enjoy some fresh air and get active with your family by taking advantage of Bicycle Sundays. They are held on select Sundays (May 4, 11, and 18; June 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29; July 13, 20, 27). Westchester residents can enjoy outdoor exercise while accessing the Bronx River Parkway without any cars. The program also welcomes in-line skaters, scooters, walkers, and joggers along a 6.5-mile stretch of the historic Bronx River Parkway.
- Visit the Storm King Art Center: Enjoy a short drive to Storm King to explore their open-air space and large-scale sculptures. Join a walking tour and explore the grounds and their latest exhibitions. Families can also rent a bike, ride the tram, join a free tour, participate in a family program, or enjoy an outdoor picnic. 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, NY
- See a show at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival: Enjoy a summer of love, laughter, and adventure by watching a show with the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. The 2025 season includes “The Matchmaker,” “The Comedy of Errors,” “Octet,” and “Julius Caesar.” 2015 Route 9, Garrison, NY.
- Beach Out: Sunbathe at one of Westchester’s local beaches, such as Rye Beach, Glen Island Park, or Croton Point Park Beach. Entry and parking fees vary.
- Go camping: Several of the parks in Westchester have campsites where you and your family can enjoy a day of hiking and swimming, followed by sleeping under the stars. Check out Croton Point Park, Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, to name a few family favorites.
- Cool down at public pool: Visit 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, and there are various locations.
- Screenings Under the Stars: Grab a blanket, some popcorn, and your imagination as you join White Plains Hospital’s Screenings Under the Stars series. Screenings include family-friendly favorites like Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2, and Moana 2. The best part? Admission and parking are both free. Locations vary.
- A day on the farm: Muscoot Farm offers many educational programs and events for families, including organized bird walks, the Sunday farmers’ market, morning chores, animal interactions, and more. Your kids will love roaming around the grounds, seeing their favorite animals up close, and hopping on the red tractor. Pack a small cooler to enjoy lunch at one of their many picnic tables. 51 NY-100, Katonah, NY.
- Check out a local farmers’ market: Explore new towns in Westchester by supporting one of the many local farmers’ markets. In addition to artisanal goods, fruits, and veggies, many farmers’ markets also offer live music and programming for kids.
- Explore Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts: Don’t miss a chance to see a show at this beautiful outdoor venue. The 2025 Caramoor Summer Season features a wide range of artists and musical genres, spanning from classical, American roots, jazz, global, Broadway, and opera. You and your family can also explore the sound art, walk the grounds, and enjoy a picnic every day from 10 am to 4 pm. 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY.
- Beat the heat at the Westchester Children’s Museum: Spend the day at the Westchester Children’s Museum, where your kids can explore their current exhibits, storytime, STEM activities, and more. 100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY.
- Spend the day at the Croton-Gorge Park: Soak in the beauty of the Croton Dam and its majestic spillway. There is also a nearby playground for the kids and great trails, ranging from mild to moderate hikes. 35 Yorktown Road, Croton-On-Hudson, NY.
- Visit Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center: Families can enjoy access to the grounds of Hilltop Hanover by visiting their farm stand, seeing local farm animals, enjoying a picnic, taking a class, and more. 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights, NY.
- Spend the Day at the Hudson River Museum: This unique museum features rotating art, science, and history exhibitions and engaging programming that families will enjoy. The planetarium is especially popular, offering ticketed shows every weekend and immersive, space-themed educational experiences that captivate kids and adults. 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY.
- Marvel at the Untermyer Gardens: This jaw-dropping location offers visitors access to the gorgeous landscape and grounds that investor and lawyer Samuel Untermyer once owned. You can freely walk around or tour to learn more about this historic location. Their summer events are fun for the entire family. 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY.
- Attend a Cultural Heritage Festival: This summer, attend one of Westchester’s many cultural heritage celebrations. These festivals celebrate the many cultures and communities thriving in Westchester. Visit parks.westchestergov.com/heritage-festivals for the complete list of festivals happening this year.
- Learn about the environment at Greenburgh Nature Center: Absorb 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.
- Rock out at the Pleasantville Music Festival: The 19th annual Pleasantville Music Festival on July 12 will feature performances from Browned Eye Women, Nikki Hill, Jelly Kelly, and others. While kids are welcome, children under 12 must be accompanied by a ticket-carrying adult. Parkway Field, Pleasantville, NY.
- Indulge in local sweet treats: What better way to celebrate the sweetness of summer than with some ice cream? Try Bluebird Homemade Ice Cream in Cross River, King Kone in Katonah, Ice Cream Social in White Plains, Bona Bona Ice Cream in Port Chester and Somers, Village Creamery & Sweet Shop in Valhalla, Bigfoot Creamery in Ossining, and Penny Lick Ice Cream in Hastings-on-Hudson, to name a few Westchester favorites.
- Celebrate Festa Italiana: Bring the whole family to this Italian festival, where you’ll enjoy a delicious selection of Italian food, wine, games, and more. Head to Festa Italiana on June 6 – 8. Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 85 Harrison St., West Harrison, NY.
- Attend Riverfest: Enjoy this family-friendly outdoor festival and celebrate its 26th year with live music, local vendors, and kid programming such as storytime and magicians. June 1st, from 11 am to 6 pm. Donahue Park, Cornwall-on-Hudson, 99 Shore Road, NY.
- Have a blast at Fol de Rol County Fair: Join the fun at this beloved annual event featuring four days of rides, live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly activities! Happening Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8 at Wampus Elementary School, Maple Avenue in Armonk. For more details, visit armonklionsclub.org.
- Attend a Summer Concert: Throughout Westchester, several concert series are gearing up for summer fun for the entire family. These series offer good food, local vendors, and local musicians. They are happening in various locations throughout Westchester. Check your local town’s website for all the information on these events.
- Stop and Smell the Roses: On Saturday, June 8, take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty nature has to offer during Rose Day 2025 at the rose garden at Lyndhurst. Enjoy live music from a harpist as you browse the colorful arrangements of roses, sip on a delectable assortment of hot teas, and nibble on sweet treats from Penny Lick Ice Cream and Red Barn Bakery. Tickets start at $70. 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY.
- Indulge at the Westchester Magazine Food and Wine Fest: From June 3 – 8, let your inner foodie loose and your tastebuds go wild at the annual Westchester Magazine Food and Wine Fest. Enjoy gourmet food tastings, knife skills classes, cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs, and exquisite wines. Please note that infants and strollers are not allowed at the festival. Tickets are required for certain demonstrations and classes.
Psst…Check Out Westchester Family: Special Child 2025
