2023 Westchester Summer Bucket List
Summer 2023 is here! After a busy season and rigorous school year, we love to relax and explore with our kids at one of the many local attractions in Westchester. This list is packed with carnivals, activities, music and arts festivals as well as ways to beat the heat at some of our favorite indoor attractions and favorite ice cream spots throughout the County. Have the best summer – and be sure to tag us @westchesterfamilymagazine so we can see all of your fun adventures.
- 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 nearby boardwalk. 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580, playland.com
- Get some Exercise with Bicycle Sundays: Enjoy some fresh air and exercise with your family by taking advantage of Bicycle Sundays. Held on select Sundays (June 4, 11, 18, 25), Westchester residents can enjoy outdoor exercise while having access to the Bronx River Parkway — without any cars. The program also welcomes in-line skaters, scooters, walkers, and joggers along its 13.1 mile trail (round-trip). This covers Exit 22 at the Westchester County Center to Exit 4 at Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.
- Visit the Storm King Art Center: Enjoy a short drive to Storm King to explore their open-air space and large-scale sculptures. This includes new exhibitions by Beatriz Cortez, Ugo Rondinone, and RA Walden. 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 Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, stormking.org
- See a Show from the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival: Enjoy a summer of love, laughter, and adventure by checking out a show with the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. The 2023 season includes “Love’s Labor’s Lost” and “Henry V” and the world premiere of “Penelope.” 2015 Route 9, Garrison, NY 10524, hvshakespeare.org
- Spend the day at a local beach: Soak in the sun at one of Westchester’s local beaches such as Rye Beach, Glen Island Park, or Croton Point Park Beach. Various entry and parking fees do apply and differ per location.
- 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 outdoors. Check out Croton Point Park; Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park; and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, to name a few.
- Cool Off 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.
- Watch a Movie Outdoors: Enjoy a family movie outdoors at one of the many screenings throughout the County. Some screenings include Screenings Under the Stars at the Kensico Dam Plaza; Yonkers Outdoor Movie Theater; or Overlook Drive-in Theater in Peekskill. Be sure to bring blankets, folding chairs, and snacks.
- Enjoy a Day at Muscoot Farm: Muscoot Farm offers tons of educational programming 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 and seeing their favorite animals up close. 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, muscootfarm.org
- Check Out a Local Farmers’ Market. We love exploring new towns in Westchester, and one of our favorite ways to do so in the summer is by supporting one of the many local farmers’ markets. In addition to artisanal goods and 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 2023 Caramoor Summer Season features a wide-range of artists and musical genres, spanning from classical, American roots, jazz, global, Broadway, and opera. For families, check out Gotta Swing! on June 18th and Pops & Patriots on July 2nd. They also host concerts for little ones (ages 2-6) with Musiquita on July 7th; Alexander Davis & Friends on July 14th; and Alphonso Horne & Friends on July 21st. You and your family can also explore the sound art, walk the grounds, and enjoy a picnic every day from 10:00am-4:00pm. 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY 10536, caramoor.org
- Beat the Heat at the Westchester Children’s Museum: Spend the day at Westchester Children’s Museum where your kids can explore their current exhibits like the Toddler Beach, Wind Tunnel, KEVA Planks Construction Zone, Pool Noodle Pixel Wall, Build Your Own Roller Coaster, and more. They also have regular events over the weekend where your kids can enjoy storytime, STEM activities, and more. Playland Bathhouse, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580, discoverwcm.org
- 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 10520, parks.westchestergov.com
- 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, or taking a class such as the upcoming Beekeeping, Pumpkin Planting, Invasive Species Walk, and more. 1271 Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, hilltophanoverfarm.org
- Spend the Day at the Hudson River Museum: This special museum offers many rotating exhibitions for families to enjoy within the fields of art, science, and history, and special family programming such as their Family Science Workshops and Art Workshops. The Planetarium is a huge hit with ticketed shows every Saturday and Sunday as well as educational space-focused programming. 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701, hrm.org
- Marvel at the Untermyer Gardens: This jaw-dropping location offers visitors access to the gorgeous landscape and grounds that was once owned by investor and lawyer, Samuel Untermyer. You can freely walk around or take a tour to learn more about this historic location. Over the summer, they offer the Minnie Untermyer Concert Series with 10 concerts in their amphitheater featuring dance performances, jazz, a gospel choir, and vocal music. 945 North Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701, untermyergardens.org
- Attend the 37th Annual African-American Festival: Celebrate and learn more about African culture with your family at the 37th Annual African-American Festival on Sunday, June 25th. Enjoy traditional African music, songs, dance, food, and more. Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595.
- 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.
- Attend the Pleasantville Music Festival: Rock out with your kids at the 17th annual Pleasantville Music Festival. Held on July 9th, this year’s line-up includes performances from They Might Be Giants, Sophie B. Hawkins, Peter Francis and more. While kids are permitted, children under 12 must be accompanied by a ticket-carrying adult. Parkway Field, Pleasantville, NY, pleasantvillemusicfestival.com/
- Attend the Putnam County Country Fest: Held from July 29th-July 30th, this fun outdoor festival features animal shows and demos, local vendors, STEM demos, DJs, archery, composting, games, inflatables, and much more. Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, 201 Gipsy Trail Rd, Carmel, NY 10512, putnam.cce.cornell.edu/
- Attend the Hudson Valley Jazz Fest: Enjoy live music with your family at the Hudson Valley Jazz Fest. The 14th annual festival features Hudson Valley NY jazz artists that can be seen at various locations throughout the Hudson Valley such as local restaurants, clubs, galleries, and more. Thursday, August 3rd-Sunday,August 19th, Various locations, hudsonvalleyjazzfest.org
- Take a Road Trip to the Dutchess Fair: Take a drive to Rhinebeck to enjoy this six-day Dutchess Fair. Held from Tuesday, August 22nd-Sunday, August 27th, his fair offers a unique immersion into the world of agriculture, horticulture, and more mixed with rides, performances, food, local vendors, and more. Children age 11 and under are free. 6550 Springbrook Ave., Rhinebeck, NY, dutchessfair.com
- Enjoy Some Local Ice Cream: Enjoy all of the sweetness of summer with some ice cream. Try Bluebird Homemade Ice Cream in Cross River; King Kone in Katonah, Ice Cream Social in White Plains; Frannie’s Goodie Shop in Chappaqua and Mount Kisco; 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 Westchester favorites.
- Attend Festa Italiana: Bring the whole family to this Italian festival where you’ll enjoy a delicious selection of Italian food, wine, games, and more. The procession with the statue of Saint Anthony follows the midnight mass on Sunday. Friday June 2nd from 6:00pm-midnight; Saturday, June 3rd from 5:00pm-midnight; and Sunday, June 4th from 2:00pm-9:00pm. Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 85 Harrison Street, West Harrison, NY, 10604, sapwh.org/festa-italiana
- Attend Riverfest: Enjoy this family-friendly outdoor festival, complete with live music, local vendors, and kid programming such as storytime and magicians. Sunday, June 4th from 11:00am-6:00pm. Dock Hill Road, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, 12520, river-fest.com
- Katonah Fire Department Carnival: Enjoy the kick-off to summer at the annual Katonah Fire Department Carnival. Held from June 7th-June 11th, the carnival includes rides, games, and classic carnival fare. Various times, katonahfd.org
- Fol de Rol County Fair: Enjoy four days of rides, entertainment, food trucks, and fun at the annual Fol de Rol County Fair. Friday, June 8th-Sunday, June 11th. Wampus Elementary School, Maple Avenue, Armonk, NY, 10504, armonklions.org
- Attend the Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival: At this annual celebration of Ukrainian heritage, families can learn more about Ukrainian culture, enjoy food, traditional crafts, games, and more. Sunday, June 16th-Tuesday, June 18th. St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 21 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY, 10703.