Westchester Summer Bucket List for Families 2026

Westchester Summer Bucket List for Families 2026


Your guide to the best Westchester beaches, farms, festivals, and more this season!

At a Glance:

  • Bicycle Sundays and parkway cycling for outdoor exercise
  • Beaches, pools, and camping for water and nature lovers
  • Storm King, Caramoor, and Hudson Valley Shakespeare for arts and culture
  • Muscoot Farm, Hilltop Hanover, and Greenburgh Nature Center for family-friendly outdoor exploration
  • Free outdoor movies, summer concerts, and cultural heritage festivals throughout the season
  • Local ice cream shops, farmers’ markets, and the Westchester Children’s Museum for everyday summer fun

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 America 250 Upstate Trips: Family-Friendly Getaways Worth the Drive from NYC

Make the Most of Summer in Westchester

1. 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 (June 7, 14, 21, and 28 (8 am – noon), July 12 and 26 (8 a.m. – noon), Sept. 13, 20, and 27 (10 am – 2 pm)

2. Cycle a parkway: 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.

3. Visit the Storm King Art Center: Enjoy a short drive to Storm King Art Center 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.

4. 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 2026 season includes “King Lear,” “As You Like It,” and “Les Misérables.” 2015 Route 9, Garrison, NY.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. See 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 Saturday, June 20, Dog Man, 2025 (PG); Saturday, July 25, Goat, 2025 (PG); Saturday, Aug. 8, Zootopia 2, 2025 (PG); Friday, Aug. 28, Bad Guys 2, 2025 (PG). The best part? Admission and parking are both free. Locations vary; check on westchestercountyny.gov.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Explore the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts: Don’t miss a chance to see a show at this beautiful outdoor venue. The 2026 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.

12. 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.

13. Spend the day at the Croton Gorge Park: Soak in the beauty of the Croton Dam and its majestic spillway at Croton-Gorge Park. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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 the Westchester.gov for the complete list of festivals happening this year.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

Psst… Check Out The Best Pizza Spots in Westchester Right Now



Source link

Leave a Reply