54 Free things to do in Westchester
It can be hard to imagine that anything is free anymore. Surprisingly, there are actually tons of free and exciting things for you and your kids to enjoy throughout Westchester County. From live music to nature hikes to art and cultural events, our list features 54 ways to find new things to do in your town, or check out a new one. Happy exploring – for free!
1. Visit Muscoot Farm in Katonah to see farm animals and learn more about this former dairy farm. Pick up some local goodies from their farmers’ market every Sunday. Don’t forget to take a picture of the beloved red tractor before you go! Free admission, 51 Route 100 Katonah, New York 1053.
2. Enjoy one of the many area beaches in Westchester County where you can spend the day at Rye Playland (there are fireworks on the boardwalk on Friday nights in the summer), Glen Island Park, or Croton Point Park. Free admission; however, some beaches have parking fees.
3. There are so many incredible hikes in Westchester for novice explorers to newbies. Some great places for kids include Teatown in Ossining, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, Westmoreland Sanctuary in Mount Kisco, or the peaceful Mianus River Gorge in Bedford. Free admission.
4. Enjoy a scenic bike ride, scoot, or walk on the Bronx River Parkway. This 807-acre park includes three paved areas ranging from a one-mile loop to a five-mile loop. In the summer, enjoy Summer Sundays, which includes access to the 13.1-mile loop of the Bronx River Parkway from White Plains to Yonkers without cars. Running from now until October. Free admission.
5. Whether you still call it the Tappazen or the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, one thing is for sure you and your family will enjoy taking a long stroll or bike ride along this newly revamped 3.6-mile path. Along the way, enjoy six lookout sections and public art created by local artists. Free admission. I-287, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
6. A Yonkers staple, the Hudson River Museum offers access to incredible exhibits, the Planetarium as well as workshops that are included with adult admission. Free admission for children, 511 Warburton Avenue Yonkers, NY 10701
7. Take a stroll in nature and soak in the beauty of the historic Untermyer Gardens. They host family programming, including storytime and adventure tours for kids. Free admission everyday from 9:00am-7:00pm. Visit www.untermyergardens.org for the latest event news. 945 North Broadway, Yonkers NY 10701
8. Have a picnic at the Friends of the Rockefeller State Preserve, where you can enjoy impressive views and art from their on-site gallery. Free admission, 125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville, NY 10570
9. While you do need a ticket to see a concert at Caramoor, they do offer many free events over the summer such as Celebrate Juneteenth on June 19th and Michael Gordon’s Field of Vision on June 24th. While you are there, explore their grounds, enjoy a picnic, experience their sound art, and soak in the beauty of their gardens. Free admission, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY 10536
10. Local libraries in Westchester are the go-to place for fun and educational programming for kids of all ages. The Chappaqua Library hosts regular storytimes and garden club for teens or the fantastic kids’ programming at The Katonah Village Library, which includes Tai Chi, video game tournaments, and storytime. The White Plains Library has programs for kids, teens, and families such as storytime, STEAM, Fortnite for teens, and African dance, drumming, and storytelling, or storytime and movement at the Harrison Public Library. Free admission
11. The go-to book event is the place to explore and meet your kids’ favorite author and illustrators. While you do have to purchase books, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival offers tons of free programming during the day, including author readings, meet and greets with characters, and activities in their family fun zone. This free event is held on October 15th. Find out more information at ccbfestival.org, 108 Allen Pl, Chappaqua, NY 10514.
12. Learn more about nature at the Greenburgh Nature Center. They also have five marked trails to explore that weave through a beautiful pond as well as a robust children’s program as a part of their back to nature series. Check out greenburghnaturecenter.org/ for more info. Free admission, 99 Dromore Road. Scarsdale, NY 10583.
13. Check out the Yorktown Heights Summer Concert Series every Sunday from June 26th – August 21st at 6:00 pm; the Annual Dobbs Ferry Summer Music Series on Wednesdays, July 6th – August 24th from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Music in the Square in Armonk, which takes place every Third Thursday from July 22nd – September, 3rd.
14. Walk the Armonk Art Show, check out the art and meet some talented artists from October 1- 2, 2022. Free admission to those 18 years old and under. Check out more info at armonkoutdoorartshow.org. Friends of the North Castle Public Library 19 Whippoorwill Road East, Armonk, NY 10504.
15. For even more art, explore the Katonah Art Walk to check out local galleries and boutiques. The event happens once a month from April through October from 4:00-8:00 pm and also includes live music, pop-ups, and featured artists. More info and details atwww.katonahchamber.org/Katonah-Art-Stroll. Free admission, Katonah, NY.
16. See the Dino-Mite exhibit at Lasdon Park and walk through a path featuring larger-than-life dinosaurs. Free admission, Katonah, NY.
17. Watch the sunset at Pierson Park in Tarrytown, overlooking the Hudson River. Free admission, 238 West Main Street, Tarrytown, NY 10591
18. Take a free tennis lesson at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck. Free admission, 123 Mamaroneck Avenue., Mamaroneck, NY 10543.
19. Learn more about Africa as a part of the Wakanda Celebration in Mount Vernon. This free event includes live music, a fashion show, African food, and shopping from Lungisa African Galley and local vendors. Free admission. Learn more at www.wakandacelebration.org. 374 Hawthorne Terrace, Mount Vernon, NY.
20. Enjoy the grounds at Stone Barns for free on Saturday or Sunday in the winter. Free admission, 630 Bedford Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
21. Visit the gorgeous Hilltop Hanover Farm for the ultimate mini escape. The grounds are home to goats and cows that you can look at with your kids. You can also enjoy the grounds for a picnic or to simply walk around. They also have a farmers’ stand that is open on Friday-Sunday. Check out hilltophanoverfarm.org for more information. Free admission. 1271 Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.
22. See the New Rochelle artsy murals to view eight beautifully illustrated murals that focus on mother nature, diversity, and gender equality. Check out streetartmankind.org for more information. Free admission.
23. Fish in one of Westchester’s many streams or lakes. Fly fishing is available at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River and even ice fishing is permitted in certain lakes. Free but permits may be required.
24. See the Arts in the Park exhibit at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River. The exhibit features “The Soul of the Species,” a wildlife photography gallery by photographer Dona Tracy. The exhibit will be on display The exhibit will be on display until August 7th from 9:00 am-4:30 pm. Free admission but parking is $5. Reservation Road, Pound Ridge, NY 10576.
25. Enjoy a picnic in one of many Westchester-area parks, such as V.E. Macy Park in Ardsley, Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, or Willson’s Woods Park in Mount Vernon. Free admission.
26. Visit the 40-acre Lenoir Preserve with your kids to view The Ribbons of Remembrance and explore the 40-acre preserve. Free admission, 19 Dudley Street, Yonkers, NY 10701.
27. Soak in the beauty of the Kitchawan Preserve, offering access to 208-acres which includes open fields, trails, and access to naive woodlands. Free admission, 712 Kitchawan Rd. (Route 134), Ossining, NY 10562.
28. See the Garden of Remembrance in White Plains, which honors those killed during the Holocust. Free admission, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601.
29. Visit the Blue Door Art Center to see their latest gallery exhibit. They often also have free events for kids such as Children’s Art Workshop Get Creative with Words on June 18th. Check out https://bluedoorartcenter.org/workshops for the latest event schedule. Free admission, 13 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701.
30. Check out some talented student art at the Pelham Art Center. They also offer live music and classes. Free admission, 155 Fifth Ave #1503, Pelham, NY 10803.
31. Visit a new playground such as the playground at Saxon Woods in White Plains, Jack’s Friendship Garden in New Rochelle, Roselle Park & Playground in Pleasantville, or Barnhart Park in Sleepy Hollow. Free admission.
32. Walk around the Ossining waterfront, play at the Louis Engel Waterfront Park, and enjoy a cool down at their Spray Park. The area also has swings for kids and babies, slides and more. Free admission, 25 Westerly Road, Ossining, NY 10562.
33. Explore part of the RiverWalk in Westchester. While the 51.5-mile pathway is still under construction, Croton-on Hudson and Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow areas have recently been completed, which includes access to trails and of course gorgeous views of the Hudson River.
34. Have your kids learn more about farming by doing farm morning farm chores at Muscoot Farm. Morning chores takes place every Saturday at 8:00am. More info at https://www.muscootfarm.org. 51 Route 100 Katonah, New York 10536.
35. Check out an event at the newly reopened Peekskill Arts Alliance. Free admission, 27 N. Division Street, Peekskill, NY.
36. Spend a day at Tibbetts Brook Park, Westchester’s first park, for a day of swimming, hiking, or walking around the grounds. Encompassing 161 acres, there’s plenty to see and experience. Free admission, parking fees. 355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704
37. Stay connected to Arts Westchester for a list of ongoing local events and activities for families, including their teen program on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For the latest event news, check out https://artswestchester.org
38. Enjoy a stroll and lunch outside at Van der Donck Park in Yonkers. Free admission, 41 Dock St, Yonkers, NY 10701
39. Take a walking tour of Yonkers to explore and learn more about its rich history. Free admission, Yonkers, NY.
40. Visit the Beverly E. Smith Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden and sit in the gardens, explore, read and learn more about these creatures. Free admission, Lenoir Nature Preserve in Yonkers, NY.
41. Learn more about natural habitats specific to Westchester at the Marshlands Conservancy. This 147-acre preserve also includes three miles of trails and one-half mile of shoreline. Free admission, Route 1, Rye, NY 10580.
42. Enjoy a cultural event at Westchester such as Westchester Roots, African-American Heritage Celebration in Kensico Dam, the Polish Heritage Festival, or Ecuadorian music in Sleepy Hollow. Free admission.
43. View the works of local artists and student artists at the Rye Arts Center. Free admission, 51 Milton Rd, Rye, NY 10580.
44. Hike the Westchester Farm Trail, a route connecting 13 farms. Great for older kids and novice walkers, the 17-mile trail connects from Sleepy Hollow to North Salem, where you can enjoy interactive activities and have the chance to see all of the incredible farms in the area. Free admission.
45. Walk around the historic grounds of the John Jay Homestead to explore its grounds and learn more about its history. If you visit on Saturday, you can also check out their seasonal farmers’ market. Free admission, 400 Jay St, Katonah, NY 10536
46. Visit the Jay Heritage Estate, a 23-acre former home of John Jay. Free admission, 210 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY 10580.
47. Kayak at Croton River Park, a 508-acre park located on the Hudson River. Free admission, but parking fees apply. Free admission, 1A Croton Point Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520.
48. See the cherry blossoms at Turnure Park in White Plains, the Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck, or the Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem. Free admission.
49. Spend a day at the gorgeous Tilly Foster Farm to see chickens, cows, pigs, and alphacs. Families can enjoy self-guided tours everyday from 10:00am-4:00pm. Free admission. 100 NY-312, Brewster, NY 10509.
50. Enjoy live jazz in Westchester as a part of Jazz Fest. Held from September 14-18th, the event includes ticketed and free performances. Check out the current schedule at https://artswestchester.org/programs/jazz-fest-2/. Various locations.
51. Experience a fun winter party for the whole family at Armonk Frosty. Held on November 28th, this annual frosty day includes activities for the kids, dance and music performances, cookie decorating, and much more. Check out https://www.armonkfrosty.com for the latest news on the event.
52. Experience a menorah lighting as a family in Tibbets Park in White Plains, the Cross County Center, or the Community Chanukah Extravaganza: Fire on Ice festival in Dobbs Ferry.
53. Experience a holiday tree lighting. Every town has their own tree lighting ceremony. Check your local town’s schedule, or you can visit area malls like Cross County Center in Yonkers or The Westchester in White Plains.
54. See a movie outdoors. Westchester offers many options to see your kids’ favorite movie such as Outdoor Movies in the Park in Larchmont, Movies in the Sand in Mamaroneck, or Movie Mondays in Ridge Hill.
