Don’t let “I’m bored!” put a damper on the day. Get out of the house and try these summer fun alternatives.
Muscoot Farm
Always open, always free! Weekend family activities, a farmers’ market, baby animals and plenty of space to run and play – and even picnic.
Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-864-7282. musco
Play Days@Jay
Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at the Homestead and explore the Discovery Centers, open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus the education staff leads a short hands-on activity at 1 p.m. Take a tour of the house and property, a special 25-minute Highlight Tour is offered on Saturdays. Free admission to grounds, Discovery Centers, Carriage Barn Education & Visitor Center. Fees only for tours $10 adults, free for children under 12. See website for more information.
John Jay Homestead Historic Site, 400 Jay St., Katonah. 914-232-5651. johnj
St. Paul’s Historic Church
Take a guided tour, attend an outdoor concert, or participate in a living history program – all for free at this National Historic Site rich in local history. Kids can even become a Junior Ranger here. From July to December the site is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
897 S. Columbus Ave., Mt. Vernon. 914-667-4116. nps.gov/
Kensico Dam Plaza
Completed in 1917 the Kensico Dam, which forms the Kensico Reservoir, is 307 feet high and 1,843 feet long. Summer weekends here are devoted to a wide variety of cultural celebrations. There are scenic picnic areas, places for little kids to ride tricycles and bikes with training-wheels and you can walk up a set of steps right to the very top of the dam! The playground keeps kids occupied for hours.
Bronx River Pkway, Valhalla. 914-231-4033. westc
Walkway Over the Hudson
Take a short drive to Poughkeepsie and explore this 1.28-mile-long walk on an old railway bridge that offers great views and a sense of adventure. Strollers, bikes, dogs on leash, roller-skating, and picnicking permitted. Admission is free.
Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie. walkw
