Outdoor Winter Activities in Nature
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean that you and your family can’t enjoy access to nature. From hikes to crafting to learning more about native animals, local Westchester nature preserves allow you and your kids access to beautiful grounds as you soak in some fresh air, get exercise, and learn something new. Read on to check some places in Westchester where you can enjoy access to nature as you and your family have fun and enjoy some interactive winter activities.
Psst..looking for more winter activities? Check out the Best Ice Skating Rinks in Westchester
Hilltop Hanover Farm (Yorktown)
Hilltop Hanover Farm offers a wide-range of activities for the community all year-long. Located on 180 acres, families can enjoy access to their Community Supported Agriculture program and a retail farm stand where you can purchase fresh fruits and veggies. They also have winter activities and workshops for families. This includes live music, a winter pruning workshop, a seed cleaning workshop, and community work days. Check out their robust calendar for the latest winter activities. Hilltop Hanover Farm, Yorktown, NY 10598.
Muscoot Farm (Katonah)
This working farm is one of our favorite places to see farm animals up close. An early-1900s interpretive farm, Muscoot Farm is open every day and offers access to their animals via self-guided tours as well as a farmers market. They also have a packed roster of events this winter such as maple sugaring, tree tapping, a pancake breakfast, morning farm chores for kids, and much more. Highlights include farm chores on February 3rd; Muscoot Farm’s Winter Festival on February 11th; and a ice workshop on February 17th. All events are associated with a cost and families should register in advance as they fill up quickly! Additionally, the property has access to trails for nature hikes and walks all year-long. Route 100, Somers, NY 10536.
Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary (Rye)
The Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful 179-acre sanctuary located next to Playland. Here, families can enjoy access to trials, salt-marsh wetland, bamboo grove, fields of wildflowers, and more. They also host a range of events during the winter. This includes an art exhibit, winter mammal spotlight, study on birds, and much more. Additionally, families will enjoy their Early Spring Scavenger Hunt in March. During this time, kids will find clues and ideas as the learn about their natural surroundings. 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580
Teatown (Ossining)
Located on an 1,000-acre nature preserve, Teatown focuses on fostering a connection with nature to all. This includes yearly educational programming, camps and open access to their trials. For outdoor winter activities, they offer an eagle walk, crafting for families, rockin’ rocks for families, teen hiking events, all about owls, a snow globe craft, and more. Additionally, families will also love attending the popular EagleFest. This fun outdoor event includes live bird shows, bird walks, heated tents with educational displays and exhibits, crafts and games for kids, food trucks, and more! Finally, tickets must be purchased in advance for this winter event – and get them soon. They do sell out! 1600 Spring Valley Rd. Ossining, NY 10562.
Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial (Katonah)
This beautiful community garden and park offers programming for all to enjoy throughout the year. For the winter, this includes winter art, gardening, a bird workshop, seasonal crafts for kids, a preschool and story workshop, a history lesson on glass houses, and much more. Here, you can find winter art on January 13th; a bird feeder workshop on January 15th; and preschool art and storytime on January 26th. Additionally, events range from free to $20 per person. 2610 Route 35, Katonah, N.Y. 10536
