Westchester Museums to Discover With Your Family
A museum outing is typically associated with an adventure to New York City. However, there are actually tons of Westchester museums that you and your family can explore this summer — and beyond. From history to arts and culture to play-focused museums, Westchester has something for everyone as you soak in the arts and culture that’s right in our backyard.
Westchester Children’s Museum
For parents of younger kids, Westchester Children’s Museum is the ultimate indoor escape for play and discovery. With Rye Beach on one side and Rye Playland on the other, you can make your visit a full day experience. At the museum, families can enjoy interactive exhibits such as the immersive toddler beach, a construction zone to build and create, a cozy book nook, and maker space, to name a few options. The museum also offers regular programming, such as STEAM programs, Science Saturdays, print making, and much more. $9 per person and free for kids 1 and under. Playland Bathhouse, 100 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580.
Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden
This museum and garden is quite stunning in the summer where you and your kids can stroll and soak in the beauty of its grounds. Located in South Salem, the garden is revealed as you walk through its meandering 3.5acre-path where you will see a pond, rare Japanese plants and trees and species native to Westchester. There is also an on-site museum with various routing art exhibits. Adults, $8 and kids under 12 are free. 28 Deveau Road, North Salem, NY 10560..
Katonah Museum of Art
Known for their interesting and stimulating rotating exhibits, the Katonah Museum of Art also hosts tons of programs for families throughout the year. This includes creative community Fridays with stroll tours, artful Fridays with museum games, art-making crafts, storytime, and their summer social with live music inspired by pieces at the museum. Adults, $12 and children under 12 are free. 134 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536.
The Neuberger Museum of Art
Located at Purchase College, The Neuberger Museum of Art features modern, contemporary and African art. Current exhibitions include Tomashi Jackson: SLOW JAMZ (running until November 2022) and Nicolás De Jesús: A Mexican Artist for Global Justice coming soon. Free admission. 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577.
Hudson River Museum
Located in Yonkers, the Hudson River Museum offers an incredible selection of rotating exhibits, planetarium shows, tours of Glenview, and their gorgeous outdoor courtyard. Plus, fun and interactive events for kids and concerts in the summer. Adults, $8, youth (3–18) $4 and kids under 3 are free. 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester
Lego fans will love spending a day of brick-building adventure at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. Dubbed as the “ultimate indoor playground,” your kids will instantly be “wow-ed” by Miniland and its 1.5 million bricks, the Merlin’s Apprentice ride, Lego Friends, Duplo Village, and more. $26.99 for kids and adults. 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10710.
Lyndhurst Mansion
Take a mansion tour of the historic Lyndhurst Mansion. Located in Tarrytown, this one-hour tour covers two floors of the mansion. Here, you can see the opulent and lavish decorative arts and furniture from the previous owners. Additionally, they have daily grounds passes where you can explore the grounds and walk around on your own. Adults, $20 and kids ages 6-17, $15. 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
The Peekskill Museum at The Herrick House
Learn more about Peekskill and its history. This cultural organization features objects, documents, photographs and other items relating to the history of the area. 124 Union Ave, Peekskill, NY 10566.
