2024 Westchester Spring Bucket List
Spring is in the air! We love this time of year. The flowers are starting to bud, the weather is a little warmer, and there’s more daytime hours to explore the many cool things to do in Westchester. Below, we’re sharing our Westchester spring bucket list of activities to enjoy with your family, including hikes, bird watching, biking, local concerts, museums, where to get that first ice cream of the season, and much more! Happy exploring!
Psst…Looking for more Westchester spring events? Check out Where to See the Cherry Blossoms In and Around Westchester
See the Cherry Blossoms
Enjoy the magic of spring by seeing the first buds of the cherry blooms. Believed to represent renewal, new beginnings, and hope, there are many places where you can see this glorious flower in and around Westchester. Some parks include J Harvey Turnure Memorial Park (26 Lake St, White Plains, NY 10603; Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden (28 Deveau Road, North Salem, NY 10560); Boscobel House & Gardens (1601 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524), and Harbor Island Park (60-98 Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck, NY 10543).
Take a Trip to the Botanical Gardens
For a mini road, you and your family can enjoy a gorgeous day at the New York Botanical Gardens. Stroll with your family as enjoy stunning cherry blossoms, as well as daffodils, peonies, magnolias, and more. Make a day of it with a long walk throughout the space, including a visit to the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden for self-guided discovery and fun. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458.
Go on a Hike
One of our favorite ways to enjoy spring is by soaking in nature with our family. Westchester County has many beautiful hikes of varying levels. Some favorites include the 190-acre Cranberry Lake Preserve (1609 Old Orchard St, West Harrison, NY 10604); the spectacular hiking and views at Croton Gorge Park (35 Yorktown Road, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520); the gentle-to-challenging paths at Teatown (1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining, NY 10562); 45 miles of scenic paths at Rockefeller State Park (125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville, NY 10570); hiking and animal interactions at Muscoot Farm (51 NY-100, Katonah, NY 10536); and interactive hikes and cool nature-themed events at Greenburgh Nature Center (99 Dromore Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583), to name a few options.
Go Bird Watching
Westchester is home to an incredible and diverse range of bird life where you can see birds in their natural habitats, including forests, estuaries, fresh and saltwater marshes, lakes, and along the river and coast. Some spots for bird watching include the 508-acre Croton Point Park (Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520); Edith G. Read Natural Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580); and the Marshlands Conservancy (220 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY 10580).
Take a Bike Ride
Dust off your bike and take a family bike ride on one of the many pathways in Westchester. This includes the Tarrytown Lakes Park; the relatively flat North County and Putnam Trailway in Northern Westchester and Putnam; Bronx River Pathway; South County Trailway; Briarcliff/Peekskill Pathway, to name a few options.
Visit Untermyer Gardens
While this glorious garden is open year-round, there is something special about visiting this historic public park in the spring. Whether you enjoy a public tour as family, or simply stroll the grounds on your own, you’re sure to be amazed by the rich horticulture, architecture, and multicultural design that overlooks the Hudson River. 945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701.
Go to the Beach
Opening day for most beaches in Westchester is the end of May. While it might be cold, going to the beach is still a fun way to spend the day where you can have a picnic, play sports, and finally make sand castles again. Glen Island Beach (Weyman Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10805); Playland Beach (1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580); and Croton Point Beach Park (1 Croton Point Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520).
Visit Rye Playland
Get ready for some action-packed thrills with your family at Rye Playland. The iconic park opens on May 18th where you can enjoy historic rides, including some new ones this season! Plus, Friday night fireworks, live entertainment, and a stroll on the nearby boardwalk. 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580, playland.com
See a Show at Caramoor
This popular cultural arts destination located on a 80-acre of land — complete with Italianate architecture and stunning gardens — recently announced their spring 2024 concert line-up. This season includes a diverse array of musical performances and educational programs for families as well as for date night. Experience a range of shows, such as Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix; Sonia de Los Santos; and much more. 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY 10536.
Enjoy Ice Cream
There are many places in Westchester to enjoy a scoop (or two!) of ice cream. Some favorites include Ice Cream Social (481 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605); Bona Bona Ice Cream (10 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573); Village Creamery & Sweetshop (32 Broadway, Valhalla, NY 10595); and Penny Lick Ice Cream (580 Warburton Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706), to name a few delicious options.
Visit Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate
Take a tour of this 40-room home and sprawling property with your kids that was once the home of John D. Rockefeller. The incredible gardens are not-to-be-missed that boost views of the Hudson River. Tours are advised for kids ages 10 and up and range from $25-65 per person. 381 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591.
Attend Lyndhurst in Bloom 2024
Soak in the beauty of the historic Lyndhurst Mansion as it transforms with botanical displays. Held on April 20th and April 21st, see how floral designers transform the interior of the mansion as you and your kids explore the space at your own pace. Additionally, there will be free activities and workshops for the family. Finally, there will be a botanical market, special lectures, and landscape tours. Tickets are $30 per adult and $24 for kids ages 6-18. 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
Sleep Under the Stars with Wolves
Try something completely different with your family this dpring and experience Sleeping with the Wolves at the Wolf Conservation Center. This popular camping event sells out quickly so be sure to get your tickets soon. Packages include a pizza party, movie under the stars, evening fireside snacks, and tents. $340 for a four-person tent. 7 Buck Run St, South Salem, NY 10590.
Attend the Peekskill Rotary’s Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrate the beginning of spring at the The Rotary Club of Peekskill’s Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Enjoy various children activities, flower paint potting, arts and crafts, face painting, bouncy castle, craft vendors, food trucks, and a book drive. Admission and parking are free with easy access from the Peekskill train station. Peekskill Riverfront Green Park, 1 Robin Dr., Peekskill, NY 10566.
Attend The Rye Arts Center’s Spring Fundraiser: Studio 51
Attend The Rye Arts Center’s Spring Fundraiser on May 4th. Held at The Capitol Theatre, the event will feature a transformed Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre into the iconic ’70s nightclub Studio 54! The event also includes food and drink, great music, and interactive art studios, as they honor individuals who made an impact in the Rye community! The Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, NY 10573.
Attend the Opening Day Celebration at the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden
Experience the beauty of this Westchester museum and tranquil Japanese Garden with your kids when they reopen on April 1st. Enjoy the natural beauty of the garden and on-site exhibits that feature local artists. Deveau Rd, North Salem, NY 10560.
Visit Lason Park
Enjoy a host of spring activities at the gorgeous Lasdon Park. Highlights include the spring discovery walk; walking tour of flowering shrubs; gardening Tuesdays; and more. 2610 NY-35, Katonah, NY 10536.
Attend the Green Ossining Earth Day Festival
Celebrate the earth at one of the biggest Earth Day festivals in the County. Held on April 20th, this zero-waste festival also includes a Children’s march that kicks off the festival at 9:30am. Ossining Waterfront.
Get New Plants at PlantFest
Upgrade your home with a gorgeous collection of plans from Teatown’s annual spring sale. Held on March 12th and March 13th, pick up a selection of native wildflowers, annuals, perennials, herbs and more. 1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining, NY 10562.
Take a Tour of the Armour-Stiner Octagon House
From April to June, families can take the springtime tour of the historic Armour-Stiner Octagon House. Once owned by Joseph Stiner, a tea-importer, families can enjoy its greenhouse and garden. Incredibly, this includes access to view 3.3 acres of restored landscape. Plus, learn more about its whimsical architectural details. 45 W Clinton Ave, Irvington, NY 10533.
Visit the Farms on the Westchester Farm Trail
Did you know that there are state-designated routes connecting 13 farms in Westchester? Make a plan to visit one – or all – of these farms this spring. Some farms include Muscoot Farm; Fable: From Farm to Table; Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard; The Meadows Farm; Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm, and more.
Go Fishing
Spend a lazy Spring day with your kids at one of the many fishing spots in Westchester. Some places to check out include Bronx River Reservation; George’s Island Park; Kensico Dam Plaza; Wampus Pond; and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, to name a few options.
