2024 Westchester Summer Bucket List
As the warm weather settles in Westchester, we’re excited to bring you this year’s summer bucket list, which is full of family-friendly fun for the season. From biking on scenic trails, picnicking in lush parks, relaxing on sandy beaches, exploring museums, attending outdoor concerts, and enjoying local festivals, we have something for everyone. So, grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic basket, and prepare for an unforgettable summer in Westchester.
- Have a Fun Day at Playland: Kick off the summer season with a visit to the iconic Playland Amusement Park. The park is filled with things to do, including more than 40 rides for kids of all ages, games, live entertainment, fireworks, and much more. After your visit, don’t forget to visit the nearby boardwalk. 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580, playland.com
- Get some Exercise with Bicycle Sundays: Enjoy some fresh air and exercise with your family by taking advantage of Bicycle Sundays. They are held on select Sundays (May 5, 12, and 19; June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28). (*Note: July program times run from 8 am to noon.) Westchester residents can enjoy outdoor exercise while accessing the Bronx River Parkway without any cars. The program also welcomes in-line skaters, scooters, walkers, and joggers along its 13.1-mile trail (round-trip), which covers Exit 22 at the Westchester County Center to Exit 4 at Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.
- Visit the Storm King Art Center: Enjoy a short drive to Storm King to explore their open-air space and large-scale sculptures. Join a walking tour and explore the grounds and their latest exhibitions. Families can also rent a bike, ride the tram, join a free tour, participate in a family program, or enjoy an outdoor picnic. 1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, stormking.org
- See a Show from the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival: Enjoy a summer of love, laughter, and adventure by watching a show with the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. The 2024 season includes “By The Queen,” “Medea: Reversed,” and “Thursday Night Prologue Series.” 2015 Route 9, Garrison, NY 10524, hvshakespeare.org
- Spend the day at a local beach: Soak in the sun at one of Westchester’s local beaches, such as Rye Beach, Glen Island Park, or Croton Point Park Beach. Various entry and parking fees do apply and differ per location.
- Go Camping: Several of the parks in Westchester have campsites where you and your family can enjoy a day of hiking and swimming, followed by sleeping outdoors. Check out Croton Point Park, Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park, and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, to name a few.
- Cool Off at a Local Pool: Cool down at one of the County’s local pools, including Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers, The Brooks at Tibbetts in Yonkers, or Wilson’s Waves Pool in Mount Vernon. Each pool has separate fees, and there are various locations.
- Watch a Movie Outdoors: Enjoy a family movie outdoors at one of the many screenings throughout the County. Some screenings include Screenings Under the Stars at the Kensico Dam Plaza, Movie Night at Ridge Hill, or Outdoor Movies at Harbor Island Park. Be sure to bring blankets, folding chairs, and snacks.
- Enjoy a Day at Muscoot Farm: Muscoot Farm offers many educational programs and events for families, including organized bird walks, the Sunday farmers’ market, morning chores, animal interactions, and more. Your kids will love roaming around the grounds, seeing their favorite animals up close, and hopping on the red tractor. Bring a picnic to enjoy lunch at one of their many picnic tables. 51 NY-100, Katonah, NY 10536, muscootfarm.org
- Check Out a Local Farmers’ Market. We love exploring new towns in Westchester, and one of our favorite ways to do so in the summer is by supporting one of the many local farmers’ markets. In addition to artisanal goods, fruits, and veggies, many farmers’ markets also offer live music and programming for kids.
- Explore Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts: Don’t miss a chance to see a show at this beautiful outdoor venue. The 2024 Caramoor Summer Season features a wide range of artists and musical genres, spanning from classical, American roots, jazz, global, Broadway, and opera. You and your family can also explore the sound art, walk the grounds, and enjoy a picnic every day from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY 10536, caramoor.org
- Beat the Heat at the Westchester Children’s Museum: Spend the day at the Westchester Children’s Museum, where your kids can explore their current exhibits. They also have regular events over the weekend where your kids can enjoy storytime, STEM activities, and more. Playland Bathhouse, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY 10580, discoverwcm.org
- Spend the Day at the Croton-Gorge Park: Soak in the beauty of the Croton Dam and its majestic spillway. There is also a nearby playground for the kids and great trails, ranging from mild to moderate hikes. 35 Yorktown Road, Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520, parks.westchestergov.com
- Visit Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center: Families can enjoy access to the grounds of Hilltop Hanover by visiting their farm stand, seeing local farm animals, enjoying a picnic, taking a class, and more. 1271 Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, hilltophanoverfarm.org
- Spend the Day at the Hudson River Museum: This unique museum offers many rotating exhibitions for families to enjoy within the fields of art, science, and history, as well as special family programming. The Planetarium is a huge hit with ticketed shows every Saturday and Sunday and educational space-focused programming. 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701, hrm.org
- Marvel at the Untermyer Gardens: This jaw-dropping location offers visitors access to the gorgeous landscape and grounds that investor and lawyer Samuel Untermyer once owned. You can freely walk around or tour to learn more about this historic location. Their summer events are guaranteed fun for the entire family. 945 North Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701, untermyergardens.org
- Attend a Cultural Heritage Festival: This summer, attend one of Westchester’s many cultural heritage celebrations. These festivals celebrate the many cultures and communities thriving in Westchester. Visit parks.westchestergov.com/heritage-festivals for the complete list of festivals happening this year.
- Learn more about the environment at Greenburgh Nature Center: Soak in the beauty of this 33-acre nature center where your kids can enjoy outdoor adventures and hikes. They also have special programs throughout the summer. 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583.
- Attend the Pleasantville Music Festival: Rock out with your kids at the 17th annual Pleasantville Music Festival. Held on July 13th, this year’s line-up includes performances from Better Than Ezra, The Wailers, The Collection, and more. While kids are permitted, children under 12 must be accompanied by a ticket-carrying adult. Parkway Field, Pleasantville, NY, pleasantvillemusicfestival.com/
- Enjoy Some Local Ice Cream: Enjoy summer’s sweetness with some ice cream. Try Bluebird Homemade Ice Cream in Cross River; King Kone in Katonah, Ice Cream Social in White Plains; Bona Bona Ice Cream in Port Chester and Somers; Village Creamery & Sweetshop in Valhalla; Bigfoot Creamery in Ossining; and Penny Lick Ice Cream in Hastings on Hudson, to name a few Westchester favorites.
- Attend Festa Italiana: Bring the whole family to this Italian festival, where you’ll enjoy a delicious selection of Italian food, wine, games, and more. Head to Festa Italiana this year on June 7th, 8th, and 9th. Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 85 Harrison Street, West Harrison, NY, 10604, sapwh.org/festa-italiana
- Attend Riverfest: Enjoy this family-friendly outdoor festival and celebrate its 25th year with live music, local vendors, and kid programming such as storytime and magicians. June 2nd, from 11:00 am-6:00 pm. Donahue Park, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY, 12520, river-fest.com
- Katonah Fire Department Carnival: Enjoy the kick-off to summer at the annual Katonah Fire Department Carnival. Held from June 5th to June 8th, the carnival includes rides, games, and classic carnival fare. Various times, katonahfd.org
- Fol de Rol County Fair: Enjoy four days of rides, entertainment, food trucks, and fun at the annual Fol de Rol County Fair: Friday, June 6th-Sunday, June 9th. Wampus Elementary School, Maple Avenue, Armonk, NY, 10504, armonklionsclub.org
- Attend a Summer Concert: Throughout Westchester, several concert series are gearing up for summer fun for the entire family. These series are packed with good food, local vendors, and music featuring musicians from our own cities. These series are happening in various locations throughout Westchester. Check your local towns’ websites for all the information on these events.
