Fun Attractions to Enjoy in Yonkers with Kids
Did you know that Yonkers is the third most populated city in New York (after New York City and Buffalo)? Or that it is commonly referred to as “the sixth borough”? Offering a hub of culture, the arts, entertainment, food, parks (and so much more), a visit to Yonkers with kids offers much to see and do. Read on to check out some fun Yonkers attractions and events to get on your radar.
One of the first parks developed by Westchester County, Tibbetts Brook Park is one of the best aquatic pools in the County. Here, you’ll find a spray playground, in-pool basketball and volleyball courts, lap lanes, and The Brook aka the lazy river for the ultimate summer cool down. Admission fees are waived until September 1st throughout the County, making it a great time to explore this impressive pool. While fees are waived, parking fees and residency rules apply by showing a County park pass or a valid New York State driver’s license with a Westchester address. The park is open everyday from 8:00am to dusk. 355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704.
Enjoy access to local art and workshops from the Blue Door Arts Center. This non-for-profit organization brings the arts to local communities that are underserved by art programs and exhibition venues.They often offer programs and art workshops for kids as well as adult programming, such as Shadow Puppet Adult Workshop, a First Thursday Gallery Hop, and much more. 13 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701. 914-375-5100
This non-profit organization develops some incredible artistic programs for the the community. This includes Open Mic nights, a youth filmmaking program, a performing arts showcase, and more. Check out more information and their latest programming news here.
For a day of art, culture, and music (in the summer), check out The Hudson River Museum. As the largest cultural institutions in Westchester, you’ll find a rotating collection of exhibits, a planetarium, a beautiful outdoor amphitheater, and educational spaces. Older kids (ages 8+) will love The Sky Tonight show that features a tour of Westchester’s night sky with a look at visible planets, stars, the Milky Way, comets, seasonal constellations, and more! They also have summer Fridays with pay-what-you-wish admission and free concerts throughout the summer, featuring the Afro-Peruvian Ensemble on August 5th; Clifton Anderson: Been Down This Road Before on August 6th; Clifton Anderson: Been Down This Road Before on August 12th, and Getting to Know You: Mind Reading Under the Stars on August 13th, to name a few performances. 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701, 914-963-4550.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester
For some indoor fun and discovery, check out LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester. Located in the Ridge Hill shopping complex, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center offers 12 LEGO-themed attractions. This includes a 4D movie theater, two rides, and Miniland where you’ll see the coolest mini version of New York made with 1.5 million LEGO bricks. Designed for kids ages 3-10, they also offer New Master Model Builder Workshop, the Little Play Squad – Preschooler Program, and the LEGO NINJAGO Ninja Training Camp (for summer), to name a few special programs. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10710.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Westchester
For some high flying fun, enjoy a visit to the interactive iFLY Indoor Skydiving Park. Located in Ridge Hill, your kids will enjoy a stimulated feeling of skydiving through iFLY’s vertical wind tunnels. Flyers can start at age three and will be guided through the process by iFLY’s instructions. They also offer a “Kids Can Fly Like a Superhero” program where kids (ages 4-16) receive 1-on-1 coaching in a group setting. 849 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY 10710.
Enjoy a wall climbing adventure (and much more!) at HAPIK. Located in a 10,000-square-feet facility, HAPIK offers kids (ages four+) the chance to climb, swing, and move and groove through 150 routes across 50 climbing walls. This includes heights up to 26-feet and two courses. The walls at HAPIK are fun and vibrant where you might find soccer ball grip holders to circular planet grip holders for an unexpected and challenging climbing experience. The facility also has easy climbing walls (for kids ages four and five), vertical challenges, ziplines, swinging bridge, suspended platforms, multi-climber challenges, and a snack bar for a quick bit in between climbing. Climbing times start at one hour and they offer family packages (for four people) as well as birthday party packages. Hapik is open Monday-Thursday from 2:00pm-8:00pm and Friday from 2:00pm-10:00pm and Saturday/Sunday from 10:00am-10:00pm. Ridge Hill, 51 Market Street, Yonkers, NY, 10710. 315-690-3602.
For some outdoor discovery, check out the incredible Untermyer Gardens Conservancy. This free attraction was once one of the most celebrated gardens in America. Over the years, this has included neglect and decay of the grounds which has been undergoing restorative projects.
During a visit, you’ll have access to explore six beautiful gardens. They also offer weekend family tours to better learn more about the history. You also take in a concert over the summer as part of the Minnie Untermyer Concert Series or visit during the holidays to see Walled Garden illuminated by more than 100,000 lights. The garden is open everyday from 9:00am-7:00pm (last entry is at 6:30pm). 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701, 914-613-4502.
Enjoy skating lessons at the Murray’s Skating Center. This includes hockey, ice skating, and rollerskating lessons as well as public skating. Offering the largest weekly public skating schedule in the area, you’ll find music on the weekends as well as skate rentals and food. admission for skating is $11.00 per person and skate rentals are $6.00 per person. 348 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, NY 10710, 914-377-6469.
A 40-acre nature preserve, Lenoir Preserve was once the home of two Hudson River estates that is now home to a collection of unusual trees, plants, and shrubs. Bird watchers love this location in the spring and fall where they can see the hawk migrations as well identify raptors. Additionally, the preserve is also the location of The Ribbons of Remembrance near the Wightman Mansion where you can place ribbons in memory of loved ones. 19 Dudley Street, Yonkers, NY 10701. 914-968-5851.
This location offers access two acres of a tidal marsh and beach (for viewing). The park is free and open-year round.
Take a walk along the Yonkers Waterfront & Pier to enjoy restaurants, music, shops, and local parks. In the summer, check out the Yonkers Waterfront Live Summer Concert Series every Friday (until August 26th) from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Main Street in the Downtown Waterfront District.
Showcase Cinemas de Lux Cross County
Check out a new movie with your kids at Showcase Cinemas de Lux Cross County. At this modern movie theater, you’ll find reclining seats, a bar, food, and more. Be sure to reserve your seats in advane 2 South Drive, Yonkers, NY, 10704.
An open-aired outdoor mall, enjoy shopping (and more!) at the Cross County Center. They regularly offer events for families throughout the year, including kids’ rock and roll concerts, Sip & Paint Nights (for adults), and fun holiday events, including skating, pictures with Santa, and more. 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY 10704, 914-968-9570.
This house is one of the few remaining pre-Revolutionary War tenant farmhouses. Built in around 1740, the property is full furnished and maintained by the Yonkers Historical Society. The property is currently closed for the summer with plans to reopen in the fall. 340 Tuckahoe Rd, Yonkers, NY 10710.
Happy Yonkers exploring!
