Great outdoor fun with the kids

Jun 22, 2025By Sean Christie
Sean Christie
Large group of school kids having fun in nature.


Best outdoor fun for children in Westchester County New York

🛝 Top Playgrounds & Splash Spots

Saxon Woods Playground (White Plains) – A destination-level playground with climbing structures, toddler zone, swings, plus an on-site splash pad, mini‑golf, and pool nearby  .

Tibbetts Brook Park (Yonkers) – A family favorite featuring a water park with lazy river and slides, two playgrounds, mini‑golf, nature trails, fishing, and sports fields .

Harbor Island Park (Mamaroneck) – Beachside playground with separate zones for different ages, sandbox, saucer swings, splash pad in summer, plus easy picnic and lunch options .

Pierson Park (Tarrytown) – Compact but fun, with playground and splash pad right next to the Hudson RiverWalk—ideal for mixing water play and bike riding .

🌿 Nature & Learning

Muscoot Farm (Katonah) – A working historic farm with animals, hiking trails, seasonal events (like maple sugaring), and interactive educational programs .

Greenburgh Nature Center – Top pick for family-friendly nature walks, playground, and small animal exhibits—ideal for preschoolers .

Rockefeller State Park Preserve – Woodsy, scenic loop around a lake; very stroller- and kid-friendly trails .

🌳 Scenic & Historic Parks

Untermyer Park & Gardens (Yonkers) – Beautiful formal gardens, paths, amphitheater, sweeping Hudson River views, plus kid-friendly exploration of terraces and sculptures .

Croton Gorge Park (Cortlandt) – Base of New Croton Dam with fishing, picnicking, hiking (part of Old Croton Trail), and dramatic waterfall views year-round .

🏖️ Waterfront & Beaches

Croton Point Park (Croton‑on‑Hudson) – Beach access, sandy play areas, playground, boat launch, trails, picnicking, even bird watching and occasional family-friendly events .

Glen Island New Rochelle - Discover Glen Island Park and Beach in New Rochelle—a family-friendly waterfront gem perfect for an unforgettable outdoor adventure with children.

🌊 What Makes It Special for Kids

Located on a 105-acre island in the Long Island Sound, this scenic park is connected to New Rochelle via a charming 1920s drawbridge  . Kids and parents alike will love exploring winding walking paths along the water, discovering grassy picnic spots, and spending hours at the crescent-shaped sandy beach under the watch of lifeguards .

🛝 Play & Picnic Ready

A playground, open fields, and grilling stations make it easy to pack a fun-filled day—complete with a packed lunch and outdoor games . Families appreciate the clean restrooms and concession stand, ensuring comfort throughout the visit  .

🚣‍♂️ More Than Just the Beach

Rent a small boat or launch your own from the park’s ramp, and keep an eye out for glimpses of local wildlife and dramatic historic castle-like buildings built during the resort era of the late 19th century  .

ℹ️ Visitor Info

Hours: Open 8 AM–dusk daily; beach access Wed–Sun in summer .

Fees: Westchester County Park Pass required, plus parking and beach fees for ages 3+, with under‑2s free  .
Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, concession stand, grills, picnic tables, playground, boat launch .

personal family favorites-

Untermyer Gardens Yonkers

Glen Island, New Rochelle

Tibbetts Brook Park Yonkers