Westchester boasts many fun activities. But when it’s nice out, who doesn’t want to take advantage of being outside? Here are some wonderful family activities to do in the great outdoors.
by Kayla Garritano
AMUSEMENT PARKS
Westchester County has full-day thrills that will keep the family entertained. Take a look at some of these park gems that are sure to meet the family’s amusement.
Fun City Adventure Park
For a rainy day or cooler weather, this indoor park offers nonstop fun for kids and adults alike. Consisting of trampolines, ninja warrior and ropes courses, climbing walls, dodgeball, a foam pit, and more, there is an endless amount to do. Throw a birthday party, come in for the day, just make sure you’re prepared for all the activities. You’ll be soaring and exploring!
500 E Sandford Boulevard, Mt. Vernon, NY | 914.363.8194
funcitymtvernon.com
Playland
Probably one of the most famous landmarks Westchester County has to offer, Playland is the perfect place for a day of fun. This amusement park is full of rides for kids and adults, including the Dragon Coaster, a wooden rollercoaster from 1929 that still operates to this day (with plenty of maintenance throughout the years). It’s so iconic that it’s even protected by its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Everything from the Fun Slide, to bumper cars, The Whip, Double Shot, House of Mirrors, and more, there is something for all ride levels. Along with an abundance of rides and carnival games, Playland also offers beach and pool access during the summer, as well as a children’s museum on the boardwalk. Playland has proudly built itself as “America’s Premier Playground,” and as creator Frank Darling once said, “the park is old in amusements but young in enthusiasm.”
1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY | 914.813.7010
playlandpark.org
Tibbetts Brook Park
Looking to dip your toes in some water adventures? Tibbetts Brook Park has an exciting aquatic complex fit for the whole family. Enjoy a spray playground, an in-pool basketball and volleyball court, lap lanes, in-pool benches, and the signature “lazy river.” This 161-acre park not only features water activities, but there are plenty of recreation activities hosted throughout the year as well, including ethnic celebrations, fairs, and festivals. There’s also a classic Tudor revival bathhouse that sits at the center.
355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY | 914.231.2870
parks.westchestercountyny.gov/tibbetts-brook-park
A WALK IN THE PARK
These are more than your average playground. Westchester County is full of unique parks worth walking through.
Kensico Dam Plaza
The Kensico Dam was built under the old dam that formed Lake Kensico from the stone taken from the adjacent Cranberry Lake Park and completed in 1917. Standing at 307 ft. high and 1,843 ft. long, it has formed the Kensico reservoir and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation. The Plaza features a September 11th Memorial, The Rising, as well as The Westchester County 9/11 First Responder Memorial. Furthermore, the park features a wide variety of activities, including cultural heritage celebrations, concerts, fitness classes, and a fitness course, as well as areas for picnicking, walking, and nature study.
1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY | 914.231.4033
parks.westchestercountyny.gov/kensico-dam-plaza
Lasdon Public Gardens & Veterans Memorial
A magnificent walk-through, Lasdon is a 234-acre property that consists of woodlands, open grass meadows, and formal gardens with flower and shrub specimens from all over the globe. It also features many inspirational memorials as well as a museum honoring Westchester County veterans. When walking through the scenic paths, you’ll pass a 1933 three-story Colonial-style home that was modeled after George Washington’s Virginia residence, Mount Vernon. There’s also a bird sanctuary donated by the Lasdon family.
Now, the Friends of Lasdon consists of civic-minded individuals from all over the county and works to develop public interest, participation, and financial support to keep the Gardens beautiful. Volunteers help with work in the greenhouse and staff the plant shop, with the proceeds going to help support the Lasdon Public Gardens and its programs.
2610 Amawalk Road, Route 35, Somers, NY | 914.864.7263
www.lasdonpublicgardens.org
Untermyer Gardens
This 43-acre public garden was created in 1917 by Samuel and Minnie Untermyer, combining horticulture, monumental architecture, and multicultural design in a majestic natural setting that overlooks the Hudson River. Owned by the City of Yonkers, visitors have free entry to roam the gardens, which welcome a diverse and global audience. The Untermyers Gardens Conservancy, along with the City of Yonkers, works to restore, interpret, and enhance the park and gardens. So, make sure to see the beautification that the team has worked diligently to keep throughout the years, and visit the many gardens throughout the park.
945 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY | 914.613.4502
www.untermyergardens.org
OUTDOOR DINING
Sitting outside on a sunny, breezy day will elevate vibes to a whole new level. Here are some places to enjoy a good drink or good food while staying outdoors.
The Barley Beach House
Walk down from Playland, across the boardwalk, to The Barley Beach House, located right on Rye Town Park’s shoreline, offering sweeping Long Island Sound views. Combining casual coastal ambiance with elevated comfort food, customers can enjoy a sunset cocktail, crispy fish tacos, or juicy burgers on the expansive patio overlooking the waterfront. Summer vibes are felt all the way through mid-September.
95 Dearborn Avenue, Rye, NY | 914.481.5505
www.thebarleybeachhouse.com
Red Hat on the River
Since 2003, this modern Bistro has welcomed customers into its beautifully restored 100-year-old factory on the scenic waterfront. With plenty of outdoor dining, including a rooftop bar, every seat offers a view of the Hudson River. Enjoy Italian cuisine and timeless bistro classics, like steak frites and pasta. Indulge in oysters, brunch, or inventive craft cocktails.
1 Bridge Street, Irvington, NY | 914.568.3233
www.redhatontheriver.com
La Lanterna
La Lanterna, or “The Lantern” in Italian, features an outside patio with a canopy covered in bistro lights, making a beautiful garden setting with vibrant colors and a serene vintage feel. Their light-filled trees and iron tables are matched with a fireplace in the center of the patio, making it feel warm and inviting. Enjoy their fresh pastas and authentic Italian dishes while sipping a glass of wine; it’ll make you feel like you’re right in Italy’s countryside.
23 Gray Oaks Avenue, Yonkers, NY | 914.476.3060
lalanterna.com
