Top 20 Places to Take Kids in Westchester County - 2020
Westchester County's Favorite Family Fun Spots: 2020 winners!
The best places to take Westchester County kids! Of course, there is LOTS more to do in our area! After browing through this year's Top 20, browse our packed daily calendar, sign up for our weekly e-newsletter that will tell you everything in advance, and be sure to visit our Everything Free page!
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1. Wolf Conservation Center
Come howl with wolves! Home to 40+ wolves, including critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves, the Wolf Conservation Center is one of the wildest destinations in New York. Visitors learn about the true nature and plight of wolves during guided education programs and are able to witness wolf communication and behavior firsthand by howling with the WCC’s ambassador wolves! Through wolves, the WCC teaches the broader message of conservation, ecological balance, and personal responsibility for improved human stewardship of our World. Register for a program today! https://nywolf.org/
2. Westchester Children's Museum
The Westchester Children's Museum is a sunlit, colorful, vibrant learning space located on the boardwalk of the Long Island Sound featuring interactive exhibits, hands-on programs for pre-schoolers through middle schoolers, and a safe and welcoming place for play and discovery. The Museum is filled with interactive exhibits that explore science, art, technology, design and the environment, with places to build, play, and create. They just completed a restoration and renovation project that increased their operating space by 20,000 sq.ft! Their WCM At Home page offers a ton of fun STEAM activities, online programs, and caregiver resources! Check it out at discoverwcm.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @discoverwcm.
3. My Local Library
Of course, our local library system is not really ONE place, it is MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication.
4. Greenburgh Nature Center
The Greenburgh Nature Center is a nonprofit nature preserve and wildlife refuge with a mission to ignite passion, curiosity and respect for our natural world. The 33-acre property includes a woodland preserve with hiking trails, a pond, organic garden, Native Plant Meadow, Native American Replica Village, and nearly 100 animals. The Nature Center impacts close to 90,000 individuals every year through visits to its nature preserve and community outreach. Visit www.greenburghnaturecenter.org for a full listing of upcoming programs and events.
5. Billy Beez Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
Billy Beez is the ultimate indoor play park for kids and kids-at-heart! Our 20,000* sq. ft. play parks offer a variety of features and activities, from slides to sports courts, tunnels to towers, ball blasters to bouncy trampolines, adventure is always right around the corner at Billy Beez. The park is ideal for all ages, including infants, toddlers, adults and every age in between.
Voted best birthday party place, choose from one of our award-winning packages which includes our Private Party Room, with anywhere from 90-120 minutes of catered or non-catered customizable add-on options. Your upcoming celebration will truly WOW all of your party guests.
Billy Beez is the park that they’ll ask for by name.
6. Playland Amusement Park
Playland, also known as Playland Amusement Park, is located in Rye, New York. Playland is Metro New York's great family amusement park! From the famous Dragon Coaster to rides like the SuperFlight Coaster, Music Express and Double Shot - Playland offers the best in family fun. There are more than 50 major and Kiddyland rides and attractions; a beach, pool, and pier on Long Island Sound; lake boating, entertainment, fireworks, lots of great food, and much more.
7. Muscoot Farm
Muscoot Farm was originally a "Gentleman's Farm" founded by Ferdinand T. Hopkins in 1880 and operated as a dairy farm until Westchester County acquired the property in the late 1960s. Today, Muscoot Farm is a Westchester County Park that strives to preserve and interpret its agrarian past. Visitors may stroll through the original barns, visit with the animals, participate in educational programs or hike the many miles of trails. There is something for everyone on Muscoot’s 777 acres!
8. The Play Group Theatre
The Play Group Theatre, Westchester’s creative home for children and teens, is proud to have 25 years of experience in providing a nurturing, yet artistically challenging environment for students of all ages. No matter what brings students through our doors, what they find here is an artistic haven where they are challenged to think creatively, to work within a group of exceptional young artists in a collaborative environment, and to do it all while making life-long friends and having the time of their lives! With dynamic program offerings and diverse performance opportunities, there is something for everyone at PGT. Find the perfect performing arts program for your young artist today!
9. Trailside Museum and Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, Trailside Museums and Zoo, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails.
10. LEGOLAND Discovery Center
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester in Yonkers – Westchester’s first LEGO® attraction for kids! Only a year after they opened they are one of the most unique fun things to do in Westchester, LEGOLAND Discovery Center offers a great family day out. Take part in children’s activities with the Master Model Builder, kids birthday parties, MINILAND, New York’s top attractions made from LEGO, soft play area, rides, 4D cinema and more! Click here for the KidsOutAndAbout.com review.
11. Boundless Adventures
Boundless Adventures, New York's newest aerial adventure park (17 ziplines and 100+ obstacles), is a safe, socially-distanced outdoor recreational activity for tree climbers of every skill level, whether you're a beginner or an adrenaline-addicted climbing pro. Climbers can conquer as many courses as they like during their three hour admission window which begins after the safety briefing.
12. Rockefeller State Park Preserve
Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers quiet countryside walks of all lengths through forested hills and valleys surrounding sunlit pastoral fields. Thirty miles north of New York City, the property is the former Pocantico Hills and Rockwood Hall country estates of John D. Rockefeller family and William Rockefeller. Since 1983, the Rockefeller Family has generously donated over 1425 acres to the State of New York to safeguard these lands for present and future generations. Managed by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Preserve is open to the public year-round, sunrise to sunset.
13. Rye Nature Center
Friends of Rye Nature Center is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the Rye Nature Center and to provide a full range of environmental education programs and activities at the Center. Our programs encourage the protection of our natural resources and promote environmental awareness in Rye and surrounding communities.
14. Stone Barns Center
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture is a nonprofit farm and education center located in Pocantico Hills, New York. Stone Barns Center focuses on improving the way American eats and farms.
15. Storm King Art Center
Storm King Art Center is located on a pristine 500-acre landscape of fields, hills, and woodlands providing the setting for a collection of more than 100 carefully sited sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time.
16. BounceU - Elmsford
Kids flip for BounceU's unbelievably cool bounce stadiums (imagine the ultimate children's playground experience in a safe, indoor setting), but they also can't get enough of the games, the food, and sharing the spotlight with family and friends.
17. Sky Zone New Rochelle
Sky Zone is the original and premier trampoline park. Enjoy trampoline dodgeball and dunking, foam pit, birthday parties and more. Freestyle jump, ultimate dodge ball, ninja warrior course, skyjoust, and skyladder, among other attractions.
18. American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog
The AKC Museum of the Dog has returned to New York City where it began over 35 years ago. The museum, with one of the finest collections of canine-related art, will occupy new purpose-built galleries in mid-town Manhattan, just steps from Grand Central Station. Combining fine arts with cutting edge technology and interpretation, the Museum of the Dog provides unique and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Join us at 101 Park Avenue!
19. Hudson River Museum Planetarium
From the mysteries of the moon and the search for life beyond Earth, to the stories that shape our stars, the Hudson River Museum’s Planetarium has shows for every level and interest. Planetarium shows are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 12:30, 2, and 3:30pm, with each time slot geared towards a different age group. During summer FREE planetarium shows are offered Friday and Saturday at 7pm between July 5 and August 31.
20. Clay Art Center
Founded in 1957, Clay Art Center is a nationally recognized non-profit center for the advancement and practice of the ceramic arts in Port Chester, NY. We offer year-round hand building and wheel throwing classes for youth aged 6 – 15, taught by professional ceramic artists who specialize in kindling a passion for creative expression. During the summer weekly themed camps take place in July & August. Not sure where to begin? Try our popular Saturday Drop-In Class, schedule a birthday clay party, or get your own hands dirty in our many class offerings for adults.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in several categories. Here were their choices.Favorite Place to Have Fun INSIDE
Billy Beez Palisades Center, West Nyack, NYBilly Beez is the ultimate indoor play park for kids and kids-at-heart! Our 20,000* sq. ft. play parks offer a variety of features and activities, from slides to sports courts, tunnels to towers, ball blasters to bouncy trampolines, adventure is always right around the corner at Billy Beez. The park is ideal for all ages, including infants, toddlers, adults and every age in between.
Voted best birthday party place, choose from one of our award-winning packages which includes our Private Party Room, with anywhere from 90-120 minutes of catered or non-catered customizable add-on options. Your upcoming celebration will truly WOW all of your party guests.
Billy Beez is the park that they’ll ask for by name.
Favorite Place to Have Fun OUTSIDE
Boundless AdventuresBoundless Adventures, New York's newest aerial adventure park (17 ziplines and 100+ obstacles), is a safe, socially-distanced outdoor recreational activity for tree climbers of every skill level, whether you're a beginner or an adrenaline-addicted climbing pro. Climbers can conquer as many courses as they like during their three hour admission window which begins after the safety briefing.
Favorite Kid-Friendly Museum
Westchester Children's MuseumThe Westchester Children's Museum is a sunlit, colorful, vibrant learning space located on the boardwalk of the Long Island Sound featuring interactive exhibits, hands-on programs for pre-schoolers through middle schoolers, and a safe and welcoming place for play and discovery. The Museum is filled with interactive exhibits that explore science, art, technology, design and the environment, with places to build, play, and create. They just completed a restoration and renovation project that increased their operating space by 20,000 sq.ft! Their WCM At Home page offers a ton of fun STEAM activities, online programs, and caregiver resources! Check it out at discoverwcm.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @discoverwcm.
Favorite Performing Arts
The Play Group TheatreThe Play Group Theatre, Westchester’s creative home for children and teens, is proud to have 25 years of experience in providing a nurturing, yet artistically challenging environment for students of all ages. No matter what brings students through our doors, what they find here is an artistic haven where they are challenged to think creatively, to work within a group of exceptional young artists in a collaborative environment, and to do it all while making life-long friends and having the time of their lives! With dynamic program offerings and diverse performance opportunities, there is something for everyone at PGT. Find the perfect performing arts program for your young artist today!
Favorite Kid-Friendly Farm
Muscoot FarmMuscoot Farm was originally a "Gentleman's Farm" founded by Ferdinand T. Hopkins in 1880 and operated as a dairy farm until Westchester County acquired the property in the late 1960s. Today, Muscoot Farm is a Westchester County Park that strives to preserve and interpret its agrarian past. Visitors may stroll through the original barns, visit with the animals, participate in educational programs or hike the many miles of trails. There is something for everyone on Muscoot’s 777 acres!
Favorite Nature Center
Wolf Conservation CenterCome howl with wolves! Home to 40+ wolves, including critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves, the Wolf Conservation Center is one of the wildest destinations in New York. Visitors learn about the true nature and plight of wolves during guided education programs and are able to witness wolf communication and behavior firsthand by howling with the WCC’s ambassador wolves! Through wolves, the WCC teaches the broader message of conservation, ecological balance, and personal responsibility for improved human stewardship of our World. Register for a program today! https://nywolf.org/
Favorite Arts Education Center
Katonah Art CenterThe Katonah Art Center is located at 40 Radio Circle in Mt. Kisco. For over twenty years KAC has been Westchester’s go-to hub for students looking to learn about and excel in the visual arts. KAC is now offering on-site as well as virtual classes and camps. Drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture, fused glass, jewelry-making, 3D printing, digital arts and more! All ages and all levels welcome. After school and weekend classes available.
Favorite Sports Education Center
YMCAThe YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For over a hundred thirty years we have been listening and responding to our community. We connect to people of all ages and backgrounds through programs and services offered at our Camp Combe, White Plains and Community YMCA branches.