New Rochelle Public Library - 3:00 PM Pick
Pound Ridge Library - 11:15 AM
New Rochelle Public Library - 3:00 PM
Pound Ridge Library - 9:00 AM
Yonkers Riverfront Library - 11:45 AM Pick
New Rochelle Public Library - 3:00 PM
Westmoreland Sanctuary Nature Center and Wildlife Preserve - 10:00 AM Pick
Sheldrake Environmental Center - 10:00 AM Pick
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Rye Free Reading Room at Rye Public Library - 4:00 PM Pick
John C Hart Memorial Library - 6:00 PM Pick
Croton Free Library - 10:30 AM
Activity Guides
- Beaches & Lakes
- Best Of Lists
- Birthday Parties
- Boats
- Boredom Busters
- Camps
- Childcare
- Christmas/Hanukkah
- City Guides
- City Hacks
- Classes & Enrichment
- Community
- Crafts & Recipes
- Earth Kids
- Easter
- Fairs & Festivals
- Fall Activities
- Family Travel
- Farms & U-Pick
- Free Activities
- GoList
- Halloween
- Holidays
- Hotels & Resorts
- Indoor Activities
- Museums
- News & Openings
- Outdoors
- Parent Talk
- Parks & Playgrounds
- Play Gyms & Sports Centers
- Pools & Spray Parks
- Preschools & Schools
- Restaurants
- Shows
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Special Needs
- Special Occasions
- Sports
- Spring Activities
- STEM
- Stores & Services
- Summer Activities
- Theme & Water Parks
- Trains, Dinos & Heroes
- TV, Film & Movies
- Virtual
- Visitors Guide
- Weekend Events
- Weekend Trips
- Winter Activities
- Zoos & Gardens
Free Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids
The best things in life are free, especially with kids. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up dozens of the best free things to do with kids throughout Westchester.
From outdoor adventures and museum access to STEM fun and seasonal excursions, and from Somers down to Mount Vernon, there are plenty of activities to please every interest. Be sure to bookmark this for year-round reference—your family will never be bored (or broke) again!
Keep tabs on our Westchester and Hudson Valley Family Activity Calendar, which is always loaded with free (and low-cost) activities for all ages, and check out our Local Guide to Free Fun Things To Do.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
Get more ideas for fun things to do delivered directly to your inbox when you sign up for our newsletters.
What Are the Best Free Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids?
1. Marine Education Center
Explore the aquariums and touch tank at the Marine Education Center in Mamaroneck, located right on Long Island Sound in Harbor Island Park. Check their website for free educational programs held daily in the warmer months.
2. Greenburgh Nature Center
Take a romp through the Discovery Playground, roam the trails, and walk to the pond in search of turtles at the Greenburgh Nature Center. Note: There is a cost to enter the Manor House.
3. Untermyer Gardens
Stroll the beautiful, tranquil gardens of Untermyer in Yonkers and enjoy gorgeous views of the Hudson River and Palisades. Don't skip the trail to the Temple of Love, which features an elaborate man-made waterfall and lookout point.
4. Neuberger Museum of Art
The Neuberger Museum of Art is admission-free, making it a great opportunity to check out cool exhibits.
5. John Jay Homestead
On Saturdays in the warmer months, visit John Jay Homestead’s Red Barn Discovery Center—and check out the grounds, which are also free to explore while you're there. Check the calendar for free kids' programs in the summer.
6. Dover Stone Church - Dover Plains
Dover Stone Church is a unique natural cavern with a waterfall inside, tucked away in a gorge that is perfect for cooling off in summer. Park in the village of Dover near the elementary school, or take the Metro North Harlem line to the Dover Plains Station, and look for the signboard that marks the entrance of the trail. The area features hiking trails, streams, and a couple of frog ponds.
14. See the Dinosaur Garden
Romp with the dinosaurs and stroll through the lovely gardens of Lasdon Park.
18. RiverWalk
Take a stroll on the Westchester RiverWalk, which you can pick up in Tarrytown, Croton, or Peekskill.
19. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
Cross the Hudson River along the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which features scenic overlooks (on a clear day you can even see the George Washington Bridge) and public art.
Free Outdoor Fun for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
7. Family Fun Days at Westchester Pools/Beaches
Westchester County pools and parks host a series of family-fun days every summer, featuring dancing, games, and even a sand art competition.
8. Explore the Old Croton Aqueduct
The Old Croton Aqueduct Trail runs 26 miles through Westchester, starting at Croton Gorge Park with a beautiful walkway over the dam and waterfall. Parking is free at Croton Gorge in the winter and early spring. The trail can also be accessed at multiple points throughout Westchester. Free maps are available on the website that can be downloaded and printed.
RELATED: Free Museums and Museum Days in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
The sprawling Untermyer Gardens offers free admission and plenty of family-friendly programming. Photo by Susan Miele
10. Pedal the Parkway
Hop on your bikes and cruise the car-free Bronx River Parkway during Bicycle Sundays from May through October.
11. Hilltop Hanover Farm
This local farm in Yorktown Heights is free to visit (fees apply for select events and pick-your-own produce).
12. Muscoot Farm
See what the animals are up to and view the historic buildings and tools at Muscoot Farm in Katonah, where admission is free.
13. Teatown Lake Reservation
Explore the grounds of Teatown with trails that are suitable for all abilities.
15. Caramoor
Roam the gardens and have a picnic at Caramoor.
16. Tarrytown Lighthouse
Visit Kingsland Point Park to get the best view of the Tarrytown Lighthouse, and check their website for info on public tours.
17. Stone Barns Center
Admission to Stone Barns Agricultural Center is free in winter.
20. Follow the Signs
Experience the Museum in the Streets, scavenger hunt-style, in Hastings-on-Hudson.
21. Catch a Flick
In the summertime, many local parks and venues become a stage for FREE outdoor movies.
22. See a Summer Concert
Those same parks and venues also host many free summer concerts, magic shows, and family-friendly theatrical performances.
23. Hit Up the Sidewalk Sales
Check the lineup at seasonal sidewalk sales and community days throughout Westchester. In addition to shopping for bargains, FREE entertainment and activities for children are often provided as an added draw.
RELATED: Birthday Freebies for Kids: 60 Places To Get Free Stuff on Your Birthday
Spend a day enjoying the grounds at Caramoor. Photo by Gabe Palacio
24. Follow a New Path
Burn some calories on one of these great bike paths throughout the county.
25. Go Sledding
Go sledding in Westchester and catch some air!
26. Play a Hiking Game
Take a hike and take in the beautiful Hudson Valley landscape, which is especially lovely in the fall. You can even play an adventure game to spice things up!
27. Try a New Playground
Be intrepid—explore a great Westchester playground you haven’t yet romped through.
28. See the Cherry Blossoms
Glory in the beauty of spring with a photo-op where cherry blossoms are in bloom.
29. Hit a Splash Pad
Cool down in one of these spray grounds and splash pads.
30. Go Ice Skating
Take a spin around an outdoor skating pond.
Free Indoor Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
31. Free Art Workshops at Blue Door Art Center
Blue Door Art Center in Yonkers hosts free children's art workshops on Saturday mornings, with instruction by professional artists. Some classes are holiday themed, while others are inspired by the art on display in the gallery, which is also free.
32. Work That Library Card
The 38 branches of the Westchester Library System offer more than just books and storytimes. There are loads of free perks, and the best events are found in our Family Activity Calendar.
33. Sign Up for the Summer Reading Game
Join the library's annual Summer Reading Game, which offers a fun way to promote reading throughout the summer. A new theme is chosen each year, with events, prizes, and challenges.
34. Grab and Go
Many libraries offer grab-and-go kits that are available for pickup on select dates.
Free Arts, Culture, and Learning Activities
35. Explore American History
For a slice of local American history, take a self-guided tour of St. Paul’s Historic Church.
36. Check Out a Museum Pass
Put that local library to even more good use: Many offer year-round free museum passes you can borrow.
37. Do Good
Kids can learn more about giving back to their local community through national events, like MLK National Day of Service
38. Discover a New Artist
Catch the changing exhibits at a local art gallery.
RELATED: Free Museums and Museum Days in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Skate for free on a pond in North Salem. Photo courtesy of Westchester County Parks Dept.
39. Let There Be Light
Take a driving tour of Christmas light displays in Westchester. All but one of these displays are free.
40. Easter Egg Hunts
Set kids off searching for sweets at one of these local Easter egg hunts that take place each spring. Many are completely free.
Many more FREE programs can be found year-round on our Family Activity Calendar.
Free Events, Fairs, and Festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
41. Tarrytown Halloween Parade
The Hudson Valley is ripe with Halloween fun, and this annual parade is a crowd-pleaser!
42. SpringFest Street Fair - Nyack
Families can enjoy rides, games, arts and crafts, entertainment, food, outdoor dining, and 200+ vendors at this annual event in held in April in picturesque downtown Nyack.
43. Green Ossining Earth Day Festival - Ossining
Celebrate Earth Day in Louis Engel Waterfront Park by the Hudson River and learn how to reduce your impact on the environment. Enjoy live music, food and drinks, eco-demonstrations, a kids' activity zone, and much more.
44. Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival - Hastings-on-Hudson
Enjoy the cherry blossoms in Hastings-on-Hudson's Villard Pocket Park. The festival also features Japanese music and martial arts performances, origami and calligraphy activities, a community haiku, and food and refreshments for purchase.
45. Pinkster Festival at Philipse Manor Hall - Yonkers
Learn a bit of the area's unique history at this celebration of the Afro-Dutch holiday of Pinkster, held in May. Enjoy live music, dancing, games, crafts, food, vendors, and more.
46. Albany Tulip Festival in Washington Park
Marvel at the beauty of the more than 140,000 blooming tulips at this spring festival celebrating Albany's Dutch heritage. Activities include craft fair, a fine-art show, food, a KidZone, and live entertainment on two stages.
47. UFO Fair in Downtown Pine Bush
Put on your best alien costumes for this annual extraterrestrial extravaganza held in early June in Pine Bush, which celebrates the history of reported UFO sightings in the area. Activities include roaming characters, an alien game show, an alien beauty pageant, and more.
48. Warwick Applefest
Celebrate the apple harvesting season at this fall festival held in downtown Warwick.
49. Armonk Cider & Donut Festival and 5K Run
Enjoy a variety of activities for families at this fall fair and, of course, doughnuts and cider. A pie-eating contest, doughnut fishing, live music, carnival rides, kids' races, a 5K, face painting, bouncy houses, and more are featured.
50. Sleepy Hollow Street Fair
Join the Village of Sleepy Hollow for the annual fall street fair on Beekman Avenue. The fair features nearly 200 vendors, arts & crafts, food, entertainment for the whole family, and a special appearance by the Headless Horseman.
51. Croton Oktoberfest
Croton-on-Hudson's annual Oktoberfest features live music all day and over 60 amazing food, craft beer, and local retail vendors, plus a kinder-fest for the little ones, with music, food, and fun activities to keep them entertained!
Top Free Things To Do with Toddlers
52. Stew Leonard's
Enjoy the music and motion provided by the audio-animatronic characters throughout Stew Leonard's. We love Chiquita Banana and the Hank & Bo Show! Free kids’ activities are offered throughout the year.
53. Barnes & Noble
The children's section in Barnes & Noble was a staple when my son was a baby. Kids can check out the latest book, listen to a free storytime, or play with the train table. Grab a treat from the bakery or a Starbucks coffee afterward.
54. Sleepy Hollow Bookshop
55. Orange County Farm Museum
56. PLAY at The Westchester
This play area in The Westchester mall is great for babies and toddlers as it has a great soft area and lots of things to play with, including a lighted Magnatiles table. it is located on the fourth floor next to the food court.
Top Free Things To Do with Tweens and Teens
55. Center for the Urban River
Support local scientific research by signing up your teen (ages 16 and up) to study the Hudson River.
56. Hike the Appalachian Trail
Okay, maybe not the whole trail ... but sections of it run through the Hudson Valley. Some of our favorite trails are Cat Rocks and Fitzgerald Falls.
57. Find a Swimming Hole
Check out one of the many off-the-beaten-path swimming holes in the Hudson Valley, some of which are perfect for cliff jumping.
58. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
This sprawling cemetery is extremely popular during the Halloween season but is worth taking a tour of anytime of the year. Search the online map for famous people buried here, including Washington Irving, Andrew Carnegie, and Elizabeth Arden.
Hidden Gems and Weird Free Things To Do
59. Train Watching
Parents of toddlers know best how entertaining such simple things as a train passing by can be for kids. Beacon's Riverfront Park is a favorite since it is right next to the Beacon Station, where Amtrak and Metro North trains are constantly passing. Kids can also watch the sailboats and barges on the Hudson River and even trucks on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.
60. Playing in a Sandbox
Sandboxes can offer hours of entertainment for kids and toddlers alike. The Tots Park in Cold Spring has an excellent sand play area, with toys and trucks donated by the local community for everyone to enjoy. Memorial Park in Beacon is also a favorite.
61. Throw Rocks in the Hudson
The Hudson River is one of the great gems of Westchester and the Hudson Valley, and we have spent a lot of time just hanging out by the river. Check out one of the many riverfront parks in the area and let the kids explore.
Free Seasonal Fun in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
Winter: Holiday lights, winter festivals, Free things to do with kids indoors
Spring: Cherry blossoms, outdoor art walks
Summer: Concerts, splash pads, free movies in the park
Fall: Harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, leaf-peeping trails
Free Fun for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley FAQ
What are the best free family activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?
There are lots of things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley that are free, including parks, museums with free admission, free outdoor movies, and summer concerts. Many of the area's festivals and cultural events are also free to attend.
What can kids do for free on weekends in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?
Local libraries offer lots of kids' programming throughout the week. Also, check out the malls for free programs, including the Apple Store at the Westchester, which offers free workshops. The Palisades Center, Ridge Hill Shopping Center, and Cross County Center also offer a lot of free kids' activities throughout the year.
Are there free museums or attractions for kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?
Yes! Many museums have free admission days or ongoing free exhibits — perfect for rainy days. Check out our Guide to Free Museums and Museum Days, which includes the always-free Neuberger Museum of Art and the Marine Education Center.
What are some free things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with toddlers?
Storytimes, splash pads, indoor playgrounds, and nature walks are all toddler-friendly and free.
What’s the best time to visit free attractions in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?
Mornings on weekdays are often least crowded; summer weekends can be busy, so plan ahead for parking and shade.
Originally published in 2018. Susan Miele contributed additional reporting.
Free things to do with kids indoors
