Explore 30 Exciting Activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Before Academic Year Commences in 2025
New York State and City offer a plethora of family-friendly outdoor activities during the summer months. From water parks to historic homes, nature walks, and cultural experiences, there's something for everyone.
Water Fun
For a splash-filled day, head to Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor near Lake George. The waterpark boasts a variety of slides like Bamboo Shoots, Bonzai Pipelines, and the 100-foot Big Kahuna tunnel, as well as kid-friendly areas such as Buccaneer Beach and Splashwater Island.
Nature and Adventure
Adventure seekers can explore New York's tree top parks, such as the Adirondack Adventure Park, for zip-lining and other thrilling activities. For a more leisurely pace, upstate New York's farms offer seasonal fruit picking, especially around the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes regions.
Historic Sites
History buffs will enjoy visiting the historic estates along the Hudson River Valley, like the Vanderbilt Mansion and Old Westbury Gardens. These sites often offer dedicated kids' programming, annual and seasonal events, and fairs and festivals.
Urban Retreats
Families in Manhattan can find a great urban retreat at Bryant Park, which offers free weekly kids’ activities, a carousel, arts and crafts, storytime, and picnic-friendly green space.
Day Trips and Overnight Stays
Bear Mountain State Park, located about an hour north of New York City, offers hiking, a small zoo, paddleboats, picnic areas, and is a perfect spot for day trips or overnight stays.
Cultural Experiences
The New York Botanical Garden hosts the Van Gogh's Flowers exhibit, featuring interactive sculptures, kids' activities, and a drone show after dark. The Hudson River Museum's outdoor amphitheater hosts cool performances in August.
Fairs and Festivals
The South Salem's Fireman's Carnival and the Dutchess County Fair are hits with kids, offering rides, animal shows, live entertainment, and more. Don't miss the Muddy Puddles Mess Fest on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Carmel, which supports pediatric cancer research.
Outdoor Movies and More
Classical drive-in theaters, mini-golf courses, and the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome's antique air show provide additional entertainment options. Rye Playland offers fun rides like the Dragon Coaster, and Legoland New York features a seasonal water playground and a new Peppa Pig playground.
Exploring the Great Outdoors
The area offers numerous spots for swimming in lakes or rivers, kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing. The Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival offers rides in tethered or full-flight hot air balloons. For a unique perspective, helicopter rides can be experienced at the Westchester County Airport.
Frozen Yogurt Tasting
After a day of adventure, families can enjoy frozen yogurt tasting by hopping from one spot to another.
These options provide a diverse variety of outdoor summer activities suitable for families, combining water fun, nature exploration, and cultural experiences within New York State and City. So, get out there and make summer memories!
To satiate hunger after a long day of explorations, families can indulge in various food-and-drink options available while roaming from one location to another.For those interested in expanding their knowledge, educational-and-self-development opportunities can be found in the form of fairs, festivals, and cultural experiences across New York State and City.*For sports enthusiasts, the area offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, ziplining, and even hot air balloon rides, making it an ideal destination for sports-oriented families as well.
