Located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River in New York State, Westchester County offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy history, sports and the great outdoors with the kids. The region is best-known as a suburb of New York City, but there are plenty of outdoor activities that will make it seem like you are far away from the urban jungle. An extensive county park system provides a wealth of educational and recreation options for families.
Parks
The Westchester County Park system encompasses 18,000 acres of land, preserving valuable green space in a suburb of a large city. Families can swim, bike, hike, skate and fish in almost 50 county parks. Enjoy horseback riding at Twin Lakes Park in Eastchester, miniature golf at Saxon Woods Park in White Plains or the amusement park at Playland in Rye. Miracle Park in Hartsdale offers kids with special needs between the ages of 3 and 19 the chance to play baseball on a specially-designed field to accommodate blind children and those in wheelchairs.
Camping
Families who enjoy camping can choose from two Westchester campgrounds, according to Westchester Tourism. Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson offers sites for tent camping and RVs with hook-ups, as well as cabin and lodge rentals. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, the county's largest park with over 4,000 acres, offers tent campsites and a sleeping shelter. Families can also picnic, hike and walk the nature trails at Ward Pound Ridge.
Boating
If you don't own a boat, you can rent one at Atlantic Kayak Tours in Cortland Manor, Wampus Pond in Armonk, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights or New York Sailing School in New Rochelle. Public boat launches can be found at George's Island Park in Montrose, Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, Peekskill Riverfront Green Park in Peekskill, Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and Yorktown Municipal Boat Ramp in Yorktown.
Swimming
The one-million gallon pool in Wilson's Woods Park in Mount Vernon has been a family favorite since 1928. The park is also home to Wilson's Waves, a water park with water slides, a wave pool, a water playground and a spray deck. Tibbetts Brook Park, a new 161-acre aquatic complex in Yonkers, features in-pool volleyball and basketball, swim lanes and a lazy river rafting ride for kids of all ages. Families can also swim at Sprain Ridge Park in Yonkers and Saxon Woods Park in White Plains.
Nature Centers
Established in 1937, the Trailside Nature Museum is one of the oldest museums of its kind in the United States. The museum features exhibits of Native American artifacts, mounted animals and nature-inspired artwork. Families will enjoy the child-friendly interactive displays. The museum often hosts family-oriented programs and special events. Croton Point Nature Center in Croton-on-Hudson features hands-on activities related to the Hudson River's flora and fauna.
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