Day Trips in Westchester County

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Westchester day trips

One of the great things I love about living in Westchester County is the number of fun day trips it has to offer families.

When I moved out of New York City with my husband and two girls about seven years ago to Larchmont, we immediately started exploring the area. As anyone with young kids knows, getting out of the house is essential, and there’s nothing better than an excursion to keep the whole family happy!

But not every county is like Westchester, with its beautiful land and vast green open spaces. We are lucky to live in our bucolic little corner of the country and just outside of NYC to boot. There are places to take the family all year round, including winter. Whether you’re in the mood for an outdoor adventure at one of its many parks and gardens, a visit to a nature preserve, a day at the farm, or a cultural trip to a museum, there’s something for everyone in Westchester.

Some of our favorite day trips include:

Untermyer Park and Gardens: Untermyer Park and Gardens in Yonkers is absolutely stunning! This historical estate and “Garden of Eden” set along the Hudson River overlooking the Palisades is a must-visit. Pack a picnic and let the kids run free before relaxing in one of Westchester’s most beautiful and unusual spots.

Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture: This working farm in Pocanito Hills is one of the most popular day trips for families (including ours) in Westchester. With its 80-acre farm, excellent restaurants, chicken coup, greenhouses, and family-oriented workshops, all ages enjoy this special place. If visiting on the weekend, make sure to book your tickets ahead of time online.

Wolf Conservation Center: The Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem is one of the most unique things to do in Westchester. A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wolf conservation, it has a variety of programs, some geared toward children and families. When we visited, we learned about fascinating wolf facts, we saw the wolves in action and even howled with them. My kids LOVE this place!

Greenburgh Nature Center: This awesome nature center in Scarsdale is a kids-magnet for all that it offers – nature trails, outdoor animal exhibits, meadows, a great lawn, playground, and 2 floors of animal exhibits indoors. I can never get my kids out of this place. 

Katonah Museum of Art: Who says you can’t go to a museum outside of the city? The Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah is a small, but a precious gem. It’s unique in that it has no permanent collection, but about 3-4 traveling exhibitions a year. What makes it so great for families is its “School’s Out/Arts In” program for those long staycation days. It’s really come in handy for my family on rainy days.

Muscoot Farm: Muscoot Farm, located between Somers and Katonah, is Westchester’s beloved farm. Families love visiting it for its 50+ animals, including horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, turkeys, pigs, and more. They have an active calendar full of events all year round.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation: The Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is Westchester’s biggest park, with 4,135 acres of gorgeous land. We’ve explored its trails, streams, seen horseback riders – there’s even camping for the adventurous types. Note there is a $10 entrance fee (if you don’t have a pass).

Croton Gorge Park: The Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt is home to the New Croton Dam. Its main site, a large waterfall, is why most people (including my kids) like to visit. See it from both the bottom and top, and walk around the area – it makes for an enjoyable excursion.

Where is your favorite day trip spot in Westchester?


Corey is a local mom running a family travel blog called Fifi + Hop. A resource for NYC local, the United States and Abroad, it provides destination guides, travel tips, and reviews for places ranging in size from smaller museums visits to international vacations. She resides in Westchester County, NY, with her two girls, making this area a large part of her blog. They are weekend warriors and love to discover what’s in their own backyard just as much as those further-flung places abroad.