Updated
Day Trip ideas are exactly what you need in your life! While you can just set up in your local playground, not all parks offer a spray park to cool off in or a beach available to swim in on those hot summer days. There are definitely parks that have special perks that can make day trips with kids a lot more fun, attainable and of course affordable. We are gearing up for continuous hot days so make sure you and your children enjoy every second of the sun with these awesome Day Trip Ideas in and around Westchester County!
Westchester Parks Pass
All Westchester County pools (except Playland) require a Westchester County Park Pass or photo ID and proof of residence. There are a variety of different park pass types available so select the one that is right for you. Here are a few worth highlighting.
The Westchester County Park Pass is $90 and is good for 3 years. With the adult pass, you’re allowed to bring four adult guests and up to five children ages 17 and younger. A pass entitles the holder entry to all county-owned pools and beaches and facilities, as well as discounted admission to all pools, beaches and parking. It also allows access to the boat launch at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and the six all-weather tennis courts at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. It is available to residents 12 years of age and older.
A Family Park Pass is also available for a fee of $180 and two adults and any children ages 12 to 17 living in the household to get their own individual park passes for one fee.
Park Pass holders may also purchase a money-saving Season Swim Pass, which allows residents to pay one price to swim as often as they like all summer long. The pass also includes parking fees. It may be used at Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle, Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and Tibbetts Book Pools in Yonkers, and Willson’s Woods Pool in Mount Vernon. The pass is not accepted at Playland or Croton Point Parks. It can be purchased at all five locations. Destinations that require a Westchester County Park Pass are marked with an asterisk *.
A Park Pass or proof of county residency with a valid New York State driver's license is required at all pools except Playland and at Croton Point Beach.
All Westchester County pools (except Playland) require a Westchester County Park Pass or photo ID and proof of residence. There are a variety of different park pass types available so select the one that is right for you. Here are a few worth highlighting.
The Westchester County Park Pass is $90 and is good for 3 years. With the adult pass, you’re allowed to bring four adult guests and up to five children ages 17 and younger. A pass entitles the holder entry to all county-owned pools and beaches and facilities, as well as discounted admission to all pools, beaches and parking. It also allows access to the boat launch at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and the six all-weather tennis courts at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. It is available to residents 12 years of age and older.
A Family Park Pass is also available for a fee of $180 and two adults and any children ages 12 to 17 living in the household to get their own individual park passes for one fee.
Park Pass holders may also purchase a money-saving Season Swim Pass, which allows residents to pay one price to swim as often as they like all summer long. The pass also includes parking fees. It may be used at Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle, Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and Tibbetts Book Pools in Yonkers, and Willson’s Woods Pool in Mount Vernon. The pass is not accepted at Playland or Croton Point Parks. It can be purchased at all five locations. Destinations that require a Westchester County Park Pass are marked with an asterisk *.
A Park Pass or proof of county residency with a valid New York State driver's license is required at all pools except Playland and at Croton Point Beach.
Pool and Beach Fees
Entrance fees for county pools and beaches can be accessed here.
Entrance fees for county pools and beaches can be accessed here.
Splash Pad Parks
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* Sprain Ridge Pool-- this pool will reopen on Friday, June 28, 2019, read the announcement here
Following a major renovation, the county's Sprain Ridge Pool reopened in July 2017. The pool has an aquatic spray playground for children and a rebuilt child-friendly pool. The bathhouse, food concession area, restrooms, showers, and locker room have all been updated. Address: 149 Jackson Ave, Hastings-On-Hudson, NY 10706 Fee: County Park Pass holders $6, Children (under 5 free) $4 
*Willson’s Waves Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
Willson’s Waves Pool is a secret thrill in the heart of Lower Westchester, residing in Mount Vernon. Keep in mind that this park requires a County Park Pass for entry. Showing off waves, water slides, a spray park, a splash pad and plenty of opportunities to have fun and get wet. This park can be a parents dream come true to assist with those hyper toddlers or just to get these kids away from the screens for an afternoon of excitement! Address: East Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 Fee: County Park Pass holders $8, Children (under 5 free) $5 
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*Tibbetts Brook Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
The main pool is a lazy river with a current that families love to relax in on a warm day. Keep in mind that this park requires a County Park Pass for entry. There is a spray playground for people of all ages and sports for some pool time fun. Although fun for everyone, Tibbetts does not have a pool like some of the many other parks on this list, but is a big area. As shared on the Westchester Moms Facebook group “Tibbetts may get crowded usually more on the weekends”.
Address: 355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704
Fee: County Park Pass holders $8, Children (under 5 free) $5
The main pool is a lazy river with a current that families love to relax in on a warm day. Keep in mind that this park requires a County Park Pass for entry. There is a spray playground for people of all ages and sports for some pool time fun. Although fun for everyone, Tibbetts does not have a pool like some of the many other parks on this list, but is a big area. As shared on the Westchester Moms Facebook group “Tibbetts may get crowded usually more on the weekends”.
Address: 355 Midland Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704
Fee: County Park Pass holders $8, Children (under 5 free) $5
Pierson Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
Pierson Park is a beautiful site along the Hudson River in direct view of the Tappan Zee Bridge. As shared on Westchester Moms Facebook Group, this park is free entry and free parking. Having those awesome features can cause this beautiful not so hidden park to become very crowded on beautiful days. The park includes a splash pad and playground.
Address: 238 West Main Street, Tarrytown, New York 10591
Fee: No parking charge, no entry fee
Pierson Park is a beautiful site along the Hudson River in direct view of the Tappan Zee Bridge. As shared on Westchester Moms Facebook Group, this park is free entry and free parking. Having those awesome features can cause this beautiful not so hidden park to become very crowded on beautiful days. The park includes a splash pad and playground.
Address: 238 West Main Street, Tarrytown, New York 10591
Fee: No parking charge, no entry fee
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Harbor Island Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
Harbor Island is the Largest Village Park in Mamaroneck, which has playground equipment that can keep your child busy for days! In addition to having a great spray park, Harbor Island is also home to a beach. Harbor Island can become very crowded because they do host a summer day camp; so make sure to keep that in mind when planning your day!
Address: Mamaroneck Ave Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Fee: $10 per car lot entry, Adults- $7, Children 2 and up- $4, Children under 2- free
Harbor Island is the Largest Village Park in Mamaroneck, which has playground equipment that can keep your child busy for days! In addition to having a great spray park, Harbor Island is also home to a beach. Harbor Island can become very crowded because they do host a summer day camp; so make sure to keep that in mind when planning your day!
Address: Mamaroneck Ave Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Fee: $10 per car lot entry, Adults- $7, Children 2 and up- $4, Children under 2- free
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Louis Engel Waterfront Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
As shared on the Westchester Moms Facebook page, this park like others can get very crowded on beautiful days. The trail and the exploration that can be done while visiting is well worth it though as this park sits nestled on the Hudson River in ear shot distance of the Metro North; this being one of the many reasons to be my daughter’s favorite park. Next to the spray park there is a great playground including giant train structures and slides. Although not large, this park is worth the visit for the scenery alone!
Address: Westerly Rd, Ossining, NY 10562
Fee: No parking charge, no entry fee
As shared on the Westchester Moms Facebook page, this park like others can get very crowded on beautiful days. The trail and the exploration that can be done while visiting is well worth it though as this park sits nestled on the Hudson River in ear shot distance of the Metro North; this being one of the many reasons to be my daughter’s favorite park. Next to the spray park there is a great playground including giant train structures and slides. Although not large, this park is worth the visit for the scenery alone!
Address: Westerly Rd, Ossining, NY 10562
Fee: No parking charge, no entry fee
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Swimming Pools
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
This beautiful scenic park in the heart of the Taconic Region is a stunning site. The park boasts an enormous sized pool that can hold more then 3,000 swimmers at one time being twice the size of an Olympic sized pool. Along with the pool there is a Lake for fishing and boating, a track, basketball courts, picnic areas and pavilions, a wonderful renovated playground with climbing structures, swings and so much more! Be sure to head to FDR early to avoid the later day crowds and get a full day trip out of this destination.
Address: 2957 Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Fee: $10 per car entry, swimming $3 for all ages
This beautiful scenic park in the heart of the Taconic Region is a stunning site. The park boasts an enormous sized pool that can hold more then 3,000 swimmers at one time being twice the size of an Olympic sized pool. Along with the pool there is a Lake for fishing and boating, a track, basketball courts, picnic areas and pavilions, a wonderful renovated playground with climbing structures, swings and so much more! Be sure to head to FDR early to avoid the later day crowds and get a full day trip out of this destination.
Address: 2957 Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Fee: $10 per car entry, swimming $3 for all ages
*Saxon Woods Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
Saxon Woods contains a golf course as well as a miniature golf course, the county’s largest swimming pool, a children’s aquatic playground and picnic areas for lunch after some overdue swimming. Keep in mind that this park requires a County Park Pass for entry. Saxon Woods is also the site of the county’s only playground that is accessible to the disabled. A little note from Westchester Moms: Saxon is most often less crowded then Tibbetts Brook Park and can be easier to manage little ones. Saxon has a kiddie area and a huge sand box with tables and a great playground near by to satisfy all the needs of your family. Throughout the summer many camps frequent Saxon Woods over the other area parks, so make sure to be mindful when planning day trips!
Address: 1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605
Fee: County Park Pass holders $6, Children (under 5 free) $4
Saxon Woods contains a golf course as well as a miniature golf course, the county’s largest swimming pool, a children’s aquatic playground and picnic areas for lunch after some overdue swimming. Keep in mind that this park requires a County Park Pass for entry. Saxon Woods is also the site of the county’s only playground that is accessible to the disabled. A little note from Westchester Moms: Saxon is most often less crowded then Tibbetts Brook Park and can be easier to manage little ones. Saxon has a kiddie area and a huge sand box with tables and a great playground near by to satisfy all the needs of your family. Throughout the summer many camps frequent Saxon Woods over the other area parks, so make sure to be mindful when planning day trips!
Address: 1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605
Fee: County Park Pass holders $6, Children (under 5 free) $4
Also be sure to check with your town as many towns have their own pool!
Beaches
Canopus Lake (Personal Recommendation)
If you are looking to have a family day in the “country” then Canopus Lake is the right spot for you! After parking, you walk towards the beach and will pass large bathrooms on your left and on the right you will find a small store with picnic tables. Along with swimming Canopus Lake offers visitors fishing and row bats available for rent. With beautiful scenery among the mountains Canopus Lake is a wonderful day trip with my daughters favorite part being the outdoor showers to clean her feet before the car ride home.
Address: 1498 Route 301 Carmel, NY 10512
Fee: $8 per car
If you are looking to have a family day in the “country” then Canopus Lake is the right spot for you! After parking, you walk towards the beach and will pass large bathrooms on your left and on the right you will find a small store with picnic tables. Along with swimming Canopus Lake offers visitors fishing and row bats available for rent. With beautiful scenery among the mountains Canopus Lake is a wonderful day trip with my daughters favorite part being the outdoor showers to clean her feet before the car ride home.
Address: 1498 Route 301 Carmel, NY 10512
Fee: $8 per car
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Playland Pool and Beach
The only of its kind on this list, Rye Playland has an expansive beach as well as a swimming pool and not to mention a whole amusement park! Although pricey, for a day trip this can be great fun for young ones who wouldn’t even cost any money for entry. The views are amazing and there is a lot to do in the area. My family and I went to the beach last year and in my opinion it was just as good as any “big” beach I have ever been to, there were a perfect amount of people, swimming, walking, building sandcastles and just soaking up the summer sun. It is definitely a must do once in Westchester County but don’t take my word, go check it out! If you are looking for a break from the heat you can also check out the Westchester Children’s Museum right at the beach on the boardwalk (parking is the same for Playland).
Address: 1 Playland Parkway Rye, NY 10580
Parking Fee: $10 weekends/ weekdays, $15 holidays
Pool Fee: Adult $6, children 5yr-11yr $4, Under 5 free
Beach Fee: Adult $4, children 5yr-11yr $3, Under 5 free
The only of its kind on this list, Rye Playland has an expansive beach as well as a swimming pool and not to mention a whole amusement park! Although pricey, for a day trip this can be great fun for young ones who wouldn’t even cost any money for entry. The views are amazing and there is a lot to do in the area. My family and I went to the beach last year and in my opinion it was just as good as any “big” beach I have ever been to, there were a perfect amount of people, swimming, walking, building sandcastles and just soaking up the summer sun. It is definitely a must do once in Westchester County but don’t take my word, go check it out! If you are looking for a break from the heat you can also check out the Westchester Children’s Museum right at the beach on the boardwalk (parking is the same for Playland).
Address: 1 Playland Parkway Rye, NY 10580
Parking Fee: $10 weekends/ weekdays, $15 holidays
Pool Fee: Adult $6, children 5yr-11yr $4, Under 5 free
Beach Fee: Adult $4, children 5yr-11yr $3, Under 5 free
Croton Point Beach (Personal Recommendation)
Camping, playgrounds and a swim in the Hudson? These are all available at Croton Point Beach. Be sure to check it out this Summer! Sadie and I have already started our frequent visits to this scenic park with two awesome jungle gyms and paths to walk for miles. The beach is quaint and it is definitely best to get there early and make sure you get a good spot. While there you can watch the boats come in and out, watch and listen to the trains and just absorb some of Mother Nature’s true beauty in Westchester County.
Address: 1A Croton Point Ave., Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Parking Fee: $5 with Park Pass, $10 without Park Pass; daily beginning May 25 - Labor Day; weekends only in May and September until Sunday, Sept. 29.
Camping, playgrounds and a swim in the Hudson? These are all available at Croton Point Beach. Be sure to check it out this Summer! Sadie and I have already started our frequent visits to this scenic park with two awesome jungle gyms and paths to walk for miles. The beach is quaint and it is definitely best to get there early and make sure you get a good spot. While there you can watch the boats come in and out, watch and listen to the trains and just absorb some of Mother Nature’s true beauty in Westchester County.
Address: 1A Croton Point Ave., Croton-On-Hudson, NY 10520
Parking Fee: $5 with Park Pass, $10 without Park Pass; daily beginning May 25 - Labor Day; weekends only in May and September until Sunday, Sept. 29.
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Glen Island Beach (Westchester Mom recommended)
Open to Westchester residents only.
Looking for a beautiful sight? Glen Island offers a boat launch, pathways, and picnic tables both open and for reservation as well as swimming in designated areas. Glen Island is the 2nd most widely used park in the County Parks of Westchester system. Glen Island has several play areas as shared on Westchester Moms. Make sure to check it out!
Address: 1 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Fee: Westchester Residents Only Adults $4, Children (under 5 free) $3
Parking: $4 with Park Pass, $10 without Park Pass -- weekends only in May and September until Sunday, Sept. 29. Daily 5/25 through Labor Day.
Open to Westchester residents only.
Looking for a beautiful sight? Glen Island offers a boat launch, pathways, and picnic tables both open and for reservation as well as swimming in designated areas. Glen Island is the 2nd most widely used park in the County Parks of Westchester system. Glen Island has several play areas as shared on Westchester Moms. Make sure to check it out!
Address: 1 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Fee: Westchester Residents Only Adults $4, Children (under 5 free) $3
Parking: $4 with Park Pass, $10 without Park Pass -- weekends only in May and September until Sunday, Sept. 29. Daily 5/25 through Labor Day.
Just Outside Westchester County
Lake Welch (Westchester Mom recommended)
Inside the beautiful Harriman State Park, this wonderful Lake is a delight, which includes grills, picnic areas, fishing, hiking and a beach to swim. Lake Welch is a must see being a man-made lake with a half mile long sandy beach amongst the mountains. The calm water is great for young children.
Address: 800 Kanawaukee Road Stony Point, NY 10980
Fee: $10 per car
Inside the beautiful Harriman State Park, this wonderful Lake is a delight, which includes grills, picnic areas, fishing, hiking and a beach to swim. Lake Welch is a must see being a man-made lake with a half mile long sandy beach amongst the mountains. The calm water is great for young children.
Address: 800 Kanawaukee Road Stony Point, NY 10980
Fee: $10 per car
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Bear Mountain State Park (Westchester Mom recommended)
Bear Mountain State Park has amenities that can last for hours from swimming, nature walks, boating, museums, picnics, and playgrounds to so much more! The swimming pool is nestled in the trees next to the zoo that features animals to keep families busy. Don't miss the carousel. Be sure to check out Bear Mountain State Park at least once this summer!
Address: 3006 Seven Lakes Parkway Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Fee: $10 per car, Pool Admission $2 per person
Bear Mountain State Park has amenities that can last for hours from swimming, nature walks, boating, museums, picnics, and playgrounds to so much more! The swimming pool is nestled in the trees next to the zoo that features animals to keep families busy. Don't miss the carousel. Be sure to check out Bear Mountain State Park at least once this summer!
Address: 3006 Seven Lakes Parkway Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Fee: $10 per car, Pool Admission $2 per person
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Rockland Lake State Park
Rockland State Park is home to a more than 20,000 square foot swimming pool with diving boards and of course a kiddie pool. The park has picnic tables, grills, boat launch, hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley and a paved trail for those kids that need to do it all in one day!
Address: 299 Rockland Lake Rd. Valley Cottage, NY 10989
Fee: $8 per car, Pool Admission $3 per person.
Compo Beach
Compo Beach has a boardwalk, playground, bathroom facilities, lockers and a beautiful large beach. The beach is open year round however, a daily fee is charged to park from May 1 through Sept. 30. from 4am-10pm.
Address: 60 Compo Beach Road, Westport CT
Fee: Valid CT Parks and Recreation vehicle parking emblem or pay daily fee, $40 weekdays, and $65 on weekends and holidays. Only 100 passes are given per day.
Sherwood Island State Park
Connecticut's first state park is still one of its finest. Have a leisurely lunch in the shade of the picnic grove, swim in Long Island sound, or view marsh life from the observation platform at Sherwood Island. Beware this beach is really rocky so bring water shoes.
Address: Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880
Fee: Weekends/Holidays $22, Weekdays $15
Greenwich Point- Tod’s Point (Westchester Mom recommended)
Greenwich Point is a beach nearby in the beautiful Greenwich, Connecticut. Greenwich Point is open daily from 6:00 am until sunset. Activities include jogging, walking, cycling, nature study, boating, fishing, sailboarding, sun bathing, swimming, and picnicking. At various locations throughout the park one can find benches to just relax and hang out!
Address: 6 Tods Driftway Greenwich, CT 06870
Single Entry Pass: Single Entry Park (Beach) Passes are required for entry into Town of Greenwich parks and beaches from May 1 through October 31. Resident seasonal Park (Beach) Passes are required for entry into Town of Greenwich parks, beaches, and the pool at Byram Park. Single Entry Park (Beach) Passes can be obtained per the details below and are not available for purchase on weekends or holidays.
Rockland State Park is home to a more than 20,000 square foot swimming pool with diving boards and of course a kiddie pool. The park has picnic tables, grills, boat launch, hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley and a paved trail for those kids that need to do it all in one day!
Address: 299 Rockland Lake Rd. Valley Cottage, NY 10989
Fee: $8 per car, Pool Admission $3 per person.
Compo Beach
Compo Beach has a boardwalk, playground, bathroom facilities, lockers and a beautiful large beach. The beach is open year round however, a daily fee is charged to park from May 1 through Sept. 30. from 4am-10pm.
Address: 60 Compo Beach Road, Westport CT
Fee: Valid CT Parks and Recreation vehicle parking emblem or pay daily fee, $40 weekdays, and $65 on weekends and holidays. Only 100 passes are given per day.
Sherwood Island State Park
Connecticut's first state park is still one of its finest. Have a leisurely lunch in the shade of the picnic grove, swim in Long Island sound, or view marsh life from the observation platform at Sherwood Island. Beware this beach is really rocky so bring water shoes.
Address: Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT 06880
Fee: Weekends/Holidays $22, Weekdays $15
Greenwich Point- Tod’s Point (Westchester Mom recommended)
Greenwich Point is a beach nearby in the beautiful Greenwich, Connecticut. Greenwich Point is open daily from 6:00 am until sunset. Activities include jogging, walking, cycling, nature study, boating, fishing, sailboarding, sun bathing, swimming, and picnicking. At various locations throughout the park one can find benches to just relax and hang out!
Address: 6 Tods Driftway Greenwich, CT 06870
Single Entry Pass: Single Entry Park (Beach) Passes are required for entry into Town of Greenwich parks and beaches from May 1 through October 31. Resident seasonal Park (Beach) Passes are required for entry into Town of Greenwich parks, beaches, and the pool at Byram Park. Single Entry Park (Beach) Passes can be obtained per the details below and are not available for purchase on weekends or holidays.
- Online - for those who verified their Greenwich residency for the year
- In person – only at the locations and hours of operation listed below:
- Eastern Greenwich Civic Center- May 1 - October 31 Monday - Friday-9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center- May 1 - September 15 Monday - Friday-9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
- Eastern Greenwich Civic Center- May 1 - October 31 Monday - Friday-9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Written by Jenna Korn. Jenna holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education in Birth through 2nd Grade. She currently works as an Education Coordinator and Teacher in a private preschool in Bronxville. Jenna enjoys bringing local families together and loves exploring everything Westchester with her 2-year-old daughter. Jenna is so excited to write for Westchester NY Moms!
Photography by Dylan K.
Photography by Dylan K.
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