24 Things To Do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley Before School Starts

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley before summer ends? Read on for our top picks. 

The start of August sets me in a panic every year: Have I made summer fun enough? How will we squeeze in all the great outings I had hoped to take my kids on? If you're feeling down about the end of summer, we've rounded up our must-dos for the rest of the season. Make the most of summer's swan song with these two dozen options, from annual events to oft-overlooked favorite outings.

Find more great seasonal activities in our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide and check out our list of the best things to do this August with kids.

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1. Go for a Wild Ride

Check out the Dragon Coaster and all the fun rides at Rye Playland.

2. Go to a Baseball Game

Root, root, root for a local minor league baseball team—whether it's the Hudson Valley Renegades or the New York Boulders.

RELATED: Getaways and Day Trips from Westchester & Hudson Valley

Climb through the trees at Boundless Adventures. Photo courtesy of Boundless Adventures

3. Visit Boundless Adventure

Climb to new heights at the treetop adventure park in Purchase. 

4. Swim in a Lake—or Two

From Croton to Haines Falls, there are lots of great local spots to jump in a lake (or a river).

5. Visit a National Park 

Head to one of the local National Park Foundation sites, like the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, for FREE on Friday, August 4, 2024. 

6. Head to the Drive-In

Go retro and watch an outdoor movie old-school style at a classic drive-in theater.

7. Get on the Water

From kayaking to paddleboarding, you can easily find somewhere to float your boat (or tube).

8. Get a Little Dirty—for a Good Cause

Splash and stomp at the Muddy Puddles Mess Fest, on Saturday, August 3, 2024, in Carmel, in support of pediatric cancer research.

RELATED: Summer Fairs and Festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

9. See an Outdoor Concert

Bring a blanket and take in an outdoor summer concert.

10. Go Fro-Yo Tasting

Hop from one fro-yo spot to another and pile on the toppings.

RELATED: 50 Things We Can't Wait To Do This Summer With Westchester Kids

Enjoy the New York Renaissance Faire at Sterling Forest this month. Photo by Susan Miele

11. Visit the New York Renaissance Faire

Don your best Elizabethan garb and bring your sense of humor to the New York Renaissance Faire.

12. Ride in a Helicopter

Head to the Westchester County Airport for a 12-minute helicopter ride around the area. 

13. Go Peach Picking

Take advantage of summer's bounty and pluck peaches right off the tree at these pick-your-own orchards.

14. Visit the Palisades Center 

Spend an otherwise uneventful Tuesday at the Palisades Center for the free weekly activities (like cookie decorating) that are part of the Tykes Tuesday series. 

15. Tee it Up

Play a round of mini-golf at one of the many courses throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

16. Watch an Antique Air Show

You can be a spectator—or even fly in an antique plane yourself—at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

17. Eat Outdoors

Take advantage of the weather at one of these top outdoor dining destinations.

18. Hit the Beach

You won’t even have to travel outside the county to visit one of these great beaches.

19. Head to a Nearby Water Park

Raise the excitement level a notch at one of these cool-down, splash-around water parks.

20. Go to a Carnival

The Fireman’s Carnival, from Wednesday, August 7-Saturday, August 10, 2024, in South Salem is always a hit with kids.

21. Go Bike Riding

Take the family biking at one of these great spots throughout Westchester. 

22. Play at a Park

Hike, swim, splash, picnic, and more at one of these destination parks.

23. Check Out an Eclectic Show

Head over to the Hudson River Museum’s outdoor amphitheater and catch one of the many cool performances taking place in August.

24. Spend the Day at the Dutchess County Fair

Hit the rides, see the animals, and catch the live shows at New York’s second-largest county fair.

This post is updated annually.