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On the hunt for affordable fun in Westchester County? Head to these sizzling summer play spots for kids — and the kid in you!
Gedney Park
Chappaqua; mynewcastle.org
This serene, beautifully maintained park (a community treasure, according to residents) features play structures for children of varying ages, with super-fast twisty-tube slides, monkey bars, and swings, alongside walking paths that lead to a pond and hiking trails.
Harbor Island Park
Mamaroneck; village.mamaroneck.ny.us
Climb aboard not one but two pirate-ship-themed jungle gyms at this nautically inspired waterfront playground situated just steps from the beach. The park also has playing fields, picnic tables, and walking paths, plus a cute and cool splash pad.
Hyatt Park
Scarsdale; scarsdale.com
This large-scale playground — built in 1949 and updated in 2016 — is designed to maximize fun, with five climbing structures, spinners, super-cool accelerator swings, a seesaw, and the hottest ticket to ride: a zipline. Basketball courts, baseball diamonds, and exercise stations for the grown-ups make it fun for all.
Jack’s Friendship Garden
New Rochelle; newrochelleny.com
One of only a few playgrounds in Westchester accessible by people with disabilities, this pleasantly landscaped area was founded in the memory of Jack Robert Young, who passed away from meningitis as an infant. His parents wished for a playground that children of all ages and abilities could enjoy, and that has been the case for 16 years and counting.
Lt. Roy McLaughlin Park
Yonkers; yonkersny.gov
This well-kept treasure features vibrantly colored jungle gyms that include climbing walls, twisting slides, spinners, a weblike climbing net, and a seesaw. On particularly hot days, the covered picnic areas are perfect for a relaxed refueling before getting back to it.
Pierson Park
Tarrytown; tarrytownny.gov
This riverside spot is unique in that it has a classic jungle gym and a water-splash pad side by side, allowing kids to cool off as they play, while you drink in meditative liquid vistas. Covered picnic tables, grassy areas to throw a ball, and paths to ride bikes and scooters are bonuses.
Riverfront Green Park
Peekskill; cityofpeekskill.com
A grand jungle gym enjoys an elevated gazebo, tube slides, climbing walls, and so much more, all graced by Hudson River breezes and green space perfect to throw or kick a ball. Take in the sculptures that adorn the park, while the little ones marvel at the passing Metro-North trains.
Wheely Good Fun!
Bicycle Sundays
Bronx River Pkwy; thewpf.org
For nearly 50 years, the Bronx River Parkway closes to vehicular traffic on certain summer Sundays to make way for bicyclists, roller-skaters, and scooter enthusiasts of all ages. This year is no different, with Bicycle Sundays in full force in June (and September), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., between Yonkers and White Plains.
Related: Explore Westchester’s Outdoor Recreation Destinations by Town
