Winter break is the perfect time to relax, reconnect, and explore all Westchester County has to offer—without the hassle of travel! Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cozy indoor activities, or fun-filled day trips, here are some fantastic winter break staycation ideas for families right here in Westchester.
Outdoor Adventures
- Go Ice Skating: Lace up your skates and enjoy a family-friendly day on the ice! Several rinks in Westchester offer public skating sessions. Westchester Skating Academy in Elmsford has an indoor rink with skate rentals and lessons. Hommocks Park Ice Rink in Larchmont has a great spot for open skating, and Bear Mountain Ice Rink has an outdoor rink with scenic mountain views.
- Hit the Slopes for Sledding and Skiing: Saxon Woods Park in White Plains is a favorite local sledding hill. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River has beautiful trails perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Thunder Ridge Ski Area in Patterson, just outside Westchester, is a small ski resort great for beginners.
- Explore Nature at Local Parks: Bundle up and take a winter hike! Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining has stunning trails and a great nature center. You can enjoy views of the impressive dam and waterfall at Croton Gorge Park in Croton-on-Hudson. Muscoot Farm in Katonah offers walking trails, and you can visit the farm animals.
Indoor Fun for Cold Days
- Visit a Museum or Historic Site: The Hudson River Museum in Yonkers offers engaging exhibits, a planetarium, and interactive kids’ activities. For art lovers, the Katonah Museum of Art is a small but vibrant museum with hands-on art workshops. Or tour Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown to admire the beautiful historic estate.
- Catch a Show or Movie: The Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville offers family-friendly indie films and special screenings. For kid-friendly performances, The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester is the place to go. In addition to a great show, the LOOK Dine-in Cinema in Dobbs Ferry is the perfect place for dinner.
- Warm Up at an Indoor Play Space: LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Yonkers is the perfect spot for LEGO lovers with interactive exhibits and rides. The kids can get out all their energy at one of Sky Zone’s trampoline parks in New Rochelle, Yonkers, or Mount Kisco. Or go for indoor ice skating at Playland’s Indoor Ice Casino in Rye.
- Visit an Aquarium: See sharks, sea turtles, and interactive exhibits at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, only a short drive from Westchester.
Creative & Cozy At-Home Activities
- Plan a Family Game or Movie Night: Turn your home into the ultimate fun zone with board games and card games, or a themed movie marathon with popcorn and cozy blankets.
- Bake Together: Make winter-themed treats like sugar cookies, hot cocoa bombs, or homemade soft pretzels.
- DIY Craft Day: Make winter-themed crafts, such as snowflake decorations, DIY candle-making, or a scrapbook of family memories.
- Have a Home Spa Day: Treat the family to an at-home spa experience with DIY face masks, warm baths, and relaxing music.
