Hands-on historic explorations of Westchester, NY
โDid you know that a significant battle of the Revolutionary War took place in White Plains, NY? George Washington planned his next move from the still-standing, Jacob Purdy House, which you can still visit today
From grand mansions and Revolutionary War sites to enchanting tales of famous authors and colonial costume tours, this guide will take you through the coolest historic things to do in Westchester NY, for families.
Walk through a unique piece of American history, just a short drive from NYC
Revolutionary War History at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site
Step back into the patriotic days of theย American Revolutionย at St. Paul’s Church in Mount Vernon, NY, less than 10 miles fromย New York City!
Explore an 18th-century stone church that once served as a battlefield hospital during theย Revolutionary War.ย
After exploring the small museum, step outside onto the five-acre cemetery, which claims the title of the nation’s oldest continuously-run burial ground.
This piece of American History is part of our National Parks program and FREE to all!
Operating Hours and Days:
From early January to late June:
- Open Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
- Open the second Saturday of each month, noon to 4 PM.
From early July to late December:
- Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
For more information, visit the St. Paul’s Church National Site’s Website
For an added dash of fun for kids, you can Download a FREE Junior Rangers Guide (Or pick one up there) and have your young historian fill in the scavenger hunts and puzzles to earn a National Parks Junior Rangers Badge.
Exploring historic sites with kids in Westchester is just the beginning.
If you’re heading into the city, thereโs plenty more to discoverโwithout breaking the bank.
Check out our Free Things to Do in NYC for budget-friendly fun, or dive into more hands-on learning at these Cool Museums in Manhattan for unique and interactive family adventures.
Philipse Manor Hall is conveniently located near the waterfront area of Yonkers, NY
Discover Colonial History at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
The Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site is the second oldest surviving building in Westchester, with the first stage of construction dating back to the 1680s.
After being occupied by the same family for four generations, the Philipse family eventually fled back to England during the Revolutionary War, and the Manor underwent many years of historic preservation before becoming the National Historic Landmark it is today.
โYour family will enjoy strolling aroundย Philipse Manor Hallย Museum at your own pace or joining an informative guided tour to explore theย local historyย on display.
Philipse Manor Hall is Open Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Note:ย Children under 12 are FREE to enter
โVisit the Philipse Manor Hall Website for current hours and special events for families.
Check out one of Our Favorite Events at Philipse Manor HallโOld-Fashioned Games Day, held on two Saturdays each month. Families can learn and enjoy classic colonial games, all for free!
Planning your trip to the New York City area?
Discover the most Spacious Places to Stay in Manhattan for a comfortable and convenient NYC experience.
Photo Credit to Wikimedia Washington Irving's Sunnyside
Step into the Magical Gardens and Cottage atย Washington Irvingโs Sunnysideย
Enter through the wisteria-covered gables and step into the enchanting world of author Washington Irving.
Your family can stroll through the same cottage andย beautiful gardensย where the famed author of such famous stories as “The Legend ofย Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle” spent his final years.
Guided tours at the cottage are led by wonderfully informative guides dressed in period costumes, which enhance the storytelling experience for children. The cottage has been lovingly restored to its mid-1800s appearance, complete with many of Irving’sย original furnishingsย and accessories, offering a true glimpse into his life during that era on the banks of theย Henry Hudsonย River.
Theย historic homeย is open from May to December and hosts many excitingย special eventsย throughout the year.
For more information and details about upcoming special events, please visit Washington Irvingโs Sunnyside Website.
The Armour-Stiner Octagon House is one of the most unique historic homes in Westchester.
Visit the Unique and Beautiful Armour-Stiner Octagon House
The Armour-Stiner Octagon House in Westchester County is one of the most stunning and unique homes in the United States.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, this 1800s Octagon home has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur, complete with historic details, original furnishings, stained-glass windows, and beautiful gardens.
Your young historian will love learning about the fascinating history of the original owners and the passionate subsequent owners who saved this architectural gem from demolition.
Families enjoy finding all the octagonal details throughout the home and counting the eight colors on the outside.
For first-time visitors, we recommend the one-hour โClassic Tour.โ This guided tour takes you through the stunning property, across all three floors, and around the beautiful wrap around porch.
Please Note: It is recommended that children aged 7 and above visit The Armour-Stiner Octagon House. Those with mobility issues should be aware that there are three floors of stairs to climb.
Explore everything the Armour-Stiner Octagon House has to offer!
Lyndhurst Mansion is a gothic castle in the heart of New York
Explore a Fairy-Tale Castle in the Heart of New York at Lyndhurst Mansionย
Want to experience life in a castle? Kids can pretend to be royalty while exploring opulent rooms and secret passages at Lyndhurst Mansion, New York Castle.
Originally constructed in 1838, the castle underwent renovations and doubled in size by 1865, resulting in the property’s renaming to โLyndhurstโ in honor of its numerous Linden trees on the property.
Lyndhurst Mansion offers various guided tour options. For first-time visitors with kids, we recommend theย 1-Hour Classic Mansion Tour. This tour covers the first and second floors of theย Gothic revival mansionย and includes an interesting commentary and perspective.ย
Note: Due to the nature of Lyndhurst Mansion, large bags and strollers are not allowed on the tour.
For an extra unique tour, check out the Upstairs/Downstairs Tour. It takes you beyond the sitting rooms to explore the kitchen, laundry, observation tower and servantsโ quarters.
For families eager to stretch their legs and spend a day outdoors, consider purchasing a daily “Lyndhurst Mansion Grounds Pass” to explore the expansive 67-acre park overlooking the Henry Hudson River.
Picnicking is encouraged at Lyndhurst, and families are asked to adhere to a “pack in, pack out” policy. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings while helping to keep the picnic area clean and pristine for all visitors.
Explore the living museum at Philipsburg Manor
Philipsburg Manor: A Colonial Farm Built by Enslaved Families
Journey back to the 1700s atย Philipsburg Manorย inย Sleepy Hollow, NY. Explore this living museum, once owned by the nefarious slave ownerย Frederick Philipse.
Your family will follow a costumed guide through theย manor house, property and working grist mill, discovering the lives of the 23 enslaved individuals who maintained the farm and created a community amongst themselves.
Experience their stories firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of their enduring spirit and contributions, as well as how they came together as families to endure such horrible circumstances.
This historical experience is truly interactive and pays tribute to the people who worked and lived on the farm. The tour includes demonstrations of tasks such as grinding wheat and corn meal in the mill, gathering and preparing wool, and baking bread.
The indoor/outdoor tour usually lasts 1.5 – 2 hours, but the activities showcased may vary each week based on the chores that need to be done.
This family-friendly museum is a wonderfully preservedย National Historic Landmarkย that showcases the lives of enslaved families in theย historic Hudson Valley in a way that is accessible to children.
Learn more about visiting Philipsburg Manor and nearby historic attractions.
Kykuit, Rockefeller Estate Gardens
Kykuit The Rockefeller Estate is an Adventure in Art and History
Kykuit, the historic Rockefeller Estate, also known as the John D. Rockefeller Estate, is in Sleepy Hollow, NY, and offers a spectacular adventure for families with budding historians and art lovers.
Open May through Early November, this six-level historic home and its sprawling gardens serve as a living art museum, filled with world-class art and captivating local history . It’s an educational experience that engages and enlightens visitors of all ages.
Your young historian will marvel at the vast collections inside the mansion, where artworks by Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, andย Henry Mooreย and a unique collection of Picasso tapestries line the walls.ย
Note: When planning your visit to theย Rockefeller Estate, start at theย Philipsburg Manorย Visitor Center. To ensure you arrive at the correct destination, avoid typing “Kykuit” into your GPS.ย
Once parked take a short shuttle ride from theย visitor centerย directly to the estate.
Pro Tip: Westchester County residents who purchase a Selected Highlights Ticket Onlineย can receive the Resident price by presenting proof of residency at theย Visitor Centerย upon arrival.
Rockefeller Estateย Tour Options:
Selected Highlights Tourย (1.5 hours): Focus on the main floor of the house, the Inner Garden, and the West Terrace, ideal for those with limited time.
Classic Tour (2 hours): Explore the main floor of the house, art galleries, Inner Garden, and West Terrace.
Grand Tourย (3 hours): This comprehensive tour gives you access to the mansion’sย second floor, additional time in the art galleries, and an extended exploration of the gardens.
Note:ย All tour lengths include the shuttle bus ride.
Kykuit tours are suitable for children aged 10 and older, making them a perfect educational outing for families with older historians who want to delve deeper into the Rockefeller legacy.
Explore which Kykuit, Rockefeller Estate Tour is right for your family
Enjoy the view on your way to the top of Kensico Dam in Valhalla, NY
View History from New Heights at Kensico Dam
Climb the approximately 200 stairs to reach the top of Kensico Dam in Valhalla, NY, and enjoy the views of Westchester County and a water source that was created over 100 years ago to supply the growing nearbyย New York City.
History-minded kids will be fascinated to learn that the original Kensico Dam was constructed using dirt and stone in 1885, slightly preceding the completion of the current dam in 1917.
Kensico Dam Plaza isย open year-roundย and is aย great placeย for families looking for things to do in Westchester any time of year.
In addition to the excitement of seeing a 307-foot-tall dam up close, there areย hiking trailsย to explore, a large playground, fitness courses, and plenty of space for biking and rollerblading.
One of the favorite annual holiday events in Westchester County is the Annual Westchester Winter Wonderland Drive-thru Holiday Light Extravaganza. Every year, Kensico Dam Plaza is magically transformed into a drive-thru winter wonderland with a synchronized holiday radio station to guide you along the brightly lit route.
Playland Amusement park should be on everyone's summer list
Playland Amusement Park: Enjoying a Century of Amusement
Since its opening in 1928, Playland, also known as Rye Playland or Playland Amusement Park, has been captivating generations with its classic rides, stunning views of Long Island Sound, and timeless charm, earning its status as a National Historic Landmark.
As you walk through the gates, you’re transported to a bygone era of simple seaside amusements and thrilling rides. The park’s art deco style provides a nostalgic backdrop to an array of attractions suitable for all ages.
The famous wooden Dragon Coaster, which has been thrilling visitors since the park’s early days, is a must-ride for anyone over 48 inches tall.
Children under the age of 7 will love the Kiddyland area, with classic rides sized just right for younger guests.
In addition to the excitement of the rides, Playland offers a variety of boardwalk games, tempting food stalls, and spectacular views of Long Island Sound.
Visiting Playland Amusement Park is more than just a day of funโit’s a chance to relive the joy and excitement of a century of history.
Whether you’re enjoying a ride on the historic carousel or watching fireworks light up the night sky, a day at Playland is a cherished link to the past and a delightful adventure for the whole family.
Things to Note When Visiting Rye Playland:ย
- The purchase of a ticket to Playland includes a wristband for unlimited rides. Spectators can purchase entrance tickets separately.
- Are you worried your fun will be cut short if the park is shut down due to bad weather? Playland offers a โRain Refundโ and will give you free tickets to come back on another day of your choosing.ย
- Westchester residents showing a local ID receive discounted tickets when purchasing at the door.
Explore everything Playland Amusement Park has to offer this season.
Which Historic Things to Do in Westchester NY, Interested You?
As we wrap up our exploration of Westchester’s historic gems, it’s clear that this region just outside New York City offers a treasure trove of family adventures.
From the spellbinding tales at Washington Irvingโs Sunnyside to the hands-on activities at Philipsburg Manor, these sites blend education with excitement, bringing history to life for young minds.
Whether riding a 100-year-old rollercoaster or marveling at the grandeur of Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate, each destination provides a lesson in history and a chance to create lasting family memories.
With ghostly legends, Gilded Age splendor, and glimpses into colonial life, Westchester ensures every family visit is as enriching as it is entertaining.
Westchester, New York, is a playground of historical intrigue, where each visit sparks a child’s curiosity about the past. Gather the kids and embark on a journey through time in Westchester. Here, history isn’t just learned; it’s experiencedโa perfect blend of education, fun, and family bonding.
