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Must-Do Baby Experiences

1. Cloudbound – New Rochelle

Cloudbound is a new play space specifically designed for ages 0-6. Officially opening in January 2006, Cloudbound features a colorful play area that includes giant spiral and airplane slides, rainbow bridges, and castle-inspired climbing structures paired with musical walls, light panels, building-block zones, tummy-time mats, and cloud-soft areas. Amenities for parents include comfortable seating, quiet rooms, lactation spaces, an espresso bar in the full-service café, stroller parking, and storage cubbies to make visits enjoyable and stress-free.

2. Harbor Island Park – Mamaroneck

A great beach to take your baby for the first time is Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck. The park has a splashpad right next to the beach and a great playground with baby swings. Find more great local splashpads and kid-friendly local beaches in our past coverage. The park is also home to the Marine Education Center, where kids can see a variety of fish in the touch tanks year-round.

3. Music Together – Multiple Locations

Music Together classes are held in multiple locations throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley. The program is for parents and kids to explore music with instruments, singing, movement, and more. All ages are in the classes together in this program, which I found to be a good thing because the babies love to observe and learn from the older kids. And, of course, babies love music! 

4. The Cove at Yonkers Public Library – Yonkers

The Cove is a recently redesigned play space for preschool children. Designed with input from Sarah Lawrence College's Child Development Institute, the space features a nursery gym, riding and rocking toys, blocks, and other sensory toys. The Cove is free to explore and open during library hours, except when classes are in session. Classes on offer include Sing, Sign, and Storytime and Cuentos in the Cove: Bilingual Storytime for babies. 

5. The Tiny Mess Club – Pleasantville

Bring your little ones in for sensory play and let them make a mess (in a space that isn't your house!). Classes for babies include the Ramblin Dan Music Class, for ages 0-3 years, and Teeny Tiny Sensory Play, where babies ages 6-12 months can explore sensory stations, musical instruments, and more. 

Easy and Fun Things To Do With Your Baby

6. Tig & Me – Rye and Pelham

Formerly Tig & Peach, Tig & Me offers open play in their play center all day, 7 days a week. Just drop in, no reservation required. Enrichment classes are also available for babies starting at birth that incorporate puppets, parachutes, bubbles, and musical instrument exploration to help babies learn and develop.

7. Westchester Children’s Museum – Rye

The Westchester Children’s Museum has a great area designed especially for babies and toddlers. There is also a special Baby and Me program held on Saturday mornings before the museum opens, featuring storytimes, sensory play, and musical instruments.

8. Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum – Poughkeepsie

This museum has a great toddler area that includes a play kitchen and toddler rock wall, as well as a soft play area for small babies. The museum also offers toddler & me yoga and dance classes on select days. 

9. Barton Orchards – Poughquag

A family favorite farm in the Hudson Valley, Barton Orchards is free to visit except on festival days and features a petting zoo and a great wooden playground in the shape of a train that is great for babies and toddlers. There are also tons of activities for the older kids, and a taproom for adults that has live music on certain evenings, so the whole family can make a day of it. 

10. Sleepy Hollow Bookshop – Sleepy Hollow

This cute bookshop in downtown Sleepy Hollow hosts free weekly storytimes and music classes for babies and toddlers, plus special events like Halloween costume storytime. The store also has a café and a large selection of children's books. 

Cool down on hot summer days at a splash pad. 

Sanity-Saving Activities for Parents

11. Nest & Nook – Thornwood

Nest & Nook is a space for babies and new parents designed to foster a sense of community and comfort. The facility features a play area for children with soft toys and play equipment, and a cozy lounge for adults with Wi-Fi and snacks and drinks available for purchase.

12. ClubFit – Briarcliff & Jefferson Valley

ClubFit's daycare center was a lifesaver for me when my son was a baby, and I needed a break. Babies can play in their awesome (supervised) play space while you get in a workout, take a swim, or just relax in the café. The building is also stroller-friendly, so you can take the baby to the café as well. And even if you are not a member, you can sign up for parent/child swim classes starting at age 6 months.   

13. Barnes & Noble – Multiple locations

Barnes & Noble bookstores host free weekly storytimes for little ones at multiple locations in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. The children’s sections also usually have toys or a train table, which is great for babies and toddlers, as well as a variety of baby books. Plus, you can grab a treat or a Starbucks latte from the café. 

14. Prana Prenatal Yoga and Education – Port Chester

Mama and baby yoga is a great way to bond with your baby while getting some exercise and stretching in. Since Prana Prenatal Yoga is dedicated to expecting moms and new parents, you can expect a fully baby-friendly facility and also meet other local moms.

15. Fit4Mom – Multiple locations

Have a fun outing with your baby and get some exercise yourself with a class at Fit4Mom, which offers indoor and outdoor classes in multiple locations throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley, as well as virtually. Classes include Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre, Mom Walk Club, and much more. 

Indoor Activities for Babies

16. The Bunny Hive – Scarsdale

This cozy spot in Scarsdale offers tons of developmental classes for babies and toddlers, including art, culinary exploration, and baby massage. The space also hosts social events, play groups, and birthday parties. Try out your first class for free.  

17. Bronxville Playroom – Bronxville

The Bronxville Playroom is a great indoor space for toddlers 9 months and older to play, explore, and get their energy out. Sign up for an Open Play session online or register for classes, which include bubbles, parachutes, and crafts. 

18. PLAY at the Westchester – White Plains

This free play area in The Westchester Mall in White Plains features a great soft play area for babies and toddlers as well as lots of sensory activities, including a light-up Magnatiles table.

19. Legoland Discovery Center – Yonkers

The Legoland Discovery Center in Yonkers’ Ridge Hill Mall has a big Duplo (the big Legos) area for babies and toddlers. This is great, especially if you have older kids to entertain as well.

20. Billy Beez – West Nyack, Middletown

Billy Beez was one of my go-to places when my son was a baby. This giant indoor play space has multiple areas for different age groups, featuring slides, tunnels, and (my son's favorite!) a soft ball pit area.

21. Gymboree Play & Music – Nanuet

Gymboree Play & Music offers parent-child classes for babies starting from birth. The baby classes incorporate music, sensory toys, mirrors, and, of course, lots of bubbles! There's also a large play gym that is great for building kids' coordination and athletic ability. I spent many hours in the open gym sessions in the play area when my son was a baby.

22. Jefferson Valley Mall – Yorktown

This low-key mall is a great indoor destination for parents with babies, especially on cold and rainy days. It is stroller-friendly and home to several toy stores, as well as Pit Stop and Play Connection. Play Connection is great for letting toddlers get their energy out in the bounce houses or softplay space. The mall also has changing tables in its restrooms, as well as a breastfeeding area.

Outdoor Activities for Babies

23. Playland Beach – Rye

The soft white sand at Playland Beach and the calm waters of Long Island Sound provide a great space for babies to play and explore the ocean for the first time. The beach is also right next to the Westchester Children’s Museum in case you want to get out of the heat and let the baby explore the STEM exhibits.

24. Bike Trails – Multiple Locations

Westchester and the Hudson Valley’s bike trails are a great stroller-friendly option for getting out in the fresh air for some exercise. Since the trails connect with towns, you can usually take a break at a coffee shop or café near the trail, such as Trailside Café in Yorktown Heights. 

25. Teatown Lake Reservation – Ossining

While the trails at Teatown are mostly not stroller-friendly, they are great if you use a baby carrier. The Nature Center also has a variety of animals, as well as a bathroom with a changing table.

26. Outdoor Storytimes –  Multiple Locations

Many libraries offer outdoor storytimes in the warmer months in a nearby park or on the library lawn. The Pelham Public Library holds an Outside Storytime year-round, except in cases of extreme weather. 

Seasonal Fun for Babies

27. Spring – Mohonk Tulip Festival – New Paltz

Babies will love checking out the colorful flowering tulips at this annual spring festival that goes on for more than a month. Book a day pass or spring for a weekend at this super family-friendly resort. Read our full review and daytripper's guide. 

28. Spring  – Lasdon Public Gardens – Katonah

See the vibrant spring blossoms along the stroller-friendly trails of Lasdon Park and Arboretum. The park also features a dinosaur garden and a holiday train show at Christmastime.

29. Summer – Rockland Lake State Park – Valley Cottage

Cool off in the pool and splashpad at Rockefeller Lake State Park, which is open to all for $5 per person. This sprawling park also features a nature center, multiple playgrounds with baby swings and structures for different age groups, and stroller-friendly paths all around the scenic lake. The park is free most of the year, but charges a parking fee of $10 on summer weekends.

30. Summer – Jitterbug Jams – Dobbs Ferry

Families can enjoy free outdoor jazz music every Wednesday in summer by the Hudson River in Dobbs Ferry. A special Jitterbug Jams children's music program comes before the main concert. The concerts are free for families with kids of all ages.

31. Summer – Hudson Valley Hot Air Balloon Festival – Rhinebeck

The whole family, babies included, will love seeing the sky filled with hot air balloons at this annual festival held over Labor Day weekend. Families can take a tethered or free-flying ride in a hot air balloon or stay on the ground and enjoy the festivities, including music, food trucks, inflatables, and more.

32. Summer – Tibbet's Brook Park –  Yonkers

Take baby for a dip in the pool, let them splash in the sprinkler park, or take them for a ride on the lazy river at this amazing aquatic complex. A Westchester County parking pass or ID with a Westchester address is required. 

33. Fall – Sleepy Hollow Music Festival – Sleepy Hollow

Held in the beautiful riverfront Kingsland Point Park in the fall, Sleepy Hollow Music Festival is the ultimate family-friendly music festival. Adults can enjoy music from internationally touring bands, while kids can enjoy tons of activities, including sensory and soft play, an instrument petting zoo, and inflatables from FunTime Amusements. Kids 12 and under are free, and readmission is allowed to accommodate nap times and handoffs.

34. Fall – Outhouse Orchards – North Salem

This sprawling apple orchard in North Salem features family activities throughout the year, including Summer Nights, but it is especially vibrant in the fall when the leaves have changed, and the pumpkins need to be picked. The fall festival lasts several weekends and features apple picking, pumpkin picking, and lots of beautiful photo-ops. 

35. Winter – Holidays on the Hill Train Show at Lasdon Public Gardens – Katonah

Babies love watching the trains at this festively decorated holiday train show, plus they can pose for a picture with Santa afterward.

36. Winter – A Frosty Fest – Ulster Park

This annual Christmastime attraction in the Hudson Valley features a drive-through holiday light show, fun dancing characters, and a Frosty Train. Book timed tickets in advance on their website.

Baby Activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley FAQ

Q: What are the best things to do with a baby in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?
 A: Our top picks for things to do with babies include playing at the beach and splashpad at Harbor Island Park, the indoor baby gym at Cloudbound, and meeting the animals at Barton Orchards.

Q: Where can I find free baby-friendly activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?
A: The local libraries have great free activities for parents and babies, including storytimes and indoor play spaces. The libraries can also lend you free museum passes, or you can check out these local museums that have free days or always free admission. 

Q: What indoor activities are good for babies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?
A: There are lots of indoor play spaces that are great for babies to learn and explore. Indoor baby gyms like Cloudbound and The Bunny Hive are great for rainy or cold days. Baby yoga classes, sensory play programs like those offered at the Tiny Mess Club, and library storytimes are also great options.

Q: What outdoor activities are best for babies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley?
A: There are lots of parks and bike trails in Westchester and the Hudson Valley that are stroller-friendly and have grassy lawns for babies to play. Beaches and splashpads are also great during the warmer months. Many libraries also offer outdoor storytimes.

Q: How can I make baby outings easier for parents?
A: My main tips for simplifying baby outings are pack smart and don’t try to do too much. Plan around baby’s naptime and make sure to bring snacks and water, as well as diaper changing supplies. Invest in a jogger stroller if you want to do a lot of outdoor activities, preferably a stroller and car seat combo, so you can easily transition from car to stroller and vice versa. Check ahead to see if there are restrooms with changing tables available, but always pack a portable changing mat. For beach outings, check out our beach day checklist of essentials for a fun and enjoyable beach day.

Photos by the author