Photo by Kelly Postiglione
One of the best things about living in the Sound Shore area of Westchester is how easy it is to get outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We’ve rounded up the best playgrounds, parks, and trails around our area. Whether you want a place for the kids to burn off some energy or a nice trail for a family stroll, these local favorites have you covered for fun and fresh air all year long.
Playgrounds
Crawford Park
Location: 122 North Ridge Street, Rye Brook, NY
A 35-acre park featuring expansive lawns, wooded trails, and a playground. The park also includes a historic mansion, picnic pavilion, and gardens, making it a versatile space for both recreation and events.
Website: https://crawfordparkny.com/
Five Islands Park
Location: 99 Le Fevres Lane, New Rochelle, NY
A 15-acre waterfront park made up of five small islands linked by footbridges. It offers scenic views, a children’s playground, picnic areas, grills, a pavilion, an amphitheater, fishing dock, and nature walks.
Website: https://www.newrochelleny.gov/facilities/facility/details/Five-Islands-Park-10
Flint Park
Location: Locust Avenue, Larchmont, NY
Flint Park provides athletic fields, tennis courts, and hosts community events, serving as a central recreational hub in Larchmont.
Website: https://www.larchmontny.gov/departments/recreation/parks.php
Glen Island Park
Location: Glen Island, New Rochelle, NY
A 105-acre waterfront island park operated by Westchester County, featuring a beach, playground, picnic areas, walking paths, and boat launches. It’s a scenic and popular destination for family outings.
Website: https://parks.westchestergov.com/glen-island-park
Harbor Island Park
Location: Harbor Island, Mamaroneck, NY
A waterfront park featuring expansive playgrounds with climbing structures, swings, and slides. The park also offers a beach, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Long Island Sound, making it a popular destination for families.
Website: https://www.villageofmamaroneckny.gov/parks-recreation/beach-and-parking-info
Huguenot Park (Jack’s Friendship Garden)
Location: North Avenue & Eastchester Road, New Rochelle, NY
This 20-acre park is home to Jack’s Friendship Garden, a fully accessible playground designed for children of all abilities. The park also features two lakes with walking trails, fishing, and seasonal ice skating. It sits beside the Huguenot Children’s Library.
Website: https://www.newrochelleny.gov/688/Parks
Leewood Park
Location: 461 Leewood Drive, Eastchester, NY
A neighborhood park with a small but updated playground, basketball court, and plenty of shade. https://www.eastchester.gov/newsdetail_T2_R169.php
Website: https://www.eastchester.gov/newsdetail_T2_R169.php
Lyon Park
Location: 331 Putnam Avenue, Port Chester, NY
A 20.3-acre park that includes two Little League fields, a playground, and the historic Bush-Lyon Homestead. The park’s open spaces and facilities make it suitable for various recreational activities and community events.
Website: https://www.portchesterny.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lyon-Park-5
Ma Riis Park
Location: Corner of Harrison Avenue & Heineman Place, Harrison, NY
An enclosed playground outside of the Harrison Public Library. Great for toddlers!
Website: https://www.harrison-ny.gov/recreation/pages/parks-and-playgrounds
Pine Ridge Park
Location: 17 Mohegan Lane, Rye Brook, NY
This park features two Little League fields, four tennis courts, two and a half basketball courts, and a playground. It’s a well-equipped space catering to a variety of sports and recreational activities.
Website: https://ryebrookny.gov/parks/
Rye Recreation Park
Location: 281 Midland Avenue, Rye, NY
A comprehensive recreational facility offering tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball and softball fields, a skate park, bocce court, playground, and picnic shelters.
Website: https://www.ryeny.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/3
Saxon Woods Park
Location: 1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY
Saxon Woods offers a large, shaded playground, seasonal mini-golf, and one of the biggest public swimming pools in Westchester. The park also includes walking trails and picnic areas—great for a full day of family fun.
Website: https://parks.westchestergov.com/saxon-woods-park
Scout Field
Location: Midland Avenue & Gramatan Avenue, Bronxville/Eastchester border
This large park includes a playground, soccer fields, and plenty of space to run around. It’s a quieter option nestled in a residential area.
Website: https://parks.westchestergov.com/scout-field
Turnure Park
Location: 26 Lake Street, White Plains, NY
Turnure Park features a modern playground with shaded areas, a splash pad (in season), and lots of open space. It’s a great in-town option for families, located near the White Plains Library.
Website: https://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/facilities/facility/details/Turnure-Park-33
Turtle Park
Location: Baldwin Avenue, Larchmont, NY
A playground featuring modern play structures suitable for children of various ages.
Website: https://www.larchmontny.gov/departments/recreation/parks.php
Parks
Bronx River Parkway Reservation
Location: Runs from Bronxville to Valhalla, NY
The oldest park in Westchester County, featuring a paved biking and walking path that parallels the Bronx River. Great for jogging, biking, and stroller walks.
Cranberry Lake Preserve
Location: North White Plains / West Harrison, NY
A peaceful 190-acre preserve with forested trails, a lake, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. Perfect for hiking, nature walks, and quiet exploration.
Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Rye, NY
A 179-acre sanctuary along the Long Island Sound with forests, meadows, and salt marshes. A prime spot for birdwatching and nature lovers.
Five Islands Park
Location: New Rochelle, NY
A waterfront park made up of small islands linked by footbridges. Offers picnic areas, a playground, and great views.
Glen Island Park
Location: New Rochelle, NY
A 105-acre park on the Sound with a beach, picnic areas, and beautiful coastal views. Connected to the mainland by a drawbridge.
Harbor Island Park
Location: Mamaroneck, NY
A large waterfront park with playgrounds, a beach, picnic spots, and a marina. Great for family outings and community events.
Kensico Dam Plaza
Location: Valhalla, NY
A popular open plaza at the base of the Kensico Dam with walking paths, lawns, a playground, and community events throughout the year.
Manor Park
Location: Larchmont, NY
A peaceful waterfront park with stone paths, gazebos, and rocky shoreline views. A serene place for a walk by the Sound.
Marshlands Conservancy
Location: Rye, NY
A 147-acre wildlife sanctuary with trails through meadows, woods, and salt marshes. Excellent for birdwatching and peaceful hikes.
Rye Nature Center
Location: Rye, NY
A 47-acre preserve with forest trails, a pond, educational programs, and seasonal events. Great for kids and families.
Rye Town Park
Location: Rye, NY
A historic 62-acre park next to Rye Beach. It features walking paths, picnic areas, and seasonal concerts near the Sound.
Saxon Woods Park
Location: White Plains / Scarsdale, NY
A large park with hiking trails, a pool, picnic areas, and an 18-hole golf course. Also includes wooded trails that are part of a larger greenway.
Sheldrake Environmental Center
Location: Larchmont, NY
A 60-acre nature preserve with wooded trails, wetlands, and educational programming. A quiet spot for nature walks and learning.
Tibbetts Brook Park
Location: Yonkers, NY
A large park with a lazy river, waterslides, lap pool, sports fields, picnic areas, and access to the South County Trailway.
Ward Acres Park
Location: New Rochelle, NY
62 wooded acres with hiking trails, a community garden, and a large dog park. Quiet and great for exploring or relaxing.
Willson’s Woods Park
Location: Mount Vernon, NY
Home to “Willson’s Waves,” a mini waterpark with a wave pool and splash playground. Also includes picnic areas and fishing.
Kid-Friendly Walks and Nature Trails
Teatown Lake Reservation
Location: Ossining, NY
Description: A 1,000-acre nature preserve with multiple trails, including a 1-mile lake loop, ideal for families with young children.
More Info
Rye Nature Center
Location: Rye, NY
Description: 47-acre preserve with gentle trails, ponds, and family-friendly educational programs. Perfect for young kids.
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Sheldrake Environmental Center
Location: Larchmont, NY
Description: A 60-acre nature preserve with scenic trails and educational programs, perfect for young families to explore nature.
More Info
Kitchawan Preserve
Location: Yorktown, NY
Description: Scenic, easy trails with views of the Croton Reservoir. Great for children and families.
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Tarrytown Lakes Park
Location: Tarrytown, NY
Description: A 4-mile trail around Tarrytown’s lakes, dog-friendly and family-friendly, with fishing and canoeing.
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Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Location: Pound Ridge, NY
Description: 35 miles of trails, including easy sections and the family-favorite Leatherman’s Loop, with open fields and streams.
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Playland Lake Loop
Location: Rye, NY
Description: 1.2-mile easy loop around Playland Lake, ideal for strollers, young children, and wildlife spotting.
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Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Rye, NY
Description: 179-acre sanctuary with trails through salt marshes and forests along Long Island Sound. Perfect for bird-watching and family walks.
More Info
Marshlands Conservancy
Location: Rye, NY
Description: 147-acre sanctuary with 3 miles of trails through forest, salt marsh, and shoreline. A family-friendly wildlife area.
More Info
Five Islands Park
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Description: Waterfront park with easy trails, picnic spots, and scenic views across five islands, great for family outings.
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Walkway Over The Hudson
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
Description: This 1.28-mile converted railway bridge spans the Hudson River, offering scenic views, stroller accessibility, and family-friendly amenities.
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Bear Mountain Loop
Location: Bear Mountain State Park, NY
Description: A 4-mile loop trail with moderate difficulty, stunning Hudson River views, and family-friendly paths at the base.
More Info
Looking for even more ways to explore? If you’re in the mood for adventures, be sure to check out our Hiking Trails Guide for some of our favorite local spots to hit the trails!
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in the Sound Shore area? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!