Every June, thousands of teenagers across the U.S. find themselves facing excruciating boredom. Freed from schoolwork and with nothing else to do, the days just slog endlessly on. Luckily, Westchester County offers a multitude of fun and inexpensive ways to kill some time during the summer’s longest days.
To kick off the list, we have outdoor movie nights at Ridge Hill. Every second and fourth Thursday of the month through September, movies will be shown on a jumbo screen at Ridge Hill in Yonkers at 7 p.m. Guests will be able to browse restaurants and pop-ups before the event. And best of all — it’s completely free.
On the hotter days, check out Tibbetts Brook Park, which features open recreation areas, a pool and its signature lazy river. One of the county’s oldest parks, it was first created to stop children from swimming in the polluted river by providing a safer alternative. Now, it draws people looking to escape from oppressive summer heat.
In case of bad weather, the Hudson River Museum offers an indoor refuge. This museum focuses on art, science and heritage while engaging its visitors with eye-catching exhibits and its well-known planetarium. Stop by on Friday evenings for free admission.
For the athletically inclined or those looking to experience nature, take a hike in Cranberry Lake Preserve, which features beautiful trails, waterfalls and—unsurprisingly—the stunning Cranberry Lake. Also in the park is a quarry, which provided the stone to build Kensico Dam, completed in 1917. Left over now is a beautiful view, which can be reached by a short hike up the side of the stone walls. If you have a keen eye, look out for old cars that were driven off the side of the quarry and left to rust years ago.
Right here in White Plains, we have the White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival, which will take place on June 1. From art displays to food vendors to a free children’s art workshop, everybody will find something eye-catching. Held in Tibbits Park on North Broadway, this festival draws crowds every year. Keep your eye out for art from scholarship winners—one of the recipients of the White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival Scholarship is WPHS alum Elise Sadler. Congratulations, Elise!
As a tribute to the diversity of Westchester, Kensico Dam will be hosting a different cultural festival every Sunday through the end of August. Attendees should bring picnic blankets and chairs to gear up for an afternoon of culturally focused fun. Check out the Westchester County Parks website for more information about each festival.
Last but certainly not least, the Bronx River Parkway continues its tradition of closing a 6.5-mile stretch of road to motor traffic on select Sundays throughout the summer. Designed as a way to promote safe exercise, the Bicycle Sunday program provides an opportunity for everybody—from toddlers with training wheels to serious cyclists—to get in some activity.
Take the time to get out of the house this summer and explore all there is to do right outside your doorstep — without hurting your wallet. Summer boredom no more!
