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Indoor Activities for Kids: 30Things To Do on a Rainy Day in Westchester
Whether it’s raining, snowing, hot, or cold, families often need ideas for indoor activities in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Fortunately, we’ve got loads of options to keep kids active and entertained while getting out of the house.
Though our roundup lists 30 top destinations, several lead to yet more lists, including indoor play spaces, museums, and art studios. With so much to choose from, be sure to bookmark this resource for easy access at the drop of a … snowflake or raindrop.
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Be sure to also consult our Indoor Play Guide to round out your options with at-home activities as well. Stay on top of our new finds by signing up for our newsletters.
1. Mark Your Calendar
First things first: Consult the Mommy Poppins Activities Calendar for our favorite activities for every day of the year. This is continually updated with fresh finds.
Cultivate an appreciation for modern art at Dia: Beacon. Photo by Diana Kim
2. Visit a Gallery
Foster appreciation of contemporary art at Dia:Beacon.
3. Go Bowling
Score a strike with a family outing at a nearby bowling alley.
4. Shop for Children’s Clothes and Gear
Go bargain-hunting (just bring an umbrella) at the Woodbury Common outlet.
5. Gawk at a Mansion
Tour one of the many historic mansions that dot the Hudson River, such as Frederic Church’s Olana.
RELATED: 100 Things to Do with Westchester Kids Before They Grow Up
Shake off boredom at Rockin' Jump. Photo courtesy of the center
6. Burn Off Some Energy
Get your kicks at one of these top indoor action centers.
7. Get Your STEM Fix
Summon your child's inner engineer, artist, or scientist at the Westchester Children's Museum. Be on the lookout for various events that are included in museum admission.
8. Support Mom-and-Pop Shops
Shop for books and toys at Anderson’s Book Shop—or one of the other many book stores in the area.
9. Find Your Way
Test your wits at a local escape room.
10. Putt-Putt
Play a game of indoor mini-golf.
Explore local sea life at the Marine Education Center. Photo courtesy of the center
11. Get Hands-On
Explore the touch tank and other exhibits at the Marine Education Center, where admission is FREE.
12. Twirl Around the Ice
Take a spin around an ice skating rink—not just in winter!
13. Explore a Local Museum
Skip NYC in favor of a Westchester or Hudson Valley museum.
RELATED: Museums with Kids Programming in Westchester
Head to New Jersey and visit the American Dream Mall. Photo by Jody Mercier
14. Check Out the New Mega-Mall
Cross the river to check out the multidimensional American Dream mall, offering unusual indoor attractions.
15. Play Games
Head to Grand Prix for go-karts, arcade games, pool, and more.
16. Slip and Slide
Swap the rain for a splash in a Hudson Valley indoor water park.
17. Visit the Planetarium
Journey to the stars at the Hudson River Museum's planetarium, tour the historic Glenview mansion, and don’t miss the Red Grooms “bookstore.” Numerous exhibits of interest and family activities are offered year-round.
18. See the Work of Famous Artists
View the stained-glass windows created by Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall at Union Church of Pocantico Hills.
RELATED: Sports Centers and Fun Zones for Westchester Kids
Get airborne at iFly. Photo courtesy of iFLy
19. Soar!
“Drop” in for indoor skydiving at iFly.
20. Focus on Firefighters
Explore the vast collection of cool artifacts and interactive exhibits at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting.
21. Find Your Inner Picasso
Drop in to any of these art centers to create a new masterpiece.
22. Make Your Own Frozen Treat
Go for fro-yo and choose your own toppings.
23. Create Slime—Out of the House
Keep the slime-making to a professional space at D.I.Y. Slime in Larchmont, which has drop-in hours and tons of fun add-ins to the sticky stuff.
24. Scale the Walls
Climb somebody else’s walls at these indoor rock-climbing spots.
25. Discover Your Local Library
Get to know your library branch’s special offerings. Some loan “discovery backpacks,” scrapbooking kits, baking pans, and musical instruments. Borrow a museum pass for FREE or discounted admission. Or visit any branch and explore its children’s and teen rooms.
26. Swim Indoors
Snag a day pass to access an indoor swimming pool.
27. Find Your Balance
Navigate an indoor ropes course—including the newest addition to the area, at Ridge Hill in Yonkers.
28. Turn Commuting Into Play
Hop on MetroNorth and make Grand Central Terminal your destination.
29. Get Pizza and Ice Cream
For a classic, old-school combo, grab a slice of pizza and a cone.
30. Be Resourceful at Home
Can’t get out? We’ve got ideas for stay-at-home rainy days, too!
This post has been updated for 2022.
