10 Best Things To Do Near Yonkers, New York (Westchester County)

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10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Yonkers, New York (Westchester County)

If you’re looking for a quick getaway just north of New York City, Yonkers, New York is a great place to start. It’s right on the Hudson River, easy to reach by car or train, and packed with history, parks, food, and family-friendly spots. Whether you live nearby or you’re planning a day trip from NYC, here are 10 fun things to do in and near Yonkers that show off the best of Westchester County.

1. Stroll the Historic Yonkers Waterfront & Downtown

Yonkers’ waterfront has gone through a big glow-up over the last few years. If you haven’t been here lately, you might be surprised. Walk along the Yonkers Pier, watch the boats on the Hudson River, and look across to the Palisades cliffs in New Jersey. On a clear day, sunset over the river is a show all by itself. In the downtown area near the Yonkers train station, you’ll find:
  • Restaurants with outdoor seating
  • Cafes and bars popular with locals
  • Public art and murals
  • Easy access to the riverfront walking paths
If you’re coming from Manhattan, it’s an easy ride on the Metro-North Hudson Line. Step off the train, and you’re basically right at the water.

2. Explore Untermyer Gardens Conservancy

If you only do one thing in Yonkers, make it Untermyer Gardens. This historic garden looks like something pulled from a storybook. There are dramatic stone structures, quiet paths, and sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. It’s a favorite spot for:
  • Relaxing walks
  • Photography
  • Picnics on the lawn
  • Romantic dates
The main garden is designed around a walled Persian-style garden with fountains and canals. When you step through the gates, it almost feels like you’ve left New York State behind. Tip: On nice weekends, it can get busy, so try going early in the morning or on a weekday if you can.

3. Visit the Hudson River Museum & Planetarium

Looking for a mix of art, history, and science? The Hudson River Museum in Yonkers has all three under one roof. Inside, you’ll find:
  • Art exhibits, often featuring the Hudson River and local artists
  • History displays about Yonkers and the river
  • A small historic home you can tour
  • A planetarium with shows about space and the night sky
If you’re visiting with kids, the planetarium is usually a hit. Even as an adult, sitting back and looking up at the stars in a dark, quiet room can be surprisingly relaxing. The museum sits on a hill overlooking the river, and the view from outside is worth a few minutes on its own.

4. Spend the Day at Tibbetts Brook Park

On a hot summer day, Tibbetts Brook Park is where a lot of locals go to cool off. This Westchester County park in Yonkers has:
  • A large pool complex with slides and water features
  • Walking and biking paths
  • Picnic areas and playgrounds
  • Sports fields and open green space
If you grew up in the area, there’s a good chance you have at least one childhood memory tied to Tibbetts. Maybe it was your first time going down a water slide or an all-day family cookout. If you’re visiting from out of town, it’s a fun, budget-friendly way to spend time outdoors without leaving the city.

5. Walk (or Jog) Along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail

The Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park runs right through Yonkers and continues north through other towns in Westchester. This trail follows the path of a 19th-century aqueduct that once brought fresh water to New York City. Today, it’s a long, mostly flat trail that’s great for:
  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Biking
  • Dog walks
You’ll pass through residential neighborhoods, wooded sections, and spots with nice views. It’s an easy way to feel like you’re out in nature without driving far. If you enjoy history, it’s also fun to imagine the engineering that went into moving water over so many miles in the 1800s.

6. Discover Ridge Hill: Shopping, Dining & Entertainment

If you’re in the mood for some modern fun, head to Ridge Hill, an open-air shopping and entertainment center in Yonkers. Here you can:
  • Shop national brands
  • Grab a burger, sushi, tacos, or a sit-down meal
  • Catch a movie
  • Let kids burn off energy at family-friendly spots
On weekends, Ridge Hill often has events, music, or seasonal activities. It’s one of those places where you can park once and spend several hours without getting bored. If you’re traveling with a group that likes different things, this is an easy compromise: some people shop, some people eat, some catch a movie.

7. Experience the Yonkers Raceway & Empire City Casino

For a different kind of night out, check out Yonkers Raceway & Empire City Casino. Here you’ll find:
  • Horse racing on a half-mile harness track
  • Casino gaming (slots and electronic games)
  • Bars and dining options
  • Occasional live entertainment
Even if you’re not a big gambler, watching the horses under the lights can be exciting. You can place a small bet just for fun, grab a drink, and enjoy the atmosphere. As with any casino, it’s smart to set a budget and treat it like paying for entertainment, the same way you would for a show or game.

8. Enjoy Nature at Lenoir Preserve & Other Green Spaces

Yonkers has more green space than many people realize. One standout is Lenoir Preserve, a peaceful nature area near the Hudson. At Lenoir, you’ll find:
  • Wooded trails
  • Open fields
  • Bird-watching opportunities
  • Views toward the river and Palisades
This is the kind of place where you can take a slow walk, listen to the birds, and forget you’re so close to New York City. Other Yonkers parks worth a visit include:
  • Van der Donck Park in downtown, with the restored Saw Mill River
  • Sprain Ridge Park, popular with hikers and mountain bikers
If you love the outdoors but don’t have time to drive upstate, these spots in and near Yonkers are a great alternative.

9. Taste Your Way Through Yonkers’ Diverse Food Scene

One of the joys of visiting Yonkers is the food. The city is diverse, and that shows up on the plate. As you explore different neighborhoods, you’ll find:
  • Italian bakeries and pizzerias
  • Latin American restaurants (including great Dominican and Mexican spots)
  • Caribbean flavors
  • Classic diners and burger joints
  • Trendy cafes near the waterfront
You can build a whole day around eating your way through Yonkers: brunch by the river, coffee in a local café, and dinner at a cozy neighborhood restaurant. If you’re not sure where to start, ask a local. People in Yonkers are usually happy to point you toward their favorite slice, sandwich, or sweet treat.

10. Use Yonkers as a Launch Pad to Explore Westchester County

One of the best things about staying in Yonkers is how easy it is to explore the rest of Westchester County. Within a 20–30 minute drive (traffic depending), you can reach:
  • Bronxville – a charming village with boutiques, coffee shops, and a small-town feel
  • Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow – riverfront views, historic sites, and famous Halloween-season events
  • Wave Hill in nearby Riverdale (Bronx) – beautiful gardens and Hudson River views
  • Hastings-on-Hudson – another laid-back river town with cafes and walking paths
Think of Yonkers as your home base: you get the convenience of a small city plus fast access to charming river towns and more nature.

Planning Your Yonkers Visit: Quick Tips

  • Getting there: Yonkers is about 15–25 miles north of midtown Manhattan, depending on where you start. You can drive or take the Metro-North Hudson Line.
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall are especially nice, with comfortable temperatures for walking the waterfront and gardens.
  • Weekend idea: Pair Untermyer Gardens in the morning, lunch on the Yonkers waterfront, and a museum or park in the afternoon.
If you’re from the NYC area and think you’ve “seen it all,” Yonkers is an easy way to break your routine without going far.

Final Thoughts: Why Yonkers Belongs on Your NY Travel List

Yonkers, New York might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of travel destinations, but that’s exactly what makes it fun. It feels real, local, and lived-in—yet it also has:
  • Beautiful Hudson River views
  • Unique gardens and parks
  • Cultural spots like the Hudson River Museum
  • A lively food and waterfront scene
It’s a great choice for a low-stress day trip, a family outing, or a quick weekend escape from the city.

Share Your Yonkers Experience

Have you spent time in Yonkers, Westchester County?
  • What was your favorite thing to do?
  • Did you discover a great restaurant or hidden park?
  • Which of these 10 ideas would you try first?
Drop your thoughts and tips in the comments so other travelers can benefit from your experience. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are looking for fun things to do near New York City. You might just inspire their next Hudson River adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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