Where nature meets nurture, Westchester delivers.
For many NYC families, the suburbs aren’t just about square footage or school districts—they’re about something much bigger. Space to breathe. Places to roam. And for the littlest urbanites, opportunities to unplug, lace up their sneakers, and actually get their hands dirty.
That’s what makes Westchester so special. From sweeping preserves to hands-on conservation classes and nature centers with real staying power, these towns double as the ultimate outdoor classroom. Here, kids can truly grow up green, and summer is the perfect time to start exploring. These Westchester suburbs have the best nature and outdoor programs for kids, and a lifestyle to match.
Scarsdale
Scarsdale may be known for its A+ schools, but for parents in the know, the Greenburgh Nature Center is the town’s true hidden gem. Spanning over 30 acres of forest and trails, this nonprofit nature preserve runs year-round programming for kids as young as two, with classes in everything from animal care to sustainable gardening.
Weekends at the nature center are all about toddler walks, maple sugaring demos, and scavenger hunts, while older kids can dive into immersive after-school nature clubs. Birthday parties with animal encounters? Check. Family composting classes? Absolutely. The Center even offers a “drop-off” Nature’s Discovery Preschool for little ones who thrive outdoors. And best of all, it’s located minutes from downtown Scarsdale.
Chappaqua
In Chappaqua, outdoor time is baked into daily life. Families flock to Gedney Park, 126 acres packed with hiking trails, fishing ponds, and a massive wooden playground. But for a more structured nature experience, the Town of New Castle’s Rec Department shines, offering seasonal programming like “Little Explorers” nature hikes, family foraging events, and hands-on garden education.
Pleasantville
Pleasantville has become a magnet for creative, community-minded families—and it’s no surprise that the town’s natural resources reflect that ethos. The nearby Rockefeller State Park Preserve is a big reason why: its 45 miles of crushed stone carriage trails (once used by the Rockefeller family) are a favorite among hikers, runners, and strollers.
But for kids, it’s more than just a scenic stroll. The Preserve hosts guided family hikes and seasonal nature events, including birdwatching tours, forest meditation for teens, and junior ranger programs. Back in town, the local rec department supports outdoor learning through its popular garden club, and Pleasantville Day always includes nature-themed kids’ activities.
Larchmont / Mamaroneck
These two coastal towns combine walkability and beach access with a surprising amount of green space. The standout for nature-minded families? Sheldrake Environmental Center, between Larchmont and New Rochelle.
Sheldrake offers drop-off nature classes for preschoolers, as well as elementary-age programs like Junior Naturalists and Forest Friends. School break camps, family hikes, and even adult yoga in the woods round out the calendar. There’s also Otter Creek Preserve, perfect for short family hikes and birdwatching.
Over in Mamaroneck, Harbor Island Park offers beachfront views, a kayak launch, and an active rec program that includes outdoor education days and fishing lessons. When summer hits, this is the place to be (and a perfect spot to experience summertime first-hand).
Rye
Rye may be known for its waterfront views and proximity to the city, but it’s also a top pick for nature-loving families thanks to the Rye Nature Center. This 47-acre woodland preserve in the heart of town hosts popular classes like “Tiny Trekkers” for toddlers and school-aged nature clubs focused on ecology, animal tracking, and environmental stewardship.
Their summer camps are always waitlisted, and for good reason: kids spend full days outdoors building shelters, studying habitats, and exploring the forest. In the off-season, families can drop in for weekend animal feedings and volunteer days. Nearby, the Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary on the Long Island Sound is another local favorite, with tidal wetlands, boardwalks, and over 180 species of birds to spot.
Katonah
Katonah offers more than just picturesque streets and great coffee. It’s also home to Muscoot Farm, a working farm with more than 50 animals, miles of trails, and interactive seasonal programs for kids. Think farm-themed scavenger hunts, sheep shearing demos, and hayrides in the fall.
Nearby is Westmoreland Sanctuary, a 640-acre preserve with a robust slate of programs for children. Their Nature Explorers Club offers weekly after-school hikes, pond studies, and seasonal adventures for elementary-aged kids, while summer camps dive deeper into environmental science and survival skills.
Parents love Katonah for its balance of quiet, community, and access to such enriching nature programs—the kind that can become part of your family routine.
Croton-on-Hudson
When it comes to immersive, nature-based education, Teatown Lake Reservation in Croton is in a league of its own. The largest nonprofit nature preserve in the county, Teatown encompasses 1,000 acres of rolling hills, streams, and meadows – and for active families in Croton and the surrounding areas, it’s more than just a place to hike, it’s a cornerstone of the community.
Teatown’s programs include baby-and-me forest walks, homeschool science labs, weekend family events, and field trips that feel more like mini-adventures. The staff is made up of passionate educators and naturalists who know your kids by name. Add in their nature-focused summer camps and maple sugaring weekends, and you’ve got a town where nature isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.
Armonk
Armonk is small, but mighty when it comes to outdoor access. Wampus Brook Park is a favorite town green, hosting outdoor concerts and kid-friendly programming year-round. But it’s the nearby North Castle Recreation programs and partnerships with the Westmoreland Sanctuary that offer deeper connections to nature.
The rec department runs environmental education programs, community garden events, and nature-based summer camps. It also organizes guided family hikes and wildlife workshops that bring local ecology to life. Parents love the mix of accessible programming and smaller class sizes, all set in a close-knit community where kids can roam (somewhat) free.
Nature as a Way of Life
For city families weighing the move to the suburbs, nature isn’t just a perk—it’s a deciding factor. And in Westchester, nature isn’t something you escape to. It’s woven into the fabric of daily life.
These towns prove you don’t have to sacrifice culture, convenience, or community to give your kids a childhood that includes hiking boots, muddy hands, and a genuine connection to the world around them. Whether you want to spend Saturday morning at a forest preschool or end your day with a nature walk and a local brew, these are the places where your whole family can feel grounded.
Ready to explore the suburbs where your kids can thrive outdoors? Schedule your free initial strategy call with your Suburban Jungle Strategist and let’s find the perfect fit.
