Free Artsy Things to Do in Westchester With the Kids This Summer

When kids are home from school, it can be difficult to find activities that will engage them for more than ten minutes at a time. On top of that, it can be a challenge to find ideas that won’t break the bank. This summer, ArtsNews is sharing some themed lists of free and affordable (under $20) outdoor arts events throughout the County – like family-friendly events. From magic to mermaids, here are 10 outings to get readers through the summer while keeping their creative little ones happy and entertained. 

July 13: FLOW: A Circus Production by Miss Molly Dazzle
Presented by Hudson River Museum
This original performance, which tells the story of two friends searching for a connection to the natural world, was inspired by one of Hudson River Museum’s current on-view exhibitions, Rivers Flow / Artists Connect. Circus performer Miss Molly Dazzle brings to the stage high-energy acrobats like stilt walking, aerial arts and more. The performance takes place in the Museum’s outdoor amphitheater along the Hudson River at 8pm. FREE.

July 20: Sleepy Hollow Mermaid Festival
Presented by The Sleepy Hollow Project
This whimsical festival aims to connect local residents with the river today to ensure its tomorrow. The day of art, storytelling, music and wacky antics is family-friendly. It begins with a parade on land and water, where participants can march on land along the waterfront (led by the drumbeat of Fogo Azul), or paddle along the Hudson with a sea of mermaids and pirates during a costume contest. The parade is followed by festivities in the park and open beach, where activities include art projects, a marketplace, face painting, an art gallery and musical performances. At Kingsland Point Park from 12-4pm. FREE

July 26: Love Story: A Tribute to Taylor Swift 
Presented by Westchester County Parks
Perfect for Swifties young and old(er), this concert will bring all the positive excitement of Taylor Swift’s popular concerts into Westchester at Kensico Dam Plaza. Fans and families can bring a blanket or lawn chairs and dance the night away, trade friendship bracelets and dress as your favorite era as they hear Rikki Swift perform Tay Tay’s hit songs. FREE.

Wednesdays Through August 28: Jitterbugs Jam Sessions
(July 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 7, 14, 21, 28)
Presented by Jazz Forum Arts
When Jazz Forum Arts plays its summer concert series at Dobbs Ferry, it introduces the littlest set to jazz as well. Before each waterfront concert is a jazz education program for kids. Led by educator Neal Spitzer, the kids play jazz small instruments and dance together as a prelude to the upcoming performance. FREE.

August 7: Broadway on the Sound
Presented by Emelin Theatre
Most children will recognize the setlist for Emelin Theatre’s upcoming event even if they’ve never been to Broadway. During Broadway on the Sound, four professional performers will belt out familiar musical theater numbers on the open-air stage. With songs like The Little Mermaid; Frozen; The Sound of Music and more, it’s likely that parents can use this opportunity as a way to introduce their children to theater and musical stage productions and sing along to their favorites. At Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck. FREE.

August 9: Magic and Mentalism with Andy Gersh
Presented by Hudson River Museum
Award-winning magician and mentalist, Andy Gersh will perform mind-bending tricks of the eye on stage at Hudson River Museum (HRM)’s outdoor amphitheater. The magic pro was a winner of Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and plays regularly at the acclaimed Speakeasy Magick at the McKittrick Hotel in New York City. During his interactive show at HRM, he’ll break out plenty of new material. 8pm. FREE. 

August 14: Rock the Block
Presented by White Plains BID
This event is built for people of all ages, with al-fresco dining and family-friendly games and activities like ping-pong, cornhole and the ArtsMobile. For this final event of the series, the group OTM will perform. The band is made up of a ‘90s rapper, a singer who toured with greats like Sheryl Crow and The Who, and White Plains percussionist Craig “Butter” Glanville. 5:30pm on Mamaroneck Avenue (between Main St and Martine Ave). FREE.

August 17: Oz Land Festival
Presented by Antonia Arts
It is said that the author of Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum, was inspired by a yellow brick road right here in Peekskill, NY when he was attending military academy.  For the fourth year, the city will honor this connection with a festival organized by Antonia Arts. The festival on South Street will consist of singing, music, Wizard of Oz character sightings and dancing, along with artisan vendors and more. Guests are encouraged to come in costume. FREE.

Aug 25: A Day of Ecuadorian Culture
Presented by ArtsWestchester and the Village of Sleepy Hollow
Families can take in some culture at Barnhart Park during this festival of traditional Ecuadorian dance, music and customs. An array of vendors, food, crafts and performances provide a wealth of education and festive family-friendly activities throughout the day.  This event is part of ArtsWestchester’s Westchester Roots series. 

Aug 31: 2024 Wakanda Celebration
Presented by Luangisa African Gallery
The annual Wakanda Festival returns this year with a family-friendly representation of African fashion, music and dance. The event will also have a Children’s Village with a variety of activities and workshops: One space lets children explore the culture and traditions of Africa by creating crafts, singing African children’s songs and dancing. Another program teaches children the language of Swahili through videos, songs and stories. Fusha Dance Company will engage children with dancing, drumming and play, and Baba Abishai Ben Reuben and the Drummers will lead a Children’s Open Drum Circle to demonstrate storytelling through African drumming patterns and dance. Children can also learn about geology in a hands-on program that lets them make jewelry out of genuine semi-precious stones and make shields out of shells from around the world. 11am-9pm at 72 Traphagen School in Mt. Vernon. FREE.