15 Best Things to Do in Yonkers, NY

For more than 150 years, the spectacular sights of the Highlands and the beautiful Hudson River have fuelled creativity.

If you visit Yonkers, you'll enjoy a range of activities, including exquisite greenery, a variety of entertaining museums, and indoor athletic attractions.

One of the most appealing aspects of Yonkers is that it retains a large part of New York's lively culture without the congestion, and you can easily get outside owing to the city's numerous green areas.

See this exciting city and learn more about the best things to do in Yonkers, New York.

Take an Art Class at the Hudson River Museum

The Hudson River Museum is a great place to go if you want to view a variety of international exhibits and treasures all in one handy location.

The museum at 511 Warburton Ave not only has exhibits that explain the Yonkers narrative, but it also has an outdoor theater, a dome, and a historical home.

Since it is a facility dedicated to the great arts, the Hudson Museum is a place worth seeing for art enthusiasts visiting Yonkers.

Visitors may expect to see a significant permanent collection of ancient and modern art, as well as special exhibits that rotate on a regular basis.

The museum also offers hands-on science and art classes for people of all ages.

Watch a Historic Film at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

If you want to unwind and see a movie while in Yonkers, consider going to the Alamo Drafthouse, located at 2548 Central Park Ave, Yonkers.

This is a unique movie theater where you can see some of the most recent titles as well as a variety of more unusual films.

The Alamo Drafthouse is dedicated to the preservation of historic films, and they adore sharing the movies they love with audiences of all ages.

They’re passionate about making sure each picture looks and sounds its best, which involves investing in new technology and maintaining equipment to ensure high standards,

The Alamo Drafthouse Theater combines delicious cuisine, great beer, and fantastic movies in one location.

Cruise While Learning at the Science Barge

The Science Barge is a one-of-a-kind and creative moving organic farm located in Yonkers on the Hudson River.

It is an academic institution and active science museum where school programs may discover the reduction of food production technologies in relation to agricultural cultivation.

It is available to the public on weekends, and you are welcome to come aboard and study sustainable small-scale cultivation systems that you can utilize in your own backyard.

You may learn more about solar energy, science, and how plants can produce minimal environmental impact, and you can see it for yourself at 99 Dock Street in Yonkers' beautiful waterfront neighborhood.

Basically, the Science Barge is a boat that cruises along the Hudson River all while educating you about sciences.

Shop and Dine at Ridge Hill

Ridge Hill Mall is a tourist destination you definitely shouldn’t miss in Yonkers if you need some shopping therapy.

It is an accessible commercial and leisure mall with ponds, fountains, and seats around an appealing Town Square.

Aside from a large number of retail establishments, the mall also has a children's playground as well as several restaurants and cafés.

The Legoland Discovery Center, where kids may play and ride themed attractions, is a great place for them to spend time.

The area is packed with retailers ranging from national chains to local favorites, as well as a variety of food options if you become hungry while you're there.

If you visit during the summer, you may also partake in one of Ridge Hill's distinctive events: outdoor movie evenings.

Go Cycling at the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail

A stroll down the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail is one of the greatest ways to go outside in Yonkers and experience some of Westchester County's natural beauty firsthand.

The Old Croton Aqueduct, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was finished in 1842, when water first flowed south from the Croton River into the Bronx, delivering clean water to a metropolis in severe need.

The route is typically a downhill dirt road that goes past neighborhoods and trees, providing a green sanctuary.

When you look closely, though, the path starts by describing a history that stretches back over 175 years.

The route stretches for approximately 41.8 kilometers through the county and is a popular destination for anybody who likes bicycling, hiking, or running in Yonkers.

Admire the Scenery at Untermyer Park and Gardens

The Untermyer Gardens are one of Yonkers' crown jewels and should not be missed on any visit.

It is a very beautiful community garden that was previously part of a private property Samuel Untermyer and was first built in 1916 on a steep portion of ground along the Hudson River.

It is separated into quarters by canals and is modeled on the scriptural Garden of Eden.

The gardens are really a collection of diverse regions that are organized into various genres to highlight Yonkers' flora and wildlife.

There is no better area to go for a stroll if you ever want to enjoy the day outside.

Hop in an Aircraft at iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Due to the sheer natural chemicals created in your brain when skydiving, it is one of the most entertaining and joyful hobbies in the world.

iFly at Ridge Hill, which debuted in 2016, is one of Yonkers' most thrilling destinations and has quickly established itself in place to go for anybody wanting an action.

It is an indoor skydiving facility where you may take a skydiving outfit and soar in a virtual world made by fans.

You will feel like you're floating as the air pushes you up, and you will get the same sense of earth's gravity as you might during a regular jump.

The beauty of it is that you don't have to hop in an aircraft and take the jump if you don't want to; instead, you can enjoy the same sensation in a risk-free environment.

Go on a Picnic at Tibbetts Brook Park

Tibbetts Brook Park was one of Yonkers' original parks, dating back to 1927 when it initially went public.

Nowadays, this is one of the greatest parks to visit if you want to enjoy some of Yonkers' most beautiful vegetation, and there are plenty of activities to do.

Hiking routes, a massive water park with an immense swimming pool, picnic spots, and children's playgrounds are all part of the 160-acre park.

Bird viewing, fishing, and hiking on the park's nature paths are among the most popular activities.

On hot days, the families or groups of friends enjoy leisurely tubing about the water park, while the more daring may try out the water parks and tunnels or play a game of underwater basketball.

There is never a dull time in this park, which is why so many tourists visit it at 355 Midland Ave, Yonkers, NY.

Attend Musical Acts at the Hudson Amphitheater

The Hudson Amphitheater is unique in that it not only serves as a major music venue but also offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River.

Music, dancing, drama, magic, and even a professional falconer were among the varied entertainment options at the Hudson Amphitheater.

All concerts in their 400-seat outdoor amphitheater, overlooking the Hudson River and the Highlands, are free.

You may attend musical acts as well as movie evenings, live comedy, and even unusual events like Shakespeare festivities.

If you're in the city, make sure to look out for what's going on in the amphitheater; whatever your tastes, you'll likely find something to like.

Tour and Learn More about the Glenview Mansion

Glenview Mansion, also known as the John Bond Trevor House, is situated at 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, New York.

It's among the few structures in Yonkers composed of locally mined greystone that's still standing.

The house has been meticulously restored to convey Yonkers' past, and it will teach you a lot about what life was like for people at the beginning of the century.

There are rooms in all that you may tour, each of which is packed with period objects and also signage that will inform you about the mansion's history.

Yonkers purchased the house and property from the owners with the intention of turning it into a public park.

The mansion sat empty for six years until being reopened as the Museum of Science and Art in 1919, with the collection being moved to Yonkers City Hall for future historical purposes.

Customize a Pizza at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

Humans are drawn to cuisines that are heavy, sugary, rich, and diverse, and Pizza, with its cheese, meat toppings, and sauces, has all of these elements.

The Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana brand of pizzerias has been family-owned and operated for over 95 years, beginning with a single location in New Haven, Connecticut.

In this food establishment, there are several pizza types; one customer favorite is the tomato pizza, which is loaded with garlic, mozzarella, olive oil, oregano, and, of course, tomato; this will undoubtedly send you down memory lane.

You may also personalize your pizza by choosing toppings, sauce, and cheese from a blank pizza crust.

This is an excellent spot to come whether you enjoy pizza or simply want to relax and snack.

Play and Have a Good Time at the Empire City Casino

The Empire City Casino is conveniently located at 810 Yonkers Ave, just miles north of Times Square, where fans can witness exhilarating live racing horseracing on most days of the week.

If you get the chance to be at the empire city casino at the proper time, you may watch thrilling live harness races at the casino, which is also located on the racetrack.

In streaming live the horses at this iconic racing track, visitors may try their luck at slots and dine at a variety of restaurants.

There are a variety of eateries in the casino, as well as live concerts and musical acts, in addition to the real gaming floor.

If you want to earn money, have a good time, or simply get away from your everyday routine, the empire city casino is a must-see.

Check Out Items at the Cross County Shopping Center

Cross County Center, commonly known as Cross County Shopping Center, is an interactive shopping center with over 100 retailers and restaurants situated at 8000 Mall Walk-in Yonkers.

Cross County Center provides shopping, eating, and entertainment.

More than 80 stores and restaurants, as well as a children's playground and outdoor activities, are available here.

SummerFest, an event that includes public music events, educational programming, and even fashion presentations, is held at the center throughout the summer months.

They also host events such as Earth Month, when they celebrate sustainability by reducing plastic and water consumption, recycling, and planting a tree, as well as having a Kid's Earth Science Circus Show and DJs to add to the enjoyment.

Treat Yourself to a Delicious Meal at the DeCosta's Restaurant

DeCosta's Restaurant is the place to go for a fine-dining banquet in the Italian tradition.

DeCosta's is a family business run by the de Costa brother, with the help of numerous more relatives.

According to their reviews, you can expect a kind welcome and a pleasant eating experience.

Both brothers are keen fishermen who often handpick the fish and shellfish for the menu; if you're planning a seafood feast, definitely ask for their recommendations.

On the menu, you'll discover all of your favorite Italian favorites, as well as a number of delicacies created by de Costa recipe books.

Discover Artifacts at Sherwood House Museum

The Sherwood House Museum, owned and managed by the Yonkers Historical Society, was constructed in 1740 and is one of the rare remaining specimens before the War farmhouse.

The oldest farmhouse in Yonkers, Sherwood House, is a National Historic Landmark.

In 1955, the Yonkers Historical Society received Sherwood House and the two outbuildings on the premise that Sherwood Home be kept as a museum.

Since then, the Yonkers Historical Society has continued to restore and preserve this treasured heritage site through donations of resources, decor, and artifacts.

Sherwood House is available to the public on Sundays throughout the spring and summer, but you may learn about this historical site by touring the Historical Society headquarters at the Yonkers Library.

Final Thoughts

Yonkers was founded in the early 17th century upon the banks of the magnificent Hudson River. Today, Yonkers is a prosperous city and the 4th in New York State.

Yonkers is home to a diverse selection of purchasing, dining, and entertainment opportunities, as well as musical concerts and art exhibitions.

Visit and discover the fantastic sights and activities to do here as Yonkers's history continues into the twenty-first century.