Bear Mountain State Park makes for a great day trip for families any time of year, but in warmer months it bursts with kid-friendly activities. The Rockland County park, which is nestled against the Hudson River, offers spectacular scenery, nature experiences, and lots of things for kids to do. Bear Mountain is one place our family has returned to each year.
With hiking, paddleboat rentals, a playground, ample room for picnicking, and even a zoo, the park has plenty of options to fill an entire day. Our summer readers will be especially happy to learn the swimming pool is open from mid-June to Labor Day. We recently visited the park and can fill you in on what you need to know about this year-round destination, including our top 15 favorite things to do.
If you're looking for other great activities in nearby parks, check out our rundown of easy New York State Park hikes or our look at Westchester's top destination parks . For even more on local parks, check out our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Westchester .
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Note : Visit the official Bear Mountain State Park website for up-to-date information on hours, admissions policies, and maps.
Bear Mountain's zoo is home to bears and other animals.
Bear Mountain State Park with Kids: The Best Activities
1. Visit the Zoo
The Bear Mountain Zoo features creatures native to New York that have been injured or orphaned and aren’t fit to return to the wild. The main star of the show is the black bear, but you’ll also have the chance to see eagles, foxes, bobcats, and beavers. There are also several museum buildings; the Herpetology House has a decent array of reptiles, amphibians, and fish, and the Geology Museum features a particularly cool geode display involving a black light that wowed my 6-year-old. When you compare it with that big zoo in the Bronx , the Trailside Zoo can be admittedly a wee bit underwhelming. (One member of our family has given it the unfortunate nickname of the “Roadkill Zoo.”) But if you leave those Bronx Zoo expectations at home, the Trailside Zoo is an extremely manageable and cute little zoo. The paths are paved and shaded, nice for a walk with a stroller.
2. Walk Around the Lake
Take a stroll on the paved path around the beautiful Hessian Lake that is the centerpiece of the park. This simple trail is stroller-friendly and is great for families with small kids. The path features views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, as well as multiple spots for kids to play on the rocks by the lake or spot ducks, fish, and other wildlife.
3. Have a Picnic
There is plenty of lush green grass for picnicking at Bear Mountain, and there’s ample space for running around and playing Frisbee or soccer. You’ll often find large groups congregating next to Hessian Lake, where there are multiple picnic benches in the shade, plus vending machines and a concession stand on weekends and holidays serving burgers, kosher hot dogs, french fries, and ice cream.
If that area is too crowded, you can always park a blanket on the lawn adjacent to the parking lot. There is a new playground with multiple climbing structures tucked away on the far side of the park, past the carousel house, with a few picnic benches nearby. There are also a few prime benches near the Hudson River that offer amazing views of the Bear Mountain Bridge—follow the signs for “Scenic Views and the Trail to Fort Montgomery" from the zoo.
4. Drive to the Top
Perkins Memorial Drive is a must-do experience for visitors to the Hudson Valley, and it is completely free. The drive starts off Route 6 and ends at Perkins Memorial Tower, which offers 360 views of the surrounding area, including the New York City skyline on a clear day. The tower features binoculars, maps of the area, and information on the history of the park. The parking area also features picnic tables, restrooms, and vending machines, and connects with multiple hiking trails.
5. Walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge
Don't forget the binoculars for some stunning views of the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge . The pedestrian lanes are guarded by very high gates, so it’s safe even for little ones. The lanes are wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side and should fit most strollers.
6. Go for a Hike
In addition to a 6-mile span of the Appalachian Trail in the park, there are numerous hiking and bike trails for all skill levels, as well as cross-country skiing in the winter. The most popular hike in the park is the 3.9-mile-roundtrip hike from Hessian Lake to Perkins Memorial Tower, which you can also drive up to via Perkins Memorial Drive. The New York City skyline is visible from the top on a clear day.
RELATED : 35 Things To Do With Kids in the Hudson Valley
Paddleboats and rowboats are available for rent.
7. Rent Paddleboats
While there’s no swimming permitted in Hessian Lake, you can rent paddleboats for $10 per person per hour. (Each boat must have at least one person who is 16 or older.)
8. Take a Spin on the Merry-Go-Round
Why ride a horse when you can ride a skunk? The indoor carousel at Bear Mountain houses 42 hand-carved replicas of native animals, including bears, wild turkeys, foxes, rabbits, and much more. Rides are $1 per person, and children under 42 inches must be accompanied by an adult. Take note that it's open Wednesdays through Sundays during the summer, and only on weekends and holidays the rest of the year.
9. Go Ice Skating
During the winter, the Bear Mountain Ice Rink holds public skating sessions several days a week. Bring your own skates or rent from the shop. Kid sizes are available , but only figure skates. Admission is $5 (ages 4 and under free) and skate rental is $10.
10. Have Sunday Brunch at Restaurant 1915 at the Bear Mountain Inn
Restaurant 1915 at the Bear Mountain Inn offers a full brunch menu beginning at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays as well as special events like Princess Brunch , Mother's Day Brunch, and Brunch with Santa at Christmastime. Looking for something a little more casual? There’s the Hiker’s Café on the ground floor of the Inn offering a wide variety of sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream, and you can also find a small snack stand inside the carousel building. Check out the large gift shop next to the Hiker's Cafe, which has a wide variety of apparel, toys, snacks, and camping gear.
11. Visit the Docks
While not necessarily a safe destination for little ones, the docks are another prime spot for spectacular Hudson River views. Bring your fishing poles and tackle.
12. Learn about Native Americans
Native Americans inhabited the Bear Mountain and Harriman area for at least 10,000 years, as evidenced by archeological discoveries in the area. Evidence exists in many forms, ranging from rock shelters, campsites, and mines to archaeological items such as tools and weapons. The Trailsides Museum inside the zoo features many of the discovered artifacts and information about the native inhabitants. The park also hosts an annual Native American Heritage Celebration and Pow Wow every summer.
13. Explore Iona Island
Iona Island , technically an archipelago of three islands connected by marshlands, was inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years, who took advantage of the plentiful shellfish along its shores. The island is accessible from 9W, with a free parking lot located approximately half a mile onto the island. Lucky visitors may spot waterfowl, muskrats, frogs, turtles, wetland birds, deer, or even bald eagles! This is a great option to explore, particularly if the main area is too crowded.
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Take a dip in the pool at Bear Mountain State Park. Photo courtesy of New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
14. Go Swimming
The pool opens for the 2025 season on June 14 on weekends only and on Juneteenth (June 19, 2025). From June 21 to September 1, 2025, it is open daily. The fee is $5 per person, cash only (and there is no ATM in the pool complex). The pool hours are 10am to 5:30pm on weekdays and 10am to 6:30pm on weekends and holidays. Food, beverages, radios, coolers, strollers, and swimming aids are not permitted in the pool area.
15. Watch a Free Concert
The Bear Mountain Inn hosts free outdoor concerts throughout the summer as part of their Fridays @ Five series. Enjoy lawn games, food for purchase, and music by the lake. Concerts are held every Friday through September 19, 2025.
What to Know Before You Go to Bear Mountain State Park
- The park is open from 8am through sunset. The zoo is open from 10am to 4:30pm, but the bear goes off exhibit at 4pm.
- Restrooms can be found in the zoo, near the concession stand at Hessian Lake, and next to the carousel house.
- Vending machines can be found throughout the park, but they are pricey (think $4 for a popsicle), so pack as many snacks as you can.
- Parking costs $10 per car, and the suggested donation for the zoo is $1 per person.
- Bear Mountain is a very popular destination on weekends and for school field trips in June, so try to arrive early.
- Looking to extend your stay beyond a day trip? The Bear Mountain Inn is accepting reservations.
- The park hosts many events and nature programs for kids and families. Check our Family Activity Calendar for upcoming events.
This post was originally published in 2017 and has since been updated .
