• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
/
April 17, 2010

Wave Hill: A Nature Haven Amidst The Concrete Jungle

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share

Recently, a darling friend invited me to join her on a little play date excursion to the Bronx.  I know you’re thinking, “Why the Bronx?”. But really, if you haven’t discovered all the Bronx has to offer, than you are truly missing out. Because among many things, it offers the serenity of the peaceful neighborhood of Riverdale, and within the Riverdale community is the amazing and breathtaking Wave Hill.

Wave Hill was once upon a time a private estate that is now a garden and cultural center open to the public.

With 28-acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, one feels as if they have left New York City entirely and gone somewhere far more serene. Wave Hill’s mission is “to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscapes, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts”. And after walking through the area and seeing all they have to offer, I can honestly say they are right on course.

My boys’ batteries were fully charged that day, and as is most cases with children when they find themselves with an abundance of open space, they ran. They ran far and fast, throwing themselves on the grass, rolling around like playful puppies who have been caged for a long time. At first I felt nervous, concerned that their playfulness would disrupt the “feel” of the place.

“I’m sorry my boys are so nutty!” I apologized.

“Wave Hill is one of the best outdoor spaces on earth to get nutty in,” responded Martha Gellens, Wave Hill’s Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications. Love her.

And so they did. And we enjoyed a light snack in the cafeteria, and admired the wonderful views, and took in the sun. I didn’t come with my 12 year old, as he was still in school, nor my husband, as he was still at work. But I can’t wait to.

There are no dogs allowed, which means no nasty surprises on the grass, and there are specific places where one can eat, which again helps maintain the area clean and green. But if you are looking to take in some rays, just sit out with the family or a friend…or even by yourself, while at the same time escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, then Wave Hill is definitely the spot to go to.

Check their Calendar of Events page for listings of events, activities, and other fun happenings at Wave Hill, including tours, garden walks, workshops, and a special Mother’s Day celebration.

Family Art Project Celebration at Wave Hill_credit Joshua Bright

Wave Hill Garden Walk_credit Dan Willner

My kids and I loved it, and we think you will too. There is tons to do for the entire family…and if you’d rather do nothing but layout on the grass, that’s fine too!

HOURS * ADMISSION * DIRECTIONS

Open all year, Tuesday–Sunday and many major holidays: 9am–5:30pm Closes 4:30pm, October 15–April 15. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18 Free Tuesday, Saturday mornings until noon. Free to Members and children under 6. Getting here is easy!

Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transport you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, the West 242 Street stop on the #1 subway line, and to and from our free offsite parking lot. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule available at www.wavehill.org.

New York City Family Travel Tips

[subscribe2]

 

Related

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share
Pin this Post
Share this Post
Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

You May Also Like...

Christmas Tree Hunting in Long Island, NY

December 12, 2008

Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights, NY

December 10, 2008

Winter afternoon in the Bronx Zoo, NY

December 16, 2008
1 Comment
  • New year, new adventures! | Babble New York
    January 5, 2011

    […] Family Art Project at Wave Hill […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
Loosing Your Breath at Top of The Rock, NY
Next Post
A Culinary Adventure in Orlando’s Theme Park Restaurants

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe54 Post(s)
  • North America318 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

Contact

  • caincarol@gmail.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

Sunday mood is all about recentering, refocusing, Sunday mood is all about recentering, refocusing, and protecting your peace. It’s alright to care, stay informed, get involved AND still carve out moments for self care, however that looks like for you. ❤️
Summer isn’t complete without a visit to @spotte Summer isn’t complete without a visit to @spotted_duck_flx in Penn Yan, NY. 

Here you can get frozen custard made from duck eggs, and they also have some dairy free options which are lovely as well. 

It can get busy, especially since being named the best ice cream in New York State, so expect long lines during high tourist seasons. But you can also get lucky, as we did, and experience a mellow visit surrounded by cute ducks and chickens and the serenity of farm country living. 

Worth the visit either way. 

#pennyanny #upstateny #newyork #countryliving #icecream
We have FINALLY opened the windows and it is heave We have FINALLY opened the windows and it is heavenly.
Nothing like starting the day with a solid cup of Nothing like starting the day with a solid cup of coffee. Before an early morning shoot, we stopped at @gimmecoffee in Ithaca, NY for a delicious pick me up.

A staple in the Ithaca community, with many shops throughout and founded in 2000, this iconic coffee brand is merits all the praise for it’s consistency in quality and service. Never disappoints. ☕️

#coffeetiktok #coffeeshop #ithacany #coffeelover
Nothing like starting the day with a solid cup of Nothing like starting the day with a solid cup of coffee. Before an early morning shoot, we stopped at @gimmecoffee in Ithaca, NY for a delicious pick me up.

A staple in the Ithaca community, with many shops throughout and founded in 2000, this iconic coffee brand is merits all the praise for it’s consistency in quality and service. Never disappoints. ☕️

#coffeetiktok #coffeeshop #ithacany #coffeelover
Taking in the sunset by the lake. We enjoy coming Taking in the sunset by the lake. We enjoy coming to the lake much later in the day when most people have left, and when we get to take a dip after a long, hot day to reset and relax. 

Almost 4 years since we moved to the Finger Lakes and I still can’t believe this is my lucky life. ❤️

#fingerlakes #newyork #lakelife

Copyright © 2025 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice