A Car-Free Accessible Day in Rye

Just 30 miles north of New York City, Westchester is easily to travel to and around without a car. Metro-North Railroad provides service to Westchester along three lines - Hudson, Harlem and New Haven - and Amtrak stops at Yonkers, New Rochelle and Croton Harmon. The extensive Bee-Line Bus system runs throughout the county, making Westchester a place with public transportation options for just about everyone.

STEAM through the morning

Start your day with a visit to the Westchester Children’s Museum, located along the Playland Boardwalk. Take Metro-North Railroad to the Rye Station. From the station, catch the Bee-Line Bus Route 13 directly to the entrance of Playland Amusement Park. Enjoy the short, scenic walk along the Playland Boardwalk to the museum. Inside the museum is a wonderland where the whole family can spend hours exploring the hands-on activities and exhibits, all designed to encourage STEAM learning. Discover the science behind wind power, build structures of many shapes and sizes in the Architectural Design Zone and take part in a program at the MakerSpace. When you’ve worked up an appetite, grab lunch at the museum.

Explore history and heritage in the afternoon

For the afternoon’s adventure, take a quick taxi ride (or a pre-qualified and arranged ride through ParaTransit) to the Jay Heritage Center, home of American founding father John Jay, a noted jurist, peacemaker, governor and anti-slavery advocate. There, you’ll find accessible walking trails across the 23-acre estate. The 1907 Van Norden Carriage House, where most public programs are held, is fully accessible. family homes of American founding father John Jay (1745-1829) located in Westchester. The site overlooks Long Island Sound and is a National Historic Landmark and a stop on Westchester's African American Heritage Trail.

Stroll through picture-perfect Rye

Head back to downtown Rye by taxi or ParaTransit for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up dessert at La Fenice, a gelateria owned and run by a couple from Puglia who use organic local milk and Old World techniques for their chilly refreshments. You can get great coffee here as well.

Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling picture-perfect downtown Rye and its quaint New England–like downtown shopping district complete with a town square. When it’s time for dinner, walk to Village Social, a family-friendly eatery that thrives on original, seasonal menu items featuring top-quality ingredients.

Catch a show at Westchester's rock palace

To round out your day in Westchester, take Metro-North Railroad one stop from the Rye Station to the Port Chester Station. Across the street from the Port Chester Station is The Capitol Theatre, Westchester’s original rock palace offering a wide variety of entertaining performances throughout the year. To ensure the best experience for all, The Capitol Theatre has several accessibility accommodations available including accessible seating, staff guidance for guests with visual impairments and available sign language interpretation.