The month of June has been recognized as Great Outdoors Month, intended to encourage us to get outside and admire the nature around us. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, boating, swimming or having a picnic there are many different ways to celebrate the great outdoors. Westchester has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation, so step outside and enjoy it.

Untermeyer Gardens

Untermeyer Gardens is known for its very own Roman Gardens with views of the Hudson and Palisades. This historic park is 43 acres with a rock garden, Grecian-style amphitheater, classical pavilion and pergola. Free concerts are held every summer Saturday at 7:30pm at the Walled Garden. For more information on the Untermeyer Gardens and their upcoming events visit: untermyer.org

The Greenburgh Nature Center

Visiting the Greenburgh Nature Center is a great way to get outdoors. The nature center is 33 acres with trails, ponds and gardens. It is a wildlife habitat for indigenous species and for migratory birds. Throughout the year the nature center has a calendar full of events. Some of the summer events they are hosting this year are Meet the Animals: get hands on with the nature centers animals, What’s the Buzz with Honeybees: learn about the busy life of the honeybee and the Annual Butterfly Exhibit: learn about native plants and butterflies. To view the full list of events visit: The Greenburgh Nature Center

Bicycle Sundays

During bicycle Sundays a portion of the Bronx River Parkway is closed to cars for the use of bicyclists, joggers and strollers. The course runs from the Westchester County Center in White Plains to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. A total of 13.1 miles round trip. This year bicycle Sunday will be held on June 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th as well as September 13th, 20th and 27th from 10am – 2pm. For more information visit the Facebook page: Keep Bicycle Sundays Rolling

Kensico Dam Plaza: Screenings Under The Stars

Enjoy the outdoors while watching your favorite movie. Every summer the Kensico Dam hosts free movie nights. Moviegoers bring blankets, folding chairs and a picnic to watch the feature film. The movie is projected in high definition onto a 3-story tall inflatable screen. The movie schedule for 2015 will be posted soon on their Facebook page: Screenings under The Stars

Rockefeller State Park Preserve

The Rockefeller State Park Preserve is perfect for walking, jogging sport fishing and horseback riding. Scenic paths take you thru the wetlands, woodlands, meadows, fields and past streams, rivers and a 24 acre lake. With 180 recorded species of birds, the preserve is known for its wildlife, carriage trails, and scenic vistas. A gorgeous place to relish in nature. For more details visit the: Rockefeller State Park Preserve