Kingsland Point Park is one of the Rivertown’s best kept secrets. It’s tucked away behind a charming neighborhood in Sleepy Hollow, and you wouldn’t even know it was there unless you happened upon it, like I did several months ago. “Kingsland is the best park in the Rivertowns,” I overheard one mom tell another recently at the Irvington Farmers Market.
It reminded me of how much I love it too — so I found myself there with my sister and son last week.
It’s a pretty simple park: Lots of grassy areas to run around, a large gazebo and pavilion, plenty of picnic tables and grills. There’s even a playground for kids, including a set of teeth (yes, teeth?!) for climbing. (Are there more dentists in Sleepy Hollow or something?)
We go to Kingsland Point for one reason: to be on the water. From this green space, you have panoramic views of the Tappan Zee Bridge to the south and the mountains to the north. It’s a great place to pack a few snacks, a few books, a picnic blanket and chill. What a great place to plan a playdate with friends!
I always send my son on the hunt for the 1883 Tarrytown Lighthouse, which is a stone’s throw from the footpath that lines the river. (Tours of the lighthouse are available by appointment only, and cost $150.) There’s also a stand of towering pine trees at the southern-most tip of the park — we often go on a hunt for pinecones here, gathering as many as we can and then counting our bounty. (He loves this activity!) A 1926 bathhouse on the premises is currently being renovated into an educational center.
Next time I go, I’m going to bring watercolor paints. I had a vision of us painting outside here, and it got me super excited. So if you see a lady trying to wrangle her 2-year-old to paint a picture on a picnic table at Kingsland, that’s me. Lol.
To get to Kingsland Point, take Route 9 to Sleepy Hollow. Turn west (toward the river) onto Pierson Street and continue to Palmer Avenue. Turn left onto Palmer Avenue and go over the train tracks to Kingsland Point Park. A $4 parking fee is charged until Labor Day.
