The one thing to understand about Westchester is that it is a very wealthy area, and much of the nature is, if not privately owned, heavily manicured and strictly monitored. It's not my ideal place to "go and get away," but if you're looking for an alternative day trip, Westchester is a decent choice.
The first spot of note is the Rye Nature Center. It is located next to the incredibly wealthy town of Rye. Boutique stores, fancy restaurants, and a Starbucks grace your 10 minute walk from the train station to the center. Once there, you walk up a road, pass some ruins on your left, and reach the parking lot/welcome center. As you'd expect in Westchester, the staff there is not entirely welcoming, and the building always seems to be empty and/or the staff busy. Don't expect a lot of guidance or advice. If you're curious, visit the ruins—it used to be a mansion that fell prey to a fire 70 years ago. The wooded area is relatively small. There are a few trails, all unmarked, that make for some very intimate walks. The premier destination is a pond that pops on you on the far side of the grounds. Don't get too transported however; right through the trees, on all sides of the wooded area, you can see fences and the houses that lay beyond them. At best, this small park is good for a romantic walk after a meal or something, but don't make it your sole destination for the day. Not enough ground and not enough payoff. However, if you want to make a day of all this...
There is the Rye Playland Boardwalk and Town Park. About another 10 minute walk in the same direction, you'll encounter these two adjacent attractions, both on Long Island Sound. Quick note: Don't go on a day that Rye Playland is open. You'd be swamped by people, cars, etc. Go on a day that Rye Playland isn't open to really appreciate the beauty of the sound. Watch birds dive into the water, view the still boats bobbing in the waves... The boardwalk doesn't offer anything in the way of stores (as of 2012, it's being renovated), so the beach land and the long pier are the sole attractions. If the beach is locked, hop over the fence and you'll enjoy the beach until you get caught (didn't happen when I went). Town Park is decent. Good date material. It's hilly, very spacious, has a duck pond with an amusing array of ducks, geese, and waterfowl... but, once again, you get a sense that you don't belong. The wealthy residents bring their dogs to run amok here, so you'll be competing with canines for enjoyment (if you're pro-dog though it's a fun addition). If you're here to hike, don't go; you really go to the shore for the water.
If you have more time in your day, take a walk (this one is a bit longer—roughly 30 minutes) to Crawford Park in Rye Brook/Portchester. Hidden among really nice houses, this park is is a communal backyard, more than a public park. With manicured gardens and concrete walkways, there is a perimeter footpath that contains mild enjoyment, sometimes leaving you exposed to the grassy space, other times concealing you behind willows and other trees. Unfortunately a theme in this part of Westchester, the park is bordered by houses, so there's no escape here. I would definitely bring children here in the Winter for sledding though; there are some terrific slopes and tons of space.
So none of these parks are main attractions in and of themselves, but viewed collectively, you might enjoy a day of mild enjoyment. Lots of great food in between your transportation, and you're close to trains. I just fall short of a recommendation for this trip, but you might enjoy it.
Cost: $16.50 Round Trip Off-Peak with Metro-North
Transportation: Metro-North to Rye or Portchester; Westchester Bee-Line to Rye Playland
Rating: 4/10
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