Weekend Guide April 15-17
The weather this weekend looks absolutely phenomenal. I can’t wait to get outside and enjoy it after the cold and rainy days we’ve had lately! Maybe Spring is officially here to stay!
Enjoy!
Peter Pan at the Irvington Town Theater
Don’t miss this high-flying Tony Award-winning musical that’s perfect for the whole family! “Featuring the iconic songs "I'm Flying," "I've Gotta Crow," "I Won't Grow Up," and "Never Never Land," and a rousing book full of magic, warmth, and adventure, Peter Pan is the perfect show for the child in all of us who dreamed of soaring high and never growing up.
Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick Tinkerbell visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and with a sprinkle of pixie dust begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a fierce Indian tribe, a band of bungling pirates, and of course the villainous Captain Hook.” Showtimes are Friday at 7, Saturday at 7 and Sunday at 3pm!
Buy tickets here.
On Saturday, April 16th Ecology Club for Families with Special Needs will take place at 9:30am. “Children with special needs are invited to bring a family member with them to the Nature Center and enjoy animal programs, hikes, and other fun science and sensory adventures. For more information about this program email marygillick@ryenaturecenter.org. There is no fee for this program but pre-registration is required by the Friday before.”
Sheep to Shawl at Phillipsburg Manor
“Celebrate spring! From fiber to fashion, this classic spring festival celebrates all things wooly sheep! Visitors are invited to explore each step in the process of turning wool into cloth using 18th-century techniques, from the shearing of the sheep to weaving the wool into cloth.
Hands-on activities include dyeing wool and weaving. Outside on the grounds, Scottish border collies display their skills at sheep- and duck-herding. Kids can try on reproduction 18th-century clothing for a great photo op and visitors are invited to enjoy a fashion show complete with critiques from Historic Hudson Valley’s own expert costume designer. Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk entertains with some lively tales.
For visitors who work up an appetite, Geordane's serves some fresh options. For those who prefer sweet treats, The Blue Pig of Croton dishes up locally sourced homemade ice cream.
Admission: $16; $12 for seniors; $8 for children 3-17. Free for members and children under 3. $2 surcharge for tickets purchased onsite or by phone. 10am - 5pm”
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Clifford the Big Red Dog LIVE! At Purchase College Performing Arts Center
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“For more than 40 years Clifford has charmed and amazed children with his zany escapades and “big ideas” and he’s coming to The Center to emBARK on his latest adventure, live on stage! With hummable songs and lovable characters, Clifford the Big Red Dog LIVE! is certain to be a pup-ular hit.”
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Westchester Children’s Museum
Good news! The Westchester Children’s Museum, while not completed, is open for business and for you and the kids to enjoy! This “sunlit, colorful, vibrant learning space is filled with interactive exhibits that explore science, art, technology, design and the environment, with places to build, play, and create.” The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays 10-4. Current exhibits include:
MAKERSPACES
BUILD YOUR OWN ROLLER COASTER
KEVA PLANKS
WIND TUNNEL DESIGN CHALLENGE
TODDLER BEACH
SHADOW PUPPET THEATER
Visit their website to learn more!
Lyndhurst Family Fun Day
On April 16 & 17 stop by the Lyndhurst Mansion for a great outing the whole family will love! “View amazing LEGO sculptures in the mansion created by area children and see pieces made by adult LEGO artists in the Carriage House. Other attractions include:
- ¥ Meet members of I LUG NY (an adult LEGO club) and view their 350 square foot moving train display.
- ¥ Participate in our Seek and Find activity to win prizes.
- ¥ Special LEGO sets offered for sale.
Hang out in our Free LEGO play space
Purchase tickets here!
Learn more here.
Bruce Museum
The Bruce Museum is a hidden gem located just up the road from us in nearby Greenwich, CT. After you’ve checked out the museum, head across the street to a super fun playground the kids are sure to love!
On Friday from 2:30-2:45pm, check out the Marine Tank Animal Feeding.
On Sunday from 11:30-12:15 head out on the Family Gallery Tour. “Designed for families with children ages 6-10. These tours, led by a Museum educator, provide an interactive, discussion-based exploration of the Museum's current exhibitons. Free with admission; no registration required.”
Also on Sunday from 1-2:30pm, check out the “Family Studio Workshop: Wild Reading, a work of art in the Bruce Museum workshop inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions. Families will explore the process of making fine art while using quality art-making supplies and discussing current exhibitions. All ages. 7 per person for members; $15 for non-members, plus the cost of Museum admission. Please register ASAP here: educationreservations@brucemuseum.org.”
Midland School Fair
I always love a fun school fair. Rye's Midland School will host its annual parade and fair on Saturday, April 16, 2016, from 10am - 2pm at Midland School (312 Midland Avenue, Rye, NY). Rain or Shine. The event includes a rock wall, a dunk tank, inflatable zip line, bumper cars and prizes! There will also be great food, a DJ and a raffle! The event is kicked off by the annual parade through town led by Midland's fifth-graders. So grab your spacesuit and blast on over to join in the fun!
On Saturday, April 16th, at 11am why not check out the Don't Touch This Book! Story time Special Event for children. “Larry the lovable monster from Don't Push the Button! is back with another hilarious, interactive adventure! I know what you're thinking: this is a pretty cool-looking book. But ... DON'T TOUCH THIS BOOK! (Don't even try it.) Join us for Storytime featuring Don't Touch This Book! Coloring and activities to follow.”
Also on Saturday at 12pm, don’t miss Game 7, 1986: Failure and Triumph in the Biggest Game of My Life-Ron Darling Author Event. “Join us for a book signing with author and former New York Mets All-Star pitcher Ron Darling. In Game 7, 1986, the award-winning baseball analyst looks back at what might have been a signature moment in his career and reflects on the ways professional athletes must sometimes shoulder a personal disappointment as their teams find a way to win.”
This weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday, April 16th and Sunday, April 16th at 11:30. This “Weekend Walk for All Ages” is a “Guided trail experience through our woodland forest. Our specially trained "Trail Ninja" volunteers provide information on trees, plants, wildlife and seasonal changes. Conversation varies each time. An ideal way to get acquainted with our trail system. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE.”
On Saturday, April 16th at 2pm, stop by the GNC for Beginner Bird Watching! “Use binoculars and field guides to learn how to identify birds by shape, behavior, plumage and more. Bring your own binoculars. Suggested for ages 18 and up. FREE for members, Non-members $8/person.”
Finally, on Sunday, April 17th from 11-4pm join the GNC for an “EARTH DAY CELEBRATION-Visitors can roll up their sleeves and help us make a difference. Activities include rain barrel construction, trail maintenance, composting classes and more. We also plant a tree as part of the worldwide celebration of Arbor Day...More Info.”
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones museum is an amazing place for the kids. Located about 20 minutes north of Rye Brook, in Norwalk, CT, it’s perfect for the whole family! Check them out here, then head on over for a fun filled day of learning and hands-on activities the kids will adore!
Mutt-i-grees will take place from 10:30-11:15. “ Enjoy a special canine storytime followed by a visit from a shelter dog.” Appropriate for ages 3+.
From 11:30-1 on Saturday, stop by the Animation Station and “learn the basics of stop animation by using an iPad to make a 15 second video. Ages 4 and older. $3 technology fee per child.”
Musical Munchkins will take place from 11:15-12 on Sunday! Musical B-I-N-G-O: This twist on the classic game of Bingo will help your little ones associate sounds with the musical instrument that made them! Small prizes for all who participate.
Maritime Aquarium
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
Did you know there are Shark Dives on most Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m. And they are free with Aquarium admission. “Interact with the Maritime Aquarium's dive team among the sand tiger sharks, lemon shark and other creatures of the 110,000-gallon "Ocean Beyond the Sound" exhibit.”
Don’t miss the "Animals Without Passports" exhibit, open now through Jan. 2, 2017. “The large humpback whale population off Cape Cod supports a popular whale-watching industry. And, for the first time in decades, at least three whales spent the late summer of 2015 in western Long Island Sound. But humpbacks aren’t in New England waters year-round and their annual international migration is the focus of the special exhibit, “Animals Without Passports."
Displays explore the challenges of humpback whales’ annual 3,000-mile migration between New England and the Caribbean. Learn when and why the whales migrate, and the hazards they face as they cross ocean borders, including poisoning from pollution, becoming entangled in fishing gear and being hit by boats and ships.
The exhibit is installed in the lobby of The Maritime Aquarium’s IMAX® Theater because it is a perfect tie-in to the movie “Humpback Whales,” showing daily through May 26. “Animals Without Passports” tells its story by focusing on one whale, a female humpback named Salt who has been studied by researchers for 40 years. Trace Salt’s “family tree” as you also learn how scientists identify and track individual whales.”
Dragons! Real or Myth? Meerkats and Jiggle a Jelly are also among some of the amazing current exhibits at the aquarium.
And did you know, now showing is the IMAX Movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays.
The aquarium is definitely worth a trip up the Merritt or 95!
Click here to learn more about Maritime.
Clay Arts Center Saturday Drop In Classes
Every Saturday from 2-4pm, drop in and have some fun “experimenting with clay for the first time. Plan a great afternoon with friends, family, or just for you while exploring your inner artist in this fun and messy introduction to clay! Professional ceramic artists guide fun, featured weekly projects - decided by the instructor. Projects take between 1.5- 2 hours. This class includes materials. Fee: $25 adult, $15 children under 12, $5 firing fee (per piece).
SPACE IS LIMITED. Tickets go on sale at the front desk 30 minutes prior to each session. First Come First Served.”
Hudson River Museum
The Hudson River Museum, in Yonkers, boasts an amazing Planetarium, six galleries, and a mansion!
Saturdays & Sundays 12 - 5 pm there’s “a safe space for children to explore, play, and create with their families. The room hosts a large-scale dollhouse, blocks, puppet theater, and books. A Junior Docent is present to answer questions and suggest activities.”
And Saturday and Sundays from 1-4, kids can do fun art projects – “Creative activities weekends inspired by the Museum’s collections and exhibitions, led by Junior Docents and art and science professionals. Ages 7+, can be adapted for younger children.” April’s project is “Build Two Bridges from pre-drawn plans—the Bridge of the Americas and the Centennial Bridge, which span the Pan-American Highway that joins North and South America.”
Saturdays 1-4, come do some fun science projects. This April kids can “Make a Watery Story Wheel, a collage from fragments that show the life cycle of a Hudson River fish and other river organisms..”
And finally, on Sunday check out “Build With Recylables- cardboard boxes, fabric, plastic bottles, and natural materials are the inspiration for building. Led by Junior Docents.
There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
At 12:30, for the younger kids, check out “The Girl Who Walked Upside Down-“This is the tale of a girl who came to us one spring day, after a storm, walking upside down upon the rainbow. She has a unique way of looking at things, in particular the sky, and an affection for the Moon and stars. What would you notice, if you could walk upside down? Ages 4-7, 33 minutes + Q & A”
Kids 8 and up can enjoy The Sky Tonight at 2pm. “The Sky Tonight, gives children 8 and older “a live tour of the heavens as seen from our area with a planetarium educator. Ages 8+ 55 minutes”.”
Finally, at 3:30 pm check out Moons: World of Mystery- Where are the moons? What do they do? Follow the astronauts to our silvery moon, then journey to the outer planets to discover more moons. Come back to earth with new found wonder for the dynamic solar system where we live. Ages 8+, 35 minutes + Q & A”
To learn more, click here.
Michael’s Kids® Club
On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can get into the spring spirit by creating KIDS CLUB® Paper Butterfly Windsock while you shop! “Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.”
Crafts at Lakeshore
Lakeshore will also be creating a fun craft this Saturday from 11-3pm for kids ages 3 & up. This week’s project is creating a “How Does It Grow? Greenhouse!”
Reptile Show at Westchester County Center
Those who aren’t squeamish may want to check out the NY Metro Reptile Expo on Sunday, April 17th . This is the “Northeast's largest Reptile Expo! More than 150 Reptile Breeders will have thousands of live pet reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids on display and for sale at discounted prices. Vendors will also be selling cages, frozen rodents, feeder bugs, and many other reptile-related items at discounted prices.” The expo will take place from 10-4 on Sunday and tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 7-12 and free for those under 7. For additional information call 914-995-4050 or click here.
Tall Tales at Westmoreland Sanctuary
On Sunday at 2pm stop by Westmoreland Sanctuary in Mount Kisco for their Tall Tales program.
“Folklore abounds about our animal friends. Come join the Westmoreland Sanctuary staff to discover some of the stories surrounding our animals. Why does snake have a bad reputation? How did chipmunk get her stripes? How did turtle get the pattern on his shell? Find the answers to these questions and more! Live animals will help us tell the tales!” Appropriate for children of all ages. Fees: $5 per child for non-members and free for members. No charge for adults accompanying children. Contact ssciame@westmorelandsanctuary.org for more information or to register.
Stamford Nature Center
The Stamford Nature Center is a wonderful place to visit. There’s a fun playground and animals to see on the grounds.
Sunday Explorers started last Sunday and will take place until May 22nd, from noon-4 (no program 5/15). “Our popular Sunday drop-in programs return for the spring. Join us for a weekly hike on our trails or for a chance to meet or feed some of our Heckscher WILD! animals. Explore Heckscher Farm as we greet goats, plant in our garden, and peek into barns to see if any baby animals were born. Visit the Overbrook Nature Center for some great self-guided crafts, additional animals, and exhibits too!”
The “Art on a String Asian Kites in Flight” exhibition will also be taking place April 2-May 30.
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Friday, April 15th from 7:30-9pm check out Muscoot Movie Night featuring the movie Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Suggestion Donation $5.00 And on Sunday it’s Birds of Prey Day from 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m! “Learn all about Birds of Prey from Mr. James Erying and enjoy live demonstrations.” |
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Pleasantville Farmer’s Market
Spring is here which means the Pleasantville Farmer’s Market has moved back outdoors. This Saturday, April 9th, “the delicious good time will be at Memorial Plaza (next to the train station) from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine. We ask even our most eager early birds to adhere to the 8:30 am start time so our vendors can prepare for your visit.”
Weekends at Stone Barns Center, April 16 - November 13
Ticketed weekend admission has started! Experience the farm with a day of Stone Barns programming.
Experience what's happening on the farm, meet our farmers and greet the season.
“On a Saturday or Sunday visit Stone Barns, participate in a variety of seasonal, hands-on activities and drop-in tours all included with your one-day admission ticket. Ticket prices are as follows: Adult (ages 16+): $20, Youth (ages 2-15): $10, Members: FREE*!
This season on the farm
The pasture grass is growing and preparing to welcome our chickens, flocks of sheep and new lambs. The field and gardens are coming to life with new growth and summer seedlings are growing in the propagation bay of the greenhouse, waiting to be transplanted into the field. A sample weekend day this spring will include:
Meet the: Sheep: 10:00 – 11:00 am
Farm Chore: Egg Collecting: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Meet the: Blue Hill Chef: 11:00 - 11:30 am
Farm Chore: Lettuce Planting: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Getting Grounded Tour: 11:30 am (45 minutes) Adults
Hands on: Felting activity: 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Making the Rounds Tour: Greenhouse: 1:30 pm (20 minutes)
Listen: Story Time: 1:30 - 1:50 pm, recommended ages 2-6
Meet the: Sheep: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Farm Activity: Prep the Field Beds 2:00 - 3:00pm
Hands-on: Pesto making 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Getting Grounded Tour: 3:15 pm (45 minutes) Adults
Farm Chore: TBD: 3:45 pm
Making the Rounds Tour: Field: 4:15 pm (20 minutes)
Activities and details are subject to change.”
STONE BARNS SELL OUT! Learn more & GET TICKETS HERE.
Suffern Street Fair
Who doesn’t love a fun street fair?! And with weather scheduled to be hovering around 70, this weekend is the perfect time to do so. Sunday April 17th, from 10-5, stop by the Suffern Street Fair. Learn more here:
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option. Tarzan is newly out in theatres this weekend! Also still out, Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice is in theaters! It’s rated PG-13 so may be a little too scary for the younger audience members. Still in theaters is Zootopia! A long awaited movie that was absolutely adorable. I loved it!! It’s out in regular, 3D and 3D Imax format! My son loved it so much he saw it twice!
Have you checked out Fun Fuzion in New Rochelle yet. Fun Fuzion is Westchester’s only indoor amusement park. There’s bowling, mini golf, billiards, lazer tag, and a fun house with games and rides. There’s also a movie theater next door! Definitely a spot worth visiting!
How about ice skating? Nearby rinks include Playland Ice Casino, Hommocks in Larchmont, and Dorothy Hammil in Greenwich.
Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?
Or Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut?
The New York Botanical Gardens are also a beautiful spot to visit and stroll around. The Orchid Show is on right now!
And Bowlmor bowling alley is a fun option in White Plains!
The beaches in Greenwich are open and free now! It’s a close, easy option that the whole family will love!
Remember, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to ensure a scheduled activity is still running. Email me at ryebrook@hamlethub.com and let me know if we missed any super fun, family friendly events and/or if you would like to advertise with us!
Photo Credit: Kelly Schwark