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As they say, April showers…the weather this week has been less than Spring-like but hopefully once this cold front moves through, warmer temps and drier weather will be in our forecast. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained this weekend. Enjoy!
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!
Disney’s Choo Choo Soul Genevieve
On Saturday, April 9th at 11 and 3 don’t miss Disney’s Choo Choo Soul Genevieve at the Paramount! “Imagine parents honestly being able to enjoy the music that their children enjoy. Imagine soulful and current renditions of the ABC’s, 1-2-3’s, and learning how to be polite. Imagine a diverse, and incredibly hip duo, teaching children through music on an animated train…. And Choo-Choo Soul is born! Stay for the meet and greet after the show! For tickets and info click here.”
Click here for 11am showing.
Or here for 3pm showing.
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.
The “Facing the Human Past” Family Workshop will take place on Sunday, April 10, 2016 from 11:00am - 12:30pm. “John Gurche, paleo-artist, will speak to families about how he studies hominid fossils and recreates faces above the skeletal structure. Join us for this child-friendly, hands-on program where families will get to build their own reconstruction of an early human over a cast of an ancient skull. This 300,000 year old skull is from the species Homo heidelbergensis, and was found in Zimbabwe. John Gurche will help guide the sculpting. No sculpting experience or scientific training is necessary. $7 for members, $15 for non-members. Register on Eventbrite.com; space is limited.”
Also on Sunday, from 11:30-12:15pm, check out the Family Gallery Tour! “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 exhibitions. Free with admission; no registration required.”
On Saturday, April 9th, at 11am why not check out the children’s Let's Play Storytime Special Event. “It's only a yellow dot ... but what a dot it is! Readers won't be able to resist this jaunty, adventurous dot, nor its invitation to play along. Join us for Storytime featuring Let's Play. Activities will round out the fun.”
Also on Saturday at 2pm, don’t miss the Andrew Kranichfeld Author Event. “Join us for a discussion, Q&A and book signing with author Andrew Kranichfeld and illustrator Sally Tobin for their book Oliver Saves the Nature Center. The book includes activities such as a crossword puzzle, an I-Spy and a word jumble. In addition to the book, Andrew will discuss some environmentally-friendly and money-saving tips for everyday life.”
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!
On Saturday, from 9-5, it’s Accessibility Day. This is a day where Stepping Stones has “reduced admission for families of children with special needs. Enjoy the museum’s exhibits, mingle with other families and learn with your child in a safe and welcoming environment. Every second Saturday of the month – all day long! Call 203 899 0606 for more information.”
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.”
Weekend Zumba will take place from 1-1:30 on Sunday! “Zumba Kids is popping up on a Sunday! Join our fitness party as you dance your way to a healthy future! No age limit. Free with museum admission. Note: Zumba Kids regularly occurs on Wednesdays at 2:30 pm.”
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.
Henry and Mudge at The Emelin Theatre
On Saturday April 9th at 11 and 1:30pm, Henry and Mudge come to the stage of the Emelin!
“Moving from the city to a new house in the country can be tough. Just ask Henry, who can’t find a playmate in his new neighborhood! Luckily, he’s got Mudge, a great big, 182-pound canine buddy, with whom he can share all kinds of adventures!
Henry discovers that having a pet is a big responsibility -- they need to be fed, they need to be taken out for walks, and of course they need lots of love and playtime! And when the dog is as big as Mudge is, they also need good training. Henry teaches his new friend to sit, heel, and shake his hand, but rolling over is one trick Henry just can't seem to teach Mudge, no matter how hard he tries.
When Henry's cousin Annie comes for a visit, Mudge is so charmed by her that he finally rolls over at her command! Henry thinks Mudge must love Annie more than him, because the dog only does the trick for her. Very upset, Henry runs away into the cold dark woods to find adventures on his own. Mudge follow's the boy's scent into the forest -- he really does love Henry and doesn't want to be without him.
Will the two friends be reunited? Find out in this heartwarming Theatreworks USA musical, based on the best-selling series of books by Cynthia Rylant. (Approximately one-hour in length, recommended for grades Pre-K - 3).”
See more here!
Tickets are $15 and can be bought here.
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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On Saturday from 8:30-10, why not check out Animal Tracking. “Muscoot has more than just farm animals. Come on a hike and look for signs of the other animals that call Muscoot home. Additional Dates: 4/24 Suggested donation $5.00.” Also on Saturday, from 1-3pm, it’s Coyote Awareness Day. “Join the Wolf Conservation Center as they give a talk about the importance of Coyote Awareness.” |
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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.”
Stone Barns Farm
This weekend why not head outside and enjoy Stone Barns since it is open and entrance to the property is FREE. In addition there is a paid tour you can participate in or check out the free drop-in programming
Weekend activities may include:
11:00 -11:45 am: Family Farm Tour, $10
12:00 - 12:30 pm: Meet the… sheep, sprouts, pigs or other part of the farm-Drop-in, FREE
1:00 - 1:30 pm: Making the Rounds Tour: Greenhouse-Drop-in, FREE
1:30 - 2:00 pm: Meet the… sheep, sprouts, pigs or other part of the farm-Drop-in, FREE
2:30 - 4:00 pm: Insider’s Tour, $20
Tickets for the tours may be purchased online.
There are also Winter Family Farm tours on Saturday and Sunday from 11-11:45. “On this family-friendly tour for ages 4 and up, explore the farm and some of our favorite seasonal highlights. Join us for a walk around the farm to take a closer look at the animals that we’re raising and the vegetables that we’re growing!” Tickets can be bought here.
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option. 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?
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, especially with the forecasted weather, 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