Happy Passover. Jews everywhere will be celebrating this holiday at sundown today with family and friends. Some of you may have left town for the weekend, but for those of you who stuck around, there’s plenty to do with the weather looking pretty amazing! Enjoy!
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 why not 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 exhibitions. Free with admission; no registration required.”
Also on Sunday from1-4pm, come celebrate Earth Day with Family Day at the Bruce Museum. This day promises to have “Fun, family activities for all ages and at 2:00 pm a performance by Bash the Trash, combining science and environmental concepts through demonstration, music and theater. This energetic musical group builds, performs and educates with musical instruments made from recycled and reused materials. Free with Museum admission.”
On Saturday, April 23rd, at 11am why not check out the Where's The Party? Storytime at Barnes and Noble! Come listen to this “heartwarming story with adorable art, this irresistibly charming picture book debut invites readers to meet Georgie and friends -- and find the answer to the most important question of the day: Where's the Party? Join us to find out at Storytime featuring Where's the Party? Activities to follow.“
Family Fun Day at The Tarrytown Music Hall (FREE)
There’s also a Family Fun Day taking place at The Tarrytown Music Hall. This fifth semi-annual open house event, Family Fun Day, will take place on Sunday, April 24th, from 10:00AM - 2:00PM! “Please join us for a fun-filled day of circus acts, dancing, music, and storytelling. You and your children will also enjoy a variety of hands-on arts & crafts activities such as decorating a birdhouse, creating a bird feeder, making spring-themed jewelry, coloring, and more! There will be healthy snacks to enjoy. This event will be FREE and open to the public. No tickets required. Spring is here! Bring the energy you've stored all winter and join us for a date on the stage with Westchester Circus Arts, Y Dance Academy and the jamming high energy of FunikiJam World Music!”
This weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday, April 23rd and Sunday, April 24th 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 23rd from 9am-1pm check out “Team Michaelangelo’s Charity Car and Bike Show- Enter your car or bike or join as a spectator. Funds raised support GNC’s mission! More info at fortheloveofpetsandpeople.com.”
Finally, on Sunday, April 24th why not participate in Hike and Seek at the GNC.
“Play the traditional game on our 33 acres of open land and trails! Strategize with your teammates until you find everyone on the other team. Suggested for ages 8 and up. Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person.”
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 at 1:15pm on Saturday! Gifted Guitarist – Become a rock star as you craft your own guitar out of simple household materials!
On Sunday April 24th from 2-3pm check out ATW: Show Me a Tale. This performance is about “The Daughter of Father Rose – Not eager to lose his beautiful daughter, a king sets forth a challenge that only the man who can grow a rose more beautiful than his rose could win her hand in marriage.
Children will learn how to make roses out of coffee filters they have decorated.
Tickets required. Limited space. For children ages 5 and older.”
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
On Saturday, April 23rd from 9-12pm check out "Shark Season!" for ages 8-10
“Dive into the fascinating world of sharks in this fun program that also includes a guided Aquarium tour and the IMAX movie "Humpback Whales." Advance registration required. Call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206, or click on the Buy Tickets button.
Start the morning with the special opportunity to explore The Maritime Aquarium before it opens. Guided by Aquarium educations, children will learn about the seals, fish, turtles, jellies and other animals, including all about how these animals have adapted to their habitats.
Next, we'll delve into shark senses and adaptations. Feel real shark jaws and skin, and learn about sharks' special adaptations. Highlight of the experience is the chance to meet and touch a live chain cat shark.” Cost is $50 ($45 for Aquarium members)
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!
Shows on April 23rd are The Girl Who Walked Upside Down at 12:30. At 2pm, The Sky Tonight. And at 3:30pm, Moons: Worlds of Mystery. On Sunday, April 24th at 12:30 check out Habitat Earth, at 2pm, The Sky Tonight and at 3:30pm, Habitat Earth.
Sunday April 24th from 12-5 stop by for Sky and Earth Sunday. Details here.
To learn more, click here.
Today, Friday from 6-8pm, check out Fun Family Craft Time - Tie-Dye Shirt. “You and your little makers can create matching tie dye shirts in the classic bulls eye pattern. Buy the t-shirt and the supplies are free.”
On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can get into the spring spirit by creating KIDS CLUB® Tissue Paper Tie-Dye Art 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.”
The Stamford Nature Center is a wonderful place to visit. There’s a fun playground and animals to see on the grounds.
Sunday Explorers has started 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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There are a few fun activities at Muscoot this Sunday. First up on Sunday April 24th, from 7:30-10am, come out on a Birdwalk! Come to the farm early and go on a birdwalk with Naturalist Paul Lewis. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars. Also on the 24th, Animal Tracking will take place from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m! “Muscoot has more than just farm animals. Come on a hike and look for signs of the other animals that call Muscoot home. Suggested donation $5.00 And finally, from 1-3pm, enjoy making fun Recycle Crafts. “In honor of Earth Day, stop by our activity building and create some one of a kind crafts made from recycled material.” |
Spring is here which means the Pleasantville Farmer’s Market has moved back outdoors. This Saturday, April 23rd, “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.
STONE BARNS SELL OUT!
Learn more & GET TICKETS HERE.
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.”
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option. The Jungle Book came out last 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. They will be celebrating Earth Day on Friday, April 22nd with activities for the whole family! And April 23rd and 24th celebrate daffodils with the eagerly anticipated bloom of 150,000 daffodil bulbs!
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! It’s also “Off Season” at the beach in Rye.
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