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The weekend is here again. We had a great stretch of weather this week but unfortunately today looks less than stellar. Fortunately the rest of the weekend looks beautiful. Please excuse any errors or typos in the weekend guide. HamletHub has strep but wouldn't let my devoted fans and readers of the weekend guide down, as they say, the show must go on!
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 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.”
Lightscapes
From the creators of the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze comes another “EXCITING, otherworldly experience of awe-inspiring illumination and all-original sculpture.
Van Cortlandt Manor springs to life during this incredible nighttime display. Taking place over 20 spring evenings and perfect for all ages, LIGHTSCAPES is a walk-through, land-art experience.
Enter through a rainbow and emerge from a bubbly haze into a dreamland of curiosities spread throughout this historic landscape as far as the eye can see. Do some “shadow dancing” in front of an interactive silhouette wall and transport yourself into a world of wonder as you enter the brand new Bubble Tunnel.
Encounter enormous “live” Luna Moth creations — some 15 feet tall! — perching high on a hill, flittering around for all to see. Check out the underbelly of a giant centipede as you worm your way through its segmented legs!
Navigate a drawbridge as you cross the River of Light and continue on your way to the Colorwheel Castle. Squiggle through the Caterpillar Cavern and discover larger-than-life elements like a colossal praying mantis and a massive mayfly.
Recycled elements serve as eco-friendly building blocks for all of our intergalactic flora and friendly woodland creatures.
State-of-the-art illumination highlights these amazing works of art and showcases Van Cortlandt Manor’s gorgeous natural landscape and specimen trees.
In the artfully decorated LIGHTSCAPES hospitality tent, enjoy spring-themed sweets including organic sorbet from Blue Pig of Croton and homemade candy and baked goods (plus savories!) from Geordane’s of Irvington.”
Tickets are on sale for the following times: 8:15, 8:30 & 9 Fri, Sat and Sunday
You know Summer is near when Playland opens for the season! May has $15 May Day rides admission special all day! The amusement park opens at noon and closes at 7 on Saturday and Sunday.
Rye Nature Center
Two fun events are taking place this weekend at the Rye Nature Center.
Today, Friday from 10-4 check out “Naturalist in Your Neighborhood- Show your Rye pride by helping it become the second Community Wildlife Habitat™ in the state of New York. Your role is to make your property more welcoming to wildlife and we can help. A Rye Nature Center naturalist will visit your property, identify weeds, wildlife needs, and offer suggestions on making your yard a Certified Wildlife Habitat™. Get your neighbors to do it to. Program free. Pre-registration required. Contact taroietaka@ryenaturecenter.org for more information.”
And on Saturday, May 14th at 9:30 am check out Miners 101. “Take a peek inside the earth and see what Rye is really made of at the RNC Quarry. Suggested for ages 7 and up. $5.00/person members, $8.00/person non-members.”
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!
On Saturday, May 14th at 11am, head to your nearest Barnes & Noble for the kid’s storytime event, If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don't! “If your mom says to get ready to play at the beach, she means with a boat, or a Frisbee or a shovel. She is NOT talking about the piano. But Magnolia is a little girl with a big idea, determination and one very heavy upright piano she insists she needs to take with her. What's the worst that can happen? Find out at Storytime. Activities to follow.” Our closest Barnes & Noble is in White Plains, City Center but there are other nearby locations in Stamford, Palisades Center and Yonkers.
On stage now at the Broadway Theatre, it’s Happy Days from May 5th - July 17th. “If you like Grease, you will love Happy Days. Grab your poodle skirt, saddle shoes, and the kids, and take a rock & roll trip down memory lane! This new Musical is based on the television series and written by its creator, Garry Marshall. A Bright and funny musical celebration of nostalgia with lots of Singing & Dancing! Featuring 21 songs by Oscar and Grammy award-winning songwriter Paul Williams, including the series’ theme song.”
Check out schedule here.
Buy tickets here.
This weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday, May 14th and Sunday, May 15th 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.”
And on Saturday, May 14, at 2pm check out Wild Mosaics! “Feeling Creative? Make your own Mosaic using natural materials. Fun for all ages. Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person.”
Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents The Music of the 80s!
On Sat, May 14th, at 3pmdon’t miss Rock and Roll for Kids: 80s Throwback for Kids!
“Get out your neon clothes and leg warmers! This workshop will have even the littlest fans dressing up with a very special face painting activity to spin right round to some classic tunes from 1980s.
During each fun-filled class, children will explore live music, movement, and collaborative creativity. Young talents will gain knowledge and develop their musical skills through laughter and imagination. We invite the whole family to join us and play as we aim to build creativity in children ages 10-years-old and younger.”
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.
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!
Saturday is Accessibility Day from 9-5pm “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!”
Museum CLOSES at 4:00 pm for a private event on this day (5/14/2016) only.
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.”
From 12-2 on Saturday check out the Comic Book Celebration. “Join our Youth Enrichment at Stepping Stones (YES2) volunteers for comic-inspired games and activities. You’re welcome to dress up as your favorite superhero and we promise not to reveal your secret identity!”
Also on Saturday from 2-3pm, stop by “ATW:Creative Kids- Persian Rug – Learn how Persian rugs are made and make a woven project of your own. For children ages 2 and older.”
Museum closes at 4pm Saturday
And on Sunday, May 15, from 1pm – 2pm the celebration of Dr. Seuss Week begins where guests can “Enjoy a wacky, colorful experience dedicated to all things Seussical. The Lorax Storybook Experience — Enjoy a special story time of this classic, environmental tale. Your little ones will receive their own paper booklet of “The Lorax” without any illustrations. Encourage children to unleash their creativity and draw their own images for the story. (While supplies last!)
This experience is recommended for All Ages.”
“One of Westchester’s longest-running and beloved recreational programs – Bicycle Sundays – rolls on select Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m…During Bicycle Sundays, a portion of the Bronx River Parkway is closed to cars for the exclusive use of bicyclists, joggers, walkers, scooters and strollers. The course runs from the Westchester County Center in White Plains, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, a round-trip of 13.1 miles. There are many points of entry and exit along the way.
Schedule:
Sundays in May, June and September
May 15 and 22
June 5, 12, 19 and 26
September 11, 18 and 25
Location: Bronx River Parkway from Westchester County Center in White Plains, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.
Fee: Admission is Free-$7 parking at the County Center lot in White Plains
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!
This Saturday, May 14 from 12-5 is Kite Festival Saturday (Rain Date May 15). Don’t miss “Yonkers Arts Weekend Kites and Kite Contests, Music, AND a Big, Beautiful, Walking Inflatable Activities 1 - 4 pm”
Junior Docents will lead newspaper kite workshops.
You’ll also have to opportunity to “Meet Artist Jimmy Kuehnle who clogs the sidewalks and tangles up the kite lines in his towering inflatable suit, The Walking Fish, powered by a 12v blower motor and freeing Kuehnle to cram between festival attendees. His message, “Stop. Talk to me. We are both people” (that is, you and The Walking Fish). The brightly colored suits make nonsense of common sense, and, though huge, glide with grace along the ground.”
Fly Kites and Compete for a Prize! Judges Billy Echevarria and Leucio Parrella, members of Kites In Motion, a kite club, and the American Kiteflyers Association
(AKA) award prizes for:
- Highest Angle Kite (Youth and Adult) 1:30 & 2:30 pm
- 50 Yard Dash (Kids only) 2 & 4 pm
- Most Unusual Kite (Youth and Adult: handmade or purchased) 4:30 pm
Solar Scientist Alan Bigelow and the Solar Punch Band 2:30 - 4 pm”
And of course there will be food for purchase
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..”
There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
Shows on May 14th & 15th!
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12:30 2 3:30 |
Earth, Moon and Sun- The Sky Tonight Habitat Earth |
The 12:30 show is for younger school-age children. The content and delivery of these shows inspires the youngest future astronomers to learn about the skies.
2 pm
The Sky Tonight. See what the sky is like on the Planetarium dome the VERY night you see this interactive show. LIVE presentation. Ages 8+
3:30 pm
Star shows that explore more complex scientific content as it draws you into the action. Ages 8+
To learn more, click here.
Michael’s Kids® Club
On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can have fun creating a KIDS CLUB® Dreamcatcher 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 “Giddy-Up Pony.”
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.
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This Saturday and Sunday from 11-3pm you won’t want to miss the “Spring on the Farm Festival Weekend- Join us for this fun family weekend on the farm and meet the newest additions to the Heckscher Farm family! Watch as the flock of sheep gets its annual shearing and learn about what happens with their wooly coats. See firsthand how to turn wool into felt or yarn, among a variety of other hands-on demonstrations. There will be activities for all ages including llama trekking, face painting, a craft, live music with Jay and Ray, and a plant and herb sale. There will be hayride tickets for purchase, and our Museum Galleries will be open with our ART ON A STRING: Asian Kites in Flight exhibition Works by members of the Loft Artists Association will be featured in Art on the Meadow and will be available for purchase. The artists will also be leading a craft project for children. The Yama Ki Bonsai Society will be presenting a boutique exhibition of the ancient art of bonsai with 50 unique bonsai trees and starter trees for sale. Back by Popular Demand... Food Trucks! |
Save time by ordering tickets online.
Also don’t miss the THE YAMA KI BONSAI SOCIETY PRESENTS The Art of Bonsai
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Saturday, May 14 & Sunday, May 15, 11 am - 3 pm
There’s a couple of fun activities going on at the farm this weekend! On Saturday May 14th, from 7-9pm check out” Frogs at Night-Visit the farm at night to learn about what importance frogs play here on the farm. Bring a small flashlight. Suitable for ages 13 and up.” Also, from 9:30-2:30 on Sunday stop by the Farmer’s Market for a variety of products. “Over 20 vendors make up this unique and local farmer's market! Additional dates:, 5/22, 5/29.” |
The market is closed this weekend but “This Saturday at Memorial Plaza enjoy fun rides, visiting community groups, offering from local restaurants and lots of free entertainment -- all highlighting the Village of Pleasantville. The Market REOPENS May 21, kicking off its weekly programming (Culinary, Kids, Music Series), and welcoming back remaining seasonal vendors such as Aba's Falafel, J&A Farm and Wright's Farm.”
Saturday May 14th at 10am, check out the Trail Blazing Workshop! “This workshop will provide participants with the skills necessary to properly clear, maintain and improve a hiking trail so it is easily passable for fellow hikers and the trail itself is harmonious with the environment. Through field work, students will learn assessment of trail conditions, clearing, trail marking, proper use of tools and how to report any trail problems they may come across on their segment of trail. Be prepared to spend a few hours on the trails around the area as part of the field training. Make sure to wear your hiking boots, dress appropriately for the outdoor conditions and trail work. Pack lunch and plenty of water and bring work gloves.
This event is free and open to the public. People younger than 18 are welcome, in the company of their parents. Participants younger than 18 are welcome, in the company of their parents.”
And on Sunday the 15th, don’t miss Drum Making at 1pm. “Come out to Westmoreland to learn more about Native Americans and make your own hand drum. We will be making handheld single-headed drums, common to many native cultures. All those that sign up are invited to take part in our drumming circle program the following week. For this program pre-registration with non-refundable deposit for materials is required. All participants that preregister will also automatically be registered for the drum circle program the following week if they wish to attend.
Open to all ages but must be 8 or older to make a drum. Program fee – $35 per person for non-members, $25 for members. Space limited to 30 participants and preregistration is recommended. Email Stephen Sciame at ssciame@westmorelandsanctuary.org.”
This is a great opportunity to sample the delicious cuisine of Harrison while helping support the library.
“Visit participating restaurants at your own pace and enjoy a delicious sample of their specialties. Enjoy great food, a wine tasting, a beer tasting, and a raffle or two. All proceeds will go directly to supporting the Harrison Public Library.
- 1. Purchase wristbands online, in person prior to the event at the Halperin Building or West Harrison Branch, or on the day of the event at our information booth. You may also mail your name, address, phone number, requested number of wristbands, and check payable to Friends of the Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528. Adults: $20 in advance/$25 day of event. Children (under 12): $10 in advance/$15 day of event.
- 2. Get your wristbands and map. We will arrange for you to pickup your wristbands prior to the event at the Halperin Building or on the day of the event at our information booth.
3. On May 15 between 11:30am-3:00pm, put on your wristband and follow our map to visit participating restaurants (marked with a balloon) in Downtown Harrison and enjoy their delicious specialties.”
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. Captain America: Civil War hit theaters last weekend. Rated PG-13 and in regular, 3D, IMAX and IMAX-3D format. Ratchet and Clank is sill pretty new to theaters. I hadn’t heard of this movie. It’s “ A CG-animated movie based on the iconic PlayStation video game.” In regular and 3D format. The Jungle Book is also out in regular, 3D and Imax! 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. http://www.nybg.org/visit/
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, 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