OMG, we’re in June! How did that happen? Summer is right around the corner! Are you ready? Hopefully the weather stays great this weekend and you can enjoy some of the fun outdoor activities. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, don’t worry. There’s plenty of indoor fun to be had too.
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.
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: 8:30, 9 & 9:30 Fri, Sat and Sunday
Rye Playland
You know Summer is near when Playland opens for the season! Don’t miss $15 Rides Admission June 3, 10 & 17 - 5 p.m. to close. Park hours this weekend are Friday, 10-10pm, Saturday 12pm-11pm, and Sunday 12-7pm.
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!
Home Depot Free Kid’s Workshop
It’s the first Saturday of the month which means it’s time for the Home Depot Free Kid’s Workshop from 9-12pm. This month’s activity is creating a Father's Day Trophy Smart Phone Holder!
“Show Dad who's #1! Join our hands-on workshop and build a trophy-shaped cell phone holder. Once the project is built, your child can paint it and decorate with stickers that show dad he's #1.
All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.”
The White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival
On Saturday June 4th and Sunday June 5th from 10-5pm stop by Tibbits Park in White Plains and check out The White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival. Admission is free. “The WPOAF brings diverse displays of fine arts and crafts to tree-lined Tibbits Park in the heart of bustling downtown White Plains. The Festival showcases painting, photography, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, textiles, and much more, and is a great place to experience art and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and home décor. The event also features emerging artists, the artwork of our scholarship winners, a free children’s arts and crafts table, and unique food vendors. You can even win a unique piece of art donated by our talented artists at our raffle, with proceeds donated to the scholarship fund.”
Summer Family Festival at Neuberger Museum of Art
On Saturday, June 4th, from 1-4pm, don’t miss the Summer Family Festival at Neuberger. This is an open-house style “afternoon of multi-media fun. Our team of artists will guide visitors as they experiment with painting, printmaking, camera-less photographs, handmade paper, and more.” These drop-in acitvities are for kids and grown ups of all ages and are free and open to the public!
Barnes & Noble
On Saturday, June 4th at 11am, don’t miss the Summer Reading Triathlon Opening Ceremony!
“Kids in grades 1 through 6 can earn a free book at their local Barnes & Noble! Kids can get their journals for a free book, enjoy fun-filled activities and cast a ballot for their favorite book hero and place to win a Gold, Silver or Bronze Medal.” Our closest Barnes & Noble is in White Plains, City Center but there are other nearby locations in Stamford, Palisades Center and Yonkers.
Westchester Broadway Theatre
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.
Greenburgh Nature Center
This weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday, June 3rd and Sunday, June 4th 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.”
Also on Sun 4, at 2pm come celebrate National Trails Day “as we take an easy stroll along our woodland trails. A naturalist will lead the hike and will share fun facts about the history and ecology of our unique forested oasis along Central Ave. FREE for members, Non-members $8/person.”
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.”
Also on Saturday from 2-3pm, stop by “ATW:Creative Kids. Schoty – Make and learn to use a Russian abacus. For children ages 2 and older. Learn more about the Around the World program:http://bit.ly/22tOWxY.”
Weekend Zumba will take place from 1-130 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.”
Bicycle Sundays 2016
“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
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.
"Flutter Zone" is now open until Sept. 5. “Step into a magical environment all aflutter with exotic tropical butterflies in this special walk-through encounter! "Flutter Zone" features dozens of varieties of beautiful butterflies from Asia and South America, all free-flying among Aquarium visitors. Some may even land on you! Plus, watch the amazing life cycle of butterflies unfold in our "Chrysalis Hut," featuring the chrysalises whose metamorphoses keep the exhibit stocked with flittering butterflies throughout the summer. Displays also emphasize the horticultural and agricultural importance of butterflies and other pollinators. "Flutter Zone" is free with your Maritime Aquarium admission. Be sure to double your butterfly fun by choosing a screening of the IMAX movie "Flight of the Butterflies," which tells the amazing story of monarch butterflies and their multigenerational migration to Mexico.”
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.”
There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
Shows on June 4 & 5:
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12:30 2 3:30 |
Sesame Street The Sky Tonight We Are Aliens |
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.
On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can have fun creating a KIDS CLUB® Chalk Butterfly 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 “Crafty Bird Feeder.”
Sunday, June 5th, from noon-5, rain or shine, come enjoy food, music and neighbors.
Charlotte’s Web at The Emelin Theatre
Everyone’s favorite story comes to life on the Emelin stage this Saturday, June 4th at 11am and 1:30pm (sold out). Tickets are $15 and going fast, so grab yours before they’re gone!
“Charlotte (a spider) and Wilbur (a pig) are unlikely friends, but when Wilbur faces the troubling prospect of becoming pork dinner, it’s Charlotte to the rescue. Spinning words into her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig, but ensures his place on the farm forever. Based on E.B. White’s treasured tale. A Theatreworks USA production. Ages 4+.”
- See more here.
Tickets can be bought here.
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There’s a couple of fun activities going on at the farm this weekend! On Saturday, June 4th, check out Fireflies and Crickets from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. “Its that time of year again. Go on a night hike and listen and look for the sounds and sights of the farm at night.” Also June 4, 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. Additional dates: 6/18. Suggested donation $5.00.” And the Art Show will take place from 12-4pm on Saturday, June 4th too! “Visit our historic Main House to see and purchase art from this month's featured artists the Northern Westchester Artist Guild. Additional dates: 6/5, 6/11, 6/12, 6/18, 6/19, 6/25, 2/26.” Finally, why not check out Blacksmithing from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m on Saturday! Come learn from Blacksmith Bill Fitzgerald. Pre-registration and a fee are required. Bring a lunch. Fee: $85.” And on Sunday, from 9:30-2:30 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:, 5/29.”
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Rye's Down to Earth Farmers Market
Speaking of Farmer’s Markets, Rye’s opens this weekend and runs Sundays, 8:30AM – 2:00PM, until December 4th. The market is located in the Parking Lot on Theodore Fremd Ave, Rye NY.
Saturdays from 8:30-1pm there’s also a Farmer’s Market happening in Pleasantville, NY. “Spring has sprung and so has the Pleasantville Farmers Market! The delicious good time is now outdoors at Memorial Plaza (next to the train station). Located right in the heart of Westchester County, the Market is centrally located in our beautiful, historic walking village -- perfectly positioned on your way to your destination or better yet, as a destination in itself. Experience the largest, year-round farmers market in Westchester, and the one voted Best of Westchester in 2014 and 2015 by the readers of Westchester Magazine. Market will take place rain or shine. The Pleasantville Farmers Market is a dog-free environment.
From 9:30 AM-11:00 AM kids can enjoy the special LEGO Event with Marwan from I LUG NY. “Marwan Shouery, a member of the LEGO group I LUG NY, will visit Saturday with a large Lego display and opportunities for children to build. Marwan will showcase many aspects of the LEGO hobby to inspire children of all ages to explore their creativity through building with LEGO.”
In addition, market visitors can enjoy the music of singer/songwriter Susan Kane from 10-12pm. “Welcome back returning performer and president of the music collective, Tribes Hill, Susan Kane. Susan has drawn inspiration from everyone from the Beatles to Pete Seeger to the Grateful Dead, performing from Greenwich Village to our village. It's always a treat when Susan and the boys come around. .”
Touch a Truck
On Sunday, June 5th, from 10-2pm, this is one the kids won’t want to miss! “Climb aboard a fire truck, operate a construction vehicle & ride the rails! Touch a Truck is excited to welcome back your favorites as well as a few new participants! There will be fire trucks, cherry pickers, construction equipment, bounce houses, food trucks, The Bossy Frog Band, Soccer with Filipo, The Roaming Railroad, Critter Caravan and more. Be on the lookout for a few new participants this year, like East Coast R/C Trucks! FUN FOR BOYS AND GIRLS OF ALL AGES!” This event will take place at Greenwich Town Hall (101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT) and will be held rain or shine!
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!
Tarrytown Craft, Food and Street Fair
Also on Sunday, June 5th from 10-5pm, head to Main Street in Tarrytown at the intersection of Route 9 (Broadway) and “enjoy over 90 Vendors and Crafters as well as LOCAL Food and Beverage. Free admission.”
And speaking of street fairs, Nanuet in Rockland will also be holding one, their third annual Street Fair n Sunday from 10-5pm.!!! “This year we'll feature old fashioned family games! Compete against Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann and more! There will be rides for the kids, clowns, great food, beer garden, DJ on one end and bands and dancing on the other!”
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. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of The Shadows hits theatres today in regular and 3D format! Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass in regular, 3D and Imax and Angry Birds Movie hit theatres last weekend in regular and 3D format. My kids are so excited about this one! Captain America: Civil War is still in theatres. Rated PG-13 and in regular and 3D format. The Jungle Book is also out in regular, 3D and Imax! Also still out, X-Men: Apocalypse is in theaters! It’s rated PG-13 so may be a little too scary for the younger audience members.
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!
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. This weekend is Rose Garden Weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 11-4pm
Baseball anyone? The Yankees are in Baltimore and the Mets are in Florida but the Rockland Boulders are home all weekend long so why not check out a game just over the Tappan Zee bridge?
And Bowlmor bowling alley is a fun option in White Plains!
The beaches in Greenwich are open. Passes are required from May 2 through October 31.! It’s a close, easy option that the whole family will love! There’s also Oakland beach in Rye. The Park is now considered “In Season” Weather permitting, lifeguards will be on duty and the beach is open for swimming from 9 a.m. until at least 5 p.m. Parking and Beach admission fees will apply
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