Summer is almost here! Hopefully you have some time to enjoy all the fun activities listed below with family and friends!
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.
And on Saturday from 10-5, don’t miss the 12th annual Connecticut Open House Day. “This one-day, statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut’s diverse world of history, art and tourism to Connecticut residents. The Bruce Museum is offering free admission to all on this day.”
On Sunday from 11:30-12:15 join in 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.”
This is the last weekend you can enjoy 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
You know Summer is near when Playland opens for the season! Don’t miss $15 Rides Admission
June 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!
June 9-12 don’t miss Fol-De-Rol! This fun fair is held at the Wampus Community Park every June. “The Fol-De-Rol (French for foolishness) has been an annual fun-filled weekend with fun rides, pet and car parade, games, craft and food vendors, continuous entertainment, animals, and much more.” Not sure where Wampus Park is…enter GPS 41 Wampus Avenue Armonk, NY 10504 in your GPS, Waze or Google Maps. Fair hours are 6-10pm on June 9 and 10, 10-10 Saturday, June 11th and 11-5, Sunday June 12th.
On Saturday, June 11th at 11am, don’t miss the Oh, the Places You'll Go! Story time. “In celebration of life's many milestones, join us for a reading of the Dr. Seuss classic Oh, the Places You'll Go! 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.
Rock and Roll Playhouse Tribute to David Bowie For Kids at Garcia’s
On Saturday, 6/11 @ 3pm head to Garcia’s in Port Chester for A Tribute to David Bowie for Kids featuring Mike Messer from the Dirty Sock Funtime Band and Phill Cimino with face-painting by Jazzana. “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.”
Buy tickets here.
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 11th 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.”
Stamford Nature Center
The Stamford Nature Center is an amazing place to visit. The kids will love seeing the animals, roaming the grounds and checking out the playground. It's conveniently located near the Meritt and just a short trip from Rye Brook.
The SM&NC Sunday Farm Market is back! Sundays from 10am-2pm, until October 9th, don’t miss the Farmer’s Market! “Many favorites are returning and we've added some new vendors to offer a larger variety of items. We'll be selling our very own Heckscher farm-fresh eggs, maple syrup made in our own maple sugar "shack," and wool from our flock of sheep. There will be weekly farm-related family activities with our "Market Madness" program led by one of our environmental educators.”
Market Madness Sundays will take place Sundays, June 12 - August 28, 10 am - 2 pm. “Support local farmers and explore the SM&NC through hands-on activities! Our Sunday Farm Market will be the center of our Summer Sunday programs. Join us weekly for a self-guided craft on the meadow, farm animal meetings, and lunch with Bert & Edie, our North American River Otters. At 11 am, join us for "Treats and Eats," where we'll make or explore (and eat!) a yummy treat, such as maple sugar candy and ice cream (weather permitting)! Tentative schedule is here.
And finally, Sunday, June 12th from 1:30-2:30, Make Way for Duckings! “Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the publication of Robert McCloskey's Make Way for Ducklings with a reading of the beloved book and a chance to meet some ducks that call Heckscher Farm home. Then, go on a bird-themed scavenger hunt to find one of the hidden rubber duckies on the property. Ducks can be turned in for a prize at our Farm Market! Finish the afternoon with a great duck craft to take home.”
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones museum is another 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 from 9-5pm is Accessibility Day! This is a day where the museum offers “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.” Takes place every second Saturday of the month – all day long!
Call 203 899 0606 for more information.
Saturday is also Connecticut Open House Day. To celebrate there will be FREE admission FOR the FIRST 100 VISITORS! “The Connecticut Office of Tourism is sponsoring the 12th annual Connecticut Open House Day. This one-day statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut’s diverse world of history, art, and tourism.”
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:Performance Series. Barynya Ensemble: Balalaika Dance and Music – Through traditional dress, music, song and dance, performers will introduce visitors to the culture of Russia and invite all to participate!
Learn more about Around the World programs: http://bit.ly/22tOWxY”
“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 June and September
June 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.
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 11 & 12!
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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® You’re My Hero Card while you shop! Perfect for Father’s Day! “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.”
Sunday from 2-3:30pm there’s a super fun and free teen jewelry class. While the workshop is free the cost of supplies can go up to $23.
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 “Blast Off! Rocket Ship.”
Tarrytown Music Hall
Random Farms Kids' Theater presents Fiddler On The Roof (6/8-6/19). Saturday at 11am and Sunday at 7pm don’t miss this special adaptation of the time-honored Broadway musical. “Set in the village of Anatevka, the story follows Tevye, his family, and their cultural traditions. This show features classic songs like "Tradition," "Matchmaker," and "Sunrise, Sunset." Performers are part of the Workshop program for grades 3 - 8.” Purchase tickets here.
And on Sunday, June 12th check out the Circo Bello, Westchester Circus Arts 2nd Annual Student Show. “Presented by Westchester Circus Arts The magic of the Sunday at 1pm Big Top comes to the Tarrytown Music Hall with Circo Bello: Westchester Circus Arts 2nd annual student showcase. This inspiring family-style show features gravity-defying performers aged 5-18. Witness aerial arts, acrobatics, juggling, wire-walking, and so much more. Come one, come all!” Purchase tickets here.
BALLET DES AMÉRIQUES: “LE CARNAVAL DES ANIMAUX" at The Emelin Theatre
Saturday and Sunday at 3pm Ballet des Amériques: “Le Carnaval des animaux" - On the heels of the second season of Evenings of Dance in Port Chester, the Company of Ballet des Amériques brings its acclaimed and evolving repertoire to the Emelin Theatre.
The matinée performances are introduced by “Le Carnaval des animaux” or “The Carnival of the Animals” - an original choreography by Carole Alexis to the musical suite by Camille Saint-Saëns, which is danced by the preprofessional students of the School of Ballet des Amériques. Tickets can be purchase here.
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There are a couple of fun activities going on at the farm this weekend! The Art Show will take place from 12-4pm on Saturday, June 11th! “Visit our historic Main House to see and purchase art from this month's featured artists the Northern Westchester Artist Guild. Additional dates: 6/12, 6/18, 6/19, 6/25, 2/26.” Sunday, June 12th, don’t miss Dairy Day from 12:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. “June is Dairy Month. Come to the farm and learn all about our dairy herd from 4-H.” And finally, 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 don’t miss the fun kid’s activity, Yoga with Jeanine Gayeski. “Get ready to get twisty! Yoga instructor Jeanine Gayeski makes yoga fun for the whole family. All ages welcome.”
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 theaters last weekend and is out in regular and 3D format! Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass in regular, 3D and Imax and Angry Birds Movie hit theaters a couple of weekends ago 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.
Baseball anyone? The Yankees are home and playing the Tigers.
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