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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.
Also on Sunday July 17th from 1:30-4:30pm, check out Science on the Silver Screen, Jurassic Park. “Enjoy an afternoon at the movies with the experts! This is the first in a 3-part series of classic movie screenings followed by Q&A sessions with scientists to explain what was right, what was wrong, and what was just confusing. Free with Museum admission. RSVP to Kate at kdzikiewicz@brucemuseum.org.”
While you’re in Greenwich, why not check out the always fun sidewalk sales from July 14-17. This is your chance to score some major deals at some amazing stores that line Greenwich Ave and the side streets! Also, the restaurants participate so definitely check it out!
Enjoy the great outdoors with music from such varied sources as the “Westchester Philharmonic Brass to The Woodstock Experience
The “Music in the Park” series will take place on Fridays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial in Somers. Table-and-chair seating on the patio will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Concert-goers should plan on lawn seating and should bring their own blankets or lawn chairs.
No pets are allowed.
Food and beverages, including beer, wine, pretzels and hot dogs will be available for purchase.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Music is 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Admission is $10 per person for all ages. All sales will be at the door; no pre-sales. Payment can be made by cash or credit card. Proceeds benefit Lasdon’s glass house conservatory project.”
Click here to learn more or call (914) 864-7268 for updates and information.
Performances are as scheduled:
July 15: Patty Larkin performs folk-urban pop
July 22: Chamomile & Whiskey performs folk-rock and Americana
July 29: Back to the Garden: The Woodstock Experience
The pool and beach are open for the summer! Playland will be celebrating Independence Day all summer long with spectacular holiday fireworks shows every Friday night! Also, Tues, Wed, Thursday nights from 5pm- close, enjoy $15 rides June 28-September! Park hours this weekend are 12pm-12am Friday and Saturday and 12-10 on Sunday.
Westchester Children’s Museum
Good news! The Westchester Children’s Museum 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!
Tonight, Friday, July 15th at 7pm check out the Get Pop-Cultured: Star Wars. “Calling fans of Wookiees, Stormtroopers and Jedi Knights! All ages are welcome for a special offer, trivia, bingo, giveaways, cosplay and a learn-to-play Star Wars X-Wing Game event.”
On Saturday, at 11am, don’t miss the Are We There Yet? Story time “Every parent has heard this classic kid question on a long car ride! After reading this inventive new book (that even turns upside down for several pages!), you'll never look at being bored the same way again. Join us for this fun-filled Storytime with 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.
Ending this weekend at the Broadway Theatre, it’s Happy Days. “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.
The Butterfly Exhibit it open through Sunday, August 7th from 10-3.
“Our butterfly exhibit moves into its new home - a thoughtfully constructed arbor located in our enchanting Native Plant Meadow. Enjoy close encounters with butterflies and learn about their importance in nature. Admission: Members-FREE / Non Members-$11 Adults, $10 seniors/students, $9 children, under 2 free (price includes admission to Manor House Animal Museum and exhibits).”
Through Sunday, September 25 drop in from 10AM-4:30PM and head out on a Self-Guided Story Walk. “Take a short walk along our woodland trail and along the way read one of our favorite picture books for young children, Screech Owl at Midnight Hollow by C. Drew Lamm. Follow the book and trail markers on your journey. Free and open to all.”
Family campout #1 will be take place this Saturday, July 16th at 5:30PM and end on Sunday July 17th at 8:30am. “You supply the tent and sleeping bag, we supply the nature, food and fun! Join us for a barbecue, and then explore our moonlit trails with a naturalist in search of various night creatures. Cap off the evening with s’mores by the fire. Limited to 20 families. $25/child, $75/adult, plus $85 membership.” BOOK NOW
Also this weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Sunday July 17th 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.”
The Stamford Nature Center is an amazing place to visit, just off the Merritt, about 20 minutes north of us. There are many nooks to explore, animals to see and a fun playground to visit.
WILD! Feeding will take place on Saturdays, July 9 - August 20, 12:30 - 1 pm. “Ever wonder how we feed our exhibit animals in Heckscher WILD!? Help to make salads for our tortoises, lizards and other fruit and veggie-loving friends. Spaces for this program are limited to 20 children, ages 5 and up. Interested participants can sign up for a space, as available, in Heckscher WILD! any time after 10 AM each Saturday. Spaces are first-come, first served.”
Animal Meet and Greet will take place on Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays, July 5 - August 20, 3 pm. Stop by Heckscher WILD! to meet one of our teaching animals and discover how they are adapted to their habitat. Animals will vary depending on the day and programs will be approximately 15 minutes.”
Summer Stars Planetarium Shows will take place on Saturdays, July 16, 30, August 6, 1 & 2:30 pm. “Join us to explore the summer sky during the day! Discover some of the common constellations of the summer and the interesting stories behind them. Seating is limited. Doors will open 15 minutes before scheduled program and seats are first-come, first-served. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Shows start promptly; no late admission. The Planetarium is located in the Bendel Mansion Museum Building.”
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.”
Sundays, June 12 - August 28, from 10 am - 2 pm, don’t miss Market Madness Sundays. “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 online.”
And finally, on Sunday, July 17th from 4-5:30pm check out OUTDOOR ADVENTURES:Shelter Building. “Discover the basics of building an emergency shelter in the woods. Learn the best practices for location and materials, and then test your skills by creating a shelter of your own in the forest. Most suitable for ages 5 and up. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Please call 203.977.6521 to register. Members: $5 | Non-Members: $8.”
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!
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+.
The India Week celebration will take place from 11-12 on Saturday by painting and your own flower pot. For ages 3 and older. Limited space – this activity is broken into two time slots for 10 participants each: 11:15 and 11:35 am
From 12:30-2pm on Saturday check out animation Station where children can learn the basics of stop animation. “They will make their own setting and background. They will use the iPad to make a short video (about 15 sec), including sound.
Adults can work on a project with the children - OR - they can drop-off children ages 5 and up, and play onsite with their younger children. Adults MUST remain on-site and inside the museum.”
| And finally, on Sunday 10:15-11 celebrate India Week by making your own colorful garland decoration with elephants. While supplies last. |
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.
Hudson River Museum
The Hudson River Museum, in Yonkers, boasts an amazing Planetarium, six galleries, and a mansion!
Friday and Saturday at 7pm check out the FREE star shows!
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. June and July’s projects include making a “car from cardboard boxes, straws, tape, and bottle caps, powered by a balloon. Ages 5+.”
Saturdays 1-4, come do some fun science projects. Kids 7 and older can “assemble a “community inflatable” from geometric shapes.” Kids 3 and up can make a “Plant Pal-Plant seeds in a mini flowerpot to take home, and watch your Pal grow.”
There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
Shows on July 16 & 17!
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12:30 2 3:30 |
Tycho to the Moon The Sky Tonight Undiscovered Worlds |
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, stop by from 10-12pm for Kids Club® where kids can have fun making a Kids Club® - The Secret Life of Pets - Perler®Max. “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 “Colors of the Rainbow! Bookmark,” so fun!!
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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 and Sunday! “Visit our historic Main House to see and purchase art from this month's featured artists the Northern Westchester Artist Guild. 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!
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Rye's Down to Earth Farmers Market
Rye’s farmer’s market is open 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. “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.
For the kids, from 9:30-11, “Chef and food writer Suzy Scherr arrives Saturday with a neat, seasonal food craft: Summer Cucumber Coolers! Using fresh ingredients from the Market, and assistance from local Chef Suzy, kids create a cup from a fresh cucumber, learn how to make delicious flavored waters with mint and raspberries, and then enjoy a refreshing drink of delicious flavored water in a cucumber cup of their own making.”
Weekends at Stone Barns Center, April 16 - November 13
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.”
Kids’ Production of Willy Wonka Jr. at WPPAC
The WPPAC Summer Theatre Academy just wrapped up a 3-Week workshop and now it’s time for the performances by the participants, current 2-9 graders! Don’t miss the kids’ production of Willy Wonka Jr July 15 @ 7:00 pm and July 16 @ 7:00 pm. Adult tickets are $15 and $10 for kids.
Cultural Heritage Celebrations
Sunday from noon to 7pm, come celebrate Hispanic heritage at the Kensico Dam in Valhalla. “Experience a variety of cultures from around the world this summer without leaving Westchester County during the annual Cultural Heritage Celebrations held in county parks.
Festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn.”
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option. The highly anticipated (by my kids) movie, The Secret Life of Pets is in theaters!! We all loved this one. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), from Disney, is also in theaters. And Finding Dory is still in theaters. My kids and I loved it! Check out showtimes here.
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 Friday-Sunday playing the Red Sox, while the Mets are in Philly.
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
The sprinkler park at Mamaroneck's Harbour Island Park is also a blast for the kids...at the end of Mamaroneck Avenue!
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