Another weekend and we’re officially in August!! The weather has been amazing this week.
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.
First Sunday Bird Walk at Greenwich Point Park will take place on Sunday, August 7th from 9-11am. “Join us for a leisurely walk to view birds in their habitats. Bring binoculars. Meet near southern concession stand. Contact cynthiae@brucemuseum.org for information and Park admission.”
Also on Sunday August 7th, check out the Family Gallery Tour from 11:30-12:15. “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.”
And finally, Art Adventure: Electric Paris will also take place on Sunday from 1-3pm. “This drop-in program is free with admission and no advance registration is required. Designed for ages 4 and up and their families. Participants will have the opportunity to craft fun and creative works of art inspired by the museum's collections and exhibitions.”
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.
Playland will be celebrating International Friendship Day on Sunday, August 7th. This will be a “$15 Rides Admission Special Event Day with fun Giveaways & Activities with representatives from the Westchester Knicks, The 95.5 WPLJ Street Team, the New York City FC, and the Westchester County Police K-9 Unit. Additional programming includes: Pete & Chris Magic shows in Kiddyland at 1:30 p.m. & 6 p.m. Singer Song-writer, Allison Altschiller on the Main Stage at 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Free Playland Friendship Bracelets (while supplies last) Cannot be combined with other discounts - coupons not valid. Special Event Day parking $15.”
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
And since it’s the first Saturday of the month, the First Saturday Art Workshop with A.I Friedman will be taking place from 11-3 on Saturday! “Drop in and make a craft project that celebrates the Westchester Children's Museum first 100 days - each child will be invited to decorate a sun silhouette to add to a "100 Summer Suns" display for the Museum. Free with Museum admission
Visit their website to learn more!
Home Depot Free Kids’ Workshop
Another event that takes place on the first Saturday of every month is the Home Depot Free Kids’ Workshop. This workshop will take place on Saturday, August 6th from 9-12pm. This week’s project will be creating a Skateboard Pencil Box. “Join our hands-on workshop and you and your child can build a rolling skateboard pencil case just in time for back to school. Once the pencil box is built, your child can decorate it with The Home Depot stickers. 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.”
Renaissance Faire
The Renaissance Faire has started! The fair will take place Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day, August 6th- October 2nd from 10-7pm in Tuxedo Park, NY. Curious what the fair is all about? “A Renaissance Faire is a recreation of a Renaissance or Medieval village. It is filled with costumed actors, crafts and games to give patrons the illusion that they have stepped back in time. The New York Renaissance Faire features more than 125 performances on 20 stages, and over 100 craftspeople, all set within 65 acres of beautiful forest.” You can purchase tickets here, and learn more here.
Barnes & Noble
On Saturday, August 6th at 11am, stop by Barnes and Noble for the
Dinosaurs Love Underpants & Aliens Love Dinopantb Storytime. “Join us for a wacky celebration of underpants from a bestselling author/illustrator team featuring Dinosaurs Love Underpants and Aliens Love Dinopants. Coloring and activities to follow.”
Also on Saturday, at 7pm, come check out Get Pop-Cultured: Marvel. “Come and explore the Marvel Universe with a special offer and exclusive samplers, including the first storyline for Mosaic. Also enjoy trivia, coloring, cosplay and more.”
Our closest Barnes & Noble is in White Plains, City Center but there are other nearby locations in Stamford, Palisades Center and Yonkers.
The Butterfly Exhibit is 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.”
Also this weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday and Sunday August 6th and 7th 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 Sunday, August 7th at 11am head to Westmoreland Sanctuary in Mt. Kisco and check out Wildflowers of the Field. “Join our Director of Conservation in search of Native Flowers of the Field. We will learn native plant identification, protect native plants if necessary and GPS their location for our monitoring records. Participants will also learn how they can help wildflowers grow in their own backyards. Wear long pants, bring a hat and sunscreen. Ages 10 and Older. $5.00 Non-Members / Free for Members. Email Steve Ricker for more information.”
In the Heights at WPPAC
One of my favorite shows comes to the WPPAC this weekend! Before Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda composed the Music and Lyrics for IN THE HEIGHTS. This musical “tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. IN THE HEIGHTS is the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations.” The show is 2 hours 25 mins, not including intermission and will be on stage until August 7th. Showtimes are Friday at 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Ticket prices are $35 for adults and $25 for students.
Buy tickets here.
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.
Tonight, Friday, August 4th, from 7-9:30pm, check out OUTDOOR ADVENTURES:
Things with Wings Hike. “Explore the crepuscular and nocturnal creatures that call the SM&NC home. Take a sunset hike to look for resident bats and birds, for signs of local owls, and see what insects are out and about. Discover the difference between flying and gliding and meet some animals that can move on the wing. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Please call 203.977.6521 to register.”
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.”
Also on Saturday at 1 and 2:30pm, “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.”
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+.
On Saturday from 1-2, kids will have the opportunity to make a crown of laurels to wear.
From 2-3pm on Saturday check out ATW:Creative Kids- Fiber Optics. “Discover the wonders of fiber optics and the work of the Indian scientist Narinder Singh Kapany and then make your own fiber optic creation.”
And finally on Sunday from 11-12, in honor of International Friendship Day, children will have the opportunity to make friendship bracelets. So fun!
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
A fabulous new exhibit opens from August 6th to Labor Day, September 5th! Don’t miss this "Whale of a Month" celebration featuring a "Giant Walk-In Whale"
“We're celebrating the second summer of humpback whales visiting Long Island Sound with special whale-related offerings, most notably our "Giant Walk-In Whale!"
Even during a whale-watch cruise, it’s hard to appreciate the size of mostly submerged whales. So our “Giant Walk-in Whale” lets you pose beside – and go inside – a life-size 43-foot inflatable humpback whale.
Take a selfie with the whale. Then play Jonah and go inside the whale to see its lungs, heart, tongue and stomachs. (Most baleen whales have three stomach compartments.)
Adjacent to the “Giant Walk-In Whale,” stop by a whale activity station to learn how blubber insulates whales from the cold waters of the North Atlantic and to touch real baleen and other whale artifacts. (This station – and an activity station about butterflies tied to our “Flutter Zone” exhibit – will be offered on alternating days. Check "Today's Events" to see which station is offered on the day of your visit.
Plus, make it a "Whale of a Visit" by including the IMAX movie "Humpback Whales" and checking out the "Animals Without Passports" exhibit (about whale migration).
It's all free with your Maritime Aquarium admission.”
Flutter Zone is 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. August and September’s projects include turning a paper towel roll into a rocket, attaching it to a strung fishing line, and racing it across the room. Appropriate to 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 August 6 & 7!
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12:30 2 3:30 |
Girl Who Walked Upside Down The Sky Tonight We Are Astronomers |
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, stop by from 10-12pm for Kids Club® where kids can have fun making a Kids Club® Make Your Own Medal. “They craft, 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. It’s FREE all month long- supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.”
Lakeshore will also be creating a fun craft this Saturday from 11-3pm for kids ages 3 & up. This week’s project celebrates International Friendship Day by creating “Wild About You! Friendship Bracelets,” so fun!!
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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.
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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, “learn how to create your very own Thaumatrope with the assistance of Jacob Burns Film Center Staff. It’s an easy-to-make device that simulates animation by tricking your eye.”
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.”
Cultural Heritage Celebrations
Sunday from 12:30-6:30pm, come celebrate the heritage of India 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. Nine Lives is now in theaters, looks cute! Ice Age:Collision Course is also out! The Secret Life of Pets is still out!! We all loved this one. It was very cute! Also in theaters is Ghostbusters! The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), from Disney, is still out, as is Finding Dory. 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 this weekend playing the Indians while the Mets are out of town.
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 Harbour Island in Mamaroneck is always a fun destination for the kids!
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