It’s April Fool’s Day! Be on the lookout for pranks!!! I can’t decide if this felt like a long or short week. Definitely a weird week. But it always is when the kids are off...mostly because I couldn’t keep track of what day it was until today. Friday! Beautiful weather yesterday but don’t be fooled, apparently there’s a polar vortex coming! What?! I know, crazy! Anyhow, the trees are blooming and the weather this weekend looks pretty good, so get out there and enjoy some of these fun indoor and outdoor activities I’ve found…that is if you have time, as Spring sports have sprung too. Happy weekend!!
The 2016 boat show will take place this Saturday and Sunday, April 2-3 from 10-4pm. The Greenwich Boat Show will take place on the Mianus River in Cos Cob, CT. Boaters can take advantage of free sea-trials to test the boats on the sound. The Greenwich Boat Show is FREE.
Home Depot Free Kid’s Workshop
Since it’s the first Saturday of the month, it’s time for the FREE Home Depot Kid’s Workshop. This Saturday’s activity is Building A Butterfly House! Perfect to welcome Spring. “Join our hands-on workshop with your child and build a butterfly house to welcome some fluttering insect friends after a long winter. After the butterfly house is built, your child can decorate their project with paint. 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.” Registration is not required but helps them plan quantities needed.
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 9-11:15am, the First Sunday Bird Walk will take place! “Meet near southern concession at Greenwich Point Park. Join a leisurely walk around the Point to view birds in their habitats. Bring binoculars. Free. All levels of expertise welcome. Information: 203-219-1963.”
Also on Sunday, from 11:30-12:15pm, check out the Family Gallery Tour! “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.”
On Saturday, April 2nd, at 11am why not check out the children’s I Wish You More Storytime Event! “Whether celebrating life's joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet, uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age. Join us for Storytime featuring I Wish You More. This is the special value title of the month, only $7.99 (regularly priced $14.99) with the purchase of any kids' book.”
This weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday, April 2nd and 3rd 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 Sunday, April 3rd at 2pm, come to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! “A very important date! Dress in your favorite costume and join us for a Mad Hatter Tea party in the forest. Enjoy tea and snacks. Prizes for best hats! Suggested for ages 3 to 5. Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person”
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!
On Saturday, 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.”
There will be a Camp Open House on Saturday from 12-2. “Come on in and learn more about our drop-off summer camp offerings.”
Also on Saturday from 12-1 check out Nano Days. “Mystery Shapes: Feely Box & Electron Transmission Microscope – Recognize and identify shapes by using only certain senses, just like a Nano scientist! Stepping Stones is participating in a nationwide festival about the emerging field of nanoscale science. Join us for hands-on activities. See the schedule here.
Learn more at www.whatisnano.org
And finally on Saturday, check out ATW:Creative Kids from 2-2:30pm. This weekend’s theme is Turkish Artistry! “Try your hand at paper marbling and decorate a tile with a Turkish-style art-inspired design. For children ages 2 and older.”
Another session of NanoDays™ will take place on Sunday from 11-12. “Mitten Challenge and Ball Sorter – Learn about handling and organizing things on a Nano scale while using a ball sorter, plastic Lego style blocks, and oven mittens! Learn more at www.whatisnano.org.”
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
This weekend from 8-noon, April 2nd- 4th, Sensory-Friendly Mornings will take place.
“For some, the Aquarium is a place with too much stimuli. So we're planning three special mornings (a weekend + a Monday) to give guests with sensory-processing differences a fun, comfortable and accepting environment. We are also opening two hours early each morning and offering special IMAX® movie presentations.
During "Sensory-Friendly Mornings," lights in the Aquarium will be lower, and music and other sounds will be turned down or off. We'll show two IMAX movies with lower volume and the theater lights less dim. We offer a designated calming room all day. We will also offer special marine interpretation tables with appropriate activities and tactile opportunities.
For families that need to leave within the first 30 minutes, passes will be available to come back and try again another day.
A special un-mic'd seal feeding on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Special Sensory-Friendly IMAX movie showings are:
- Sat., April 2
10 a.m. "Flight of the Butterflies"
11 a.m. "Born to be Wild"
- Sun., April 3 and Mon., April 4
9 a.m. "Flight of the Butterflies"
10 a.m. "Born to Be Wild"
Except for April 2 (when "Born to Be Wild" plays at 11 a.m.), our regular IMAX movie schedule will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the days of "Sensory-Friendly Mornings." You can see trailers and learn more about our movies here.
Your ticket during "Sensory-Friendly Mornings" includes an IMAX movie: $22.95 for adults, $15.95 for ages 3-12, and $20.95 for youths (13-17) & seniors (65+). This effort supports "Light It Up Blue" on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.”
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..”
And finally, on Sunday check out “Build With Recylables- cardboard boxes, fabric, plastic bottles, and natural materials are the inspiration for building. Led by Junior Docents.
There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
At 12:30, for the younger kids, check out “The Girl Who Walked Upside Down-“This is the tale of a girl who came to us one spring day, after a storm, walking upside down upon the rainbow. She has a unique way of looking at things, in particular the sky, and an affection for the Moon and stars. What would you notice, if you could walk upside down?Ages 4-7, 33 minutes + Q & A”
Kids 8 and up can enjoy The Sky Tonight at 2pm. “The Sky Tonight, gives children 8 and older “a live tour of the heavens as seen from our area with a planetarium educator. Ages 8+ 55 minutes”.”
Finally, at 3:30 pm check out Moons: World of Mystery- Where are the moons? What do they do? Follow the astronauts to our silvery moon, then journey to the outer planets to discover more moons. Come back to earth with new found wonder for the dynamic solar system where we live. Ages 8+, 35 minutes + Q & A”
To learn more, click here.
On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can get into the spring spirit by creating KIDS CLUB® Paper Kite 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.”
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 “Hand Me a Pencil, Pal!.”
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. And this weekend is jam packed with fun!
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On Saturday and Sunday check out March WILDness at Heckscher WILD! Ends April 8th so this is your last chance. “Cast your vote in SM&NC's first "basketball style" bracket challenge in Heckscher WILD! All of our animals are awesome, but we know everyone has a favorite. Is yours "Hot Dog" the Tree Frog, "Wallace" the Red-Footed Tortoise, "Thor" the Savannah Monitor, or do you favor another?
Each week will feature a specific group of animals that will compete for your votes to advance in our challenge. The two animals that receive the most votes will battle it out to be the "March WILDness winner" during our Take-A-Hike Week programs.
Votes can be cast in person at Heckscher WILD! or on our Facebook page. One vote per person per day. Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with gate admission.” |
Sunday Explorers starts this Sunday, April 3rd until May 22nd, from noon-4 (no program 5/15).
“Our popular Sunday drop-in programs return for the spring. Join us for a weekly hike on our trails or for a chance to meet or feed some of our Heckscher WILD! animals. Explore Heckscher Farm as we greet goats, plant in our garden, and peek into barns to see if any baby animals were born. Visit the Overbrook Nature Center for some great self-guided crafts, additional animals, and exhibits too!”
The “Art on a String Asian Kites in Flight” exhibition will also be taking place April 2-May 30.
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Sunday April 4, from 7:30-10, head out on a Birdwalk at Muscoot Farm. Anne Swaim from the Westchester Audubon Society will be there too! Be sure to dress warmly and bring your binoculars. |
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Pleasantville Farmer’s Market
Spring is here which means the Pleasantville Farmer’s Market has moved back outdoors. This Saturday, April 2nd, “the delicious good time will be at Memorial Plaza (next to the train station) from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine. We ask even our most eager early birds to adhere to the 8:30 am start time so our vendors can prepare for your visit.”
Stone Barns Farm
This weekend why not head outside and enjoy Stone Barns since it is open and entrance to the property is FREE. In addition there is a paid tour you can participate in or check out the free drop-in programming
Weekend activities may include:
11:00 -11:45 am: Family Farm Tour, $10
12:00 - 12:30 pm: Meet the… sheep, sprouts, pigs or other part of the farm-Drop-in, FREE
1:00 - 1:30 pm: Making the Rounds Tour: Greenhouse-Drop-in, FREE
1:30 - 2:00 pm: Meet the… sheep, sprouts, pigs or other part of the farm-Drop-in, FREE
2:30 - 4:00 pm: Insider’s Tour, $20
Tickets for the tours may be purchased online.
There are also Winter Family Farm tours on Saturday and Sunday from 11-11:45. “On this family-friendly tour for ages 4 and up, explore the farm and some of our favorite seasonal highlights. Join us for a walk around the farm to take a closer look at the animals that we’re raising and the vegetables that we’re growing!” Tickets can be bought here.
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option. Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice is new to theaters this weekend! It’s rated PG-13 so maybe a little too scary for the younger audience members. Still in theaters, it’s Zootopia! A long awaited movie that was absolutely adorable. I loved it!! It’s out in regular, 3D and 3D Imax format!
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,k and Dorothy Hammil in Greenwich
Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?
The New York Botanical Gardens are also a beautiful spot to visit and stroll around. The Orchid Show is on right now!
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!
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