Weekend Guide January 22-24

 

Much of your weekend plans will likely be altered by the impending snow storm that’s on the horizon.  Are you hoping for a lot of snow or a little? Yes it’s pretty, and yes it’s been a while, and yes the kids will love but it’s also a nuisance, dangerous and messes up all our weekend plans.  As you can tell, I have a love hate relationship with snow.  Hopefully it won’t be too bad and you can get out and enjoy some of the fun activities I found with family and friends.  Stay tuned to Rye Brook HamletHub all weekend long to find out what’s open and closed due to the weather and above all, stay safe!

Rye Nature Center

Today, Friday, January 22nd at 4pm, head to the Rye Nature Center and Create Your Own Terrarium.  “Is your Pinterest feed full of terrariums that you wish you had planted? Come to the Nature Center and learn all the tricks to grow plants in lightbulbs, tea cups, and fish bowls. Bring your own container or use one provided.  Suggested for ages 6 and up. Pre-registration is required as materials are limited. $30/terrarium.”

On Saturday, January 23rd at 9:30am if you’re a family with a special needs child don’t miss the Ecology Club for Families with Special Needs.  “Children with special needs are invited to bring a family member with them to the Nature Center and enjoy animal programs, hikes, and other fun science and sensory adventures. For more information about this program email marygillick@ryenaturecenter.org. There is no fee for this program but pre-registration is required by the TODAY!

 

Rye Library

Today, Friday from 4-5pm, The Gadgets Science Fun Club for kids in Grades 3 – 5 will take place.  “Science Fun Club offers children a chance to engage in hands-on inquiry-based experiments.  In this one-hour club, participants will focus on a different S.T.E.M. activity each month with handouts to follow up at home.  Through this program children will begin to see that science, technology, engineering, and math can be fun.  Space is limited.  Pre-registration is required.”

And on Saturday, from 3-4pm, kids in grades 1-2 should check out the Ryebrary Readers Book Chat.  “Join the librarians for a once-a-month snack and chat about fun books that lend themselves to lively discussions.  Every month we will explore narrative and expository texts through picture books from several genres geared especially for school aged children. Sign up online via: www.ryelibrary.org  Go to Programs & Events, Choose the event date and click on the Register Button.  Then pick up your copy of that month's book in the Children's Room.  Ryebrary Readers Book Chat meets every 4th Saturday of the month.”

From 4-5pm, kids in grades 3-4 can check out the Rockin' Readers Book Chat.  “Join the librarians for a once-a-month snack and chat about fun books that lend themselves to lively discussions.  Every month we will explore narrative and expository texts through picture books from several genres geared especially for school aged children. Sign up online via: www.ryelibrary.org  Go to Programs & Events, Choose the event date and click on the Register Button.  Then pick up your copy of that month's book in the Children's Room.  Rockin' Readers Book Chat meets every 4th Saturday of the month.”

Click here to learn more.  

 

Harrison Library

The library in Harrison also has a bunch of fun activities happening this weekend!

Quite appropriate for this weekend, on Saturday from 11-12, the library will be hosting a storytime
“featuring the Raymond Brigg's wordless picture book, "The Snowman," and introduces children to musical instruments, including the double bass and the French horn!”

Also on Saturday from 1-2pm come Read with Angie, Therapy Dog! “Angie lends an ear to readers of all ages. She LOVES to listen to children read and talk to her. She's a REAL dog and she loves the library. Come visit with her.”

On Sunday 1-1:45, head to the Harrison Library “for “Birthday of the Trees” (Tu Bishvat) celebration!  Listen to a story about a plant (“Netta and Her Plant” by Ellie B. Gellman; extra copies for families to borrow), make tree-mobiles and take home "parsley paper" to grow your own parsley at home!  When is the last time you wished a tree Happy Birthday?!”

Also on Sunday 3-3:30, don’t miss Singalong Sundays with Chloe!  “Join us as we come together as a community to celebrate early childhood through music and movement!  In this class we will sing, shake, and move!  Children and parents are sure to love the captivating songs, live accordion music, and activities designed with specific cognitive milestones in mind.  This class will feature a variety of child-sized instruments and props, and a wealth of both traditional and original songs to add to your singalong repertoire!  Get ready for a fun, creative, and engaging experience!”

 

Bruce Museum

The Bruce Museum is a hidden gem 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!  Thanks to a collaboration between the Bruce Museum and Hermès of Paris, general admission will be free from January 10 - March 13, 2016, during regular gallery hours.

On Friday’s from 2:30-2:45pm stop by and check out the Marine Tank Animal Feeding!

And on Sunday’s from 11:30-12:15pm children ages 6-10 and their families can head out on a Family Gallery Tour!  “These tours will provide an interactive, discussion-based tour of the museum’s current exhibitions led by a museum educator. This program is free with museum admission and no advanced registration is required.”

And finally on Sunday from 1-3, check out the “Family Studio Workshop- this drop-in program designed for children of all ages and their families where participants can create a work of art in our workshop inspired by the Museum’s collection and exhibitions. Families will explore the process of making fine art while using quality art-making supplies and discussing current exhibitions. This program is $7.00 per person for members and $15.00 for non-members, plus the cost of museum admission.  No advanced registration is required. January 24th’s focus is Mixed-Media Self-Portraits.”

 

Westchester Broadway Theatre Presents Showboat

January 2nd through 31st Showboat is on stage at the Westchester Broadway Theatre.  This musical features music by Jerome Kern with Book and Lyrics written by Oscar Hammerstein II. “Show Boat follows the lives, loves, and losses of a troupe of riverboat performers on the mighty Mississippi, while illuminating the racial and social changes that were shaping the country in 1890-1927. Its timeless score contains some of the most beautiful and emotionally charged songs ever written for a musical, including "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" and "Make Believe”.”

You can buy tickets online

Barnes & Noble

On Saturday at 11am why not check out the Barnes & Noble children’s storytime event and activities featuring the book “The Wonderful Things You Will Be” by Emily Winfield Martin.  “From brave and bold to creative and clever, the rhythmic rhyme expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. With beautiful and sometimes humorous illustrations, this is a book grown-ups will love reading over and over to kids.”

Also on Saturday January 23rd at 2:00 pm, check out the “Ticket to Ride Event- All aboard for a fun adventure! Join us Saturday, January 23 at 2:00PM for a special event where customers can learn to play the popular Ticket to Ride strategy board game.”  There are Barnes and Noble locations in White Plains (city center), Stamford Mall and Palisades Center.

 

Greenburgh Nature Center

This weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday and Sunday 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 at 2pm, check out “Crunch, Craft, Granola! -Learn to make your own healthy, ready-to-eat granola in this new program. All materials are provided; just bring your appetite. The scent of warm spices will fill the room as we create a craft while the granola bakes. No experience necessary, fun for all ages. Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person.”

 

Westmoreland Sanctuary

On Saturday at 12pm, if they are open, it will be the perfect weekend to do their Snow Art project! “Make paper snowflakes that will last into the summer when we start missing the cold. We’ll also go outside and make some snow creatures and snow artwork. Join us, snow or no snow. Dress for the weather. Ages 5 and up. $6 per person for non-members and $1 material fee for members.”

And on Sunday at 12pm, check out “Whoo Goes There- As cold as it is outside some animals are very active at this time of year. Owls are actually building nests right now and getting ready to start rising little owlets. Come out to Westmoreland and learn some more about these amazing birds of prey.  Ages 8 and up.  $5 per person for non-members and free for members.  We will learn about owls this afternoon before going on an owl night hike this evening.  All MEMBERS that preregister will be automatically added to the limited space night hike. If space remains nonmembers can sign up during the afternoon program for and additional $5 per person.”

Westmoreland is located at 260 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Mt Kisco, NY.

 

Westchester Knicks at The Westchester County Center

Get up close and personal with the Westchester Knicks at their home basketball games this weekend.  Awesome basketball without the commute!  The Westchester Knicks take on The Raptors 905 on Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 5pm they take on The Bayhawks.  There are no tickets right now for this game so be sure to call ahead to see if any have become available. 

 

The Great Westchester Train & Toy Show at Westchester County Center

On Sunday, January 24th, the largest toy/train show in the Northeast comes to the County Center! There will be new and antique toys & trains, all gauges, train parts, layouts, appraisals, diecast cars, books, test tracks, toy soldiers, etc. The show will take place from 9:00am - 3:00pm.  Adults $10, Children under 12 Free.

 

 

Pleasantville Farmer’s Market

The Pleasantville Farmer’s Market has moved inside for the winter until March 26 and is open this Saturday, January 9th from 9-1pm.  The market it now located in the Pleasantville Middle School cafeteria, at 40 Romer Avenue. “Come share a warm smile with returning favorites and new discoveries. Enjoy fresh, winter-grown produce along with our trademark variety of meats, cheeses, breads, prepared foods, you name it. It's a great way to support local agriculture and eat healthy year-round.”  9-1pm Saturdays.

 

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!  

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+.

On Saturday from 11:30-1pm 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.”

Build a snowman from 1-2pm on Saturday by stacking your own adorable “Styrofoam snowman buddy who won’t ever melt!”

Finally, from 11-12 on Sunday learn all about Japanese Culture- “Travel Around the World to Japan by trying on a traditional kimono. Learn the significance of the lotus flower to the Japanese people and design your own out of cloth or tissue paper.”

 

Maritime Aquarium

There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.

Ending this Sunday, January 24th, right now you can visit the Giant Walk-In Whale!  You can stand beside and inside a life size humpback in the "Giant Walk-In Whale Exhibit, part of the special fun as we Celebrate Whales Jan. 16-24.

During this special week, we welcome a life-sized 45-foot inflatable model of Salt in our central Newman’s Own Hall.  Stand against it to experience just how big whales are. Take a selfie with it!  And even play Jonah and go inside the whale to see the enormous scale of a whale's heart, lungs and stomachs. (Yes, stomachs, plural.)

Also during Celebrate Whales week, bonus stations will let guests touch real baleen, experience first-hand how blubber keeps whales warm, and more.

NOAA Exhibits   The exhibit – and the visit by the inflatable version of Salt the whale – both are free with admission to The Maritime Aquarium. They were created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, with funding from NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.”

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.”

Now on display, check out the 14th annual "Festival of Lighthouses Contest." This display “showcases 23 large model lighthouses, built by local artists, families, individuals and students, from Nov. 21 - Jan. 18.”

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.”

Also on Saturdays from 1-4pm, kids can participate in fun and educational Science Projects! 

And Saturday and Sundays from 1-4, kids can do a fun art project too- creating a Dancer in A Box- “Paint a dance scene in a box and mold a dancer from pipe cleaners and art materials. Ages 7+, can be adapted for younger children.”

There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy! Check out One World, One Sky at 
12:30 on Saturday and Sunday. “On a trip from Sesame Street to the moon, Big Bird and Elmo with friend Hu Hu Zhu discover that planets are different from one another but people on Earth are often the same - they love to fly kites! Children can’t fly a kite on the moon because there is no wind but on Earth they can! More learning, too, about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the sun, and the moon.” 

At 2pm, “The Sky Tonight, holiday edition, 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 We Are Aliens-“ We Are Aliens! Earth. It’s now a small world. The human race is connected better and faster than ever before but what about elsewhere? Could we one day be part of a galactic community sharing our knowledge and ideas? Or is Earth the only planet with life? We Are Aliens! is a new 360° digital planetarium show narrated by Rupert Grint (from Harry Potter films) that takes you on an epic ride in the hunt for the evidence of alien life. Ages 8+, 25 minutes + Q & A.”

To learn more, click here.

 

Michael’s Kids® Club

Are you noticing a snowman theme yet? On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can make a Craft Stick Snowman 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 holding a fun, free crafting workshop this Saturday from 11-3pm for kids ages 3 & up.  Their project sounds like lots of fun, creating a “Cozy Winter Puppet.” Click here to learn more.

 

Muscoot Farm

On Saturday, January 23rd, check out the Spoon Carving Workshop from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  “This workshop focuses on how to carve your very own reusable spoon.  Ages 14 and up only.  Be sure to bring your lunch.  Pre-registration is required and the workshop is $40.00 per person.”

 

Stamford Nature Center

Through February 7th, come visit A Billion Bricks 3: Galactic Travels.  “An amazing new LEGO® universe! A long time ago, in a "gallery" far, far away... It's the 15th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars®! Come and see the completely re-designed LEGO galactic landscape and enjoy an up-close view of a universe made completely out of LEGO bricks. The new design encourages visitors of all ages to inspect the details and construction methods used to create an entire galaxy from a "Billion" bricks!

Check out 500 mini-figs (LEGO mini-figurines), one of every Star Wars mini-fig ever produced, and authentic LEGO Star Wars spaceships, vehicles, and original set boxes.

Additionally, a selection of photographs of Star Wars mini-figs from Dale May, a New York based, award-winning, advertising, entertainment and editorial photographer, are on display in the Museum galleries.  Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with gate admission.”

The Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries are open, Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm and Sundays 11 am - 5 pm. For more information, call 203.977.6521.

Lights! Camera! Action!

This Saturday, January 23 & Sunday, January 24 there will be two sessions: 10 am - noon & 2 - 4 pm.  LEGO animation with I LUG NY facilitators. Led by Alex Kobbs, of KooberzStudios, learn and film stop-action animation with LEGO creations and mini figures. Recommended for ages 10 and up.  Members: $40 (one adult/one child), $25 for each additional adult/child.  Non-Members: $55 (one adult/one child), $25 for each additional adult/child (includes Museum admission)

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all workshops. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Call 203.977.6521 to register.

Sunday Explorers will take place at the SM&NC on Sundays, January 17 - February 28, from 1 - 4 pm.  “Winter is a great time to explore the SM&NC! Enjoy the popular guided farm and trail programs, as well as animal "meet and greets." Don't miss the Science Spot program full of new adventures each week in the Overbrook Nature Center classroom. There will be self-guided crafts too. Different themes, animals and activities each week!” Check out the schedule of events online.

 

Stone Barns Farm

This may be the perfect weekend to head outside and enjoy Stone Barns since it is still 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

 

Alamo Drafthouse NY International Children’s Film Festival

This Saturday at 3pm, The NY INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL: BEST OF THE FEST: KID FLIX 1 comes to the Alamo.  “Featuring audience favorite and award-winning short films hand-picked from the annual NY International Children's Film Festival, the Best of the Fest Tour offers new alternative and independent content for families. Join the movement to create a more dynamic film culture for children and teens!  BEST OF THE FEST: KID FLIX 1 is a 60 minute collection of animated short films great for ages 3 to 8.“

“A group of musically inclined ants face off against a lumberjack threatening to take down their tree in Pik Pik Pik. Being different isn’t so bad in Bunny New Girl and Zebra. Sometimes even our family members can feel like strangers in My Big Brother, Eyes, and Oscar®-nominated Me and my Moulton. Fantasies create new worlds and endless possibilities in 5.80 Meters, Larisa Can Fly, and Submarine Sandwich. One special object can inspire anyone, big or small, in The Elephant and the Bicycle and Cookie-Tin Banjo, and a fly and a spider go to war in a common bathroom in Minuscule: The Private Life of Insects – Brushing. Ages 3 to 8.” Click here to learn more.

 

Other weekend ideas?

The movies are always a fun and warm weekend option. Norm of the North hit theaters last weekend.  It was adorable but with a message that most likely went over the majority of its audience’s heads!  The kids didn’t’ seem to mind though!  Star Wars is still going strong at the box office! Will you go see it, maybe for the second time?  Alvin in the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is also in theaters! 

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! 

What about Skiing?  Nearby slopes include Thunder Ridge in Paterson NY  and Campgaw in Mahwah, NJ.  Other slopes further away include Hunter, Windham, Butternut and many more…too many to list.

 

How about ice skating? Nearby rinks include Playland Ice Casino, Hommocks in Larchmont, and Dorothy Hammil in Greenwich 

Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?

The NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx have Thomas and Friends but just until the 24th! “Join Thomas and Driver Sam on a new fun-filled, sing-along, mini performance adventure by helping them decorate the station in time for the big Sodor surprise party! Bring your camera to have a photo-op with Thomas and capture the special day!”  

The Playgroup Theater in White Plains has The Little Mermaid on stage until January 24th.  

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, especially with the forecasted weather, 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

 

 

 

B
Submitted by Bethel, CT

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