Superbowl Weekend is here. Let the eating and commercial watching commence! Isn’t that the whole point, especially if your team isn’t even in it?! Punxsutawny Phil didn’t see his shadow on Groundhog’s Day indicating to the masses that Spring is right around the corner. Hopefully his expert insight is correct! I've found so many fun things to do this weekend, starting right here in Rye Brook tonight with the Blind Brook Middle School production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. You won’t want to miss it! Enjoy!
It’s a busy weekend at The Bruce Museum, 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.
Sunday 9-11:30, don’t miss the First Sunday Bird Walk at Greenwich Point Park- “Enjoy a leisurely outdoor walk to learn about the migrating and resident wild birds. Bring binoculars and meet on the beach near the southern concession stand. Free. No reservations required. For Information, contact Cynthia Ehlinger at 203-413-6756 or cynthiae@brucemuseum.org.”
Also Sunday, from 1-4pm, it’s Astronomy Family Day, there will be “fun family activities in celebration of Astronomy Month featuring Starlab Planetarium.” Free and no registration required
From 1:30-4pm, check out “Fred Elser First Sunday Science at the Seaside Center. Where Did the Scallops Go? Held at the Innis Arden Cottage at Greenwich Point Park.
At 2 pm, Dr. Stephen T. Tettelbach, Professor of Biology and Graduate Co-Advisor, LIU Post, presents an overview of bay scallop biology and ecology. He will discuss a historical overview of their population and fishery status, focusing on the Northeast US. and then talk about what efforts have been taken to restore bay scallops in different areas, with a focus on our work in New York over the last 30 years. The afternoon includes family activities and live marine tank from 1:30 – 4:00 pm. Free and no registration required.”
In addition, there will be Family Gallery Tours taking place from 11:30-12:15 on Sunday- Designed for kids ages 6-10 and their family. ”These tours provide interactive discussion-based tours of current exhibitions led by a museum educator. Free and no registration required.”
On Saturday at 11am why not check out the Barnes & Noble children’s storytime event and activities featuring the book Silly Wonderful You by bestselling author Sherri Duskey Rinker and award-winning artist Patrick McDonnell. This book is a “funny and tender love letter from a parent to a child. Silly Wonderful You expresses how life is so new and different and filled with love with a little one around.” Our closest location is City Center in White Plains, above Target, but there are also locations on Central Ave, Stamford and Palisades Center.
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+.
And 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.”
ATW:Creative kids will take place on Saturday from 2-2:30pm. This weekend’s theme is the Chinese Yo-Yo – “Decorate and learn to use this popular toy that has Chinese origins!” For children ages 2 and older.
Finally, on Sunday from 1-1:30 check out Zumba Kids! “Join our fitness party as you dance your way to a healthy future! No age limit. Free with museum admission. Note: Zumba Kids regularly occurs on Wednesdays at 2:30 pm.”
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
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.
On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can get a jump start on Valentine’s Day by making a Cupid’s Arrow Valentine 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.”
Also on Saturday from 1-3pm “gather your family and friends and join us for a fun afternoon of decorating sweet heart-shaped frames with chalkboard paint and chalk markers. Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Supplies are included when you buy the frame.”
Sunday, Feb 7th, from 1-3pm, head to Muscoot Farm and lean all about “Winter Tree ID- Take a walk around the farm to learn how to identify trees in the winter. Meet at the reception center!”
This is your last weekend to catch this exhibit! 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!
On Sunday, February 7th 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.
Fenom Fitness FREE Super Bowl Party
This is definitely not an event to miss! “On Sunday, Feb 7th at 6pm, bring the family, come grab a hot dog off the Walter's Truck (yum!), grab a seat, and watch the game on every TV, including perhaps on a large screen/projector (if we can get our techies to figure it out)!
The GOLF SIMULATOR will be open too!
And that's not where it ends. At half time, we will run simultaneous activities, including knockout tournaments, Ga-Ga, flag football, games and more! Once the game is over, we challenge you to stay and play a game of glow-in-the-dark dodgeball. We know you have it in you!
Oh - BYOB, and be responsible!
Food and beverages will be served.
The best part? IT'S ALL FREE!! Just BYOB.”
Stone Barns Farm
This weekend why not 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.
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun and warm weekend option. Kung Fu Panda 3 is still new in theaters in regular and 3D format! Star Wars is also still on the big screen! Will you go see it, maybe for the second time?!
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 include Hunter, Windham, Butternut, Mountain Creek in Vernon Valley, NJ (they are having their winter carnival until Feb. 7) 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?
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