With bitter cold weather forecast for the weekend, hopefully you’re one of the lucky ones escaping town this school break for warmer weather. If you’re not, you probably will want to stay indoors while this cold snap is freezing our area! Valentine’s Day is Sunday, most men hate this holiday, and many women, but I love the celebration of love. It’s a happy holiday which is fun to celebrate with my kids. And the classes at the elementary school celebrate with cards for one another. It’s adorable! President’s Day is Monday. Libraries, village offices, and many other spots will be closed so call ahead to make sure your destination is open. On the flip side, many museums that are usually closed are open on Monday since many of us are off from work or school. Enjoy the vacation week Rye Brook and the weekend! Happy Valentine’s Day to all my loyal readers!
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 Sunday don’t miss the 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.”
Science Sunday:Winter Warmth will take place on Sunday from 1-3, for kids ages 4 -10 with family. “Participants will explore simple science concepts while partaking in fun, kid-friendly experiments and activities inspired by the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. Free and no registration required.”
Monday the museum is open for a School Vacation Workshop, Secrets of Fossil Lake, from 10-12. This workshop is appropriate for students in grades K-5. “Explore the Museum's collections and exhibition The Secrets of Fossil Lake led by a museum educator and make a unique creation on your day off from school. Members $7, non-members $20. Advanced registration required:educationreservations@brucemuseum.org.”
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!
Saturday is Accessibility Day at Stepping Stones from 9-5pm. Accessibility Day offers “free admission for families of children with special needs. Enjoy the museum’s exhibits, mingle with other families and learn with your child in a safe and welcoming environment.“
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.”
Stepping Stones will be open on Monday for President’s Day. Check out the Drop In activtities and learn more about their summer camp offerings.
“Enjoy "Summer in February" and participate in Luau themed activities:
- Paint a "Palm" Tree
- Create an ocean mural
- Build a boat
- Make coconut bead necklaces
- Make castanets and kazoos
Free with museum admission, but a $3 materials fee may apply to select activities.”
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
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.”
A new exhibit, Meet the Dragon, will be at the aquarium from Feb. 13-21, daily 11 a.m.-noon and 1-2 & 3-4 p.m. Free with Aquarium admission. “Touch or hold a live bearded dragon, one of the stars of the Aquarium's "Dragons: Real or Myth?" exhibit. Aquarium educators will assist with the interactions and also talk about bearded dragons and their care as pets. Bring your camera!”
Don’t miss the "Animals Without Passports" exhibit, open now through Jan. 2, 2017.
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 Feb 13th check out Animal Tracking from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. “Muscoot has more than just farm animals. Come on a hike and look for signs of the other animals that call Muscoot home. Suggested donation $5.00.”
On Sunday, Feb 14th come to Tappin the Trees from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m! “It's that time of the year again: sugarin season. Come to the farm and help us identify and tap the maple trees. Meet in the activity building and dress to be outside.”
Stamford Nature Center
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.
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun and warm weekend option. Kung Fu Panda 3 is adorable and still 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 and many more…too many to list.
How about ice skating? Nearby rinks include Playland Ice Casino, Hommocks in Parchment, and Dorothy Hammil in Greenwich
Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?
And Bowlmor bowling alley is a fun option in White Plains!
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