Weekend Guide August 19-21

 

It’s hard to believe that Summer is almost over.  This heat though is a good reminder that we’re still in the dog days of summer.  There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities going on this weekend for you to enjoy! Have an amazing weekend! xo

 

Bruce Museum

The Bruce Museum is a hidden gem located in 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.

Sunday,August 21st, 11:30-12:15 stop by for the Family Gallery Tour.  “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 exhibitons. Free with admission; no registration required.”

And finally, on Sunday from 1-2:30pm the Family Studio Workshop: Flora and Fauna, will be taking place.  “This program is a 1½ hour art workshop designed for families with children 5 and older.  $7 per person for members; $15 non-members.  Advanced registration by Thursday, August 18, required by email-educationreservations@brucemuseum.org. Decisions about whether or not the Family Studio Workshop will run will be made at this time.”

 

Rye Playland

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. 

 

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

A Storytelling Journey will take place on Sunday from 11-12pm.  “Experience the magic of storytelling with the Westchester Children's Museum. Our resident storyteller, Danielle Gerbosi, will bring you on a wild, fun and interactive journey through role play and drama that will delight visitors of all ages.  Free with Museum Admission.”

Visit their website to learn more!

 

East Coast National Baseball Card Show

The East Coast National Baseball Card show will be taking place this weekend, Aug 18-21 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.  “Thousands of autographed/game used inserts, modern and vintage sports cards (Pre 1900's - current) factory/hand collated sets (new and old), hobby and wax boxes - all sports and non-sport, graded cards - PSA/BGS/SGC commons and set fillers for your new or old sets! Sports card supplies, ball and autograph holders, on-site autograph authentication (JSA or PSA). A days worth of fun!”  Hours are as follows: Fri, 11am - 7pm, Sat, 9am - 5pm, Sun, 10am - 4pm.  Adults are $10 and kids under 12 are free.  Click here to learn more. 

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 20th at 11am, stop by Barnes and Noble for the Mira Forecasts the Future and The Bot That Scott Built Storytime.  “Join us for a fun-filled Storytime with a little science sprinkled in featuring Mira Forecasts the Future and The Bot That Scott Built.  Coloring and activities to follow.”

And at 4pm on Saturday, kids ages 6 and up can participate in the LEGO Build Event. “Participants will get to explore their creativity on this entertaining, team-building occasion.”

 

Stamford Nature Center

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. 

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

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 at 12:30 check out Animation Station.  “Children will learn the basics of stop animation. They will make their own setting and background. They will use the iPad to make a short video (about 15 sec), including sound.  Adults can work on a project with the children - OR - they can drop-off children ages 5 and up, and play onsite with their younger children. Adults MUST remain on-site and inside the museum.  $3.00 program fee required.”

On Sunday, August 21st, from 11-12 kids have the chance to create their own sundials!

And from 1-1:30 check out weekend zumba!  “Join Miss Katie for our fitness party and dancing your way to a healthy future!”

 

 

Maritime Aquarium

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.)

Adjacant 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 July 1st to September 3rd!

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 20 & 21! 

 

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.

 

Michael’s Kids® Club

On Saturday, stop by from 10-12pm for Kids Club® where kids can have fun making a Kids Club® Ice Cream Pencil Topper.  “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.”

You can sign up in store, online or just show up!

 

Crafts at Lakeshore

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 “Make a Face! Hand Mirror” so fun!!

 

   

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.

 

 

Pleasantville Farmer’s Market

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.

From 9:30-11, “stop by with your family to enjoy a read-aloud event for kids, provided by our local Mount Pleasant Library.”

 

Cultural Heritage Celebrations 2016

On Sunday August 21st from 12-6 don’t miss the Jewish Cultural Celebration at Kensico Dam Plaza 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.”

 

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.”

 

 

Other weekend ideas?

The movies are always a fun weekend option. Kubo and the Two Strings is out this weekend.  Pete’s Dragon, a movie from Walt Disney is also still new in theaters in regular and 3D format.  Nine Lives is also our and my kids and I loved it! Ice Age:Collision Course is also out!  The Secret Life of Pets is still out!!  We all loved this one.  It was very cute! 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 Mets and Yankees are both playing games this weekend!  But you know who’s home? The Rockland Boulders

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 RyeThe 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

 


 

 

 

B
Submitted by Bethel, CT

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