With this cold and gloomy weather it hardly feels like May! But it is. Mother’s Day is this weekend, the perfect opportunity to thank mom for all she does each and every day. At this time I also think about those who no longer have their moms in their lives. I hope that this day can be about remembering the good times for you all. Plus moms are getting some perks with free admission at some spots in our guide, so read on and Happy Mother’s Day to all you amazing Moms out there! xo
Bruce Museum
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 11:30-12:15 why not head out on 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 exhibitions. Free with admission; no registration required.”
Home Depot Kid’s Workshop
Even though May started last Sunday, this is the first Saturday in May, which means it’s time for the FREE Home Depot Kid’s Workshop from 9-12 on Saturday May 7th. This month’s project is creating an Angry Birds Bird House. “Join our hands-on workshop and build an Angry Birds-themed birdhouse that will make your child’s feathered backyard friends happy. Once the birdhouse is built, your child can decorate it with Angry Birds stickers. 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.”
Lightscapes
From the creators of the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze comes another “EXCITING, otherworldly experience of awe-inspiring illumination and all-original sculpture.
Van Cortlandt Manor springs to life during this incredible nighttime display. Taking place over 20 spring evenings and perfect for all ages, LIGHTSCAPES is a walk-through, land-art experience. Enter through a rainbow and emerge from a bubbly haze into a dreamland of curiosities spread throughout this historic landscape as far as the eye can see. Do some “shadow dancing” in front of an interactive silhouette wall and transport yourself into a world of wonder as you enter the brand new Bubble Tunnel.
Encounter enormous “live” Luna Moth creations — some 15 feet tall! — perching high on a hill, flittering around for all to see. Check out the underbelly of a giant centipede as you worm your way through its segmented legs!
Navigate a drawbridge as you cross the River of Light and continue on your way to the Colorwheel Castle. Squiggle through the Caterpillar Cavern and discover larger-than-life elements like a colossal praying mantis and a massive mayfly.
Recycled elements serve as eco-friendly building blocks for all of our intergalactic flora and friendly woodland creatures.
State-of-the-art illumination highlights these amazing works of art and showcases Van Cortlandt Manor’s gorgeous natural landscape and specimen trees.
In the artfully decorated LIGHTSCAPES hospitality tent, enjoy spring-themed sweets including organic sorbet from Blue Pig of Croton and homemade candy and baked goods (plus savories!) from Geordane’s of Irvington.”
Tickets are on sale for the following times: 8:15, 8:30 & 9 Fri, Sat and Sunday
Cinco de Mayo Celebration In White Plains
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a couple of days late at the White Plains Cinco de Mayo outdoor event which is free to public of all ages*. “There will be Mexican food, drink and exciting performances throughout the day. First 350 attendees receive a sombrero courtesy of Corona!
*Attendees age 21 and over planning to drink alcohol outside must purchase a $5 wristband at entrance to the event.
1 - 2:30 pm: White Plains Mariachi Club opening for Mariachi Sol Mixteco
2:30 - 4 pm: Performance by Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York
4 - 6 pm: Crossover performance and DJ by Larger Than Life”
Rye Playland
You know Summer is near when Playland opens for the season! Opening Day is Saturday, May 7th with a $15 rides admission special all day! The amusement park opens at noon and closes at 7. And on Sunday May 8th, for Mother’s Day, all Moms ride free!
Westchester Children’s Museum
Good news! The Westchester Children’s Museum, while not completed, 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
Visit their website to learn more!
Barnes & Noble
On Saturday, May 7th at 11am, head to your nearest Barnes & Noble for the Mother's Day Storytime. “In celebration of Mother's Day, read about becoming an expert grandma sitter in How to Babysit a Grandma followed by Mom School. In Mom School a little girl imagines where her mom picked up all her amazing skills, like fixing a bike tire and baking cupcakes. Join us afterward to make a card for your mom or special caregiver.”
Also on Saturday at 4pm, The Barnes & Noble Tabletop Gaming Meetup will be taking place. “Gather your friends and come in to check out the featured games and giveaways (while supplies last).”
Our closest Barnes & Noble is in White Plains, City Center but there are other nearby locations in Stamford, Palisades Center and Yonkers.
Westchester's Broadway Theatre
On stage now at the Broadway Theatre, it’s Happy Days from May 5th - July 17th. “If you like Grease, you will love Happy Days. Grab your poodle skirt, saddle shoes, and the kids, and take a rock & roll trip down memory lane! This new Musical is based on the television series and written by its creator, Garry Marshall. A Bright and funny musical celebration of nostalgia with lots of Singing & Dancing! Featuring 21 songs by Oscar and Grammy award-winning songwriter Paul Williams, including the series’ theme song.”
Check out schedule here.
Buy tickets here.
Greenburgh Nature Center
This weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday, May 7th and Sunday, May 8th 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.”
Also on May 8, at 2pm come celebrate Mother’s Day at the GNC. “We love moms - including the furry and four legged ones! Meet moms of all species and complete a mother's day inspired craft. Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person.”
Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents The Music of Bruce Springsteen
On Sat, May 7th, doors open at 2:30 pm, show begins at 1pm, “give mom the morning off or bring the whole family to a very special workshop celebrating the Boss and all the moms! All moms get in free today!
During each fun-filled class, children will explore live music, movement, and collaborative creativity. Young talents will gain knowledge and develop their musical skills through laughter and imagination. We invite the whole family to join us and play as we aim to build creativity in children ages 10-years-old and younger.”
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.
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!
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.”
Children’s Book Week will be celebrated from 1-1:30pm on Saturday. “Guest readers will be popping in throughout the week as we celebrate Children’s Book Week, the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country.
Saturday – Color Day
StoryTime at 1:00 pm
"A Color of His Own" by Leo Lionni
Chameleon Sun Catcher activity to follow”
On Sunday there’s Free Admission for Moms — All Day Long! From 11-12 kids can celebrate the Marvelous Moms in their lives by making “a “Heartfelt Card” for Mom and explore the museum together!”
Children’s Book week will be celebrated again on Sunday 11:30-12.
“StoryTime at 1:00 pm
"If Kisses Were Colors" by Janet Lawler
Flower Bookmark activity to follow.”
Bicycle Sundays 2016
“One of Westchester’s longest-running and beloved recreational programs – Bicycle Sundays – rolls on select Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m…During Bicycle Sundays, a portion of the Bronx River Parkway is closed to cars for the exclusive use of bicyclists, joggers, walkers, scooters and strollers. The course runs from the Westchester County Center in White Plains, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, a round-trip of 13.1 miles. There are many points of entry and exit along the way.
Schedule: Sundays in May, June and September
May 1, 8, 15 and 22
June 5, 12, 19 and 26
September 11, 18 and 25
Location: Bronx River Parkway from Westchester County Center in White Plains, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.
Fee: Admission is Free, $7 parking at the County Center lot in White Plains
Maritime Aquarium
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.”
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.
“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..”
There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
Shows on May 7th and 8th!
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12:30 2 3:30 |
Earth, Moon and Sun- The Sky Tonight Habitat Earth |
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 from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can get into the Mother’s Day spirit by creating KIDS CLUB® Paper Flowers 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, come make a Mother’s Day Craft during Family Craft Time from 1-3pm. This is a free event and supplies are included! “Have fun crafting a card and a bracelet for Mom.”
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 “Let Love Bloom! Card for Mom.” Everyone’s getting ready for Mother’s day!
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.
Sunday Explorers has started and will take place 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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Lots of fun activities at the farm for everyone this weekend! First up, on Saturday, May 7th, 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. Additional dates: 5/21 Suggested donation $5.00.” Also May 7th, Make a Gift for Mom from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. “It's that time of year again. Stop by to make a gift for your mom!” And on Sunday May 8th, check out Sheepshearing from 12:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m! “Come to the farm today and see the sheep getting their yearly haircuts and learn all about why we do it. 4-H will be on hand to answer questions!” And finally, from 9:30-2:30 on Sunday stop by the Farmer’s Market for a variety of products. “Over 20 vendors make up this unique and local farmer's market! Additional dates: 5/15, 5/22, 5/29.” |
Pleasantville Farmer’s Market
Spring is here which means the Pleasantville Farmer’s Market has moved back outdoors. This Saturday, May 7th, “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.”
On Sunday May 8th at 1pm, “using a variety of replicated artifacts; participants are introduced to the daily life of the Native American. We will discuss local history, food, shelter, and hunting skills of local woodland tribes. We will take a short hike to better experience the struggle to survive of the Native Americans. All Ages welcome. This program is the first in our month long Native American Culture Series.”
Weekends at Stone Barns Center, April 16 - November 13
Ticketed weekend admission has started!
Experience the farm with a day of Stone Barns programming.
STONE BARNS SELL OUT! Especially on Mother’s Day!
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. Captain America: Civil War hits theaters this weekend. Rated PG-13 and in regular, 3D, IMAX and IMAX-3D format. Ratchet and Clank is new to theaters. I hadn’t heard of this movie. It’s “ A CG-animated movie based on the iconic PlayStation video game.” In regular and 3D format. The Jungle Book is also out in regular, 3D and Imax! Also still out, Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice is in theaters! It’s rated PG-13 so may be a little too scary for the younger audience members. Still in theaters is Zootopia! A long awaited movie that was absolutely adorable. I loved it!! It’s out in regular, 3D and 3D Imax format! My son loved it so much he saw it twice!
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, and Dorothy Hammil in Greenwich
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. The Mother’s Day Weekend Garden party will take place May 7 & 8 from 10-6pm. “The most spectacular spring landscape New York City has to offer is the setting for live music, games, picnicking, and more. After a significant restoration and expansion, the historic Lilac Collection reopens, making room for more Garden spots to play and relax. Make a reservation for a delicious brunch and enjoy other special activities.”
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! It’s also “Off Season” at the beach in Rye.
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