Wow, what a busy week it’s been! Between finals, ½ days, Graduation, and kids getting ready for sleepaway camp, the week has flown by and we’re officially on summer break! Many of you will be kissing your little ones goodbye for the summer, knowing they’re about to have the time of their lives, while you hold back the tears. Hang in there. Those who still have our kids here for the summer can look forward to the joys of daily sunscreen battles before camp! LOL. Before all that though, we have a ton of fun activities you can enjoy this weekend. Have fun!
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 1-4pm “The Bruce Museum Seaside Center summer season kicks off with the Greenwich Shelfish Commission’s Experience the Sound celebration providing a festive grand opening. The Seaside Center will be open Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, from June 26 through Labor Day, September 5, 2016. The Seaside Center offers daily programs such as fish feeding, shoreline seining, and arts and crafts. Bare feet and bathing suits are welcome.
Located in the Foren Family Environmental Center at Innis Arden Cottage, Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich, the Seaside Center welcomes visitors of all ages with five marine aquaria, two shoreline dioramas, and trained naturalists. There is no admission fee to visit the Center, however a beach pass is required to enter the park. See the Town of Greenwich website for pass information or the Bruce Museum website for Seaside Center information.”
As of June 24th, the pool and beach will be open for the summer! Park hours this weekend are Friday, 12-12am, Saturday 12pm-12am, and Sunday 12-10pm. On Sunday from 12-6 there will be live entertainment on the music tower stage celebrating the International Latino Music Festival.
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!
Today, Friday, June 24th at 7pm, Relive the Magic of Harry Potter. During an event that is “sure to conjure a magical experience for the most modest Muggles and wisest Wizards! Customers can enter the Harry Potter Limited Edition Cover Print Sweepstakes, and activities include a coloring station (send an exclusive Owl Post Postcard), trivia, and the opportunity to participate in the assembly of a Wrebbit 3D Hogwarts Astronomy Tower, an 875-piece 3D puzzle.”
And on Saturday, at 11am, don’t miss the Extremely Cute Animals Operating Heavy Machinery Storytime. “Just because you're extremely cute, doesn't mean you can't operate a bulldozer! From author-illustrator David Gordon comes a funny, whimsical take on believing in yourself and telling bullies who's boss! Join us for a fun-filled Storytime.” Our closest Barnes & Noble is in White Plains, City Center but there are other nearby locations in Stamford, Palisades Center and Yonkers.
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.
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.
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.”
Insect Extravaganza will take place from 11-2 on Sunday. “Explore the world of our six-legged friends, and some other invertebrates too, as we celebrate the opening of our newest exhibition, FARMERS, WARRIORS, BUILDERS: The Hidden Life of Ants. Meet our live teaching invertebrates and search for boneless beasts in our stream, pond, and forest. Come across some animals that eat insects for dinner and have the chance to try some edible insects yourself, if you are brave enough! Insect-themed crafts and of course, a visit to see the exhibition will round out the day. Our Sunday Farm Market will be open, too.”
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+.
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.”
Also on Saturday from 1:15-2 participate in Sizzling Summer, Quirky Cork Boat – “Float your way into fun with a quirky, cork boat. While supplies last.”
Sunday from 11-12 don’t miss Cosmic Bowling. “Calling all superheroes! Do you think you have what it takes to defend your galaxy in this intergalactic bowl off?”
And finally, Sunday from 2-3pm check out the ATW: “Show me a Tale-The Sea King’s Daughter.
For children ages 5 and older.”
Maritime Aquarium
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
Flutter Zone is now 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.”
“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.
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.
On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can have fun creating a KIDS CLUB® Finding Dory Puppet show 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.”
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 “Crabby Headband.”
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There are a couple of fun activities going on at the farm this weekend! The Art Show will take place from 12-4pm on Saturday, June 25th! “Visit our historic Main House to see and purchase art from this month's featured artists the Northern Westchester Artist Guild. Also on June 25th, why not head out on a Mushroom Walk from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. “Are you a fun-gi or gal? This mushroom is just for you. Come to the farm and learn all about mushrooms on this walk!” And finally, on Sunday, from 9:30-2:30 stop by the Farmer’s Market for a variety of products. “Over 20 vendors make up this unique and local farmer's market!
Did you know, you don’t have to leave Westchester to experience and enjoy different cultures from around the world this Summer. Cultural Heritage Celebrations will be held on Sundays in county parks. These festivals will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal so bring blankets or folding chairs to enjoy on the lawn. This Sunday, June 26th from noon -7pm, head to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla to enjoy the African-American celebration!
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At the Palisades Center in West Nyack this weekend, June 24-26 and July 1-10 don’t miss the fair! There will be a petting zoo, hypnotist, banana derby, thrill show, illusion show, amusement rides and more.
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. Finding Dory hit theaters last weekend! I cannot wait to take the kids to see it!! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of The Shadows is out in regular and 3D format! Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass in regular, 3D and Imax and Angry Birds Movie also out in regular and 3D format. My kids are so excited about this one!
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 are away playing the Braves. But the Yankees are home and playing the Twins!
If you don’t feel like traveling to The Bronx, the Rockland Boulders are playing at home this weekend!
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 Rye. The 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
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