How are we at the July 4th holiday weekend already!?! Crazy how time is flying by.
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.
This Sunday, July 3rd from 9:00am - 11:15am don’t miss the “First Sunday Bird Walk at Greenwich Point Park- Bring binoculars and meet near southern concession stand to view wild birds in their habitats. Free. Contact cynthiae@brucemuseum.org for Park admission. Co-sponsored by Wild Wings.”
Also on Sunday July 3rd from 1:30-4 “special guest and children’s book author Andrew Kranichfeld will present a brief program at 2:00 pm and be available with his children’s nature books Oliver Saves the Nature Center and Karen’s Garden. A former Rye, NY, resident, Kranichfeld plans to talk about nature, gardening and the importance of fruits and vegetables, but might be persuaded to answer questions about his own adaptions to the fact that he has been blind for that past few years.The program is free and no reservations are required. No park pass is needed; just tell the guard at the gatehouse that you are here for “First Sunday Science” or contact cynthiae@brucemuseum.org by July 1.”
Rye Playland
The pool and beach are open for the summer! Playland will be celebrating Independence Day with spectacular holiday fireworks shows at 9:30pm on July 3rd and 4th with! Park hours this weekend are 12pm-12am Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday, July 4th hours are 11am-12am.
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
This Saturday, July 2nd, don’t miss First Saturdays A.I. Friedman Art Workshop from 10:00am – 3:00pm. “Drop in and make your own glittery firework-inspired creations at a special arts and crafts workshop to celebrate the 4th of July. (Free with Museum entry)”
And on Monday July 4th check out the July Collage Workshop. “Drop in for a special Independence Day themed collage workshop led by nationally renowned collage artist Michael Albert . Michael will be at the Museum all day to help you create 4th of July-themed collages. For inspiration, you can see Michael's original American Flag collage and Declaration of Independence collage now on view in our special gallery. (Free with Museum entry)”
Visit their website to learn more!
On Saturday, at 11am, don’t miss the Hello, My Name Is Octicorn Storytime. “Octicorn is the funny, sweet and disarming character who is a champion for anyone who has ever felt a little bit different. And isn't that everyone? Join us for Storytime featuring Hello, My Name Is Octicorn. Activities to follow.” 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.
The Stamford Museum and 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.”
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 from 2-3 don’t miss “ATW: Creative Kids- July: India — Pachisi – Learn to play pachisi, an ancient Indian game, and then make your own board to play with your friends.
For children ages 2 and older.”
The museum will be open on Monday, July 4th.
From 11:45-12:15 on Monday, celebrate Independence Day at Stepping Stones with a “playful, patriotic activity.”
And finally, Fab Monday will take place from 1:30-2pm on the 4th. “Join us for a fun activity relating to the five main areas in Mega Making: Art, Textiles, Construction/Woodworking, Tinkering and Book Nook/Future Ideas. Inspired by our exhibit experience, Mega Making.” For all ages.
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.”
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!
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. June and July’s projects include making a “car from cardboard boxes, straws, tape, and bottle caps, powered by a balloon. 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 July 2 & 3!
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12:30 2 3:30 |
Tycho to the Moon The Sky Tonight Undiscovered Worlds |
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.
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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, July 2nd! “Visit our historic Main House to see and purchase art from this month's featured artists the Northern Westchester Artist Guild. 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! And on Monday July 4th from 7:30-10am, “come to the farm early and go on a birdwalk with Anne Swaim and Paul Lewis. Bring your binoculars.”
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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.
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.
For the kids, from 9:30-11, “learn how a day at the beach is one of the best science lessons of all! Kids will experiment with sand and water to learn some fundamental principles of science. Explore buoyancy by creating a raft that will float and hold weight in a pool of water. See how much weight can your raft hold before it gives way? In the sand area students build sand castles that withstand varying amounts of weight while learning principles of adhesion, cohesion, and how the amount of water mixed with sand will give it different strengths.”
At the Palisades Center in West Nyack 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.”
Where to See Firework This Weekend
Wondering where to go for fireworks this year since Port Chester isn’t hosting on the 4th?
On Friday, July 1st, White Plains High School, and Cross County Shopping Center, will be having displays.
On Sunday, July 3rd- Rye Playland at 9:30pm. And Kensico Dam (see above)
And on Monday, July 4th, Village of Mamaroneck display at Harbour Island, Playland at 9:30,
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option. The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), from Disney, hits theaters this weekend. Finding Dory is still in theaters. My kids and I loved it! 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 are home Friday-Monday with fireworks night on Saturday. The Yankees are away.
If you don’t feel like traveling to The Bronx, the Rockland Boulders are playing at home this Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday with fireworks each night
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