Another weekend and it’s August on Monday!! The back to school ads have started already…crazy how time just flies by. This heat has been nuts too but it is July so I suppose it’s to be expected.
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.
Sunday July 31st, check out the Family Gallery Tour from 11:30-12:15. “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.”
Science Sunday: Electricity will take place on Sunday from 1-3pm. This is “a drop-in program designed for children ages 4 and up and their families. Participants will explore simple science concepts and subjects while partaking in fun, kid-friendly experiments, projects and crafts inspired by the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. Free with Museum admission and no advance registration required.”
Music in the Park
Enjoy the great outdoors with music from such varied sources as the “Westchester Philharmonic Brass to The Woodstock Experience
The “Music in the Park” series will take place on Friday July 29 at Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial in Somers. Table-and-chair seating on the patio will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Concert-goers should plan on lawn seating and should bring their own blankets or lawn chairs.
No pets are allowed.
Food and beverages, including beer, wine, pretzels and hot dogs will be available for purchase.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Music is 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Admission is $10 per person for all ages. All sales will be at the door; no pre-sales. Payment can be made by cash or credit card. Proceeds benefit Lasdon’s glass house conservatory project.”
Click here to learn more or call (914) 864-7268 for updates and information.
Tonight’s performance is: Back to the Garden: The Woodstock Experience
The Music of the Beatles for Kids at Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre
On Saturday, July 30th at 3pm, check out The Rock and Roll Playhouse workshop! This Saturday’s focus is The Music of the Beatles for Kids featuring Cousin Earth. These workshops are a unique, interactive, and educational live music experience for children 10 and under. Doors open at 2:30 and show begins at 3pm and lasts an hour. Tickest are $20 for adults and children. “After a successful RRPH show featuring Cousin Earth at Brooklyn Bowl, we are thrilled to have Cousin Earth joining us again at The Capitol Theatre to delight fans young and old with their music featuring the songs of all-time favorite band, The Beatles. All kids are encouraged to bring instruments and join us on stage as Cousin Earth rocks out a giant sound on tiny instruments.”
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
Visit their website to learn more!
Barnes & Noble
On Saturday July 30th at 8pm, don’t miss the Harry Potter Countdown to Midnight Party. This is a “special Countdown to Midnight Party leading up to the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One & Two, a special rehearsal edition script book, which goes on sale July 31 at midnight. The party will feature a special Muggle Wall where customers can share their favorite memories of Harry Potter as well as amazing giveaways and fun activities!”
On Sunday, at 9am, in case you missed the midnight party or if you read the book and want to discuss, you can check out the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Celebration. “Join us all day for events and activities as we celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
Our closest Barnes & Noble is in White Plains, City Center but there are other nearby locations in Stamford, Palisades Center and Yonkers.
The Butterfly Exhibit it open through Sunday, August 7th from 10-3.
“Our butterfly exhibit moves into its new home - a thoughtfully constructed arbor located in our enchanting Native Plant Meadow. Enjoy close encounters with butterflies and learn about their importance in nature. Admission: Members-FREE / Non Members-$11 Adults, $10 seniors/students, $9 children, under 2 free (price includes admission to Manor House Animal Museum and exhibits).”
Through Sunday, September 25 drop in from 10AM-4:30PM and head out on a Self-Guided Story Walk. “Take a short walk along our woodland trail and along the way read one of our favorite picture books for young children, Screech Owl at Midnight Hollow by C. Drew Lamm. Follow the book and trail markers on your journey. Free and open to all.”
Also this weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday and Sunday July 30th and 31st 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.”
Theater in the Sanctuary at Westmoreland Wizard of Oz
On stage at the Westmoreland Sanctuary is The Wizard of Oz. Don’t miss all your favorite characters on their “adventure along the yellow brick road in our woods as they meet their favorite characters: Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, The Lion, Toto, Glinda, The Witch, The Munchkins and many more!” Performances will take place on July 29-31 and reservations are required.
In the Heights at WPPAC
One of my favorite shows comes to the WPPAC this weekend! Before Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda composed the Music and Lyrics for IN THE HEIGHTS. This musical “tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. IN THE HEIGHTS is the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations.” The show is 2 hours 25 mins, not including intermission and will be on stage from July 29th to August 7th. Showtimes are Friday at 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Ticket prices are $35 for adults and $25 for students.
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.
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 from 11-12:15, kids will have the opportunity to “Give "life" to a flower pot with your decorations, then take it home, fill with it earth, and give life to a plant. Materials fee required: $1 members, $3 nonmembers.”
From 12:30-2pm on Saturday check out animation Station where children can 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.”
There are a bunch of activities on Sunday too starting with Basketball Mosaic from 10:15-11.
“Children will use various materials to decorate their very own basketball mosaic.”
From 11:15-12, check out the demonstration on Seal Insulation which will “show how Seals can keep warm in the cold waters using Crisco/Coconut oil, gloves and cold and warm water.”
From 1-1:30 you can watch “Robot Races - An obstacle course with a robot twist...”
And finally from 2-3pm, stop by and watch “ATW: Show me a Tale- July: India — Kings for Breakfast – King Vikram must rescue a magic goose from King Karan and discover the secret of his wealth. After the story, children will create story illustrations in the rangoli style using colored sand or rice. Limited space – get tickets at the Welcome Desk. For children ages 5 and older.”
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!
Friday and Saturday at 7pm check out the FREE star shows!
On July 30th, check out “Singin’ in the Rain” in the Amphitheatre at 8pm!
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 30 and 31!
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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.
Michael’s Kids® Club
On Saturday, stop by from 10-12pm for Kids Club® where kids can have fun making a Kids Club® Monster Bookmark Corner. “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.”
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 “Craft Stick Puppy,” so fun!!
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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 and Sunday! “Visit our historic Main House to see and purchase art from this month's featured artists the Northern Westchester Artist Guild. On Sunday July 31st why not head out on a Dragonfly Walk from 10-12? “Dragons on a farm? Come on this exciting walk to search for Dragonflies!!” Also 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!
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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, kids and grownups can have a blastcreating “a one of a kind tie dye t-shirt. We will have sizes for every member of your family!”
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.”
Cultural Heritage Celebrations
Sunday from 1-5:30pm, come celebrate Irish-American heritage at the Kensico Dam 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.”
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option. Ice Age:Collision Course was new to theaters last weekend! The Secret Life of Pets is also in theaters!! We all loved this one. It was very cute! Also in theaters is Ghostbusters! The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), from Disney, is still out, as is Finding Dory. My kids and I loved it! Check out showtimes here.
How about the sidewalk sales going on in Rye and Scarsdale Thursday, Friday and Saturday! A great opportunity to shop, support small businesses and save money!
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!
If you feel like taking a drive, the Orange County Fair is happening July 20-31 http://www.orangecountyfair.com/general_info/admissions/
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 this weekend taking on the Rockies while the Yankees are away this weekend playing the Rays.
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
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