Shortened weeks due to Monday holidays make the week fly by! I cant believe we’re at Friday and the weekend already! Looks like a nice mild weekend so enjoy it and try to check out some of the fun activities I’ve found that the whole family can enjoy!
Today, Friday, January 20th from 4-5pm, check out Gadgets Science Fun Club for kids in grades 3-5. “Science fun club offers children a chance to engage in hands-on inquiry based experiments. In this one-hour science workshop, participants will focus on a different S.T.E.M. or S.T.E.A.M. activity each month with handouts to follow up at home. Through this program children will begin to see that science, technology engineering, math, and the arts can be fun. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required at http://www.ryelibrary.org
Family Storytime & Craft will take place on Saturday from 11-12pm. This fun program is for children ages 3.5 and their caregivers. “Children listen to to age-appropriate stories and participate in fun games, rhymes and other activities to develop pre-literacy skills and an interest in books and reading. Felt boards and other props are sometimes used to enhance stories and model future classroom experiences.
A fun craft project is designed around the story theme or a seasonal topic. Parents and caregivers are asked to assist younger children using scissors, glue and other art materials. Program runs about 60 mins.”
Also on Saturday, from 1-2pm come celebrate the Chinese New Year during the Chinese New Year Celebration. There will be crafts, a lunar zodiac tattoo and other fun games.
The library in Larchmont also has a fun activity for kids today, Friday, or as they call it, on SCI-FRI: Building Bridges. Kids in grades 3 to 5 from 3:30-430pm can “work in teams to build a suspension bridge with your basket of supplies. Prizes will be given to the strongest bridge!” Online registration required. To register, CLICK HERE.
On Saturday, from 4-5pm, adults with children ages 2 ½ to 6 can check out the Sleepytime Club: Get Your Child to Sleep in Twenty Minutes. “Come to the library with your child for a calm and comforting pajama party with stories, songs, poems, and coloring. Brook Packard of Sleepytime Club will bring her guitar and a very special storybook that sets everyone up for a peaceful evening.” Online registration required. To register, CLICK HERE.
Today, Friday, from 3-3:30, check out Chloe's Sign and Play at the Harrison Library. “Give your child the gift of language! Sign & Play is a fun class where families can learn to communicate with their pre-verbal children using real signs from American Sign Language. Based on the award-winning Baby Signing Time series, this class will give parents a window into the hearts and minds of their little ones. Through fun songs, stories and games, parents and children will learn many useful signs for everyday communication. Come sign with us!”
Also today, from 4-5pm, check out Yoga with Angela. “Bring your own mat and water to this lovely, mind and body relaxing YOGA experience with Harrison resident Angela Brandt (Registered and Certified Yoga Instructor). Opportunity to create self-esteem, physical coordination, breath relaxation and strength. Grades 2-5.”
Sing me a Book: Musical Storytime will take place on Saturday, January 21st from 10:00am - 10:30am. Appropriate for all ages this Musical winter storytime is for kids & families and features the french horn and double bass.
Also on Saturday, from 10:30-11 check out Storytime and Craft. Don’t miss this family storytime and fun craft! For all ages.
From 1-2pm Saturday, come “Meet Angie our Therapy Dog-Angie our beautiful therapy dog loves to have children read to her and promises to be a good listener!”
On Saturday there’s a Girls Who Code Workshop from 1:30 -3pm for 7th - 12th grade girls. “Work with your Club on a Computer Science Impact Project, where you’ll learn to use computer science to solve a problem relevant to your Club and community. *IF you are signing up after December 6, YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP.”
On Sunday, don’t miss Sing Along Sundays with Chloe from 4:00pm - 4:30pm. “Celebrate early childhood through music and movement! Children and parents are sure to love the captivating songs, live accordion music, and activities designed with specific cognitive milestones in mind. This class will feature a variety of child-sized instruments and props, and a wealth of both traditional and original songs to add to your singalong repertoire! Get ready for a fun, creative, and engaging experience!”
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, grab the family and head out on a Family Gallery Tour at Bruce Museum. “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.”
Maccabeats at WPPAC
The Maccabeats come to the White Plains Performing Arts Center this Saturday at 8pm. “Often travelling with little more than the shirts on their backs and the ties on their necks, the Maccabeats have entertained and inspired hundreds of audiences worldwide, from Alabama to (New) Zealand and everywhere in between. Using nothing more than the unadulterated human voice, a clean-cut presentation, and a little Jewish humor, this unique group of singers is able to connect with fans of all backgrounds and ages.
Originally formed in 2007 as Yeshiva University’s student vocal group, the Maccabeats have recently emerged as both Jewish music and a cappella phenomena, with a large fanbase, more than 20 million views on YouTube, numerous TV appearances, and proven success with four albums, 2010′s Voices From The Heights, 2012′s Out Of The Box, 2014′s One Day More and 2015′s A Maccabeats Hanukkah. Though the Maccabeats aren’t your grandfather’s synagogue choir, their ideology and identity play an important part in what they do.
The Maccabeats’ unique offering has caught the eyes of numerous organizations and inviduals throughout the world. They’ve played sold-out shows to thousands at JCCs, temples, synagogues, shuls, Chabads, Hillels, jazz clubs, festivals, conventions, and theaters across five continents and over thirty states and provinces. They’ve been invited to join reggae superstar Matisyahu and Jewish music superstar Yaakov Shwekey on stage. They’ve been invited to Gracie Mansion by NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg. And they’ve been invited to the White House by US President Barack Obama. Over the course of time, their adventures and opportunities imparted upon the Maccabeats an important lesson: with great a cappella comes great responsibility. It is with much humility and gratitude that the group take up the mission given to them, and share their music with the world.”
Buy tickets here.
The Stamford Nature Center is a wonderful place to stroll around and they have animals for the kids to see and a fun playground to play in. Lego fans will love what’s on tap this weekend!
Saturday & Sunday, January 21-22 check out Superhero Animation - Lights! Camera! Action! There aretwo sessions: 10 am - 12 pm & 2 - 4 pm.
“LEGO® Super Hero animation with ILUGNY facilitators. Led by Alex Kobbs, of Kooberz Studios. Learn how to film stop-action animation with LEGO® creations and mini figures. Recommended for ages 10 and up, limited to 30 participants per session.
Members: $40 (one adult & one child), $25 for each additional adult/child. Non-Members: $55 (one adult & one child), $25 for each additional adult/child (includes admission).
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all workshops. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Call 203.977.6521 to register.”
|
On Sunday check out Winter Planetarium Shows. “Take a virtual tour of the constellations and planets in our galaxy and learn how to recognize common winter constellations, which planets are made of rock or gas, and more! Topics and content will vary each week. Programs begin promptly at 12 and 1:30 pm; seating is limited, especially during A Billion Bricks 4: Superheroes in Gotham exhibition. Doors will open 10 minutes before show time; no late admissions, please. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Free.”
|
Sunday Explorers will take place on Sundays, January 15 - February 26, 1 - 4 pm. “Winter is a great time to explore the SM&NC! Enjoy our guided farm and trail programs as well as our popular animal Meet & Greets. We also conduct Science Spot programs each Sunday in Overbrook Nature Center, and offer an array of self-guided crafts. Different themes, animals, and stories each week! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Visit their website for the complete schedule and pricing.”
A BILLION BRICKS 4: LEGO® Super Heroes in Gotham Exhibition is on display until February 5! “Skylines and superheroes! Bring the whole family to our popular annual "A Billion Bricks" exhibition and be awed by five famous architectural landmarks made completely out of LEGO® bricks. The team from ILUGNY will recreate a fantasy Gotham City — featuring some of the most iconic buildings in New York City. LEGO® trains, trams, and subways will travel over, under and around a totally new LEGO landscape where superheroes will save the day!”
Clay Arts Center Saturday Drop in Class
Every Saturday from 2 - 4pm there’s a fun opportunity to stop by the Clay Arts Center in Port Chester and have fun experimenting with clay. There’s a fee of $25 adult and $20 children under 12. (includes material and firing).
This is a “one-time class for adults, children and families interested in 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! Projects take between 1.5- 2 hours. SPACE IS LIMITED. Tickets go on sale at the front desk at 10am the day of class. Call us at 914-937-2047 to register or drop in by 1:45. First Come First Served. Class maximum is 12 people.”
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
Museum After Hours will take place today, Friday, January 20th from 5-6:30pm. “Visit the Museum after dark during our special extended hours program. Collage artist Michael Albert will be on hand to make special collage projects with our visitors. Regular admission applies.”
WINTER LIGHT: An Art Exhibit Featuring Work by Michelle Sakhai, opened up on December 21st. “The beautiful, shimmering abstract paintings of Westchester-based artist Michelle Sakhai are a perfect companion to the winter season. Sakhai uses gold and silver leaf in her work to bring glitter and shimmer to the Museum's Art Gallery. Each irridescent piece offers an optical illusion - you will see something different in the color and imagery no matter where you stand.
Artist-led workshops will introduce children to abstract art and provide opportunities to create their own works of art.”
Visit their website to learn more!
Inaugural Mayor’s Cup Hockey Fundraiser
On Saturday, January 21st at 3pm. Athletes from Rye Town Titans Ice Hockey featuring players from our area will play White Plains to raise money and awareness for the Wheelchair Sports Federation. Modified game at 3:40, Sled game at 5:30 and Varsity game at 7:25. There will be a silent auction, raffles and puck chucks. At Playland ice arena. Don’t miss it!
On Saturday at 11am don’t miss the Nanette's Baguette Storytime. “Mo Willems' hilarious new picture book Nanette's Baguette follows our plucky heroine on her first big solo trip to the bakery. But... will Nanette get the baguette from baker Juliette? Or will Nanette soon be beset with regret? Find out at Storytime.”
Clifford Visits Storytime will also take place on Saturday, at 2pm. “Join us for Storytime and meet the lovable character Clifford from Norman Bridwell's series 'Clifford the Big Red Dog.'”
Our closest Barnes & Noble is in White Plains, City Center but there are other nearby locations in Stamford, Palisades Center and Yonkers. And a newly opened location in Eastchester that has a restaurant too!
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!
Saturday is Henry Whiskers Day! “Join us for day-long celebration of the release of our founder Gigi Priebe’s new children’s book, "The Adventures of Henry Whiskers." Enjoy readings by the author and related art and literacy activities, inspired by the book.”
There will be a Special Once Upon an Author event on Saturday from 10-12-“Gigi's Book Reading and More! Our dear museum friend and founder, Gigi Priebe, has written a book and we have a special morning planned in celebration. Join us and enjoy Storytime, Meet and Greet plus Book Signing with Gigi, and a whole lot of activities including "make-and-takes."
Museum members can also enjoy Tea and Muffins!
"The Adventures of Henry Whiskers" — Henry Whiskers must face his fears and rescue his little sister from the scary Rat Alley in this fun, fast-paced debut chapter book set in Queen Mary’s historical dollhouse at Windsor Castle.
Saturday 1030-11:15 Mutt-i-grees will be taking place. “Enjoy a special canine storytime and discussion, and visit with a shelter dog as you learn these social and emotional skills. Shelter dogs courtesy of P.A.W.S. Recommended for ages 3 and older.”
From 1:15-145 on Saturday kids can have fun making a Henry Whisker bookmarks.
On Sunday from 10:30-11 check out Muscial Jamboree. “Explore music and movement through song, dance and the playing of instruments. All ages.”
Sunday from 1-2 “come join us for a reading of The Biggest, Best Snowman and create your own snowman!”
Weekend Zumba will take place from 2-230 on Sunday. “Join us for our fitness party and dancing your way to a healthy future!”
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
Check out the Coral Reef Exhibit! “A rainbow of colors dart and dash in our new 3,000-gallon Coral Reef exhibit, open now just past the Sea Turtles exhibit.
Meet more than 40 species of reef fish native to the Indo-Pacific, including brilliantly colored varieties of tangs, triggerfish, wrasses and more.
Displays explain why reef systems are so important to the ocean, yet why they’re also so fragile.
Plus, learn how global ocean currents can connect water in reefs on the other side of the planet to our local Long Island Sound – and thus, how our stewardship of the Sound also means good stewardship of all Earth's marine ecosystems.
The exhibit is a perfect pairing with the new IMAX movie, "Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean," opening Sept. 6.”
The aquarium is definitely worth a trip up the Merritt or 95!
Click here to learn more about Maritime.
On Sunday from 1-3pm, come to the farm and learn the role that ice played on the farm and see a live ice cutting demonstration on the Ice Pond! Dress for the weather.
This event is weather permitting.
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. This January kids can create “Post Cards from the Field-Civil War soldiers, far from family, wrote letters back home. With art materials, make a postcard to send to someone you miss.”
Saturdays 1-4 in the science area this January “make a micro-watershed that shows how water flows from the mountains to the sea.”
There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
To learn more, click here.
This Saturday, January 21st and Sunday, January 22nd at 11:30AM check out TEACHING TRAILS: Weekend Walks for All Ages. “Join us on our community path for environmental education, generously supported by Con Edison. Guided trail experience through our woodland forest with specially trained "Trail Ninja" volunteers. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE”
Also on Sunday, January 22nd from 11-12, check out Animal Tracks! ”Who's been walking in our woods? Join us for this new program and we'll find out together as we search our trails for animal tracks, scats, and signs of animal activity. A fun and informative walk through our forest. All ages welcome. No pre-registration required. Free!”
Most Saturdays from 10-12 Michael’s offers a fun Kids Club® craft that kids can participate in while their parents shop. This Saturday’s project is creating a CRAFT STICK COCOA MUG. The cost is $2 per project and supplies are included. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Lakeshore also hosts a free craft workshop for kids most Saturdays from 11-3pm. This Saturday’s craft is creating a To the Moon & Back! Rocket. Appropriate for kids ages 3 & up. No reservation necessary. Free.”
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option, especially when it’s cold out. Sing is still out in theatres and is AMAZING! Rogue One:Star Wars is also out in theatres!! Moana is still out and on my list to see with the kids! Though I think I want to see it more than my kids! 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!
Legoland is a fun place to visit with the kids!
Ice skating is always a fun activity for the whole family. Nearby rinks include Hommocks in Larchmont, Playland in Rye and Dorothy Hammil in Greenwich.
Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?
Or Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut?
And Bowlmor bowling alley is a fun option in White Plains!
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