Wishing all those who celebrate, and even those who don’t, a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Since many kids are off today, I included activities that will take place during the day today. Enjoy your time with family and friends.
Stop by the Rye Library today at 1 for the “Brown Bag Lunch & A Movie - Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul.” This family movie is rated PG and lasts 91 minutes. “A Heffley family road trip to attend Meemaw's 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course thanks to Greg's newest scheme to get to a video gaming convention.”
On Saturday from 2-4pm, swing by the library for the K-Day Social & S.T.E.M. Challenges. “The Spotlight will shine on the newest students when they visit the library for our annual K-Day Social. Drop by the library between 2:00 and 4:00 pm to meet and greet your fellow kindergartners, to register for your first library card, and to check out books and other fun materials. Snacks will be served!
We will offer an hour of S.T.E. M. challenges for all kindergartners who attend the K-Day Social between 2:30 and 3:30 pm. The challenges will include unplugged coding: binary bracelet using code, solving 3D KEVA plank puzzles, making light-up flower using LEDs and bringing the Three Little Pigs story to life using straw, sticks, and bricks. A surprise awaits you when you complete all 4 challenges. Pre-registration is required for this event.”
Today from 10:30-11:15am check out the Petite Concerts event for babies up to age 5. “Children will dance and move to a wide range of songs and classical music from Bach to Do Re Mi and ABC's. Chi-Chi Lin Bestmann is a violinist and has performed at Carnegie Hall. She is also a young mother who knows how the beauty of music can develop a child's learning and education.”
Also today from 2-3:30pm, Harrison Library will be hosting Fun Flix Movie: Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Long Haul. “Join us for a fun movie! PG Rating Pack your bags for more fun, more laughs and more "wimpy" mischief! The Heffley family's road trip to Meemaw's 90th birthday party takes a wild detour thanks to Greg's newest scheme to attend a video gaming convention. Read the books by Jeff Kinney too!”
“Wow Your Crowd: A Storytelling Workshop” will also be taking place at the library from 4-5:15pm. View Flyer “Learn how to tell stories or improve your storytelling skills with Anthony J. Valbiro. You will participate in games and activities designed to help you become comfortable sharing tales with friends and families. Who knows - you might even wind up on a stage some day! No registration. Limited to 15 - first come, first served. Open to adults and teens.”
On Saturday from 10:30-11:30 enjoy Storytime & craft. “Join us for a storytime and simple craft to take home.”
From 1:30-3:30pm Saturday, Kitty Yoga will take place. View Flyer. “Yoga in the company of cats. Adoptable kittens are coming to the library for Kitty Yoga. Adults & ages 12 & over, accompanied by an adult. Please Register.”
And finally, Sing Along Sundays with Chloe will take place on Sunday from 4-4:30pm. “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!”
On Saturday from 3:30-4:15pm, kids ages 4 and up are invited to “Be a Reading Buddy. Online registration required. Come to the library, enjoy stories and games with our local teenagers and make a cool craft!”
On Saturday from 3:30pm-4:30pm, stop by the Rye Nature Center for the Ecology Club for Families with Special Needs. “Program is free, but pre-registration is required by the Friday before class.” Email marygillick@ryenaturecenter.org.
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 Saturday from 10-5pm it’s “Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day Live!. Free admission at participating museums, including the Bruce Museum, with a Museum Day Live! ticket. In partnership with Smithsonian.com/MuseumDay.”
On Sunday from 11:30-12:15 head out on a 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.”
Family Studio Workshop: Lines and Color is taking place on Sunday from 1-2:30pm. “This program is a full hour and a half long workshop designed for families with children 5 and older. Members $7.00 per person and $15.00 for non-members. Please purchase tickets in advance, space limited. *Please register by noon on September 21st. Decisions about whether or not this program will run will be made at this time. In this program, we will be exploring the art of Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec and his creative use of simple lines, shapes and colors!”
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
From Friday, September 15th until November 30th, the American Dream Collection: Works by Lynn Mara will be on display! “Drawing inspiration from the beauty of her natural surroundings and the wide spectrum of American iconography, artist Lynn Mara captures the vibrancy of the American spirit through her paintings. Her Impressionist style, bright, colorful palate, and distinct subject matter ranging from bold images of the American Flag, energetic equestrian scenes, to sun-bleached landscapes are joyful and accessible for young visitors.
Artist Lynn Mara is the Winner of the Design a Bus Contest for the 40th Anniversary of the Hampton Jitney, her bus can be seen traveling between Long Island and Manhattan. She was also named Winner of the 2017 HAMPTON CLASSIC poster design. The artist is a devoted mother of four sons, and lives and works in Greenwich CT. with her husband Frank.On View in the Westchester Children’s Museum Art Gallery.”
Good Deed of the Month Club will be taking place on Saturday from 11-12pm. “Join us in the Book Nook for a kindness-themed book reading and discussion followed by an art-educator led good deed project. Every fourth Saturday of the month. Sponsored by the Make a Difference with Loukoumi Foundation.”
This one sounds pretty sweet :-) Honey Harvest Party is happening from 2-4pm on Sunday at the Greenburgh Nature Center. “Before September 24: Members: $4, Non-members $8; Day of pricing: Members: $8, Non-members $15. Come celebrate our honey harvest! Visitors learn about the fascinating social network of honeybees, the basics of beekeeping and how honey is harvested from our hives. Activities include honey extraction and tasting, apple cidering, and a walk through our Native Plant Meadow. Honey will also be available for purchase. Pre-register online to save on admission. Register Now! Event held rain or shine.”
Barnes & Noble
Lots of great events taking place at Barnes & Noble this Saturday! First up is a Batman Day Promotion at 10am. “Celebrate Batman Day with a Buy 2, Get the 3rd Free offer on all DC™ graphic novels, and receive one of three Batman Day 2017 Special Edition Comics: Batman, DC Super Hero Girls, or Harley Quinn, while supplies last.”
At 11am check out “Big Words for Little Geniuses Storytime. “In this clever picture book by James and Sue Patterson, each letter of the alphabet provides an impressive new word for children to learn. Join us for this special Storytime, with activities to follow.”
B-Fest Teen Book Festival is happening at 1:00 PM. “Join us for B-Fest, our second annual teen book festival featuring writing workshops, trivia, games, prizes, and sneak peeks of upcoming books! 1pm - B-In the Know; 2pm - B-Super; 3pm - B-Part of the Fun; 5pm - B-Creative. For more information, contact your local store or visit BN.COM/B-Fest.”
Our closest store is in City Center in White Plains but other nearby locations include Eastchester’s new store complete with a fabulous café!
On Saturday and Sunday from 10-5, don’t miss the Armonk Outdoor Art Show. “Ranked one of “The Top 50” Fine Art and Fine Craft Fairs in the US by Art Fair SourceBook and among the top “Fine Art and Design Shows” in the New York Metro Area by Sunshine Artist Magazine, the 56th annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show will continue its long tradition of showcasing fresh and diverse art. Over 185 juried artists from 29 states, Israel and Canada, will be featured, with 35 new artists added to the show this year. A broad spectrum of art in every medium and price point will be on display, including painting, mixed mediums, printmaking/drawing/pastels, sculpture, photography/digital art, wearable art, and fine crafts. Free personal consultants, trained in fine art and home design, are available to assist visitors in selecting art that best fits their taste and decor.
New This Year: More Activities, Food and Drink - All as Fresh as the Art! Children’s Tent – All new, fun-filled, free activities under a Big-Top Tent presented by:
First Five – Hands on projects, appropriate for children ages 1-5 with adult participation.
The Harvey School – Interactive programs, appropriate for children ages 5-12.
The Neuberger Museum of Art – A creative exploration and experimentation inspired by the works in the Neuberger Museum’s permanent collection. Fun for children of all ages.
Food, Craft Beer and Wine – Diverse vendors with new additions including Luke’s Lobster, Captain Lawrence Brewing and Market North.
Stamford Museum and Nature Center
Maize Mysteries of an Ancient Grain- “This summer you can explore the science and history of maize and see why it continues to surprise us today. Learn about fascinating advances in the science of plant genetics, the process of evolution, and how "useful mutations" can address world health and hunger issues.” This will take place from June 24-Sept 24.
Also on Sunday, The SM&NC Sunday Farm Market is back! “Many favorites are returning and we've added some new vendors to offer a wider variety of items. Also available are our very own farm-fresh eggs made by our chickens on Heckscher Farm, maple syrup made in our own maple sugar "shack," and wool from our sheep.
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!
On Saturday, September September 23rd Mega Making opens. See their calendar for what they have planned on this exciting day and days to come.
So many fun events planned for the day and the weekend! Check them out right here.
Maritime Aquarium
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
TGIF Cruises take place every Friday from 6:30 - 8 pm at a cost of $29.95 ($19.95 for Aquarium Members). “Start your weekend off with a fun relaxing boat ride out to the Norwalk Islands, and get back in time to enjoy a late dinner or an evening out with friends just steps away in the restaurants and nightspots of SoNo. Aquarium educators will be onboard to point out sights and wildlife, but there's no structured program.”
A Marine Life Encounter Cruise will take place on Sept. 23rd and 24th from 1-3:30. at a cost of $29.95 ($24.95 for Aquarium Members). “Study marine biodiversity from the water's surface down to the bottom for a first-hand understanding of Long Island Sound's interdependent marine life. We utilize such sampling techniques as a plankton tow, trawl net and biodredge that generally bring up a variety of fish, crabs, mollusks and more right before your eyes!”
Every Saturday from 6-7:30pm Sunset Cruises will take place at a cost of $29.95 ($19.95 for Aquarium Members.) “Enjoy a fun relaxing 90-minute tour out to the Norwalk Islands timed to Include the setting sun and - providing cooperation beyond our control - a dazzling western sky reflecting on the water. Aquarium educators will point out sights and wildlife.
Senior Appreciation Month is taking place during the Month of September! “September is a great time for senior visits to the Aquarium, so we are offering a special deal for everyone age 65 and up! For $15 dollars, seniors will receive admission into the Aquarium, the choice of any daytime IMAX® movie and FREE popcorn. The senior offer is valid for visits between Sept. 1 and 30, and is good for tickets at the door only. Even deeper discounts are available for senior groups, contact our Reservations Department for more information at (203) 852-0700 ext. 2206.”
Have you checked out "Journey With Jellies" A bigger & even better jellyfish exhibit yet? “Get close to some of the most strangely beautiful – but painfully dangerous – animals in the sea as The Maritime Aquarium presents a newly expanded exhibit of jellyfish, including species we've never displayed before!
See Pacific sea nettles in an enormous new display, bizarre flower-hat jellies, "upside-down" jellies in a cool half-dome, and more!”
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 aquarium is definitely worth a trip up the Merritt or 95!
Click here to learn more about Maritime.
Sunday from 11-3pm is Jay Day at the Jay Heritage House in Rye. “Jay Day is part of the Hudson River Valley Ramble event, which celebrates the history, culture, and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area as well as the amazing landscapes, communities and trails throughout the region. From pony rides in the landscape where John Jay first learned to ride a horse to coring honey crisp apples into delicious spiral ribbons, the offerings for families grow year after year. Entertainment from live music to balloon sculptors delights guests of all ages. Activities embrace the local history tied to our region over centuries.”
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 August & September
kids will have fun creating and building a “3D-popping flower” with art materials.
Science Project making will take place on Saturdays from 1 - 4 pm this June - September
with “Solar Eclipses & More. Learn how to safely watch the eclipse in August! Make a model of the sun, and then look at it through our solar telescope.”
In addition, there are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
To learn more, click here.
Michael’s
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 making Kids Club® Craft Stick Characters. 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
Lakeshore also hosts a free craft workshop for kids most Saturdays from 11-3pm. This Saturday’s craft also sounds super fun, creating a Firefighter’s Hat! Appropriate for kids ages 3 & up. No reservation necessary. Free.”
Clay Art Center’s Drop In Class
Every Saturday from 2 - 4pm, drop in for a fun clay class. Cost is $30/adult and $20 for children under 12. This fee includes material and firing. “Have fun in this 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.
-
Halloween Themed Projects - September 30 & October 7
-
Ornament Making Projects - December 2 & 9 (two sessions at 1:30 & 3:30)
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 Broadway Theatre Production of Annie
Annie Get Your Gun is on stage at the Westchester Broadway Theatre from September 14 - November 26, 2017 and returns December 28, 2017 - January 28, 2018. “Set in the Wild West, where Frank Butler is the sharpest sharpshooter around and the heart-throb of Buffalo Bill's travelling Wild West show. He'll take on any challenge... and win. That is, until Frank meets his match in the rough and ready tomboy sharpshooter, Annie Oakley. Romantic sparks fly, but as long as he is competitive and she is stubborn the course of true love never will run smooth. Irving Berlin’s score filled with memorable hit songs, including “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better,” "They Say It's Wonderful", “I Got the Sun in the Morning,” Doin' What Comes Natur'lly ,” and the show-stopping hit, “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”
Buy tickets here.
Bicycle Sundays
“Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway, one of Westchester’s longest-running and popular recreational programs, will take place September 24th. The program is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m...
The parkway is open exclusively for bicyclists, joggers, walkers, foot scooters and strollers from Exit 22 at the Westchester County Center to Exit 4 at Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, a round-trip distance of 13 miles. The road is closed to automobiles in that stretch of parkway. Admission to the event is free. Parking is available at the County Center lot in White Plains for $7.”
Rules and Regulations can be found here.
Apple & Pumpkin Picking
One of my favorite fall activities, Apple and Pumkin Picking has begun already. Nearby orchards include Harvest Moon which also happens to have Fall Festivals on “weekends only from September 9th - October 29th 10am-5pm and Columbus Day Monday,” Barton Orchards, Silverman’s Farm, Wilkens Farm, Dr. Davie’s Farm in Rockland and Outhouse Orchards.
Stone Barns Center
Stone Barns is a great spot to visit with the family. “Experience what’s happening on the farm, meet our farmers and greet the season!
On a Saturday or Sunday visit to Stone Barns from April through November, participate in a variety of seasonal, hands-on activities and drop-in tours, all included with your one-day admission ticket.
Weekend tickets sell out. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance:
Tickets become available for purchase 6 weeks in advance.
This season on the farm...
Because every day is different on the farm, exact programming changes each week, but a sample weekend day this spring, summer or fall will include activities like:
Meet the: Sheep 10:00 – 10:45 am
Farm Activity: Egg Collecting 10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Farm Activity: Lettuce Planting 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Blue Hill chef joins the Farm Activity 11:30am - 12:00 pm
Getting Grounded: Adult Walking Tour 11:30 am (45 minutes)
Hands-on Taste: Spring Rolls 1:00 - 1:45 pm
Making the Rounds: Greenhouse Tour 1:15 pm (20 minutes)
Meet the: Sheep 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Farm Activity: Prep the Field Beds 2:00
Meet the: Pigs 3:00 - 3:30 pm
Getting Grounded Tour: Adult Walking Tour 4:00 (45 minutes)
This is a sample schedule; a full schedule of the day's programs will be available to you upon entering the farm the day of your visit.”
Click Here for more information..
Renaissance Faire
The NY Renaissance Faire is back and lots of fun! “A Renaissance Faire is a recreation of a Renaissance or Medieval village. It is filled with costumed actors, crafts and games to give patrons the illusion that they have stepped back in time. The New York Renaissance Faire features more than 125 performances on 20 stages, and over 100 craftspeople, all set within 65 acres of beautiful forest.” The fair takes place in Tuxedo Park, NY on Saturdays, Sundays until Oct. 1st from 10am – 7pm.
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option. New to theaters is the Lego Ninjago Movie. Currently in theaters, Leap, and Spiderman. Mulan is also showing this weekend.
What about a Farmer’s Market? Pleasantville has a great one Saturdays from 8:30-1pm!
Harrison's also has a great Farmers Market open Saturdays, from 8:30-1 from May 20th to November 18th at Ma Riis Park by the train station.
Rye also has a great Farmer’s Market on Sundays from 8:30-2pmin the parking lot behind Village Social and Chase Bank (Theodore Fremd Ave.)
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! LEGO® NINJAGO® DAYS are taking place 9/22-9/24 and 9/30-10/1.
What about a baseball game? The Mets are home taking on the Nationals with lots of fun promos this weekend including Firework night while the Yankees are on the road taking on the Blue Jays.
Perhaps the Zoo? Nearby ones include the Bronx Zoo (Boo at the Zoo starts next weekend), The Central Park Zoo and the Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut.
Maybe take a stroll around the New York Botanical Gardens- Artworks by renowned artist CHIHULY will be on display until October 29th. Check out the “breathtaking works of art that dazzle with color, light, and form—by day and night.”
And Bowlmor bowling alley is a fun option in White Plains!
The Greenwich beaches are open year round, but Park/Beach Passes are required from May 1 to October 31.
Another fun spot to check out, which often has fun weekend activities is Muscoot Farm.
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