Today is Black Friday- will you be shopping the sales? Did you venture out yesterday for unbeatable deals?! Thanksgiving and turkey coma's are hopefully behind us. Leftovers are in the fridge waiting to be enjoyed. With so much family togetherness you may be looking for an escape...but if you can never get enough family time :-), this guide is for you! Tons of fun, family activities to do to fill the weekend and remind us why we're thankful this holiday season. Saturday is Small Business Saturday, a day to remember that it's the local mom and pop shops that we need to support and show our love for, as they show their love for us day in and day out. So go shop, take in a movie, go to a nature center and enjoy the weekend!
Rye Nature Center
On Saturday, November 29th at 1pm why not head to the Rye Nature Center for a “Turkey Hike- Join an FRNC naturalist as we search for local turkeys in the forest. $5.00/person members, $8.00/person non-members.” Work off all that yummy food you ate yesterday! Click here to learn more.
Disney On Ice Presents Frozen
It’s clear that the Frozen obsession is far from gone! Why not take the kids to see Frozen on ice. There are still tickets available for this weekend’s (21st-23rd) performances at the Izod Center (East Rutherford, NJ) November 25-30th. Showtimes this weekend are at 11, 3, and 7 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.) “Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at Disney On Ice presents Frozen Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. The heartwarming Academy Award®-winning tale you love is now LIVE and skating into your town. You’ll be magically whisked away into the wintry world of Arendelle, where you will be dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating. Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go.” Join royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by your most beloved Disney Princesses and characters from favorites like Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King, this unforgettable celebration of love and friendship will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime.” To learn more or purchase tickets, click here.
North Pole Exhibit
Kids can visit Santa with a little help from some Dreamworks’ characters like Shrek and Donkey. On this interactive journey, kids will enter the magical house where they will be able to get a “passport”, create a special computer generated sleigh, ride on a flight-simulated sleigh with real effects like wind and snow and arrive at the North Pole. Once at the North Pole, they will be able to sit with Santa on his comfy couch, take pictures and then peruse the gift shop full of fun toys and treats. This 15 minute hands-on experience is free, but photos with Santa are available for purchase! This is an unforgettable journey and a fun, and different take on “Pictures with Santa.” Click here for more info and to make a reservation. Now until Dec. 24th at Ridge Hill in Yonkers.
Santa’s Arrived at the Westchester
If you’d like to visit with Santa Claus the traditional way, he has already arrived at The Westchester! Stop in and have your photo taken with the St. Nick, right outside Sephora on the lower level.
Santa will be available for pictures during the following hours: Mon - Fri 10AM - 8PM, Sundays 11AM - 6PM
Santa at Stamford Town Center
Santa will also be at the Stamford Town Center until December 24 for family photos. Santa is available Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. FYI, Santa generally breaks for milk and cookies Monday through Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more information click here.
Armonk Frosty
Just down the road from Rye Brook, head to Armonk with the kids to meet Frosty! From 12-4 on Saturday, November 29th, there will be face painting, a scavenger hunt, train rides, clowns, magicians and SO MUCH MORE! And at 4:30pm, don’t miss the parade as Frosty comes home…there will be floats, lights, dancing music and costumes. “In addition, the Friends of Frosty, Inc., a non-profit group formed to oversee the day’s activities and events, will continue its Winter Warmth project, “Help Frosty Help Others.” It will collect clean and gently used winter clothing, such as hats, gloves, scarves, mittens, parkas and coats, for those in need, at several locations around town. Donation jars will also be available for contributions at stores and restaurants.”
For more information, click here
Winter Wonderland
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla looks amazing!! It will feature a 2.5 million lights choreographed to holiday music, a fabulous Santa Experience, Ice Skating, and rides…all of which the kids are sure to love! This Saturday, November 29th is opening day and specials like Ice Sculpting, Holiday Story Telling and much more are set to dazzle visitors all weekend long! There will also be crafts and yummy food availanle for purchase. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones museum is an amazing place for the kids. Located about 20 minutes north of Rye Brook, in Norwalk, CT, its perfect for the whole family! This weekend, in addition to the regular museum that you can walk around on your own schedule, there are the following planned activities.
Today, Friday, from 11-11:30 stop in for “Fall Tales and Snow Stories- Settle in for a cozy, warm storytime celebrating the seasons of fall and winter, followed by a themed-activity"
Also Friday, from 1:30-2pm, don’t miss Boogie, "Bop, Skip and Hop- It's time to groove! Simple dance steps and a wide variety of music will have children and caregivers bopping and hopping."
Unlimited participation. All ages..
On Saturday from 10:45 - 11:15AM come to Mutt-i-grees! Enjoy a special canine storytime and discussion followed by a visit from a shelter dog. Shelter dogs courtesy of P.A.W.S. Free with museum admission. For children ages 4 and older. Children under 4 can meet the visiting dog at 11:05.
Also on Saturday, from 11-11:30, if you missed “Fall Tales and Snow Stories” on Friday, you get to catch the repeat!
And finally, from 2-3pm on Saturday, children can participate in “Sketching Artifacts. Create a mini-masterpiece inspired by indigenous souvenirs from Around the World.
Drop-in anytime. Free with museum admission.”
For more info on any of the above programs, click here!
Crafts at Lakeshore
There will also be crafting going on at Lakeshore! From 11-3pm this Saturday, the kids will be able to create a super fun and super cool FREE craft! This week's activity is to create a " Cool Catch Penguin.” Click here to learn more.
NY Botanical Gardens’ Holiday Train Show
This is always a huge hit with kids and adults alike. Expect a crowd for this Holiday Train Show. Don’t miss this 23 year old “must-see New York tradition where enchanting model trains zip past popular landmarks under the twinkling glow of the magical Haupt Conservatory! Step into a city in miniature featuring more than 150 iconic buildings, all re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials. Marvel at G-scale trains humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center—surprising at every turn—on a quarter-mile of track as they enliven this cherished holiday experience. The Artist's Studio showcases how visionary artist Paul Busse and his team craft these amazing small wonders. Real trains, real landmarks, real fun—only at NYBG! For tickets or more information, click here or learn more here.
Rye Library Preschool Storytime
On Saturday November 29th, from 11-12, children ages 3 1/2 & up, and their caregivers can listen 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 experience. A fun craft project is designed around the Story Time's theme or a seasonal topic. Parents and caregivers are asked to assist younger children using scissors, glue and other art materials. 60 minutes. Call 914-231-3162 or click here.
Maritime Aquarium
At the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, this fun exhibit invites you to do something you've tried to NOT do all your life: touch jellyfish! Gently touch the tops of live moon jellies as they pulse in our new exhibit!
How is this possible without being stung? The stinging cells of moon jellyfish hang on tentacles below their bodies. Also, their sting is known to be relatively benign for most people. Click here to learn more:
Also at Maritime, “The Polar Express” returns to the giant IMAX screen for a limited holiday engagement at the aquarium! Don’t miss this opportunity to travel to the North Pole…showtimes are at 4 & 7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays.
Mistletoe Magic
This is an event my kids (and I) look forward to every year. The entire main street in Rye, Purchase Street, is shut down to traffic and lined with local vendors and entertainers that the kids will love! Santa will be there along with a special train ride around town. Misteltoe Magic takes place on Sunday, November 30th from 12-3. There will be food and arts and crafts too! Don't miss it!
This enchanting hour-long production of The Nutcracker is created for younger audiences, yet sophisticated enough for adults! "Founded in 1978 by artistic director Diana Byer, New York Theatre Ballet has earned national attention for its artistry and elegant restorations and revivals of masterworks by great choreographers. It is equally committed to performing innovative hour-long ballets based on children’s literature for family audiences. In October 2012, NYTB reprised their sold-out performance with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall with a suite of dances by Agnes deMille from her best-known Broadway musicals." There are showtimes on November 29th at 3 & 6pm. For tickets click here!
Greenburgh Nature Center
The Greenburgh Nature Center (GNC) will be holding their “Teaching Trails” event this Sunday at 11:30am. Don’t miss this “Guided Trail Experience through the woodland forest. Discover who left that track, which tree makes the best animal home, or which mushroom make the best dinner. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE!,” click herel
Stamford Nature Center
This weekend why not head up the Merritt Parkway to the amazing Stamford Nature Center. Aside for its usual attractions including animals, trails and a fun playground, don’t miss these special events:
From Saturday, November 22nd- January 25th, don’t miss this exhibit that Lego fans will flip out for… “A Billion Bricks 2: Lego Trains, Planes and Rocket Ships! Bill Probert & I LUG (LEGO® Users Group) NY return to the Museum Galleries at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center for a 6th season.. Trains, planes, and rocket ships will speed through the Stamford Museum galleries throughout the holiday season. Brick monorails, helicopters, subways, ships, and shuttles will transport your imagination at full speed across a three-dimensional landscape built entirely out of LEGO® bricks.. Check out the custom-designed LEGO® "vehicles," displayed as sculpture, that move through an imaginary world where any kind of travel is possible.”
And on Sunday, November 30th, from 12-4, the SNC popular Sunday drop-in program, Sunday Explorers, returns for November! There will be hikes, field studies, live animal visits, garden experiences and crafts! For specific times and schedules, click here. http://www.stamfordmuseum.org/eande.html
Also on Sundays from 12-4 in November, the SNC will have their “Wheels in the Wood Fall Activity Trail.” This is a self-guided activity trail and scavenger hunt.
To learn more about either of the above programs, visit their website at Stamfordmuseum.org
Farmer’s Market in Rye
Every Sunday from 8:30-2pm, until December 21st, don’t miss this opportunity to buy fresh, local produce, meats, seafood, pickles, olive oils, baked goods, and dairy at the Rye's Down to Earth Farmer’s Market. This is located in the rear parking lot behind the Purchase Street businesses like Chase and Encore.
Hudson River Museum
The Hudson River Museum, in Yonkers, boasts an amazing Planetarium, six galleries, and a mansion! This weekend it also has a few extra fun activities to evoke the creativity in your kids!
Today, Friday November 28th, come watch Lego® Building Master Brett Berland from Brick U. of Nyack builds a giant peacock. Kids will be able to help out and make the peacock’s feathers with him. See the giant peacock at the Museum until January 18, 2015.
Make your own mini peacock to take home. Ages 4 + (Younger than 6 years requires parental assistance at no additional cost).
Tickets: First come, first served that day in the Museum Lobby. $2 supply cost per participant (includes Lego® kit, with instructions to take home) Limit: 40 participants per session.
On Saturday and Sunday from 1-4, check out the “Fall Peacock Art Projects.” Kids will be able to make a peacock using paint and colored pencils. This is appropriate for ages 7 and up but can be adapted for younger children.
On Saturday from 1-4, the science enthusiast will love ”Fall Science Projects- Explore the shape, materials, gravity, and birth, of the Solar System’s smaller bodies.”
To learn more about any of the above programs or the museum, click here!
South Pacific
At the Westchester Broadway Theatre, this weekend is your last chance to see Rogers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific.”
“Set on an island paradise during World War II, it tells two parallel love stories against the dangers of prejudice and war. The classic but timely musical showcases the importance of valuing diversity. The original 1949 play won 10 Tony Awards. The score contains many of the most recognizable songs in Broadway history, including “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair,” “I’m In Love With a Wonderful Guy” and “There Is Nothing Like a Dame.”
For tickets and showtime information, click here.
Stone Barn’s Fall Family Farm Tour
On November 28th and 29th 11-11:45 and 1-1:45 and 30th 11-11:45 join Stone Barns on this family-friendly tour for ages 4 and up. You’ll have a chance to explore the farm and some of their favorite seasonal highlights. On the walk, you’ll get to take a closer look at the animals that they’re raising and the vegetables that they’re growing! Please note that all youth must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets do sometimes sell out so it may be a good idea to purchase them in advance!
While you’re at Stone Barns, check out their yummy farmer’s market on Sunday from 10-4pm.
Westmoreland Sanctuary
Another opportunity to burn off all that food from Thanksgiving is at the Westmoreland Sanctuary’s Turkey Walk Off Hike at 11:00am on November 29th! “After a day of feasting on Thursday, what better way to spend a Saturday than out on the trail working off the turkey? Join a Westmoreland Sanctuary staff member for a walk through the woods. Enjoy the fall weather and see what the animals are doing this holiday weekend. Come dress for the weather and ready to hike! $5 per person for non-members and free for members.” For more info, click here
Frozen Ice Palace
Feel like heading to NJ? Your kids might just drag you there if they catch wind of this activity at the Short Hills Mall!
“In celebration of the November 18 release of the Disney Frozen Sing-Along DVD, the Frozen experience features elements from the number one animated film of all time, Disney Frozen. This much-loved, interactive holiday display features the art of Anna, Elsa and their friends Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, plus a 30 foot Ice Palace with falling snow, a light show and other activities for the whole family. Interactive globes will showcase scenes such as Anna & Elsa ice skating with Olaf, plus Anna, Kristoff & Sven on their quest to find Elsa on the North Mountain. Adults and children alike will enjoy leaving their hand print in ice at The Icy Hand Print experience, seeing how they compare in size to Sven and Olaf and having their photo taken with a plush Olaf at the Ice Throne. End your magical journey at the Ice Palace with a visit to Santa and a special Disney Frozen Look-and-Find book! Photo packages range from $22 - $49 and each include a $10 or $20 promotional certificate from Shutterfly.”
Click here for more info.
Big Apple Circus
If you’re in the mood to head to the city, this is a favorite activity with kids and adults alike! The circus will be in town until Jan 11th at the Lincoln Center. For tickets or more info, click here!
Ice Skating
Always a fun activity for the entire family, Playland Skating rink is open again (yay), following a devastating blow thanks to Hurricane Sandy! They have open skating on Friday from 9:30-11:30, 1:30-5, and 7:30-10, Saturday from 1:30-5 and Sunday 1:30-4:45. Visit their website for more info!
Skiing
If winter sports are your thing, you’ll be happy to know that some mountains opened last weekend for skiing. We all know there’s great skiing in the northeast but if you don’t feel like heading up to Vermont, Massachusetts and other spots North there are some slopes closer to us! Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain in upstate NY both open this weekend.
Movies
With colder weather, the search for the perfect indoor activity begins. An easy option for everyone, go to the movies! A relatively new release from Disney is “Big Hero 6”! Also out now, “The Penguins of Madagascar.” Both movies are being shown in regular and 3D format. “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” was also a cute, funny movie, that’s been out for a while so this may be one of your last chances to catch it on the big screen (in Stamford, CT). Check out showtimes here!
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