Brrr. All of a sudden it is so cold out! Even though it is not officially Winter, it surely feels that way! Happy Hanukkah to all my readers who celebrate! The holiday rush is in full swing but hopefully you can squeeze out a few moments to enjoy some of the activities I’ve outlined below. I have some news to share. I will no longer be writing the weekend guide each week but not to worry, follow Rye Brook HamletHub on Facebook and I’ll be sure to post all the fun weekend and weekday stuff I come across!
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland
This fun event will be held at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.
The program will be held on select dates until Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. Click here for the full schedule.
“The Winter Wonderland Holiday Circus- Join us each night under the big top. Winter Wonderland Holiday Circus is great fun for all ages. SHOW TIMES: Weekdays and Sundays - 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays - 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
The Santa Experience- One of our most popular features is The Santa Experience where children and their families have the opportunity to meet Santa himself and take their own photos! The Santa Experience gives children the opportunity to share their wish list while making a lasting memory of a lifetime. Expect to see surprise guests too! See schedule for appearance dates.
Rangers Town Rink- Your admission price includes unlimited skating (with skates included) on the RangersTown Rink. Skate against the backdrop of beautiful Kensico Dam Plaza and twinkling lights all around. Lace up and enjoy one of Westchester’s only outdoor ice skating rinks!
Unlimited Rides- There are three holiday rides to enjoy at Winter Wonderland! Enjoy a spin on the Wonderland Express or Holly Jolly Caterpillar, or hop on our Winter Hay Ride as it takes you up close to the illuminated cherry trees at the base of the Kensico Dam.
Candy Cane Lane- As you stroll the grounds this year, you will see your favorite light features from years past, including Candy Cane Lane and the even-taller Christmas tree centered on the plaza.
Musical Light Show-Dancing lights magically light up the night, choreographed to favorite holiday music. Walk around the triangle to get the full experience!
Holiday Pop-Up Market- New this year is our Holiday Pop-Up Market, happening only three days: Thursday, Dec. 21, Friday, Dec. 22, and Saturday, Dec. 23. Come by the Pop-up Market tent to find a unique gift for that special someone this holiday season.
Your pay-one-price admission of $15 admission includes unlimited visits with
Santa skating, walks through Candy Cane Lane, winter amusement rides, our spectacular light show and more. Buy a snack or a warm-up beverage at a selection of food trucks and vendors, and warm up in the Holiday Spirits warming tent. Parking is free.”
Get more information or call (914) 231-4600.
Tomorrow, Saturday, December 16th at 1pm head to the Rye Nature Center for Candle Making. Help create wonderful decorations for the holiday season. “Children and families will get to make their own colorful candles that can be used during the holidays or all year round. $5/person members, $8/person non-members.”
Port Chester- Rye Brook Library
Not for the kids, but an amazing thing to do, especially this time of year when we all look for ways to give. The Red Cross is holding a Blood Drive at our Library! Give the gift of life this Saturday from 10:30-3:30. To register, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org
Since it is the third Friday of the month, kids in Grades 3-5, can participat in the Gadgets Science Fun Club today, Friday from 4-5pm. “Gadgets Science Fun Club offers children a chance to engage in hands -on-inquiry-based experiments. In this one-hour science club, participants will focus on a different S.T.E.M. activity each month with handouts to follow up at home. Through this program children will begin to see that science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts can be fun. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.”
On Saturday from 10-12 head to the Rye Library for “A Virtual Stroll through the Met's Egyptian Art with Michael Norris.”
Also on Saturday from 2-4pm, “Meet Peter Feinman, author of Jerusalem Throne Games: Bible Story Battles after the Death of David.”
Yoga with Angela is taking place today, Friday, December 15th from 4 - 5. “Relaxing , soothing and fun. Peaceful. Like a day off. This is how tweens describe yoga with local instructor Angela Brandt. Ages 7-12.”
On Saturday from 11-12:30 come join a viewing of the Polar Express Family Movie. Appropriate for all ages.
Also on Saturday from 1-2:30pm, the film “Eight Crazy Nights” will be shown. “It's Naughty, It's Nice, It's Animated...Adam Sandler's EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS is a hilarious animated holiday fable that's also a musical, featuring star voices from Jon Lovitz and Rob Schneider. Once a happy boy and now the town delinquent, Davey (voiced by Sandler) is given one last chance to redeem himself with the community and discover the true meaning of the holiday season. Rated PG-13, 76 minutes.”
Have fun “Making Cookies with 3D Printed Cutters” on Sunday, December 17th from 12-2pm. “Calling all cookie lovers! You are invited to make cookies at Nora's Ovenworks (64 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY 10528) using 3D printed cutters made at the library on December 9th. Priority will be given to those who sign up for the 3D Cookie Design program scheduled on December 9th. Space is limited. Please sign up online, by phone, or in person at the library. Please sign up for this event.”
Also on Sunday from 1:30-3:30pm come watch the “Film: Joyeux Noel.” “JOYEUX NOEL (Merry Christmas) tells the true-life story of the spontaneous Christmas Eve truce declared by Scottish, French and German troops in the trenches of World War I. Enemies leave their weapons behind for one night as they band together in brotherhood and forget about the brutalities of war. Diane Krüger (Troy), Daniel Brühl (Good Bye Lenin!) and Benno Fürmann (The Princess and the Warrior) head a first-rate international cast in a truly powerful, must-see film. In German; PG-13, 116 minutes.”
Fun with Winter Fiber Art will take place on Sunday, December 17th from 2:30- 4:30. “MAKER-IN-RESIDENCE. What do you love most about winter? What holiday is special to your family? Do you love the snow? Families will work together with our Maker-In-Residence, Heather G. Stoltz, to create fabric art about what brings families together and brings them joy in the winter. All materials are provided. No registration is required. The program is limited to 40 participants ages 4 and up, first come and first served.”
And finally, from 4-4:30 Sunday, stop by for Sing Along Sundays with Chloe. “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!”
Yoga For Kids will take place on Saturday from 11:30-12:15 for kids ages 3 to 5. “Online registration required. Kids will learn poses, breathing exercises and an awareness of their body through stories and music. They will laugh, stretch, build up strength and learn invaluable tools to calm and energize their bodies and minds.”
Also on Saturday from 3:30-4:30, for kids ages 7-9, Reader’s Theater: The Story of the Milky Way! “Online registration required. Join Paula Romeo and hear the wondrous tale of how the Milky Way came to be! Together we have fun picking out our favorite parts of the story, creating dialogue for the characters and acting out our dialogues for each other! If you’d like to read the story beforehand, you’ll find it in The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales, retold by James Bruchac & Joseph Bruchac.”
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 don’t miss the Marine Tank Animal Feeding from 2:30pm - 2:45pm.
On Sunday from 11:30-12:15pm why not head out on a Family Gallery Tour. “Designed for children aged 6-10 and their families, this program will provide an interactive, discussion-based tour of the Museum's current exhibitions. Free with admission; no registration required.”
Lasdon Park's “Holidays on the Hill”
This is the perfect way to Get into the Spirit of the Season. “Model trains will be chugging through a huge layout featuring a festive miniature landscape during the annual Holidays on the Hill event, weekends in December at Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial in Somers.
Activities and Displays:The main house will showcase the huge model train display, featuring Lionel and similar O scale electric trains – steam and diesel – traveling through a miniature holiday landscape representing the Metro-North Harlem line from Grand Central Terminal to Katonah. Along the way, the trains pass famous landmarks, a Christmas town, skyscrapers and winter scenes, featuring miniatures of Santa, Rudolf, the Grinch, Peanuts and more.
The house will also feature a fully decorated poinsettia tree. There will be Christmas displays of Rudolph, Charlie Brown and the Grinch. Santa will be there throughout the event listening to the holiday wishes of children young and old.
“Tropical Christmas Treasures,” highlighting tropical plants used during the holidays, will debut in the Lasdon Conservatory.
The Veterans Museum will be open during the show dates featuring “The War to End All Wars,” the 100th anniversary of American involvement in World War I. For the holiday, there will be a special exhibit on the World War I unofficial Christmas truce.
Food and Gifts: The Garden Shop will be open for business, selling refreshments, poinsettias, wreaths and gifts, including the work of local artists. There will be two outside fire pits, holiday music and the Fork in the Road Food Truck selling hot food, hot chocolate and munchies located on the Conservatory Plaza.
Schedule: Holidays on the Hill is scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays, December 9, 10, 16 and 17, as well as Saturday, December 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa’s appearances are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. throughout the event. In addition to the holiday hours, the Lasdon Conservatory will be open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Weekday admission to the Conservatory is $5 adults and $3 children 12 and under.
Holidays on the Hill is presented by Friends of Lasdon Park and Arboretum and co-sponsored by Aquascapes East and Prospero Nursery.
Go to the Lasdon Web site or call (914) 864-7268 for more information.”
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
Holiday Train Show and Tree Trimming at Greenburgh Nature Center
Don’t miss the annual Holiday Train Show at the nature center weekends from December 2nd to December 17th from 10-4:30pm at a cost of $10 adults, $9 seniors/students, $8 children (ages 2-12), children under 2 and members are free.
“Come aboard as the Yonkers Model Railroad Club presents, in miniature, an enchanting display of the steam, diesel, and electrical train operations that existed in the Eastern United States in the second half of the 20th century. The show includes the exciting sounds of steam locomotives, the bells and whistles of diesel locomotives, as well as the colors and designs of the great railroads of America’s past, including the New York Central System, and the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroads.”
And on Sunday, December 17th from 1-2pm join in the “Trimming the Nature Tree” event! “Celebrate the beginning of winter and support our resident wildlife by making and decorating trees using treats for the birds, squirrels and chipmunks. Fun for the whole family! Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person.”
“Join us for the 3rd annual Chanukah village in Irvington, NY on December 17th from 1-4 p.m. Pick up your activity map at 101 Main St., Irvington. Fun for every age- Open to all! So many fun holiday activities and shows:
- Mario the "Maker" Magician
- Horse drawn horse and buggy- Hear the Chanukah story from Judah Macabee. Departs every 20 minutes.
- Holiday train ride, Inventor Mentor- ongoing science fun including Dreidels, Foam Extruder, Air blowers, Stop rockets, Airzooka's and Hovercraft demonstration
- Build your own Fidget Lego Dreidel
- Holiday crafts
- Food truck by J.J holy cow
- Balloon artist
- 3-D printing and more!”
Ready to take pics with Santa? Well he’s arrived at the Westchester and is waiting for you to take holiday photos with him! “Santa will be at the Level 1 Center Court. Save time, avoid the line! Now you can reserve your magical moment with Santa online at simonsanta.com.”
There’s a bunch of fun crafting events this weekend at Michaels. Our closest one in in Waterfront Place by the movie theater.
“Kids Club® Candy Cane Decorations will take place on Saturday, December 9th from 10-12. The cost is $2 per project and supplies are included.”
MAKEbreak Personalized Gifts will take place on Saturday, December 16th from 1-3pm. “Mug decorating supplies will be provided when you buy a mug. All supplies for the rock photo holder will be provided at no cost. Personalize a mug or make a painted rock photo holder for someone on your gift list.”
On Sunday from 1-3pm join in on the MAKEbreak Christmas T-Shirts event. “Join us in the classroom to decorate Christmas T-shirts. Buy the T-shirt, and the rest of the supplies to decorate it is provided.”
Lakeshore also hosts a free craft workshop for kids most Saturdays from 11-3pm. This Saturday’s craft also sounds super fun, creating a “My Winter Headband” 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.
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.”
THE NUTCRACKER at Westchester County Center
Saturday at 12:30 and 4:30pm and Sunday at 2pm come check out the Westchester Ballet Company's major production of The Nutcracker. This production “features a cast of more than 125 dancers and guest artists, with exquisite choreography, lavish costumes, scenery and special effects. Westchester Ballet Company presents this wonderful and affordable dance experience to diverse and enthusiastic audiences of over 7,000 annually, including special School Performances.”
If bought in advance ticket cost is $27 for adults, $23 for children (2-10yrs) and seniors (60+). Cost Day Of: $32 for all ages.
Barnes & Noble
On Saturday at 11am head to Barnes and Noble for the River Rose and the Magical Christmas Storytime. “It's Christmas Eve and River Rose wants to stay up all night to hand-deliver a note to Santa, but she and her dog fall asleep only to find they've been swept off on another magical adventure. Activities to follow.”
Our closest store is in City Center in White Plains but other nearby locations include Eastchester’s new store complete with a fabulous café!
Have you checked out the Hudson River Museum and Planetarium yet? “The Hudson River Museum is a multi-disciplinary cultural complex that draws its identity from its site on the banks of the Hudson River, actively reaching out to broaden the horizons of all of its visitors.”
Early Explorers takes place on Saturdays & Sundays from 1 - 4pm. This is 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. Must be accompanied by a caregiver. Up to age 5.”
FAMILY STUDIO: ART will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm. “Participate in an afternoon of art activities related to the structure of landscapes. Designed by Teaching Artist-in-Residence Andrea Packard, fall workshop themes will be as follows:
DECEMBER: "Holiday Scents"
JANUARY: "Choose Your Own Perspective"
FREE with general admission. Plan your visit here and purchase tickets online here. Visit hrm.org/weekly-programs for a full list of weekly programs.”
FAMILY STUDIO: SCIENCE will take place on Saturday from 1-4pm. “This fall, Family Studio: Science workshops, entitled "Isotope Mobile" and "Landscape of Time," encourage participants to look at individual elements—like water and trees!—to uncover the history of a landscape and predict what it might look like in the future. Activities were designed by Teaching Scientist-in-Residence Dr. Allegra N. LeGrande, who will personally facilitate workshops on Saturday, December 2 from 1 to 4pm.”
KIDS EXPLORE THE LANDSCAPE will take place on Saturday, December 16th from 2-3pm. “In this hands-on workshop series led by artist Zafiro Acevedo, participants will examine classical landscape elements and create works using natural elements such as pine cones, grass, and leaves in addition to traditional art materials. Recommended for ages 5–10. Free with general admission.”
On Sunday from 12-2pm, DROP IN & DRAW! “Master the media of graphite and oil pastel with artist Kathleen Gallagher, who will teach participants how to depict the atmosphere of the Hudson River in the Museum's galleries and workshop spaces. Free with general admission.”
NATURE AND BEYOND will take place on Sunday, December 17th from 2-4pm. “This program, designed by Teaching Artist-in-Residence Andrea Packard, will begin with an exhibition tour exploring the varied ways in which artists convey both their love of nature and their views about humanity, followed by a hands-on workshop in creating a mixed-media “landscape as portrait. FREE with general admission.”
The following PLANETARIUM SHOWS will take place this weekend:
12:30pm One World, One Sky
2pm The Holiday Sky Tonight
3:30pm Myths, Legends, & Travelers' Tales
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is great place to walk around, see animals and check out the playground. Scout Invention Convention Day will take place on Sunday, December 17th from 1-4 pm. “Join us to get an up-close look at the amazing artistic gadgetry of Steve Gerberich, whose fabulous creations grace the Stamford Museum galleries this holiday season in our Gerberich's Gadgets: Best of Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys exhibition. We'll have some free build time with our favorite building blocks, create our own inventions out of recycled materials, complete a scavenger hunt through the exhibit, and more. Scout groups will rotate through activities. Limited to 60 girl and boy scouts. Scouts may register with their parents or with their troops/dens. To register, please e-mail Lisa Monachelli at lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org. Members & Non-Members: $10/scout. Troop/den leaders free; additional adults: $2/each.”
“Remember those crazy contraptions that would spin, rock, and play music - and they were made from tag sale treasures and overlooked common objects? Yes, the ingenious inventions of sculptor - and SM&NC favorite - Steve Gerberich will return to the Stamford Museum Galleries for a totally re-imagined Holiday Exhibition. Gerberich has gathered his most outstanding and outlandish large-scale kinetic sculptures and installations for a showing of the "Best of Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys." Working with old machine parts, kitchen utensils, furniture scraps, lighting fixtures, medical supplies, toys, and carnival figurines, Gerberich mixes the aesthetics of contemporary sculpture with the scientific principles of simple mechanical motion. It's crazy fun! SM&NC Members: Free | Non-Members:included with gate admission.
Museum galleries are open Monday-Saturday, 9am - 5pm; Sunday 11am - 5pm.”
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!
This Saturday and Sunday at 11:15 “take a photo with Santa and tell him what you want this holiday season. Plus, meet some of Santa’s friends and enjoy an activity while waiting your turn!”
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
Shark-Diving Santa will take place on most Thurs., Sat., & Sun. in Dec. at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m. This event is free with admission. “Santa joins the Aquarium’s dive team to demonstrate that sharks aren’t the blood-thirsty killers of myth. He'll strap on scuba gear and enter our 110,000-gallon “Ocean Beyond the Sound” exhibit as part of our regular program that lets guests see and talk with volunteer divers swimming in the exhibit. Bring your camera!”
Kids can also Visit Santa in His Fishing Village December 16-17 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m (except when he’s shark diving!) “During the month of December, our "Go Fish!" exhibit is being transformed into Santa's Fishing Village! Guests will be able to take a photo with Santa Claus in his fishing boat.”
On Saturday at 2:30pm head out on the Seal-Spotting & Birding Cruises for $24.95 ($19.95 for Aquarium Members). “Join us out on Long Island Sound Sound as we seek out some of the seals and waterfowl that spend their winters just off our shores! Memorable family fun but all participants must be at least 42 inches tall.”
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.”
“Join us on the first four Fridays in December from 4:30pm - 9:30pm as we showcase local and regional, artists, makers and indie pop-up shops, at the first ever Music Hall Holiday Market!
“The Music Hall Market is a curated event that highlights the best in handcrafted goods from local & regional artist and makers, indie pop-up shops and local/homegrown businesses. The event will showcase over 50 artists & makers over 4 nights. Stop by to shop local and find the perfect, unique holiday gift this season!”
At 6pm on Saturday for $5, come watch the Film: A Christmas Story . Buy Tickets
And on Sunday, don’t miss The Laurie Berkner Band - A Holiday Celebration Concert at 3pm. “Best-selling children’s recording artist and preschool television favorite Laurie Berkner invites families to share the spirit of the season at The Music Hall! The Laurie Berkner Band's concert will celebrate the season with such traditional, secular songs as "Jingle Bells" and "Frosty the Snowman," along with holiday originals from Laurie's well-loved album, A Laurie Berkner Christmas, like "Santa's Coming to My House Tonight." Laurie and the band will pay tribute to Hanukkah with "Candle Chase" and "The Dreidel Song," and they'll also perform an array of Laurie's greatest hits, such as "We Are The Dinosaurs," "Victor Vito," and "Pig On Her Head." Kids should plan to bring their dancing shoes and a stuffed animal (for their heads), and Laurie hopes everyone will join in the holiday spirit and sing along!”
Westchester Broadway Theatre Production of The Christmas Voyager
From November 22nd - December 23rd, 2017 the Westchester Broadway Theatre will be showcasing The Christmas Voyager. “This Delightful Holiday Musical is a true celebration of the Season. All the splendor of Christmas is brought to life on a magical journey through Yuletides past. The holiday songs we all know and love are wrapped up in a heartwarming celebration of the spirit that will delight audiences of all ages. Lost in a future time and desperate to return to his home galaxy, our Starman journeys back through time searching for that magical December 24th evening when three brilliant stars came together and changed the course of history. Knowing that these same stars will set him on the right course toward home, Noel journeys around the world and touches down in a small town in America, The North Pole, Dickens' England and many other places on his quest.”
Click here to learn more or purchase tickets.
Weekends at Stone Barns Center
The farm is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm for COLD-WEATHER WEEKENDS November 25, 2017 through March 25, 2018:
“We are a four-season farm! During the cold-weather months there is still much to see, experience and learn about. On a winter Saturday or Sunday visit to Stone Barns, entrance to the property is FREE, and you may participate in a paid tour or free drop-in programming.
A SAMPLE WEEKEND DAY THIS SEASON WILL INCLUDE:
12:00-12:30: Making the Rounds Tour: Greenhouse or other growing space (FREE, no tickets required)
1:30-2:00: Meet the sheep, chickens, sprouts or other part of the farm (FREE, no tickets required)
2:30-4:00: Insider’s Tour (tickets required)
Drop-in activities and details are subject to change.”
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option. Two new movies hit theaters this weekend:Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Ferdinand. Wonder is out and was amazing! Coco (I LOVED), Justice League, The Star and Thor: Ragnarok are also currently in theaters.
Rye has a great Farmer’s Market on Sundays from 8:30-2pm in the parking lot behind Village Social and Chase Bank (Theodore Fremd Ave.) if you can brave the cold! If not, Pleasantville has a great indoor one on Saturdays!
What about ice skating? Playland has a rink with open skating time, as does Dorothy Hamill in Greenwich and Hommocks in Larchmont.
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 also a fun place to visit with the kids! “‘Tis the season to be jolly at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester during Bricktacular! Every Saturday and Sunday in December, join in on the festive holiday fun as you walk through a Winter Wonderland themed MINILAND, while you search for LEGO® presents in our bricktastic scavenger hunt! The LEGO delivery truck must get all of the hidden presents delivered by the Holiday! If you can help him, you’ll have the chance to win a Family 4 Pack of Annual Passes! Don’t forget you receive a Limited Edition Collector Holiday LEGO® Brick and more!”
On Sundays until December 17th “Enjoy a bountiful brunch while Santa mingles with you and your family. Don’t forget to bring your list for Santa!!! At Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook. Choose from the 11:30 am or 2:00 pm Seating. Reservations Required. Call 914-935-6600
Perhaps the Zoo? Nearby ones include the Bronx Zoo, The Central Park Zoo and the Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut.
Maybe take a stroll around the New York Botanical Gardens. The HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW® will be on display until January 15th. “Enchanting model trains zip through a display of 150 landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track. This year’s exhibition showcases Midtown Manhattan’s iconic skyscrapers and other architectural wonders, featuring new replicas of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, General Electric Building, and St. Bartholomew’s Church.”
In addition, EVERGREEN EXPRESS will take place until Sunday, January 21. There are Guided Activities Weekdays; 1:30–5:30 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays; 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. “Hop aboard our play train and pretend to ride the rails! Hike winter trails and find evergreen trees and shrubs. Warm up inside the cozy Discovery Center while learning more about amazing evergreen plants. Make a festive evergreen swag bundle to brighten up your home. Access included in Grounds Admission.”
And Bowlmor bowling alley is a fun option in White Plains!
From 10-9 daily Visit Santa’s Cottage at Ridge Hill and “experience the magic of the holidays! Delight in the interactive snowflake wall, music & light shows every 30 minutes (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and a private family meet & greet in Santa’s library. FastPass reservations are available, but not required.” In addition Nightly light shows every half hour 5PM - 10PM through December 31st.
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