Another gorgeous few days we’ve had, fingers crossed it continues. This summer is flying by! It’s already the last weekend in July, sigh :( Ok, ok, let’s not get ahead of ourselves or dwell on the fact that there are school supplies everywhere and we’re entering August, rather, let’s embrace the present and live for today and enjoy all the fun activities going on in and around Rye Brook this weekend!
Rye Library Programs
Today, Friday, July 24th, from 4-5pm, kids in grades 3-5 can check out Summer Science Fun Club – It’s Magnetic with Johnda Ferrari at the Rye Library. Pre-Registration is required for this fun program whereyour little “Science Detectives will be attracted to making fascinating discoveries using magnets. Have fun searching for the hidden magnetic properties found in natural materials and in food. Different kinds of magnets will be used to conduct amazing experiments. Find out which objects attract and repel each other. Make strange sounds and design geometric shapes. Watch as certain magnets appear to float in the air. The laws of attraction invite you to the Magnificent World of Magnetism.”
And on Saturday, from 11-12pm, check out Family Storytime Yoga & Craft Program! “Inspired and trained by Sydney Solis of Storytime Yoga, Master Storytime Yoga teacher Elisha Simpson, CKYT, takes children on a journey of exploration through the body and word. Narrated folktales from around the world interpreted through yoga, present children a way to connect and discover their inner world of creativity, bodies and imagination. Children will create a simple craft based on the stories.”
Also on Saturday from 3-4pm, “Calling all Rockin' Readers in Grades 2 & 3. Please join us for a snack-and-chat each month about a fun book. July's selection is Ivan:The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate."
"The true story of Ivan, known as the Shopping Mall Gorilla, who lived alone in a small cage for almost 30 years before being relocated to the gorilla habitat at ZooAtlanta." Captured as a baby, Ivan was brought to a Tacoma, Washington, mall to attract shoppers. Gradually, public pressure built until a better way of life for Ivan was found at Zoo Atlanta. From the Congo to America, and from a local business attraction to a national symbol of animal welfare, Ivan the Shopping Mall Gorilla traveled an astonishing distance in miles and in impact."
"Sign up online and Go to Programs & Events, Choose the event date and click on the Register Button. Then pick up your copy of Ivan:The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla in the Children's Room. Rye Rockin' Readers Book Chat meets every 4th Saturday of the month.”
Click here to learn more about the children's programs.
Putnam County Fair
This weekend, Friday July 24- Sunday July 26th, head north to Carmel for the 44th annual Putnam County Fair. There will be Pony rides, fishing contest, Animals, Food, Entertainment, Games, Activities, Exhibits, Horse Show, Chicken Barbeque, Master Gardener Plant Sale! Admission is free, as is parking! Hours are as follows:
- Friday, July 24, 2015, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday, July 25, 2015, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday, July 26, 2015, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Click here to learn more.
Playland
Always a fun activity for the whole family, Playland in Rye NY is open for the summer! This amusement park offers rides, food, entertainment and an arcade! What more could a kid want?!
In addition, there are amazing fireworks displays choreographed to music every Friday in July and August! This Friday don’t miss the Milt Gerver Big Band Orchestra from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. “Come out to hear, dance and swing! On the boardwalk - Use poolside parking entrance.”
And on Sunday, July 26th, come celebrate the 100th year birthday of the carousel! There will be “Antique Cars on Display, Commemorative Giveaways, Birthday Cake Celebration and Free Carousel Themed Souvenirs.”
Park hours for this Friday and Saturday are 12-12am, and 12-10pm on Sunday.
Westchester Children’s Museum
While you’re at or near Playland, why not check out the all new children’s museum! Admission price this summer is “Pay-What-You-Wish.” “The Westchester Children’s Museum, located on the Boardwalk at Playland in Rye, is open for the season. The museum’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for by-appointment groups.
Among the exhibits this year are:
- “Build Your Own Roller Coaster” - an interactive, hands-on experience that involves the creation of your own roller coaster from design phase to testing phase. Visitors will have a chance to make discoveries about force, energy, friction, and stability - all while having a great time. Sponsored by Con Edison.
- KEVA planks - an interactive experience comprised of thousands of small, uniform building planks yielding endless creation possibilities. Incorporating elements of art and architecture, the exhibit will challenge children, fuel creativity, and allow for collaborative interaction.
Make things fly - The fun begins when junior inventors use odd materials to create a flying object and then experiment with it in the museum’s fantastic wind tunnel.”
For more info, visit their website.
Annie Jr.
Who doesn’t love a great performance of a cherished favorite, Annie! Well, you’re in luck! You don’t even have to leave the county to catch this performance, presented by Random Farms Kids' Theater.
“This TONY award winning musical is a Random Farms 20th anniversary production! Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a world-wide phenomenon and was the winner of seven TONY Awards including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by TONY Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin features some of the greatest musical theater hits ever written including "Tomorrow".”
Click here to buy tickets.
INTO THE WOODS JR.
Another fabulous performance taking place in Westchester is Westmoreland’s Theatre in the Sanctuary production of Into the Woods Jr.!!
“Directed by Denise Simon at our Nature Center and Wildlife Preserve in Mount Kisco, NY on July 24th-26th, 2015. This sixty minute family-friendly adaptation is set in the natural setting of the preserve. Actors and audience move through the woods and meadows following the narrative action. Grounds open 90 minutes prior for picnicking and the day ends with a marshmallow roast round the campfire.
There will be four performances:
- Friday, July 24 - 6:30 p.m. (Evening)
- Saturday, July 25 - 2:00 p.m. (Matinee) and 6:30 p.m. (Evening)
- Sunday, July 26 - 2:00 p.m. (Matinee)”
Pleasantville Farmer’s Market
From Saturday, May 23rd (8:30-1) through December 5, the Pleasantville Farmer’s Market is open for all to enjoy in Memorial Plaza, next to the train station. There will be “farm-fresh foods, prepared foods created with regionally sourced ingredients, as well as many other unique offerings. It's a great way to support local agriculture and eat healthy year-round.”
On Saturday from 9:30-11, there’s a fun activity for the kids. “Westchester Engineering is back with their exciting, fun, hands-on activities for kids highlighting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).” Check it out!
Bruce Museum
The Bruce Museum is a hidden gem 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!
Today, Friday, from 2:30-2:45, check out the Marine Tank Animal Feeding. Free with admission and no reservation required!
And on Sunday from 11:30-12:30 the whole family can head out on the “Family Gallery Tour- For children ages 6-10 and families. A Museum educator will lead an interactive, discussion-based tour of the Museum’s current exhibitions. Free with admission. No reservations.”
Edit G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
Tomorrow, Saturday July 25th at 10am, check out this great Orienteering Program at the sanctuary and learn how to use a compass to find your way around. “This guided program includes checklist and questions along each planned route. For children and youths.”
Godspell at Westchester Broadway Theatre
From July 9th - August 9th, Godspell comes to the stage at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. “The beloved classic from Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), is based on "The Gospel According to St. Matthew," the musical, uses "improvisation and contemporary themes to illustrate the parables, bringing these lessons vibrantly to life. Songs include "Day By Day," "Save The People," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side."
For tickets and showtime information, 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, 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! The museum is open on the 4th but closing early!
Check out, Mega Making, Stepping Stone’s newest exhibit experience, which was “designed by Stepping Stones to celebrate creativity in our children! They will be the future engineers, designers, inventors, artists, teachers, scientists and the ones shaping the world - maybe in as little as 10 years from now!”
“The Mega Making exhibit experience is organized into five main areas: Art, Textiles, Construction/Woodworking, Tinkering and Book Nook/Future Ideas. Using real materials and real tools, young makers can explore art, textiles, construction and woodworking, tinkering and gadgets and a variety of materials, techniques and projects!” There will be staff members to help get kids started, “whether it’s working a needle and thread for the first time, practicing using wrenches and screwdrivers, tinkering with batteries and buzzers or picking out the perfect artist medium. Something for all ages, best for 5 and older. Children and their adults will surely enjoy a unique experience together!”
|
The Stamford Nature Center is another fabulous destination just up the Merritt! Every Saturday from 1230-1pm (until August 22nd) check out Wild! Feeding! “Ever wonder what lizards like for lunch? Discover the many things our animals like to eat by helping to feed them. Help prepare salads for the tortoises, lizards, and the other fruit and veggie-loving friends in Heckscher WILD! Space for this program is 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. Space is first-come, first served.” And on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 3pm (also until August 22nd) check out the Animal Meet and Greet. “Stop by our new exhibit, Heckscher WILD!, meet one of the animals, and discover how they adapt to their habitat. Animals will vary depending on the day and programs will be approximately 15 minutes.” Also on Sunday from 10-2pm, don’t miss the Sunday Farmers Market! There will be SNC’s own farm-fresh eggs from the chickens on Heckscher Farm, maple syrup made in the SNC’s own Maple Sugar House, and wool from their sheep. There will be weekly farm-related family activities with the "Market Madness" program led by one of the environmental educators. *SM&NC Sunday Market Admission Only: FREE. Please note free entry to the Farm Market does not include: Galleries, Heckscher Farm, Nature's Playground, hiking trails or participation in the Market Madness program.
|
Maritime Aquarium
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
On Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-3pm, check out the Toy Boat-Making Workshop for a fund 20 minute boat-building project! “Build and decorate a toy sailboat to take home as a special keepsake of your Maritime Aquarium visit. Cost: $5 per child (in addition to Aquarium admission).”
Ongoing exhibits worth checking out include the butterflies in the Flutter Zone, the Dragon exhibit, the always curious and adorable Meerkats and the Jiggle A Jelly Jellyfish exhibition.
The aquarium is definitely worth a trip up the Merritt or 95!
Click here to learn more about Maritime.
Weekends at Stone Barns Center
Weekends at Stone Barns Center are wonderful! Experience what's happening on the farm, meet the farmers and greet the season. On a Saturday or Sunday visit Stone Barns to participate in a variety of seasonal, hands-on activities and even better, now drop-in tours are included with your one-day admission ticket! Tickets sell out so be sure to get yours ahead of time!
Prices are as follows; adult (ages 16+) $20, youth (ages 2-15) $10. Children under 2 & members: FREE. Click here to become a member and learn more! Or here to purchase tickets
Italian Heritage Festival
Head to Kensico Dam in Valhalla on Sunday, July 26th from noon-7pm for the Italian Heritage Festival and “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.”
Greenburgh Nature Center
The GNC always has a fun array of activities for families to enjoy each weekend!
June 27-Aug 2 from 10-3 don’t miss the Annual Butterfly Exhibit. “ Located in our new plant meadow, this exhibit provides a natural setting for people and pollinators. Learn about native plants and butterflies, and how they rely on one another. Exhibit appropriate for all ages. Members FREE, Non-members $11 adults, $10 seniors/students, $9 children ages 2-12, under 2 FREE. Includes admission to Manor House. NOTE: All visitors must see receptionist in Manor House to receive a stamp prior to entering the butterfly exhibit.”
On Saturday, July 25th at 11:30am, check out “Teaching Trails- Guided Trail Experience through our woodland forest. Discover who left that track, which tree makes the best animal home, or who uses that fallen tree for protection. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE!”
Also on Saturday at 2pm, “It’s A Wet ‘N Wild World- Water covers most of the planet and everybody needs it to survive. Come find out how the Nature Center's animals get along with - or without - water. Members $5/person, Non-Members $8/person.”
Sunday there will be another installment of Teaching Trails at 11:30am.
And finally, at 2pm on Sunday, come “Meet the Animals- Join the herd as a naturalist presents an informative program that allows you to get up-close and hands-on with some of the Nature Center's live animals! What wild fun will you have today? Members $5/person, Non-Members $8/person.”
Hudson River Museum
The Hudson River Museum, in Yonkers, boasts an amazing Planetarium, six galleries, and mansion!
In addition, this weekend HRM has Art Projects on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm for the kids to participate in and Science Projects on Saturday from 1-4pm. Also, kids can build fairy houses on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4!
This Saturday night, the kids will flip for this week’s movie night selection since it’s a “Frozen Sing-a-long!”
And on Sunday at 7pm Snow White takes the stage as ”The Evil Queen envies her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White, and plots to poison her. A true love’s kiss is her only hope.”
For more info, click here.
Michael’s
Most Saturdays, from 10-12pm, Michael’s offers a fun crafting opportunity for kids to participate in while their parents shop! This Saturday’s project sounds like a blast for kids, it’s creating a Button Frame!
For just $2, kids can spend 30 minutes at this drop-in program, have fun, express their creativity, and take home a completed project. Supplies include. For more information click here.
Also on Saturday from 1-4pm, check out this crafting activity, “Make It with Michaels® Maker Party-Join us in store for an afternoon of crafting! Our associates will help you choose a back-to-school inspired project, shop for supplies and complete your craft in our classroom.”
Crafts at Lakeshore
Lakeshore will also be holding a fun, free crafting workshop this Saturday from 11-3pm. Their project is perfect for summer, creating a“Stay Cool! Sun Visor.” It will be so much fun!! Click here to learn more.
Muscoot Farm
Muscoot farm has a few fun educational activities for the family this weekend!
On Saturday, July 25th, the Art Show will be going on from 12-4pm in the Main House, featuring artist Paul Kmiotek.
Also at 10am on Saturday, head out on a relaxing and scenic Wildflower Walk.
On Sunday, check out the yummy and fresh farmer’s market from 10-3pm. “With over 20 vendors our market has it all. From honey to cheese and fresh vegetables to meats you will surely leave with something tasty. Most vendors accept cash only.”
Click here to learn more.
All summer long, Rye hosts a great farmer’s market in the back parking lot behind Encore, Chase bank and Blue Mercury on Sundays from 8:30-2pm.
Summer Nights on the Sound
The Village of Mamaroneck will be hosting Summer Nights on the Sounds again this season featuring concerts that will take place at the Harbor Island Bandstand at Harbor Island Park. This Sunday night from 7PM - 9PM check out Rebecca Haviland and the Whiskey Heart! A great way to wind down the weekend and prepare for the week ahead!
Movies
While the weather is predicted to be nice this weekend, sometimes you just need to head indoors to a dark, quiet place to veg out! Out this weekend in theatres, “Ant Man.” Rated PG-13, “The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel.” Relatively new still, Minions! My kids loved it and it’s out in regular and 3-D versions. Also still out, and a movie I absolutely LOVED, “Inside Out.” This is an animated movie about dealing with all those emotions in our bodies represented by voices you’re sure to recognize! Jurassic World is also out though for the older ones as it has a PG-13 rating.
Check out showtimes here!
Other good weekend ideas include baseball games!! Check out the Met's and Yankee's schedules! The Rockland Boulders are also home tonight and tomorrow night if you feel like staying more local!
Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?
The NY Botanical Gardens is a beautiful nearby destination!
Or how about fruit picking? Silverman’s Farm is a great nearby option in Easton, CT where you can pick your own fruit…depending on what’s ripe. Check it out!!
And Bowlmor bowling alley is now open in White Plains!
The beaches in Rye and Greenwich are a close, easy option that the whole family will love!
Finally, a fun activity to cool down on the hot summer days that lie ahead, sprinkler park! There’s a great one located in Mamaroneck, at Harbor Island Park. And while you’re there, you can check out the beach, the playground and all the yummy restaurants on Mamaroneck Ave!
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