Weekend Guide November 20-22

 

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is this coming Thursday? Then Black Friday and the holiday frenzy with food, family, friends, gifts and STRESS! Hopefully you can take a moment to remember what the holidays are all about and savor it, rather than stress over it.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because of what it symbolizes and the fact that it’s a holiday that unites rather than divides as there’s no religion involved.  It is simply a holiday based on being grateful and giving thanks.  With such atrocities going on in the world around us, it’s important to realize our blessings rather than hone in on the negatives.  Enjoy the weekend, and why not start it off right here, in Rye Brook at the BBHS musical tonight!

Leader of the Pack

Blind Brook High School’s Fall Musical, Leader of the Pack, comes to the stage this weekend for all of us to enjoy! Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm.  Tickets can be purchased today from 11-3:30 at the high school, or, if available on the day of the performance, starting at 6:30pm.  Adult ticket prices are $15 and children under 12 and Senior Citizens are  $12.  Don’t miss what’s sure to be an amazing couple of performances by our talented students!

Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting With Fireworks at Cross County Shopping Center

It has been a while since we’ve seen any fireworks, so why not “kick off the start to the holiday season with a Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration with Westchester's ONLY winter Fireworks display.”  The festivities begin at 6:30 Friday with a parade and end at 8pm with the tree lighting and fireworks.  There will be “marching bands, dance groups, holiday characters and of course Santa stroll in a parade down Xavier Drive, from Old Navy to Boston Market. Then, end the night by counting down to light our 40 foot tall Christmas Tree and enjoy Fireworks!”

 

Rye Library

Friday from 4-5pm don’t miss the Gadgets Science Fun Club for kids in grades 3-5-.  This fun club gives kids an opportunity to “engage in hands-on inquiry-based experiments.  In this one-hour 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, and math can be fun. 

Space is limited.  Pre-registration is required.  Meets the third Friday of the month October through June.” Registration began on November 13.

On Saturday, from 11-12pm, kids ages 3.5 and up, along with their caregiver can participate in Family Story Time and Craft.  “Children 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, puppets and other props are sometimes used to enhance stories and model future classroom experience.  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.  60 minutes.”

Also on Saturday at 2pm, a fun Candy Apple Decorating Workshop-

This event is suitable for children ages 5 & up and their grownups.

Join Rockland Artist B. Smith in this fun, creative & delicious program, learning how to make chocolate, caramel or candy apples with a gourmet flair just in time for holiday celebrations.  Bring your creativity to our "Candy Apple Station" and let your imagination run wild. Space is limited.”

Pre-Registration is required for this event and began on November 14, 2015

 

Larchmont Library Programs

Library Lab: Taste Trials

Today, Friday, from 3:30-4:30, children ages 8-11 can participate in this fun lab!  “Online registration required.  Are you a supertaster? Can certain foods change the way you taste other things? Find the answers to these questions and more at Library Lab: Taste Trials! To register online, CLICK HERE.”

LEGO Free Play

On Sunday from 1-4:30pm, children ages 5 and up, along with a caregiver, can “come to the library and see what you can create from our library LEGO collection.  This program will be self-guided and adult supervision is required at all times.”

 

Barnes & Noble

This Saturday at 11am check out the children’s event at your local Barnes and Noble, The Little Kids' Table Storytime.

“Everyone knows that the little kids' table is the place to be for any holiday or family gathering. They just know how to have fun! Join us as we read The Little Kids' Table, a silly, rhyming story that follows a group of rambunctious cousins from table setting to dessert. Coloring activities to follow.” There are Barnes and Noble locations in White Plains (city center), Stamford Mall and Palisades Center.

 

Tarrytown Music Hall

Until November 24th, come watch Mulan take the stage at the Tarrytown Music Hall.

“Defying the village matchmaker, Mulan takes up arms and disguises as a boy in order to spare her father from having to serve in the army. The Huns have invaded, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu to save the Emperor! Disney's Mulan JR is a heartwarming celebration of culture, honor, and the fighting spirit. The score includes favorites like "Reflection," "Honor to Us All" and "I'll Make a Man Out of You," as well as new songs that will get the audience up on its feet.”

For tickets click here

DreamWorks “Adventure to Santa” at Ridge Hill 

Despite the warm weather, Christmas is a little over a month away and Ridge Hill is getting into the holiday spirit with the DreamWorks’ interactive ‘Adventure to Santa’ featuring Shrek and friends.  Don’t miss this “high-tech reinvention of Santa experience.”  The experience is free but visitors can purchase photos and gifts at the store.

Book your reservations here

 

Westmoreland Sanctuary

Two fun events are going on at Westmoreland this weekend.

On Saturday at 1pm with Thanksgiving around the corner, “come out to Westmoreland Sanctuary to discover some not so well known facts about the turkey. We will also create a simple centerpiece with the children. All ages. Members/$5 per centerpiece. Nonmembers/$10 per centerpiece. Contact Steve Ricker at sricker@westmorelandsanctuary.org to register.”

And on Sunday at 1pm, are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? “Get your work gloves and help remove some of the invasive plants from the hedgerow while preserving the native plants and trees. This will provide an example to everyone driving past of how a native meadow offers beauty and habitat for birds, insects, etc.

This program is free for volunteers.  Contact Steve Ricker at sricker@westmorelandsanctuary.org to register.”

Westmoreland is located at 260 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Mt Kisco, NY.

 

Pictures with Santa at the Westchester

Despite all the controversy, Santa, and his usual display are back at the Westchester until December 24th.  So, if you want to get that adorable picture with Santa, the hours this weekend are:

Friday, November 20: 10AM-8:30PM

Saturday, November 21: 10AM-8:30PM

Sunday, November 22: 10AM-8:30PM and Pet Photo Night from 6:30pm-8:30pm

And you can schedule an appointment here

Pleasantville Farmer’s Market

Every Saturday from 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.”

 

Little Rockers at Garcias

On Saturday, November 13th at 3pm (doors open at 230), don’t miss “Rock and Roll Storytime for Kids”, at Garcia’s.  Check out this children’s music workshop series happening every weekend at Garcia’s this fall!

“The Rock and Roll Playhouse Curriculum Director Devlin Goldberg and Dan Griffith from Ramblin’ Dan and the Freewheelin’ Band will lead the workshops, along with special guests.

The Music for Little Rockers series is designed to keep children moving, playing and singing while simultaneously reaching developmental milestones and listening to classic tunes.  Adults will love the cool selection of genres and popular music hits through the decades, and all are encouraged to participate fully.  

Appropriate for all ages! Tickets are $15

  

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, check out the Marine Tank Animal feeding from 2:30-2:45.

 

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!”

Check out the newest special exhibit, Broken? Fix It!, teaching our younger generation how much fun it is to fix something, rather than throw it away.

View the Past and Present display showcasing familiar objects that have transformed over time; like the typewriter and the iPad, the telephone and the iphone.”

Friday- Sunday from 11-12, “Visitors will be able to make a holiday card to show encouragement and support to our US troops. These cards will be sent through the American Red Cross program called Holiday Mail for Heroes.”

On Saturday, check out Mutt-i-grees from 10:30 - 11:30am.  “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 3 and older. Children under 3 can meet the visiting dog at 11:20 am.  $3 materials fee for select activities.”

Also, Saturday from 2-3pm, check out the ATW Performance Series!  “Lou Del Bianco: Abraham Lincoln: “From Rail-Splitter to President” In this 45-minute dramatic program, actor-storyteller Lou Del Bianco portrays Lincoln as Civil War President, frontiersman and storyteller.

Lincoln’s values... honesty, love of family, thirst for education, sense of justice and perseverance shine through this dynamic presentation. Authentic historical quotations are used throughout; handout available for teachers. Endorsed by the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.”

 

Stamford Nature Center

On Sundays, November 1 - 29, Noon - 4 pm, check out Sunday Explorers- there will be “crafts, hikes, and animal meet & greets each week. At 12:30 pm, join us for a chance to help feed some of our animals in Heckscher WILD! Enrollment is limited for this program; participants ages 5 and older can sign up at the Heckscher WILD! exhibit any time after 10 am. New this November is MuseumQuest, where each week we will explore a different area of the grounds, whether it be forest or farm. Free with gate admission.”

To learn more click here.

 

Maritime Aquarium

There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.

Now on display, check out the 14th annual "Festival of Lighthouses Contest." This display “showcases 23 large model lighthouses, built by local artists, families, individuals and students, from Nov. 21 - Jan. 18.”

Dragons! Real or Myth?, Meerkats and Jiggle a Jelly are also among some of the amazing current exhibits at the aquarium.

The aquarium is definitely worth a trip up the Merritt or 95!

Click here to learn more about Maritime.

 

 

Muscoot Farm

Saturday, November 21st, why not get up early and go on an animal tracking adventure at 8:30am.

And on Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m stop by the Farmer’s Market and shop for fresh and local treasures.  “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.”

 

Greenburgh Nature Center

The GNC always has a fun array of activities for families to enjoy each weekend!

On Saturday November 21st and Sunday the 22nd at 11:30am, head out on Teaching Trails-“A Guided trail experience in our woodland forest. Learn which of the animals left specific tracks and discover how a variety of wildlife make their homes within the trees. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE!”

 

Mario the Magician in Nyack

Who doesn’t love a good magic show? Mario the Magician comes to the Nyack Center on Sunday at 3pm.  Tickets cost $15.  This show is aimed at young children (1-10) with surprise guests.  Mario has “appeared at Lincoln Center, Sesame Street and many other amazing spots.  There will be a hands on magic and science workshop following the show. 

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.”

Also on Saturdays from 1-4pm, kids can participate in fun and educational Science Projects!  This Saturday, “build a solar cooker and concentrate the Sun’s power with an array of mirrors. Bake Solar Cookies!”

And Saturday and Sundays from 1-4, kids can do a fun art project too- creating a Dancer in A Box- “Paint a dance scene in a box and mold a dancer from pipe cleaners and art materials. Ages 7+, can be adapted for younger children.”

There are planetarium shows the whole family can enjoy! At 12:30, for younger school age children, “Tycho to the Moon- Kids love Tycho! The dog that doesn’t just howl at the moon—he goes there! See the planetarium’s favorite dog like never before with stunning new fulldome visuals.

Blast off on an amazing ride with Tycho and his young American friends, Ruby and Michael. Learn about night and day, space travel, phases of the Moon, and features of the lunar surface. Take a close-up look at the Sun, see Tycho play in zero gravity, witness Earth from space, and watch meteors shoot across the night sky. Includes the much-loved singalong song “Don’t Touch!”

“The content and delivery of these shows inspires the youngest future astronomers to learn about the skies.”  At 2pm, The Sky Tonight teaches children 8 and older what “the sky is like on the Planetarium dome the VERY night you see this interactive show. LIVE presentation.”   And at 3:30 pm

“Star shows that explore more complex scientific content as it draws you into the action. Ages 8+.”

To learn more, click here.

 

Clay Arts Center

Get those creative juices running with the super fun drop-in clay class at the Clay Art Center right here in Port Chester.  Ages 5-99 can create a beautiful masterpiece from 2-4pm every Saturday for $25 per adult and $15 for children under 12.  There is a $5 per piece firing fee.

“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! Professional ceramic artists guide fun, featured weekly projects - decided by the instructor. Projects take between 1.5- 2 hours. This class includes materials. SPACE IS LIMITED. Tickets go on sale at the front desk 30 minutes prior to each session. First Come First Served.”

 

49th Village of Mamaroneck Turkey Trot

On Sunday November 22nd, at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck, burn some calories, have some fun, and get into the Thanksgiving Day spirit with the always fun Turkey Trot.

“RACE DAY REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE FROM 8 AM – 9:30 AM

Gobbler Run (1-mile run) 9:45am

Youth: 12 years of age & under

Pre-registration: $15  Race Day: $20

Adults accompanying child with

Gobbler Race do not need to register.

Turkey Trot (5K run) 10:15am

Race-day: $40

To Join NewRo Runners for a discounted rate click here.

Online Registration has closed.

Packet Pick-up

The VOM Rec Office, Stephen E. Johnston Beach Pavilion – 1 Harbor Island Park

Friday Nov 20 from 9 am –  7 pm

Saturday Nov 21 from 9 am -11 am

Race Day: 8 am – 9:15 am

Awards ceremony and hot turkey soup immediately after the race in the Pavilion.

Baby strollers, jogging strollers and pets are not allowed in the race.”

 

Crafts at Lakeshore

Lakeshore will be holding a fun, free crafting workshop this Saturday from 11-3pm for kids ages 3 & up.  Their project also sounds like lots of fun, and gets you into the Holiday spirit, creating a “Give Thanks! Centerpiece.” Click here to learn more.

Farmer’s Market in Rye

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.  

Menorah Workshop at Home Depot in New Rochelle

Children will be able to build their own menorah for the upcoming holiday of Chanukkah.  There will be two shifts, at 1:30 and 3pm, at Home Depot in New Rochelle on November 22nd.  There’s no fee but you must RSVP.  There will be music and refreshments too.

 

Stone Barns Farm

Even though it’s cold out, Stone Barns is still open and entrance to the property is FREE.  In addition there is a paid tour you can participate in or check out the free drop-in programming

Weekend activities may include:

11:00 -11:45 am: Family Farm Tour, $10

12:00 - 12:30 pm: Meet the… sheep, sprouts, pigs or other part of the farm-Drop-in, FREE

1:00 - 1:30 pm: Making the Rounds Tour: Greenhouse-Drop-in, FREE

1:30 - 2:00 pm: Meet the… sheep, sprouts, pigs or other part of the farm-Drop-in, FREE

2:30 - 4:00 pm: Insider’s Tour, $20

Tickets for the tours may be purchased online.

 

The movies are also a fun weekend option.  Hotel Transylvania 2 is still out in theaters is adorable!!  Also Goosebumps with Jack Black is out!  And still new in theaters this weekend, the Peanuts Movie.  

Other ideas...

Westchester Knicks? They are home tonight!

Ice skating? Nearby rinks include Playland Ice Casino, Hommocks, and Dorothy Hammil. 

Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?  

The NY Botanical Gardens are also a beautiful nearby destination and the HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW® starts Saturday, NOV. 21 2015 and runs until JAN. 18 2016.

“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—surprising at every turn—on nearly a half-mile of track. This year’s exhibition features 3,000 square feet of additional exhibition space, making room for dozens of new trains, bridges, and tracks; a captivating short film of the show's behind-the-scenes magic; and a stunning multisensory finale of light and sound.

Explore a winter wonderland across our 250 acres with special tours, musical performances, and activities for kids, plus take care of your gift list at NYBG Shop and stop for a bite at one of our exciting new dining venues. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday outing!”

Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

 

And Bowlmor bowling alley is now open in White Plains!

The beaches in Greenwich are open and free now!  It’s a close, easy option that the whole family will love!

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

 

 

M
Submitted by Milford, CT

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