We are in October already!? How did that happen so fast? Halloween is approaching, leaves are turning and there's already a chill in the air! Any fun plans for the weekend? Hopefully Joaquin stays far away from us and doesn’t do damage anywhere! The forecast this weekend is iffy since Joaquin’s path is still tbd! Either way, the weekend guide is jam packed with indoor and outdoor activities to keep everyone happy, entertained and together!
Rye Library
Today, Friday, from 4-5pm, at the Rye Library, kids in grades K-2 can participate in the Gizmos Science Fun Club. “Science Fun Club offers children a chance 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 first Friday of the month October through June.”
And 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.”
Christ's Church Fall Fun Fair
I go to this every year with my family and we all have a blast. You pay $15 per child, age 2 and over, and then nothing more for the games, prizes and activities. Adults are free. BBQ’d food is extra and there are usually delicious baked goods to buy too. The fair goes from 10-2pm on Saturday at Christ Church Nursery School on Rectory Street in Rye, rain or shine!
Carnival at Harrison’s Louis M. Klein Middle School
And speaking of fairs, in Harrison, there’s a carnival going on all weekend, starting tonight, Oct 2nd from 6-10pm. It continues Saturday, October 3rd 1-10pm, and 4th 1-5pm. The carnival benefits the Elementary Enrichment Committee programs of Theatre Arts, Cultural Arts and Visiting Authors in all 4 Harrison elementary schools. There will be fun games, rides, food and more! 50 Union Avenue, Harrison.
Fall Flicks Outdoor Movie Series
Tonight, October 2nd, take advantage of the beautiful Fall weather and enjoy free, family friendly movies at the Cross County Shopping Center. Movies will take place on the Green, in the center of the mall. Tonight’s movie is Avengers Age of Ultron. There will be pre-show entertainment including the opportunity to meet Captain America, Hulk and Spiderman near Zales! So, arrive at 5PM for “pre-show entertainment, including live music, fall snacks and sampling from the Yonkers Brewing Company plus other Cross County retailers.”
“*Meet and Greet takes place from 5pm - 7pm. Characters are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please bring your own cameras to take pictures. Movies begin at sundown. Don't forget to bring your own chair or blanket to enjoy the show.”
ART10573 annual art exhibition
Sunday, October 4th, from 11-5pm, head to Crawford Mansion right here in Rye Brook and check out the “The Artists of ART10573
Ileana Hernandez Carafas - April Dessereau - Jennifer Headrick
Brigitte Loritz - Gregory Maggi - Carole Nelson - Iris Orlovitz Patrice Pell - Steven P. Perkins - Paul Rively Christine Morgan Teter - Pat Wagner.”
Home Depot Kids Workshop
It’s the first Saturday of the month so that means it’s time for the free kid’s workshop at Home Depot. This month, in order to get hands-on for Fire Safety Month, kids will be able to Build a Fire Truck. This workshop will run from 9-12, on a first come, first served basis and is designed for kids ages 5-12. While registration is preferred to help them plan quantities, it is not required.
Westchester Children’s Museum
Check out the all new children’s museum! Admission price is currently “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.”
- A Makers Space- This exhibit “gives children a place to build or take apart objects for the simple pleasure of figuring out how things work. Building materials will change from week to week, so keep visiting.”
- “The art wall and windows give young children a broad canvas on which to draw and paint, enlarging their imaginations as well as the large muscles needed to create their masterpieces.”
- “SHADOW AND LIGHT- Explore the properties of light and shadow by putting on a play using shadow puppets or full body shadows, or create a unique piece of shadow art.”
For more info, visit their website.
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.”
On Saturday from 9:30-11, just for the kids, Kiwi Camp representatives will be visiting “with an activity of their own to share with kids.”
Little Rockers at Garcias
On Saturday, October 3rd at 11am, right next door to the Captiol Theatre in Port Chester is Garcia’s. Don’t miss 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.
Workshops are 60 minutes and are specifically designed for children 7 and under, but all members of the family are welcome.”
This week’s theme: “Grateful Rockers-Let there be songs to fill the air! Join the Monkey and the Engineer, and ride the Grateful Dead train.”
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!
Saturday the museum is open 10-12, closing early.
And on Sunday, from 11:30-12:30, children ages 6-10 and their families can enjoy a Family Gallery Tour! “A Museum educator will lead an interactive, discussion-based tour of the Museum’s current exhibitions. Free with admission. No reservations.”
Scared By the Sound
Since it’s October and the month of Halloween, Scared by the Sound Haunted House is back open at Playland. There will be a thrilling and slightly terrifying Haunted House, a Crypt Walk, Haunted Wine Cellar, Creepy Morgue, Tunnels of Doom and more. Scared by the Sound is open weekends in October and Thursday, October 29th. Parking is free. The amusement park ridies are not open for the event. It is a walk-through dark attraction and may be too scary for children under 10. Learn more 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!”
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.”
On Saturday from 10:30-11:30 don’t miss Mutt-i-grees, 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.”
Also on Saturday, from 2-2:30pm kids can “use a real Autumn leaf to replicate vibrant colors and create a leaf label on a syrup jug. Limited space – tickets available at 1:30 pm. For children ages 2 and older.”
Storytime at Barnes & Noble
If it rains this weekend, or even if you just want an indoor activity, why not head to Barnes and Noble for children’s storytime?! This Saturday at 11am, come listen to storytime and activities featuring the book, “We’re in the Wrong Book” by Richard Byrne.
Nearby Barnes and Noble locations include White Plains, Yonkers, Stamford, and Palisades Center.
Don’t miss the annual fundraiser, Oktoberfest, this Friday from 7-10pm at the Rye Nature Center. There will be “hops, vines, music and delicious food. For more information, email info@ryenaturecenter.org.”
Stamford Nature Center
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The Stamford Nature Center is another fabulous destination just up the Merritt! 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.
Also on Sundays from September 13th -October 11th, from 10-3pm, check out Market Madness Sundays! “Support local farmers and explore the SM&NC through hands-on activities and with our Market Madness Sunday programs. Come for a self-guided craft on the meadow, meet our farm animals up close, and see Bert & Edie, our North American River Otters, have their lunch each week. At 11 am weekly, join us for Treats and Eats, where we'll make or explore (and eat!) a yummy local treat, such as salsa or ice cream (weather permitting)!” |
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And finally, on Sunday, don’t miss the two sessions of Scarecrow Making from 2 - 3 and 3 - 4 pm. “Bring your family for the SM&NC's 6th annual scarecrow making program and create a scarecrow for our Harvest Festival Weekend contest. Families can create a life-size scarecrow that will be exhibited and entered in our scarecrow contest at Harvest Festival (Oct. 17 & 18), then can be picked up in time to grace their lawns for Halloween. Some materials are provided, but families are encouraged to bring clothing or accessories to help with their creation. One scarecrow per family. Supplies are limited to 12 families per session; pre-registration and pre-payment are recommended due to popularity. Please call 203.977.6521 to register. Participating families must agree to leave the scarecrow for the Harvest Festival and pick it up the week after the Festival. Members: $5 per family | Non-Members: $10 per family plus gate admission.” |
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
Dragons! Real or Myth?, Meerkats and Jiggle a Jelly are 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.
Greenburgh Nature Center
The GNC always has a fun array of activities for families to enjoy each weekend!
On Saturday and Sunday at 11:30pm, 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!”
And on Sunday at 2pm, check out Alien Invaders- “Come explore some of the most fascinating plant and animal species to ever invade our lawns, lakes, and forests during an engaging and interactive stroll around the GNC property. Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person.”
Muscoot Farm
Two fun events are happening this weekend at Muscoot Farm. First up, Pumpkins in the Garden from 12-3pm on October 4th “Pumpkins will be on sale in our garden. Cash or Check only.”
Also on October 4th from 10-3pm, check out the Farmer’s Market. “Shop Local. 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.”
For more info, visit their website by clicking here!
Hudson River Museum
The Hudson River Museum, in Yonkers, boasts an amazing Planetarium, six galleries, and a mansion!
This weekend there are planetariums shows for all ages! The 12:30 show is for “younger school-age children. The content and delivery of these shows inspires the youngest future astronomers to learn about the skies.” The 2pm and 3:30pm shows are appropriate for ages 8+.
In addition, this weekend HRM has Art Projects for the kids (making a dancer in a box) on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm and Science Projects on Saturday from 1-4, Solar Power Workshops and until October 24th, “Arrays- Build and test a setup of solar cells that generate electric current. Discover machines that operate with energy from the Sun.”
For more info, click here.
Teddy Bear Clinic at Greenwich Hospital
On Sunday, October 4th from 12-3pm, “bring your favorite teddy, stuffed animal or doll for a check-up and treatment at this special family event. Children will have a chance to interact with hospital staff members in a casual, non-threatening, non-emergency situation. Get an ID bracelet for your bear, visit the emergency & check-up tables, tour an ambulance, and check your bear's heart, lungs, bones and ears. Learn about surgery, lab tests, X-rays and lots more. Event held under festive tents and will take place rain or shine. Register one parent ONLY. Event is geared towards families with children ages 3 to 12.”
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.”
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 “Kids Club® Harvest Mobile,” perfect to celebrate Fall!
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, this Saturday, from 1-3pm, don’t miss the Fun Family Craft Time- Great Pumpkin Event! “Kids and adults can make a silly monster or a mummy pumpkin. Buy a 9" craft pumpkin by Ashland® and the supplies are FREE!”
Crafts at Lakeshore
Lakeshore will also 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, creating a “Firefighter’s Hat.” 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.
Apple Picking
My all time favorite fall activity is apple and pumpkin picking with my family. The question always becomes where to go!? So these are my picks for the closest and most fun orchards. Feel free to let me know if I missed any good ones or should delete any from this list!
- Harvest Moon- Their fall festival began last weekend and continues every weekend from 10-5 both Saturday and Sunday. There will be “Live Music, Pumpkins, Bounce House, Hayrides , Pony Rides,Face Painting, Apple Cannons, Fresh Made Apple Cider Doughnuts,Farm Animals (Please no feeding or petting!)BBQ food and of course smoked turkey legs! No admission charge but every event has their own fee.”
- Outhouse Orchards- This orchard is located in Northern Westchester and in addition to applepicking, they also have a corn maze and pumpkins patch.
- Wilkens-
- Silvermans- This orchard boasts apples, a pumpkin patch, animal farm and corn and is located in nearby Easton, CT
- Barton Orchards- In Poughquog, NY This weekend don’t miss the Amish Outlaws’ music.
- Stuart- I just went there myself recently. There were tons of low apples which were perfect for the kids to reach and pluck off the trees. Advice: wear pants and sneakers…there’s some poison ivy at the base of some trees. And get the cider donuts…AMAZING! Only 35 mins from Rye Brook!
- Dr. Davies Farm- Just over the Tappan Zee bridge in Congers in Rockland County. In addition to apple picking they also have fun tractor rides.
Other good weekend ideas include baseball games!! The Yankee's are on the road while the Mets are home against the Nationals.
What if it rains? Maybe a movie? Hotel Transylvania 2 is out in theaters and looks perfect for the kids!
Or maybe the Bronx Zoo? One of the best Halloween traditions, Boo at the Zoo, is back at the Bronx Zoo, weekends in October. “Stop by for music, magic, and fun facts about our favorite animals that are surrounded by Mystery and Mischief. Take a look at the schedule of events and plan a trip with the whole family.”
The NY Botanical Gardens are also a beautiful nearby destination. Learn more here.
And Bowlmor bowling alley is now open in White Plains!
The beaches in Greenwich are a still open, although no lifeguards and passes are still required until October 31. 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