Superbowl Weekend is here. Let the eating and commercial watching commence! Isn’t that the whole point, especially if your team isn’t even in it?! Punxsutawny Phil didn’t see his shadow on Groundhog’s Day indicating to the masses that Spring is right around the corner. Hopefully his expert insight is correct! I've found so many fun things to do this weekend, starting right here in Rye Brook tonight with the Blind Brook Middle School production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. You won’t want to miss it! Enjoy!
BBMS Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Don’t miss out on seeing our amazingly talented Middle School Performing Arts Program students and staff in their performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Remaining showtimes are tonight at 7pm, tomorrow, Saturday at 12pm and at 2:30pm.
Tickets will be on sale in the theatre lobby today from 11am-1pm, as well as 30 minutes prior to each show. All tickets are $12.
“Help support our Middle School Performing Arts Program! Visit our donation gallery when purchasing your show tickets. Prizes feature gift cards from more than 25 local retailers, including: Fortina, Starbucks, Lester’s, Z Life, Landsberg Jewelers, Red Mango, Sportech, Costco, Westchester Burger, Learning Express, plus Yankee tickets and more! The prizes will be on display at the box office and during intermission at all four shows.”
All performances will be held in the George Trautwein Theatre, 840 King Street, Rye Brook, NY 10573.
Please come out and support BBMS Performing Arts in this wonderfully colorful musical!
Rye Library
Today, Friday, Feb 5th from 4-5pm, Gizmos Science Fun Club will be taking place at the Rye Library. This Science Fun Club is for children in Grades K – 2 and “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. Registration begins January 29th.”
On Saturday, from 1-2:45pm bring your lunch to the library for Brown Bag Lunch & A Movie featuring, Goosebumps 2015. This family movie is rated PG and is 103 minutes long. You bring your lunch and the library will provide the movie, beverage and snack!
Click here to learn more.
Port Chester-Rye Brook Library
On Saturday February 6, 2016 the Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library will be hosting a special event in honor of "Take Your Child to the Library Day.” You can drop by anytime on February 6th to Design and color a Dr. Seuss cutout hat, play a board game, complete a puzzle or build with blocks. They will also be showing the movie Inside Out at 1:00pm and have a Family Storytime at 11:00am.
The library in Harrison also has a bunch of fun activities happening this weekend!
On Friday from 3-3:30pm, check out “Chloe’s Sign and Play- Give your child the gift of language! Sign & Play is a fun class where families can learn to communicate with their pre-verbal children using real signs from American Sign Language. Based on the award-winning Baby Signing Time series, this class will give parents a window into the hearts and minds of their little ones. Through fun songs, stories and games, parents and children will learn many useful signs for everyday communication. Come sign with us!”
Also on Friday, from 4:15-5:15pm, your kids won’t want to miss “Yoga With Angela-Bring your own mat and water to this lovely, mind and body relaxing YOGA experience with Harrison resident Angela Brandt (Registered and Certified Yoga Instructor). Opportunity to create self-esteem, physical coordination, breath relaxation and strength. Grades 2-5.”
Saturday is “Take Your Child to the Library Day (TYCLD) is an international initiative that encourages families everywhere to take their children to their local library. TYCLD raises community awareness about the importance of the library in the life of a child, and promotes library services and programs for children and families.”
The West Harrison branch of the library will be holding a “Saturday Storytime and Crafts from 10:30-11:30 Come to listen to stories and make terrific crafts to take home! Manhattanville Student Volunteers are back to have fun with you! Ages 2 - 10 are welcome to join in the fun. No registration, open to all. Siblings welcome.”
Also on Saturday 11:30-12:15, originally scheduled for Jan 23 but ironically canceled due to snow, don’t miss this storytime/music event featuring the Raymond Brigg's wordless picture book, "The Snowman," which introduces children to musical instruments, including the double bass and the French horn! Please sign up for this event.
Lastly on Saturday from 1-2pm, “Therapy Dog Angie lends an ear to readers of all ages. She LOVES to listen to children read and talk to her. She's a REAL dog and she loves the library. Come visit with her.”
And finally, Sunday 3-3:30, don’t miss Singalong Sundays with Chloe! “Join us as we come together as a community to celebrate early childhood through music and movement! In this class we will sing, shake, and move! 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!”
Unless otherwise noted, activities are at the main branch, Halperin Building.
Things That Go Storytime
Tickets are required for this fun event for all ages on Saturday from 11-11:45am. “Trucks, Trains, & Planes..oh my! Join us for a stories and songs about all things that go! Followed by free play with cars & trucks. A free ticket is required to attend this event. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10:30am on the day of the program.”
Home Depot Free Kid’s Workshop
It’s the first Saturday of the month which means it’s time for the free Home Depot Kid’s Workshop. This Saturday, Feb 6th, from 9-12, kids will be able to build a wooden Valentine’s mailbox to hold on the cards they receive from their friends. Once it’s built, they can decorate and personalize it with paint. Kids get to keep their project, receive a certificate of achievement, an apron and a pin. While registration is not required, it does help them plan quantities needed.
On Saturday, February 6th, from 12-3pm, join the RNC for an “Old-Fashioned Winter’s Afternoon- A traditional, favorite event in Rye! Log sawing contest, fire-roasted marshmallows, archery, and fun crafts will warm everyone up. Free admission.”
It’s a busy weekend at The Bruce Museum, 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! Thanks to a collaboration between the Bruce Museum and Hermès of Paris, general admission will be free from January 10 - March 13, 2016, during regular gallery hours.
On Friday’s from 2:30-2:45pm stop by and check out the Marine Tank Animal Feeding.
Sunday 9-11:30, don’t miss the First Sunday Bird Walk at Greenwich Point Park- “Enjoy a leisurely outdoor walk to learn about the migrating and resident wild birds. Bring binoculars and meet on the beach near the southern concession stand. Free. No reservations required. For Information, contact Cynthia Ehlinger at 203-413-6756 or cynthiae@brucemuseum.org.”
Also Sunday, from 1-4pm, it’s Astronomy Family Day, there will be “fun family activities in celebration of Astronomy Month featuring Starlab Planetarium.” Free and no registration required
From 1:30-4pm, check out “Fred Elser First Sunday Science at the Seaside Center. Where Did the Scallops Go? Held at the Innis Arden Cottage at Greenwich Point Park.
At 2 pm, Dr. Stephen T. Tettelbach, Professor of Biology and Graduate Co-Advisor, LIU Post, presents an overview of bay scallop biology and ecology. He will discuss a historical overview of their population and fishery status, focusing on the Northeast US. and then talk about what efforts have been taken to restore bay scallops in different areas, with a focus on our work in New York over the last 30 years. The afternoon includes family activities and live marine tank from 1:30 – 4:00 pm. Free and no registration required.”
In addition, there will be Family Gallery Tours taking place from 11:30-12:15 on Sunday- Designed for kids ages 6-10 and their family. ”These tours provide interactive discussion-based tours of current exhibitions led by a museum educator. Free and no registration required.”
Beauty and the Beast at The Tarrytown Music Hall
Who doesn’t love this musical?! From February 2nd to the 7th, Random Farms Kids' Theater presents “This classic tale tells the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Featuring songs from the Academy Award-winning animated feature such as "Be our Guest" and "Gaston" this tale as old as time will delight performers and audiences of all ages.” Get your tickets before it’s too late!
On Saturday at 11am why not check out the Barnes & Noble children’s storytime event and activities featuring the book Silly Wonderful You by bestselling author Sherri Duskey Rinker and award-winning artist Patrick McDonnell. This book is a “funny and tender love letter from a parent to a child. Silly Wonderful You expresses how life is so new and different and filled with love with a little one around.” Our closest location is City Center in White Plains, above Target, but there are also locations on Central Ave, Stamford and Palisades Center.
This weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30. This “Weekend Walk for All Ages” is a “Guided trail experience through our woodland forest. Our specially trained "Trail Ninja" volunteers provide information on trees, plants, wildlife and seasonal changes. Conversation varies each time. An ideal way to get acquainted with our trail system. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE.”
Also on Saturday, Feb 6, check out Eaglefest- “GNC partners with Teatown Lake Reservation and other environmental organizations to present a daylong program that celebrates the Bald Eagles' return to the Hudson River. Activities take place at Croton Point Park. More info at teatown.org.”
And on Sunday at 2pm come celebrate the Chinese New Year- “An early start to Chinese New Year celebrations! Learn about the Zodiac animals and meet some of GNC’s own Zodiac residents. Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person.”
Westchester Knicks at the Westchester County Center
Tonight, Friday Feb 5th at 7pm, come watch the Westchester Knicks take on the Sioux Falls Skyforce. This is an amazing opportunity to watch some fabulous players up close and personal without the commute. Get your tickets or learn more here.
The Pleasantville Farmer’s Market has moved inside for the winter until March 26 and is open this Saturday, January 9th from 9-1pm. The market it now located in the Pleasantville Middle School cafeteria, at 40 Romer Avenue. “Come share a warm smile with returning favorites and new discoveries. Enjoy fresh, winter-grown produce along with our trademark variety of meats, cheeses, breads, prepared foods, you name it. It's a great way to support local agriculture and eat healthy year-round.” 9-1pm Saturdays.
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!
On Saturday, Mutt-i-grees will take place from 10:30-11:15. “ Enjoy a special canine storytime followed by a visit from a shelter dog.” Appropriate for ages 3+.
ATW:Creative kids will take place on Saturday from 2-2:30pm. This weekend’s theme is the Chinese Yo-Yo – “Decorate and learn to use this popular toy that has Chinese origins!” For children ages 2 and older.
Finally, on Sunday from 1-1:30 check out Zumba Kids! “Join our fitness party as you dance your way to a healthy future! No age limit. Free with museum admission. Note: Zumba Kids regularly occurs on Wednesdays at 2:30 pm.”
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
Don’t miss the "Animals Without Passports" exhibit, open now through Jan. 2, 2017.
“The large humpback whale population off Cape Cod supports a popular whale-watching industry. And, for the first time in decades, at least three whales spent the late summer of 2015 in western Long Island Sound.
But humpbacks aren’t in New England waters year-round and their annual international migration is the focus of the special exhibit, “Animals Without Passports."
Displays explore the challenges of humpback whales’ annual 3,000-mile migration between New England and the Caribbean. Learn when and why the whales migrate, and the hazards they face as they cross ocean borders, including poisoning from pollution, becoming entangled in fishing gear and being hit by boats and ships.
The exhibit is installed in the lobby of The Maritime Aquarium’s IMAX® Theater because it is a perfect tie-in to the movie “Humpback Whales,” showing daily through May 26.
“Animals Without Passports” tells its story by focusing on one whale, a female humpback named Salt who has been studied by researchers for 40 years. Trace Salt’s “family tree” as you also learn how scientists identify and track individual whales.”
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.
Clay Arts Center Saturday Drop In Classes
Every Saturday from 2-4pm, drop in and have some fun “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. Fee: $25 adult, $15 children under 12, $5 firing fee (per piece).
SPACE IS LIMITED. Tickets go on sale at the front desk 30 minutes prior to each session. First Come First Served.”
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.”
And Saturday and Sundays from 1-4, kids can do fun art projects - Creative activities weekends inspired by the Museum’s collections and exhibitions, led by Junior Docents and art and science professionals. Ages 7+, can be adapted for younger children. “Make a Tabletop Lock that works like the locks at the Panama Canal. If a 2-D view is more up your alley, create a mural of the Panama Canal.”
Saturdays 1-4, fun science projects- “Hand-print and take home a Banner with images of living things, which exist near the new Tappan Zee Bridge.”
There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
Check out Earth Moon and Sun at 12:30 on Saturday and Sunday. “Earth, Moon and Sun- This planetarium show explores the relationship between the Earth, Moon and Sun with the help of Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions who has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how the Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system. Native American stories are used throughout the show to help distinguish between myths and science. Ages 5+, 26 minutes + Q & A.”
At 2pm, “The Sky Tonight, gives children 8 and older “a live tour of the heavens as seen from our area with a planetarium educator. Ages 8+ 55 minutes”.”
Finally, at 3:30 pm check out Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our Sun- Through the discovery of exoplanets—the hundreds of planets that orbiting stars beyond the sun—we learn that our solar system is not alone in the universe. New technology and recent endeavors like the Kepler Telescope have aided the discovery of exoplanets that brings us closer to the possibility of finding an Earth-like world. How will our view of our place in the universe change? Co-written with Alan Lightman (author of Einstein's Dreams) this show features an original orchestral score. Ages 8+, 30 minutes + Q & A."
To learn more, click here.
On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can get a jump start on Valentine’s Day by making a Cupid’s Arrow Valentine while you shop! “Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included. Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.”
Also on Saturday from 1-3pm “gather your family and friends and join us for a fun afternoon of decorating sweet heart-shaped frames with chalkboard paint and chalk markers. Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Supplies are included when you buy the frame.”
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 sounds like lots of fun, creating a “Lots of Love Suncatcher,” perfect for getting into the Valentine’s Day spirit! Click here to learn more.
Sunday, Feb 7th, from 1-3pm, head to Muscoot Farm and lean all about “Winter Tree ID- Take a walk around the farm to learn how to identify trees in the winter. Meet at the reception center!”
This is your last weekend to catch this exhibit! Through February 7th, come visit A Billion Bricks 3: Galactic Travels. “An amazing new LEGO® universe! A long time ago, in a "gallery" far, far away... It's the 15th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars®! Come and see the completely re-designed LEGO galactic landscape and enjoy an up-close view of a universe made completely out of LEGO bricks. The new design encourages visitors of all ages to inspect the details and construction methods used to create an entire galaxy from a "Billion" bricks!
Check out 500 mini-figs (LEGO mini-figurines), one of every Star Wars mini-fig ever produced, and authentic LEGO Star Wars spaceships, vehicles, and original set boxes.
Additionally, a selection of photographs of Star Wars mini-figs from Dale May, a New York based, award-winning, advertising, entertainment and editorial photographer, are on display in the Museum galleries. Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with gate admission.”
The Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries are open, Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm and Sundays 11 am - 5 pm. For more information, call 203.977.6521.
Lights! Camera! Action!
On Sunday, February 7th there will be two sessions: 10 am - noon & 2 - 4 pm.
“LEGO animation with I LUG NY facilitators. Led by Alex Kobbs, of KooberzStudios, learn and film stop-action animation with LEGO creations and mini figures. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Members: $40 (one adult/one child), $25 for each additional adult/child, Non-Members: $55 (one adult/one child), $25 for each additional adult/child (includes Museum admission)
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required for all workshops. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Call 203.977.6521 to register.”
Sunday Explorers will take place at the SM&NC on Sundays, January 17 - February 28, from 1 - 4 pm. “Winter is a great time to explore the SM&NC! Enjoy the popular guided farm and trail programs, as well as animal "meet and greets." Don't miss the Science Spot program full of new adventures each week in the Overbrook Nature Center classroom. There will be self-guided crafts too. Different themes, animals and activities each week!” Check out the schedule of events online.
Fenom Fitness FREE Super Bowl Party
This is definitely not an event to miss! “On Sunday, Feb 7th at 6pm, bring the family, come grab a hot dog off the Walter's Truck (yum!), grab a seat, and watch the game on every TV, including perhaps on a large screen/projector (if we can get our techies to figure it out)!
The GOLF SIMULATOR will be open too!
And that's not where it ends. At half time, we will run simultaneous activities, including knockout tournaments, Ga-Ga, flag football, games and more! Once the game is over, we challenge you to stay and play a game of glow-in-the-dark dodgeball. We know you have it in you!
Oh - BYOB, and be responsible!
Food and beverages will be served.
The best part? IT'S ALL FREE!! Just BYOB.”
Stone Barns Farm
This weekend why not head outside and enjoy Stone Barns since it 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.
There are also Winter Family Farm tours on Saturday and Sunday from 11-11:45. “On this family-friendly tour for ages 4 and up, explore the farm and some of our favorite seasonal highlights. Join us for a walk around the farm to take a closer look at the animals that we’re raising and the vegetables that we’re growing!” Tickets can be bought here.
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun and warm weekend option. Kung Fu Panda 3 is still new in theaters in regular and 3D format! Star Wars is also still on the big screen! Will you go see it, maybe for the second time?!
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!
What about Skiing? Nearby slopes include Thunder Ridge in Paterson NY and Campgaw in Mahwah, NJ . Other slopes include Hunter, Windham, Butternut, Mountain Creek in Vernon Valley, NJ (they are having their winter carnival until Feb. 7) and many more…too many to list.
How about ice skating? Nearby rinks include Playland Ice Casino, Hommocks in Larchmont, and Dorothy Hammil in Greenwich.
Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?
And Bowlmor bowling alley is a fun option 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, especially with the forecasted weather, 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