Weekend Guide April 29-May 1

 

Can you believe that Sunday is May 1st!  So crazy!  The weather is getting better and better by the week and summer is just around the corner!  With Spring come many obligations like sports, birthday parties, and more.  Not that they aren’t wonderful and a joy to watch and participate in.  Just sometimes it feels like we go from one to the next without stopping to enjoy it or appreciate it.  Life’s short.  We never know when an opportunity to experience something will be our last one.  Nobody wants to live with regrets.  It’s important to stop for a moment and embrace what feels mundane and rote.  Instead of complaining about all the “things” we have to do each weekend (myself included), we should be glad we are fortunate enough our kids and us are able to celebrate friends’ birthdays and watch our kids’ games.  But it’s all in how we look at it.  Our perspective.  This weekend I choose to enjoy the “to do” list and be thankful I get to spend my weekend with family and friends.  I hope you will too. 

Lightscapes

From the creators of the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze comes another “EXCITING, otherworldly experience of awe-inspiring illumination and all-original sculpture.  Van Cortlandt Manor springs to life during this incredible nighttime display. Taking place over 20 spring evenings and perfect for all ages, LIGHTSCAPES is a walk-through, land-art experience.

Enter through a rainbow and emerge from a bubbly haze into a dreamland of curiosities spread throughout this historic landscape as far as the eye can see. Do some “shadow dancing” in front of an interactive silhouette wall and transport yourself into a world of wonder as you enter the brand new Bubble Tunnel.

Encounter enormous “live” Luna Moth creations — some 15 feet tall! — perching high on a hill, flittering around for all to see. Check out the underbelly of a giant centipede as you worm your way through its segmented legs!

Navigate a drawbridge as you cross the River of Light and continue on your way to the Colorwheel Castle. Squiggle through the Caterpillar Cavern and discover larger-than-life elements like a colossal praying mantis and a massive mayfly.

Recycled elements serve as eco-friendly building blocks for all of our intergalactic flora and friendly woodland creatures.

State-of-the-art illumination highlights these amazing works of art and showcases Van Cortlandt Manor’s gorgeous natural landscape and specimen trees.  In the artfully decorated LIGHTSCAPES hospitality tent, enjoy spring-themed sweets including organic sorbet from Blue Pig of Croton and homemade candy and baked goods (plus savories!) from Geordane’s of Irvington.”

Tickets are on sale for the following times: 8:15, 8:30 & 9 Fri, Sat and Sunday."

 

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at The Palace Theater

On Friday at 11 and 4pm don’t miss your opportunity to see Daniel Tiger on stage at The Palace Theatre in Stamford.   

“The legacy of the beloved “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” lives on with the award- winning television series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, from The Fred Rogers Company and PBS KIDS. Now, Daniel and his friends are hopping aboard the trolley to delight live audiences with DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE! Donning his iconic red sweater, Daniel invites the audience on an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Through the show’s familiar themes and music, the neighbors share stories of friendship, helping others and celebrating new experiences in this live theatrical production filled with singing, dancing, laughter and “grr-ific” surprises that will warm the hearts of multiple generations. 

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood tells its engaging stories about the life of a preschooler using musical strategies based on Fred Rogers’ ground-breaking television work. Through imagination, creativity and music, Daniel and his friends learn the key social skills necessary for school and for life.”

Click here for tickets and/or more info.

 

Westchester County Center Events

Two fun events are taking place at The Westchester County Center this weekend.

First up is the 
"Spring Fever" Baseball Card Show April 29th- May 1st.  There will be “thousands of Autographed/Game Used Inserts, Modern and Vintage Sports Cards (Pre 1900’s – through current), Factory/Hand Collated Sets (New and Old), Hobby and Wax Boxes – All Sports and Non-Sport, Graded Cards – PSA/BGS/SGC
Commons and Set Fillers for your New or Old Sets! Sports Card Supplies, Ball Holders and Autograph Holders, On-Site Autograph Authentication (JSA or PSA).A days’ worth of fun!”

Hours are as follows: Friday 2:00pm- 8:00 pm. Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm. Sunday 10:00am- 4:00pm (Doors open one hour before show each day)


Adult prices for admission are $10.00 each day and kids under 12 are free.


For more info call 914-995-4050
 or click here.  

And this Saturday and Sunday don’t miss the Undiscovered Realm Comic and Toy Expo!  “Vendors, artists, celebrity guests, cosplay contests for cash prizes, screenings, panels, art show, a gaming room, video game tournament for cash prizes, and more.”

This expo will take place on Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-5pm.  Kids 10 and under are free with each paid admission.  Saturday admission is $23.00, Sunday admission is $18.00, a two day pass is $36.00.

For additional information call  914-995-4050
 or click here.

 

Crafts at Lyndhurst

This weekend, from Friday to Sunday, don’t miss the Crafts at Lyndhurst.  “For 30 years Crafts at Lyndhurst has been one of America’s most popular contemporary crafts events. It is held in May and September each year and features 300 different artists at each show, offering exceptional one-of-a-kind objects, as well as craft demonstrations, gourmet specialty foods, delicious concessions and live music.  There are also children’s activities such as a still walker, face painting and storytelling. This is an event not to miss and goes on Rain or Shine!”

Hours are as follows: Friday, April 29 10-5, Saturday, 10-6 and Sunday 10-5pm.

 

Westchester Children’s Museum

Good news! The Westchester Children’s Museum, while not completed, 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

Visit their website to learn more!

 

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

On Sunday from 11:30-12:15 why not head out on the Family Gallery Tour.  “Designed for families with children ages 6-10. These tours, led by a Museum educator, provide an interactive, discussion-based exploration of the Museum's current exhibitions.  Free with admission; no registration required.”

Also on Sunday from 1-3pm, Science Sunday: Long Island Sound Life will take place.  This is “a drop-in program designed for children ages 4 and up and their families. Participants will explore simple science concepts and subjects while partaking in fun, kid-friendly experiments, projects and crafts inspired by the Museum’s collections and exhibitions.  Free with Museum admission and no advance registration required.”  

 

Barnes & Noble

On Saturday, April 30th, at 11am why not check out the Night at the Stadium Storytime.  “A baseball stadium comes to life in this magical picture book written by Phil Bildner and illustrated by Tom Booth from the publishing imprint of legendary sports icon and role model Derek Jeter.”

Also on Saturday at 4pm, The Barnes & Noble Tabletop Gaming Meetup will be taking place.  “Gather your friends and come in to check out the featured games and giveaways (while supplies last).”

 

Greenburgh Nature Center

This weekend at the GNC, don’t miss Teaching Trails on Saturday, April 30th and Sunday, May 1st   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.”

 

Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents The Music of The Beatles at Garcias

This super fun musical show for kids will take place on Saturday April 30th, doors open at 2:30 show begins at 3.  “Whether exploring colors through the song “Yellow Submarine,” working as a team with “All Together Now,” or having fun with bubbles to “Octopus’s Garden,” this workshop is designed to address educational firsts such as counting and letter sounds while having fun dancing and marching to the beat of The Beatles with the RRPH Band.” Tickets are $20

 

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!  

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+.

From 11:30-1 on Saturday, stop by the Animation Station and “learn the basics of stop animation by using an iPad to make a 15 second video.  Ages 4 and older. $3 technology fee per child.”

 

Maritime Aquarium

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

Did you know there are Shark Dives on most Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m.  And they are free with Aquarium admission.  “Interact with the Maritime Aquarium's dive team among the sand tiger sharks, lemon shark and other creatures of the 110,000-gallon "Ocean Beyond the Sound" exhibit.”

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.

And did you know, now showing is the IMAX Movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays. 

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.”  April’s project is “Build Two Bridges from pre-drawn plans—the Bridge of the Americas and the Centennial Bridge, which span the Pan-American Highway that joins North and South America.”

Saturdays 1-4, come do some fun science projects.  This April kids can “Make a Watery Story Wheel, a collage from fragments that show the life cycle of a Hudson River fish and other river organisms..”

There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!

Shows on April 30th are The Girl Who Walked Upside Down at 12:30. At 2pm, The Sky Tonight.  And at 3:30pm, Moons: Worlds of Mystery.  On Sunday, May 1st  at 12:30 check out Earth Moon and Sun at 2pm, The Sky Tonight and at 3:30pm, Habitat Earth. 

To learn more, click here.

 

Michael’s Kids® Club

On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can get into the spring spirit by creating KIDS CLUB® Tie-Dye Banner 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.”

 

Crafts at Lakeshore

Lakeshore will also be creating a fun craft this Saturday from 11-3pm for kids ages 3 & up.  This week’s project is creating a “Thanks a Bunch Bouquet!”  My guess is it’s getting everyone ready for Mother’s day!

 

Stamford Nature Center

The Stamford Nature Center is a wonderful place to visit.  There’s a fun playground and animals to see on the grounds.

Sunday Explorers has started and will take place until May 22nd, from noon-4 (no program 5/15).  “Our popular Sunday drop-in programs return for the spring. Join us for a weekly hike on our trails or for a chance to meet or feed some of our Heckscher WILD! animals. Explore Heckscher Farm as we greet goats, plant in our garden, and peek into barns to see if any baby animals were born. Visit the Overbrook Nature Center for some great self-guided crafts, additional animals, and exhibits too!”

The “Art on a String Asian Kites in Flight” exhibition will also be taking place April 2-May 30.

 

Ridge Hill Soiree

This Sunday from 12-3, Ridge Hill, in Yonkers, is “celebrating the season with Arts & Crafts, Storytelling, Virtual Scavenger Hunt, Music, Giveaways and more!  Connect with the local community and Ridge Hill favorites including: Whole Foods Market; Sephora; Rockin’ Jump; Muse Paintbar; Orvis; Frannie’s Goodie Shop; LEGOLAND®  Discovery Center; and iFLY.  Children’s author, Ross Burach, will host a reading of his book, “There’s a Giraffe in My Soup”, and stylist Jennifer Tannenbam will get your wardrobe ready for spring with style tips featuring the latest arrivals from our fashion retailers. Plus, children are invited to plant and grow their own basil courtesy of Ridge Hill (while supplies last).  The event is free to attend, and will be held at our Town Square.”

 

Muscoot Farm

On Saturday, April 30th from 1-3pm, “in honor of Arbor Day come help us plant some native trees around the farm.”

 

Pleasantville Farmer’s Market

Spring is here which means the Pleasantville Farmer’s Market has moved back outdoors. This Saturday, April 30th,  “the delicious good time will be at Memorial Plaza (next to the train station) from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, rain or shine. We ask even our most eager early birds to adhere to the 8:30 am start time so our vendors can prepare for your visit.”

 

Strawfest at the College of New Rochelle

On Sunday May 1st  from 12-5pm don’t miss this annual community event with games, food, activities and of course STRAWBERRIES!  Click here for more info!

 

Weekends at Stone Barns Center, April 16 - November 13

Ticketed weekend admission has started!

Experience the farm with a day of Stone Barns programming.

STONE BARNS SELL OUT! This Saturday the Sheep Shearing Fest will take place and is already sold out.  Admission will only be granted to ticket holders.  You can still buy tickets for Sunday tours.

Learn more & GET TICKETS HERE.

Experience what's happening on the farm, meet our farmers and greet the season.

“On a Saturday or Sunday visit Stone Barns, participate in a variety of seasonal, hands-on activities and drop-in tours all included with your one-day admission ticket. Ticket prices are as follows: Adult (ages 16+): $20, Youth (ages 2-15): $10, Members: FREE*!

 

This season on the farm
The pasture grass is growing and preparing to welcome our chickens, flocks of sheep and new lambs. The field and gardens are coming to life with new growth and summer seedlings are growing in the propagation bay of the greenhouse, waiting to be transplanted into the field. A sample weekend day this spring will include:

 

Meet the: Sheep: 10:00 – 11:00 am

Farm Chore: Egg Collecting: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm


Meet the: Blue Hill Chef: 11:00 - 11:30 am


Farm Chore: Lettuce Planting: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Getting Grounded Tour: 11:30 am (45 minutes)
 Adults
Hands on: Felting activity: 12:30 - 1:30 pm


Making the Rounds Tour: Greenhouse: 1:30 pm (20 minutes)


Listen: Story Time: 1:30 - 1:50 pm, recommended ages 2-6
Meet the: Sheep: 2:00 - 3:00 pm

Farm Activity: Prep the Field Beds 2:00 - 3:00pm

Hands-on: Pesto making 2:30 – 3:30 pm


Getting Grounded Tour: 3:15 pm (45 minutes) Adults

Farm Chore: TBD: 3:45 pm

Making the Rounds Tour: Field: 4:15 pm (20 minutes)

Activities and details are subject to change.”

 

Other weekend ideas?

The movies are always a fun weekend option. Ratchet and Clank is new to theaters.  I hadn’t heard of this movie.  It’s “ A CG-animated movie based on the iconic PlayStation video game.”  In regular and 3d.The Jungle Book is also out in regular, 3-d and Imax! Also still out, Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice is in theaters! It’s rated PG-13 so may be a little too scary for the younger audience members.  Still in theaters is Zootopia! A long awaited movie that was absolutely adorable.  I loved it!! It’s out in regular, 3D and 3D Imax format!  My son loved it so much he saw it twice! 

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! 

How about ice skating? Nearby rinks include Playland Ice Casino, Hommocks in Larchmont, and Dorothy Hammil in Greenwich 

Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?

Or Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut? 

The New York Botanical Gardens are also a beautiful spot to visit and stroll around. 

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!  It’s also “Off Season” at the beach in Rye.  

 

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

 

 

W
Submitted by Wilton, CT

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