Father’s Day Weekend is here. A wonderful opportunity to honor and thank Dads everywhere for all they do for our families. Like I always say though on days such as this, I always think of those who may not be celebrating as their Dads are no longer a part of their everyday life. For those who have lost their Dad or don’t have one in their life, sending you love and hugs. There are many fun activities listed below, both indoors if you prefer to escape the sun and heat, or outdoors if you thrive in it! Enjoy and Happy Father’s Day!
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 join in 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.”
Rye Playland
You know Summer is near when Playland opens for the season! Don’t miss $15 Rides Admission June 17 - 5 p.m. to close. Park hours this weekend are Friday, 10-10pm, Saturday 12pm-11pm, and Sunday 12-10pm. Dads ride free on Sunday, June 19th!
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!
On Saturday, June 18th at 11am, don’t miss the Father's Day Storytime. “To honor dads, grandpas and caregivers, we will read two charming books, Dad School and Grandpa Loves You! Activities to follow.” Our closest Barnes & Noble is in White Plains, City Center but there are other nearby locations in Stamford, Palisades Center and Yonkers.
The Amazing Max at The White Plains Performing Arts Center
Saturday, June 18th at 2pm, check out The Amazing Max magic show at The White Plains Performing Arts Center! “THE AMAZING MAX is a magic show with a mind of its own. Magician Max Darwin makes objects appear out of thin air, defies the laws of physics and performs miracles inches from spectators’ faces. The props onstage seem intent on surprising even the magician himself. This out-of-control show bursts with striking visual magic, comedy, and loads of audience participation. The Amazing Max selects all of his assistants at random from the audience and each adds a unique element to the show.
“An awesome and hilarious live magic show” -PBS Kids. “Max Darwin is indeed amazing ” -Time Out Kids. “His ability to astound is something to see” -Huffington Post. This show is the wackiest, most interactive, highest energy magic show for families in town today.”
Click here to buy tickets.
Rock and Roll Playhouse Tribute to David Bowie For Kids at Garcia’s
On Saturday, 6/18 @ 3pm head to Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester for “Reggae for Kids” featuring Jeremy Wilms, Ricky Quinones, Dylan Fusillo, Dylan Shamat from Fela! On Broadway.
Happy Father's Day! All dads get in free today! Doors open at 2:30, show is at 3pm. “During each fun-filled class, children will explore live music, movement, and collaborative creativity. Young talents will gain knowledge and develop their musical skills through laughter and imagination. We invite the whole family to join us and play as we aim to build creativity in children ages 10-years-old and younger.”
Buy tickets here.
On stage now at the Broadway Theatre, it’s Happy Days from May 5th - July 17th. “If you like Grease, you will love Happy Days. Grab your poodle skirt, saddle shoes, and the kids, and take a rock & roll trip down memory lane! This new Musical is based on the television series and written by its creator, Garry Marshall. A Bright and funny musical celebration of nostalgia with lots of Singing & Dancing! Featuring 21 songs by Oscar and Grammy award-winning songwriter Paul Williams, including the series’ theme song.”
Check out schedule here.
Buy tickets here.
Stamford Nature Center
The Stamford Nature Center is an amazing place to visit, just off the Merritt, about 20 minutes north of us. There are many nooks to explore, animals to see and a fun playground to visit.
This weekend, the Ant Exhibit, “Farmers, Warriors, Builders: The Hidden Life of Ants” opens.
The SM&NC Sunday Farm Market is back! Sundays from 10am-2pm, until October 9th, don’t miss the Farmer’s Market! “Many favorites are returning and we've added some new vendors to offer a larger variety of items. We'll be selling our very own Heckscher farm-fresh eggs, maple syrup made in our own maple sugar "shack," and wool from our flock of sheep. There will be weekly farm-related family activities with our "Market Madness" program led by one of our environmental educators.”
Market Madness Sundays will take place Sundays until August 28, 10 am - 2 pm. “Support local farmers and explore the SM&NC through hands-on activities! Our Sunday Farm Market will be the center of our Summer Sunday programs. Join us weekly for a self-guided craft on the meadow, farm animal meetings, and lunch with Bert & Edie, our North American River Otters. At 11 am, join us for "Treats and Eats," where we'll make or explore (and eat!) a yummy treat, such as maple sugar candy and ice cream (weather permitting)! Tentative schedule is here.
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones museum is another 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.”
Also on Saturday from 12-3pm, stop by “Gaming Unplugged- Join our Youth Enrichment at Stepping Stones (YES2) volunteers for an afternoon of family games!”
Sunday is the FINAL DAY to enjoy the Rainforest Adventure exhibit experience!
Sunday Fathers get in for free and to celebrate them, from 11:15-12pm, kids can have fun creating quirky “Dad” glasses!
And from 1-2pm Sunday, “Children will be using pennies to make a "You're Worth Every Penny!" card for their dad on Father's Day.”
“One of Westchester’s longest-running and beloved recreational programs – Bicycle Sundays – rolls on select Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. During Bicycle Sundays, a portion of the Bronx River Parkway is closed to cars for the exclusive use of bicyclists, joggers, walkers, scooters and strollers. The course runs from the Westchester County Center in White Plains, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, a round-trip of 13.1 miles. There are many points of entry and exit along the way.
Schedule: Sundays in May, June and September
June 19 and 26
September 11, 18 and 25
Location: Bronx River Parkway from Westchester County Center in White Plains, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.
Fee: Admission is Free- $7 parking at the County Center lot in White Plains
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
Flutter Zone is now open until Sept. 5. “Step into a magical environment all aflutter with exotic tropical butterflies in this special walk-through encounter! "Flutter Zone" features dozens of varieties of beautiful butterflies from Asia and South America, all free-flying among Aquarium visitors. Some may even land on you! Plus, watch the amazing life cycle of butterflies unfold in our "Chrysalis Hut," featuring the chrysalises whose metamorphoses keep the exhibit stocked with flittering butterflies throughout the summer. Displays also emphasize the horticultural and agricultural importance of butterflies and other pollinators. "Flutter Zone" is free with your Maritime Aquarium admission. Be sure to double your butterfly fun by choosing a screening of the IMAX movie "Flight of the Butterflies," which tells the amazing story of monarch butterflies and their multigenerational migration to Mexico.”
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.”
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, (except 7/9-9/3) 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. June and July’s projects include making a “car from cardboard boxes, straws, tape, and bottle caps, powered by a balloon. Ages 5+.”
Saturdays 1-4, come do some fun science projects. Kids 7 and older can “assemble a “community inflatable” from geometric shapes.” Kids 3 and up can make a “Plant Pal-Plant seeds in a mini flowerpot to take home, and watch your Pal grow.”
There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
Shows on June 18 & 19!
|
12:30 2 3:30 |
Sesame Street The Sky Tonight We Are Aliens |
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.
2 pm
The Sky Tonight. See what the sky is like on the Planetarium dome the VERY night you see this interactive show. LIVE presentation. Ages 8+
3:30 pm
Star shows that explore more complex scientific content as it draws you into the action. Ages 8+
In the amphitheatre on Friday, June 17th, don’t miss the “Best of Kidsfilmfest- Family-friendly, animated, live-action short films from around the world.”
To learn more, click here.
On Saturday from 10am-12pm, come to Michael’s where kids can have fun creating a KIDS CLUB® Dinosaur Card while you shop! Perfect for Father’s Day! “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, don’t miss “Fun Family Craft Time - Father's Day T-Shirt. Have fun making a T-shirt for Dad. Buy the shirt, and the rest of supplies are free.”
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 also has a Father’s Day theme, creating an “Out of This World! Card for Dad.”
Tarrytown Music Hall
Random Farms Kids' Theater presents Fiddler On The Roof (6/8-6/19). Saturday and Sunday at 11am don’t miss this special adaptation of the time-honored Broadway musical. “Set in the village of Anatevka, the story follows Tevye, his family, and their cultural traditions. This show features classic songs like "Tradition," "Matchmaker," and "Sunrise, Sunset." Performers are part of the Workshop program for grades 3 - 8.”
Tickets can be bought here.
|
There are a couple of fun activities going on at the farm this weekend! The Art Show will take place from 12-4pm on Saturday, June 18th! “Visit our historic Main House to see and purchase art from this month's featured artists the Northern Westchester Artist Guild. Additional dates: 6/25, 2/26.” Sunday, June 19th kids will LOVE Big Equipment Day taking place from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. “Stop by the farm to see what equipment we use to get some of our toughest jobs done.”
And finally, on Sunday, from 9:30-2:30 stop by the Farmer’s Market for a variety of products. “Over 20 vendors make up this unique and local farmer's market! Additional dates: 6/26.”
|
Rye's Down to Earth Farmers Market
Speaking of Farmer’s Markets, Rye’s opens this weekend and runs Sundays, 8:30AM – 2:00PM, until December 4th. The market is located in the Parking Lot on Theodore Fremd Ave, Rye NY.
| Pleasantville Farmer’s Market |
Saturdays from 8:30-1pm there’s also a Farmer’s Market happening in Pleasantville, NY. “Spring has sprung and so has the Pleasantville Farmers Market! The delicious good time is now outdoors at Memorial Plaza (next to the train station). Located right in the heart of Westchester County, the Market is centrally located in our beautiful, historic walking village -- perfectly positioned on your way to your destination or better yet, as a destination in itself. Experience the largest, year-round farmers market in Westchester, and the one voted Best of Westchester in 2014 and 2015 by the readers of Westchester Magazine. Market will take place rain or shine. The Pleasantville Farmers Market is a dog-free environment.
For the kids, from 9:30-11, “join the Educational Stage of Arc Stages for an open theater games workshop! Children are invited to sample some of our favorite theater games that teach cues, commitment, teamwork, and acting technique, while having lots of fun!”
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!!
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.”
Click here to learn more!
Other weekend ideas?
The movies are always a fun weekend option. Finding Dory hits theaters this weekend! I cannot wait to take the kids to see it!! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of The Shadows hit theatres last weekend in regular and 3D format! Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass in regular, 3D and Imax and Angry Birds Movie also out in regular and 3D format. My kids are so excited about this one!
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!
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.
Baseball anyone? The Mets are home and playing the Braves. If you don’t feel like traveling to Queens, the Rockland Boulders are playing at home this weekend!
And Bowlmor bowling alley is a fun option in White Plains!
The beaches in Greenwich are open. Passes are required from May 2 through October 31.! It’s a close, easy option that the whole family will love! There’s also Oakland beach in Rye. The Park is now considered “In Season” Weather permitting, lifeguards will be on duty and the beach is open for swimming from 9 a.m. until at least 5 p.m. Parking and Beach admission fees will apply. Rye's Oakland Beach is also a great spot to visit!
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