While the calendar still says May, the forecast temperatures this weekend will have most of us thinking we’re in July! But let’s try to keep the complaining at bay as just a couple of months ago we were whining about the frigid temps and all the snow we had to shovel. This Sunday is Mother’s Day…a time to celebrate Mom and be celebrated if you’re a mom. Enjoy the weekend with family and friends and check out all the fun stuff going on nearby…Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mothers everywhere…
Playland
A sure sign that summer’s around the corner, Playland opens its gate for the season this Saturday, May 9th at noon! The park will be open Saturday and Sunday from 12-7 with a special opening day deal of $15 for rides and admission!
Lyndhurst
Did you forget to get mom a gift for Mother’s Day? Or are you just not sure what she wants? Maybe you should head to Lyndhurst for the annual pre-Mothers’ Day plant sale. From The Garden Club of Irvington and Hudson Valley Rock Garden Society, there will be “plants, great prices, annuals grown at Lyndhurst, rock garden plants and troughs, organic vegetable plants, and free tree seedlings while supplies last.
Also participating are Mobius Fields, Children’s Village and Care of Trees.”
The event will take place at the Lyndhurst Greenhouse from 10-2 on Saturday, May 9th
MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT AT THE Y!
On the 2nd Saturday of each month, the Rye Y is open just for middle schoolers from 7-10 pm! Your song or daughter won’t want to miss this “evening of fun, food, camaraderie, activities, competitions and games. Second Saturdays are supervised by our professional team of Teen Staff, led by our full time Teen Coordinator.” This Saturday’s theme is Cinco de Mayo and will feature- “Velcro Wall, Make-Your-Own-Tacos, Pizza, Basketball, Game Room”
Rye Library
On Saturday, May 9th from 11-12, children ages 3.5 and older can come to the library with their caregiver to “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 and other props are sometimes used to enhance stories and model future classroom experience. A fun craft project is designed around the Story Time's theme or a seasonal topic. Parents and caregivers are asked to assist younger children using scissors, glue and other art materials. 60 minutes.”
Click here to learn more
Click here to learn more about any of the Rye Library’s programs.
Lightscapes
From the fabulously creative people who brought us the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze comes an amazing and exciting new experience, “An immersive journey into a springtime garden fantasy featuring colorful creatures and fantastic flowers! Van Cortlandt Manor springs to life during this incredible nighttime display of sculpture, light, sound, and special effects. LIGHTSCAPES is an elegantly enchanting evening event featuring all-original sculpture designed and hand-made on site.
Taking place over 15 May 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. Recycled elements serve as eco-friendly building blocks for intergalactic flora and friendly woodland creatures. Otherworldly mushrooms, immense insects, and brilliant butterflies are among the thousands of treasures you’ll find.
Explore the Colorwheel Castle and squiggle through the Caterpillar Cavern. You’ll discover larger-than-life elements like a colossal praying mantis and a massive mayfly. Smile at scores of delightful dragonflies, cute ladybugs, and an avalanche of pinwheels!
State-of-the-art illumination will highlight these incredible works of art and showcase Van Cortlandt Manor’s gorgeous natural landscape and specimen trees.
In the clear-top, artfully decorated LIGHTSCAPES hospitality tent, enjoy spring-themed sweets including organic sorbet and ice cream sandwiches from Blue Pig of Croton and homemade candy and baked goods (plus savories!) from Geordane’s of Irvington.”
Recommended for all ages.
‘Miss Nelson Is Missing’ at the Emelin Theatre
My kids adore this book and now it comes to the stage! On Saturday May 9th at 11am and 1:30am, don’t miss “Miss Nelson is Missing” at the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck.
“The students in Room 207 were the worst-behaved class in the whole school: spitballs stuck to the ceiling; paper airplanes whizzing through the air – even though they had the sweetest teacher of all, Miss Nelson. But when Miss Nelson unexpectedly does not come to school one day, the class gets the strictest substitute they have ever met: Miss Viola Swamp! The search is on for Miss Nelson, who seems to have vanished. Hopefully the students of Room 207 will find her before it's too late – for them! A Theatreworks USA production. Ages 4+.”
Tickets cost $15 and often sell out, so be sure to buy them ASAP if you’re interested!
Bruce Museum
The Bruce Museum is an incredible place located so close to Rye Brook and has a fun activity today, Friday, from 2:30-2:45 pm!
Marine Tank Animal Feeding –Watch and learn as the Bruce Museum presents a short talk and feeds their live fish, crabs, molluscs and other marine animals from Long Island Sound.
Sunday Bird Walk at Greenwich Point- On Sunday, May 10th from 9-11:30 don’t miss this free program (beach card required for park entry.) “Meet near the main concession stand by the flagpole for a leisurely walk around the Point to view birds in their habitats. Information: 203-413-6756. See Town of Greenwich website for Beach Pass information.”
Rye Nature Center
On Saturday, May 9th at 9:30am why not head out on a “Wildflower Walk- The Rye Nature Center woods and native gardens are home to some beautiful wildflowers such a Duchman's Breeches, trillium, Trout Lily, and many others. Join a nature center naturalist on this tour of the fascinating lives of these forest jewels.”
West Side Story at Westchester Broadway Theatre
From now until July 5, 2015, West Side story comes to the Westchester Broadway Theatre. This could definitely be one of the greatest musicals ever made with fabulous music, lyrics and choreography, as well as a plot that’s relevant today!
“A modern version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet set on the mean streets of New York during the turbulent fifties. Caught between two warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, Tony and Maria attempt to create a life together. This brilliant collaboration by Broadway greats Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim combines music, lyrics and dance into a timeless tribute to young love. "Something's Coming", "Maria", "America", "Somewhere", "Tonight", "I Feel Pretty.”
For tickets and showtime information, click here.
Family Second Saturdays at Neuberger Museum
On Saturday, May 9th, from 1-4pm, don’t miss this fun art experience the whole family can enjoy. This month’s theme is “Plastic is Art!”
“Can you imagine a world without plastic? Consider how artists used plastics in the mid-twentieth century, when it was a brand-new material. We’ll look at the work of Robert Rauschenberg and experiment with plastic art works of our own.
Hands –On Workshops for kids tots to ten, accompanied by an adult
For more information about Family Second Saturdays and other education programs, call 914.251.6110.
Free admission for all program participants.”
Michael’s
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 is creating a ”Birthday Hat”. 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.
Crafts at Lakeshore
Lakeshore will also be holding a fun, free crafting workshop this Saturday from 11-3pm. Their project this week is creating a “Garden Blossoms Photo Frame”! It will be so much fun!! Click here to learn more.
Westchester Youth Symphonic Band at Tarrytown Music Hall
On Saturay at 10:30 the “Westchester Youth Symphonic Band, founded and directed by Matthew Kowalski, will be performing their debut performance at the Tarrytown Music Hall on Saturday, May 9th. Based on teacher recommendations, this band includes some of the most dedicated and talented high school students from all over Westchester County. Opening the concert will be the Valhalla High School Wind Ensemble directed by Anthony Maceli.” Tickets are $10 and can be purchased 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!
This Friday the museum will be hosting a Storybook Pajama Party based on the book “If you give a pig a pancake.” Tickets for this event usually sell out so snag your spot before it’s too late!!
Also at Stepping Stones, the My Sky, experience will be on until Memorial Day!
“Come look up, explore the Sun, the Moon and the Stars and be inspired by the wonder of it all in the new exhibit My Sky! Get your hands on an enormous 5-foot wide model of the Moon. Explore close-up images of what the Sun looked like on your birthday last year. Invent your own new constellations and get to know YOUR sky like never before.
Families are given the chance to practice science skills such as observing, communicating, noticing patterns, predicting, imagining and more — skills that are fundamental to astronomy, scientists and engineers and are used every day.
- Touch craters, mountains and valleys on a giant Moon.
- Sit by a campfire and watch the stars race across the sky.
- Observe beautiful solar events like flares, eclipses and even solar tornadoes.
- Learn about what causes the phases of the Moon.
Meet scientists, artists and other people who are inspired by the sky.”
Clay Arts Center
Every Saturday from 2-4, kids and adults, ages 5-99, can express their creativity in this fun clay workshop! “Tickets go on sale at the front desk 30 minutes prior to each session. One-time class for adults, children and families interested in experimenting with clay for the first time.”
Click here to learn more and/or to register.
Stamford Nature Center
The Stamford Nature Center is a fabulous destination just up the Merritt!
Don’t miss out on Wild! Saturdays (an up close look at the animals on Saturdays from 12:30-3) from now until May 23rd!
And Sunday head to the SNC for Sunday Explorers… This is an excellent opportunity to “explore the farm, help to feed some animals, meet some animals up close, and create some great self-guided crafts.”
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Additionally, the Dinotopia art exhibit is open and runs until May 25th. |
Maritime Aquarium
Everyone’s favorite, the Meerkats are back at the aquarium! “The exhibit features six sibling meerkats – three males, three females – born in the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their Maritime Aquarium habitat offers windows into their underground burrows, so all meerkat activity is within view. A viewing bubble even lets young visitors stand up right among the meerkats.”
Click here to learn more about Maritime.
Weekends at Stone Barns Center
Weekends at Stone Barns Center are wonderful! Experience what's happening on the farm, meet the farmers and greet the season. On a Saturday or Sunday visit Stone Barns to participate in a variety of seasonal, hands-on activities and even better, now drop-in tours are included with your one-day admission ticket!
Prices are as follows; adult (ages 16+) $20, youth (ages 2-15) $10. Children under 2 & members: FREE. Click here to become a member and learn more! Or here to purchase tickets
Greenburgh Nature Center
The GNC always has a fun array of activities for families to enjoy each weekend!
Start off the weekend on Saturday, May 9th at 11:30am with “Teaching Trails- A Guided Trail Experience through our woodland forest. Discover who left that track, which tree makes the best animal home, or who uses that fallen tree for protection. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE!”
Also on Saturday, at 1pm, don’t miss the “International Migratory Bird Day Celebration-Come join our naturalist to learn about Birds of Prey and get to know some of our local migrants. Did you know the Arctic Tern’s annual migration route covers over 25,000 miles? Try that for your commute! Members $5/person, Non-Members $8/person.”
And on Sunday at 11:30, another installment of “Teaching Trails” will take place.
Finally, on Sunday at 1pm check out “Animal Moms- We love moms, even the furry and four-legged ones! Join us to celebrate all moms on this special day. Visit with and learn about some of our animal moms and complete a Mother’s Day inspired craft. Members $5/person, Non-Members $8/person”
Hudson River Museum
The Hudson River Museum, in Yonkers, boasts an amazing Planetarium, six galleries, and mansion!
In addition, this weekend HRM has Art Projects on Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm for the kids to participate in and Science Projects on Saturday from 1-4pm. For more info, click here.
Click here to learn more.
Muscoot Farm
Muscoot farm has a few fun educational activities in store for us this weekend!
On Saturday, May 9th from 8:30-10am, don’t miss Wildlife Tracking- A great opportunity to ”figure out where animal dens are, what food supplies they are seeking, and hone your skills as a tracker. Meet in the parking lot.”
Also on Saturday, from 12-4, you’ll want to visit the Art Show in the main house, put on by the Westchester Water Color Group.
At night on Saturday, from 7-9pm, check out “Saturday Night Sounds- Take a walk outside and listen to your surroundings at night. Learn how naturalists use these noises to learn more about the environment. Wear sturdy clothes and bring a small flashlight. Meet in the activity building.”
Finally, on Sunday May 10th, from 12-3pm, come to Muscoot to see the Sheep Shearing event! “It's that time of the year again. Visit the farm today to see the sheep get their annual haircuts. Also a Farmers Market will be going on from 10-3.”
Apple Blossom Celebration at Harvest Moon
Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to be outside enjoying nature and the warm sun. The 3rd annual Apple Blossom Celebration will take place at Harvest Moon this Saturday and Sunday from 10-4! There will be hayrides available for $5/pp or you can walk around and check out the beautiful blooming trees!
Bicycle Sunday on The Bronx River Parkway
A great way to get outside, get exercise and enjoy time with family and friends, Bicycle Sundays has started already! This Sunday, May 10th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m, “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. Parking is available at the County Center lot in White Plains for a fee of $7.
Remaining Bicycle Sundays in May:
May 3, 10, 17 & 31”
Movies
While the weather outside is beautiful, sometimes you just need to head indoors to a dark, quiet place and just veg out! New this weekend to the big screen, “The Avengers: Age of Ultron,” from Walt Disney. Not sure how appropriate it is for the littlest superhero fans though, as it has a PG-13 rating. It’s out in 3D, Imax 3D and regular format. Still pretty new to the big screen, Disney’s ”Monkey Kingdom” rated G! While this is a documentary, and not an animated movie like many kids are used to, it looks adorable and I can’t wait to take my kids! Also still out, “Home.” My kids and I LOVED this movie! This animated, science fiction movie with voices we will all recognize, is absolutely adorable! I love the take-home message, to “understand that being different and making mistakes is all part of being human.” In 3-D and regular format. Also out, but probably not for too much longer, Disney’s magical movie Cinderella, rated PG!
Check out showtimes here!
Other good weekend ideas include baseball games!! Check out the Met's and Yankee's schedules!
Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?
The NY Botanical Gardens are beautiful destination right now, and always! This weekend they will be hosting a "Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party" from 10-6 Saturday and Sunday May 9th and 10th. There will be live music, games, picnicking, kids can make cards for mom, do chalk drawings or watch a bubble show. For tickets and more info click here.
And Bowlmor bowling alley is now open in White Plains!
The beaches in Rye and Greenwich are a close, easy option that the whole family will love!
Finally, our Blind Brook students are always participating in fundraisers. This weekend the Cancer Kickers and Purple Thunder will be holding a super tag sale at the intersection of Fairlawn and Country Ridge Drive from 12-4 on Saturday! So come out and support these amazing kids in their quest to raise money for Relay for Life to eradicate Cancer!
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