Welcome to the three day weekend! Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend is here. As with many holidays, many of us, myself included, focus on the fact that we/the kids have a day off rather than the reason why we have the day off. On this holiday, especially in this day and time, I think it’s a good reminder to recall what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for and what his message was all about. Acceptance, Equality, and Tolerance. We are all the same inside, regardless of religion, skin color, visible and invisible disabilities, sexual orientation and beliefs. His message is timeless and one that needs to continually be taught to both adults and children alike. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend spent with family and friends. As Ellen DeGeneres says at the end of every show, “Be Kind to One Another.”
Blind Brook Homecoming
Kick off the weekend right here in Rye Brook with Blind Brook’s Homecoming games TONIGHT!
Varsity Girls: Carmel vs. Blind Brook @ 6:00pm
Varsity Boys: Palisade Prep vs. Blind Brook @ 8:00pm
There will be an admission fee to both games of $1 for students, and $3 for adults with proceeds going towards the James F. Spano Scholarship Fund. So come on out to support our amazing athletes, coaches and school and show off your school spirit!!
Volunteer New York Community Service Day
This weekend, take a moment to give back and participate in this community wide day of service all weekend long!
“The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community. There are Family-Friendly Opportunities available to families who wish to volunteer together during Days of Service. This is an easy way to volunteer as a family/group and impart lessons about the importance of giving back and volunteering at an early age. The minimum age for youth who volunteer with their family or guardian typically may range from 4 -16.” Click here for more information.
Rye Library
On Saturday, from 11-12, check out Bilingual Birdies Family Storytime. “SHAKE OFF THOSE WINTER BLUES! Come by for a blast of culture, music, and stories in Spanish. Have fun learning songs and rhymes en espanol. Entertaining for all members of the family."
Also happening on Saturday from 2:30-4:30, Ballet is Not Pink. “Bring the family for this unique and special presentation: A presentation by director and choreographer Carole Alexis and performance by Ballet des Amériques. Ballet - or dance training in general - is a life of sacrifice. Sacrifice is a gift or an offering to what we hold in highest esteem. In a universal language without need for words, ballet offers a vision that is aesthetically, emotionally and intellectually engaging and socially relevant. Now more than ever, the universal language of ballet is able to move and to challenge us as human beings regardless of our particular cultural, social or political affiliations if we but let go of the monochromatic “pink” stereotype and allow this artform to shine in a kaleidoscopic vision of glorious color.
This presentation outlines and illustrates the pedagogical and aesthetic principles that guide me in directing the rigorous training, the artistic creations and public performances at Ballet des Amériques.”
Click here to learn more.
A couple of fun events are happening at the library in Larchmont this weekend too:
Library Lab: Balloon-Powered Car Challenge!
On Friday, January 15th from 3:30-4:30pm, kids ages 8-11 can “Design, Build, & Race your own balloon powered car. Do your invention have what it takes to be the fastest? Online registration required. To register online, CLICK HERE”
Reader’s Theater: The Story of Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
On Saturday, January 16th from 2:30-3:30pm, kids ages 7 to 9 can come listen to the Native American tale of how the persistent inch worm, a little creature, did what the other, larger animals could not do, and saved a mother bear and her cubs. We will have fun picking our favorite parts of the story, creating dialogue for the characters, and then acting out our dialogues for each other! Online registration required To register online, CLICK HERE.”
On Sunday, January 17th from 3-3:30pm, check out a super fun music class the kids are sure to love! “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!”
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! 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 2:30-245pm stop by and check out the Marine Tank Animal Feeding
On Monday, Martin Luther King Day, from 10-4, stop by for fun, family activities for all ages and performances by Bright Star Theatre Company. Performances and activities are free with Museum admission and no registration is required. However, limited space Is available. Free tickets for each performance will be available upon entry on January 18. Museum doors open at 10 am, please get a ticket for each person when you arrive. Seating for the performance begins 10 minutes before each show.
11:00 am George Washington Carver and Friends (best for ages 3-8)
1:00 pm Struggle for Freedom: The Life of Dr. King (best for ages 8 and up).”
Westchester Broadway Theatre Presents Showboat
January 2nd through 31st Showboat is on stage at the Westchester Broadway Theatre. This musical features music by Jerome Kern with Book and Lyrics written by Oscar Hammerstein II. “Show Boat follows the lives, loves, and losses of a troupe of riverboat performers on the mighty Mississippi, while illuminating the racial and social changes that were shaping the country in 1890-1927. Its timeless score contains some of the most beautiful and emotionally charged songs ever written for a musical, including "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" and "Make Believe”.”
Buy Tickets online.
On Saturday at 11am why not check out the Barnes & Noble children’s storytime event featuring the book “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” by James Dean. There are Barnes and Noble locations in White Plains (city center), Stamford Mall 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 Sunday at 2PM become a Nature Spy! “Put your skills to use as we discover the different signs that animals leave behind. Learn the basics of animal tracking and explore animal tracks, pelts, bones and teeth. Along the way, try to figure out which wild animals visit our trails! Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person.”
And on Mon, Jan 18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, School’s Out, so why not head out on a Winter Nature Walk at 11am! “Bring your gloves and scarves as we head outside to roam our forest trails. Join our naturalists on an easy stroll as they point out and discuss winter wildlife. Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person.”
And at 2pm, come “Meet the Animals- Join us for a fun and informative program that allows you to get up close and hands-on with some of the Nature Center’s live animals. Concludes with feeding birds of prey. Members $5/person, Non-members $8/person.”
On Saturday at 9:30am, Westmoreland will be holding their program, “Breakfast with the Birds – Project Feeder Watch, the latest installment of this long running popular program. Come in out of the cold into the warm Nature Center. Enjoy the birds at the feeders and some refreshments. Staff will be on hand to help identify birds, record data for citizen science Project Feeder Watch, and help you with any questions you have on feeding birds at your home. All ages welcome. Binoculars helpful. Members free. $5/Nonmembers.”
And on Sunday at 1pm, learn all about Winter Tracking. “One of the easiest ways to know what is going on in the woods and your neighborhood is to take advantage of the tracks left in snow. Join the Director of Conservation and Wildlife Management as he makes it easy to learn the way to tell a rabbit track from a squirrel, and a coyote from a dog. Participants will also get the opportunity to make a plaster cast of one the local animal’s tracks. Ages 6 and older. $1/Member. $6/Nonmembers.”
Westmoreland is located at 260 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Mt Kisco, NY.
Garcia’s Rock & Roll for Kids
Most Saturdays, Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester hosts a fun concert for the kids. Doors open at 2:30 and the show starts at 3pm. Tickets are $15 and the show is appropriate for ages 10 and under. For the full workshop schedule visit therockandrollplayhouse.com
This week Garcia’s features, “Kids Gone Phishing w/ special guest Uncle Ebenezer.”
Baseball Card Show at The Westchester County Center
January 15th-17th, don’t miss “The Winter Extravaganza” Baseball Card Show at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. 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 2-8, Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 10-4. To learn more, call 914-995-4050 or visit www. NYShows.org.
Pleasantville Farmer’s Market
The Pleasantville Farmer’s Market has moved inside for the winter from December 5 -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+.
On Saturday from 11:30-1pm 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.”
Stepping Stones will be open Monday, Martin Luther King Day. From 11-12 they will be screening Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech on the big screen. Kids will then have a chance to “create your own dream mobile listing your hopes for yourself, your family, your school, your community, and your world. Don’t forget to dream big!”
There is always SO much going on at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT.
From January 16-24th, you can visit the Giant Walk-In Whale! You can stand beside and inside a life size humpback in the "Giant Walk-In Whale Exhibit, part of the special fun as we Celebrate Whales Jan. 16-24.
During this special week, we welcome a life-sized 45-foot inflatable model of Salt in our central Newman’s Own Hall. Stand against it to experience just how big whales are. Take a selfie with it! And even play Jonah and go inside the whale to see the enormous scale of a whale's heart, lungs and stomachs. (Yes, stomachs, plural.)
Also during Celebrate Whales week, bonus stations will let guests touch real baleen, experience first-hand how blubber keeps whales warm, and more.
NOAA Exhibits The exhibit – and the visit by the inflatable version of Salt the whale – both are free with admission to The Maritime Aquarium. They were created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, with funding from NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.”
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.”
Now on display, check out the 14th annual "Festival of Lighthouses Contest." This display “showcases 23 large model lighthouses, built by local artists, families, individuals and students, from Nov. 21 - Jan. 18.”
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.”
Also on Saturdays from 1-4pm, kids can participate in fun and educational Science Projects!
And Saturday and Sundays from 1-4, kids can do a fun art project too- creating a Dancer in A Box- “Paint a dance scene in a box and mold a dancer from pipe cleaners and art materials. Ages 7+, can be adapted for younger children.”
There are planetarium shows Saturdays and Sundays that the whole family can enjoy!
Check out One World, One Sky at 12:30 on Saturday and Sunday. “On a trip from Sesame Street to the moon, Big Bird and Elmo with friend Hu Hu Zhu discover that planets are different from one another but people on Earth are often the same - they love to fly kites! Children can’t fly a kite on the moon because there is no wind but on Earth they can! More learning, too, about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the sun, and the moon.”
At 2pm, “The Sky Tonight, holiday edition, 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 We Are Aliens-“ We Are Aliens! Earth. It’s now a small world. The human race is connected better and faster than ever before but what about elsewhere? Could we one day be part of a galactic community sharing our knowledge and ideas? Or is Earth the only planet with life? We Are Aliens! is a new 360° digital planetarium show narrated by Rupert Grint (from Harry Potter films) that takes you on an epic ride in the hunt for the evidence of alien life. Ages 8+, 25 minutes + Q & A.”
To learn more, click here.
Saturday from 10am-12pm, kids can create Snowman Mobile 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 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 “Wacky Scientist Headband.” Click here to learn more.
On Saturday, January 16th from 8:30-10am, join Muscoot for “Animal Tracking- Muscoot has more than just farm animals. Come on a hike and look for signs of the other animals that call Muscoot home.”
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.
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.
Stone Barns Farm
This may be the perfect weekend to 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. Norm of the North hits the big screen this weekend. It looks adorable! Star Wars is still going strong at the box office! Will you go see it, maybe for the second time? Alvin in the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is also in theaters!
Ice skating? Nearby rinks include Playland Ice Casino, Hommocks in Larchmont, and Dorothy Hammil in Greenwich
Or maybe the Bronx Zoo?
The NY Botanical Gardens are also a beautiful nearby destination and the HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW® ends this weekend, JAN. 18 2016, so if you haven’t seen it, this is your last chance until next time!
“Enchanting model trains zip through a display of 150 landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center—surprising at every turn—on nearly a half-mile of track. This year’s exhibition features 3,000 square feet of additional exhibition space, making room for dozens of new trains, bridges, and tracks; a captivating short film of the show's behind-the-scenes magic; and a stunning multisensory finale of light and sound.
Explore a winter wonderland across our 250 acres with special tours, musical performances, and activities for kids, plus take care of your gift list at NYBG Shop and stop for a bite at one of our exciting new dining venues. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind holiday outing!”
Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.
Fenom Fitness in Harrison is offering a super fun camp for kids off from school on Monday, Martin Luther King day. Sign up here! In addition, they are offering an adult fitness class on Monday AM and PM called "Dirty 30" a high intensity class, alternating between the spin room and studio for cardio and dynamic motion strength training to awaken and tone those muscles! It looks awesome and is a great way to stay on track with those New Year's resolutions! Mention HamletHub and save 10%! Be sure to sign up in advance!
The Playgroup Theater in White Plains has The Little Mermaid on stage until January 24th.
Disney on Ice, Treasure Trove is performing at The Prudential Center until Jan 18th.
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 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