After this weekend, there's only one more weekend left in August. How is that possible? This Summer flew by and was absolutely spectacular as far as weather goes. No hot spells, not too much rain...praying that it lasts and we don't get screwed with a nightmarish winter again. Although, I kinda think we earned an enjoyable summer after last year's horrendous winter full of snow and freezing temps! This weekend many of you will be heading out of town now that camp's over. Enjoy your time away, wherever it may be, but if you're staying put this weekend, we have lots of fun activities for the whole family! Since everyone, or almost everyone seems to be done with camp, I've included activities during the day today too, so let's begin...
Fireworks at Playland
If you're looking for something fun to do tonight, why not check out the fireworks display at Playland? They are every Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 in August- so catch them before it's too late! For more information click here!
Music in the Park
Not Pine Ridge Park this time...but if you're in the mood to "enjoy a variety of music from popular standards to "unplugged" rock to jazz and contemporary" then you will want to head to the outdoor Music in the Park series at Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial in Katonah. Tonight is the final show and features the syncopated jazz rhythms of Jon Doty and Friends. The music starts at 6:30 p.m. each night.
Admission is $5. Friends of Lasdon members admitted free with membership card. Cash or check accepted at the door. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. There is limited number of patio tables and chairs available for seating on a first-come-first-served basis. You can also bring a blanket or lawn chair.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. Check lasdonpark.org for updates or call (914) 864-7268.
Beverages, hot dogs, hot pretzels, ice cream and other snacks will be available for purchase throughout the evening. No pets allowed. The programs are sponsored by Friends of Lasdon and Heineken USA. Click here for more info.
Westchester Children's Museum
They're open today and this weekend! Your kids can explore their creativity before the museum opens its doors!! Come on by and check out the KEVA planks and Build Your Own Rollercoaster exhibits Friday 10-3 and Saturay and Sunday 12 to 3. This is part of the "Let's Build" Summer Exhibits. For more info click here!
Summer Fun Science Club with Westchester Children's Museum
Westchester Children's Museum/ Museum Without Walls will be hosting their Summer Fun Science Club at the Rye Library every Friday from 3:30-5:30pm. Pre-registration is required. You can sign up in the Children's Room or call 914-231-3162. The focus for grades K - 2 is Archaeology (Digging for Clues) and for grades 3 - 5 - An EGG-citing Challenge (students design, test and re-test their ability to protect a falling egg from breaking). Click here to learn more
Greenburgh Nature Center
Lots of fun activities at the nearby Greenburgh Nature Center.
On Saturday, August 23rd at 2PM MEET THE ANIMALS ― A naturalist presents an informative program that allows you to get up close and hands-on with some of the Nature Center's live animals! What wild fun will you have today? FREE for members, Non-members $8
On Sunday, August 24th at 11:30AM TEACHING TRAILS: A COMMUNITY PATH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (with generous support from Con Edison) - Guided Trail Experience through the woodland forest. Discover who left that track, which tree makes the best animal home, or which mushrooms make the best dinner. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE!
For more information click here!
Marvel Comics come to Life
If you're family is anything like mine, there's a slight superhero obsession going on! Well lucky for you, or the kids, the Marvel Comics will be brought to life at the in Long Island at Nassau Coliseum this weekend. This is an original live action arena tour featuring your child's favorite super heroes and villains. For more information and to get tickets, visit http://www.marveluniverselive.com
Stamford Nature Center
A little further north, the Stamford Nature Center is a hidden gem with a fun playground and all sorts of fun activities going on this Sunday!
-Animal Meet and Greet Sundays, June 22 - August 31, 3:30 pm
Stop by for a chance to meet one of our Overbrook Nature Center or Heckscher Farm animals up close! From goats to guinea pigs and lambs to leopard geckos, see which animals call the SM&NC home. Great for all ages! Program is approximately 15-20 minutes and will meet at the Outdoor Classroom by the Otter Pond. In inclement weather, meet at Overbrook Nature Center.
-Farmer's Market
The Farm Market will be located conveniently on the Meadow. New and additional vendors will offer a wider variety of fresh, local items. The Market will also feature a different food truck each week so you can enjoy lunch at one of our picnic tables by the Bendel Pond. We'll be selling our very own products from Heckscher Farm — fresh eggs, maple syrup and yarn. Each Sunday, activities for families will be led by one of our environmental educators.
-Market Madness Sundays- Sundays, June 22 - August 31, 10 am - 2 pm (no program 8/10)
Support local farmers and explore the SM&NC through hands-on activities and crafts! The Sunday Farm Market opens for the season on June 15 and will be the center of the Summer Sunday programs! Come for a self-guided craft on the Meadow, oxen demonstrations, and lunch with Bert & Edie, North American River Otters, each week.
At 11:30 am, "Follow Your Food" by learning where some of your favorite foods come from through live animal visits, cooking experiences, and take home plantings. Get an SM&NC Farm Journal and discover the "Mystery Food of the Week" by learning each week about an ingredient featured at the market. Get a stamp in your journal and use multi-stamped journals to win a prize. All programs will meet on the Meadow. Craft and oxen demo are weather permitting. Follow your Food will meet in Overbrook Nature Center in case of inclement weather. Otter feeding is rain or shine.
For information on any of the above programs click here!
Westmoreland Sanctuary
Tonight there's a fun activity going on for the nature lover- Night Hike / 7:30pm
"What happens at Westmoreland Sanctuary when the sun goes down? Plenty of the wildlife here like to come out only when the sun is gone. Join Westmoreland Sanctuary staff for a hike through the night woods. Discover what makes our nocturnal creatures so well suited for nighttime wanderings. Feel free to bring a flashlight, but we will be covering them with red paper to preserve our night eyes. $5 per person for non-members and free for members. Ages 6 and up recommended."
-August 23rd - Underneath Betchel Lake / 1:00pm
"There is a whole world underneath the surface of Betchel Lake. What creatures call this home? What do they do under all that water? Join Westmoreland Sanctuary as we sample the waters of our lake and see what creatures live in the underwater world. Discover how they survive in an environment without air. Be prepared to get wet and muddy! $5 per person for non-members and free for members."
-August 24th - Wildlife Management Area Hike / 3:00pm
"On rare occasions Westmoreland Staff will guide interested visitors in the Wildlife Management Area. This special gem on the property is unique in many ways. Late summer usually provides us with glimpses of snakes, field flowers, dragonflies, and rare stand of mountain laurel that has survived the deer browsing. Participants should wear long pants and bring binoculars. $5 for non-members."
RSVP by Friday August 22nd.
For any of the above programs or to simply learn more about Westmoreland, click here!
Stepping Stones
This children's museum located in Norwalk, CT is every child's dream! And its only 20 minutes from Rye Brook! There's a lot of fun stuff going on this weekend, starting today!
Science Lab-Friday-11:00AM - 12:00PM- Open-ended science activities to explore things like bubbles, microbes, gardening and more. Free with museum admission.-
Boogie, Bop, Skip and Hop- Friday, 1:30 - 2:00PM- It's time to groove! Simple dance steps and a wide variety of music will have children and caregivers bopping and hopping. Unlimited participation. All ages.
Mutt-i-grees- On Saturday, August 23 from 10:45 - 11:15AM, your child can enjoy a special canine story-time and discussion followed by a visit from a shelter dog. Shelter dogs courtesy of P.A.W.S. Free with museum admission. For children ages 4 and older. Children under 4 can meet the visiting dog at 11:05.
ART of Fairy Tales- Sunday,1:30 - 2:30PM- The Magic of This World, a Chilean Folk Tale. Listen to a classic fairy tale and re-create your favorite scene through a special art project. Limited to 12 participants on a first come, first served basis. Free with museum admission, but you must pick up tickets at the Welcome Desk. For children ages 5 and older.
**Stories are subject to change**.
For more information on any of the above programs, click here.
Wizard of Oz
We're off to see the Wizard...the wonderful wizard of Oz! Don't miss out on seeing this timeless show at the Westchester Broadway Theatre now through September 21st. Many showtimes including late morning and early evening. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Hudson River Museum
On Saturday and Sunday don't miss Family Arts and Science Projects at the museum
Art- August 23 & 24, 1-4pm Stars and Moons on a String -Make celestial shapes from yarn décor, buttons, sequins, beads, and mirrors.
Science-Saturday Aug 23 1-4. Exoplanets -Discover planet worlds outside our solar system.
Before you leave, be sure to check out the museum and the all new state of the art planetarium. For more information on any of the above programs click here.
New York Renaissance Fair
On Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day from Aug 2- Sept 21 from 10am-7pm, Travel back in time. The Faire takes you through Elizabethan England, set within the Majestic Groves of the Sterling Forest. You can even dress up or buy clothing appropriate for the Elizabethan period while you're there! There will be games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music and performances! And a there will even be a Joust Tournament. Click here to learn much much more! Rain or shine.
Stones Barn Center
-Egg Collecting
At Stone Barns, and for the younger clientele (ages 4 & up), "Step into the shoes of a farmer and pitch in with the all-important job of collecting eggs. Head out to the egg-mobiles (mobile hen houses), learn how our hens enjoy pasture-based lives and take home a half-dozen farm-fresh eggs.
Important: All participants must wear closed-toed shoes and long pants for this program. Youth must be accompanied by at least one ticketed adult, and all people attending the program must buy a ticket. Each family or group takes home a half-dozen eggs."
There are two times available on Saturday and one Sunday. Tickets for this do sell out so be sure to get your tickets in advance. Saturday, Aug 23 from 11-11:45 or 12-12:45 and Aug 24 from 11-11:45. Prices are as follows: Member adult $10.80, adult $12.00, member youth $10.80, youth $12.00.
Click here to buy tickets or learn more.
-Farm Tour
On Saturday August 23 (12:30-1:15 and 1:30-2:15) and Sunday August 24, from 12:30-1:15, you can join in on a family-friendly tour for ages 4 and up. Explore the farm and some of their favorite seasonal highlights. Join them for a walk around the farm to take a closer look at the animals that they're raising and the vegetables that they're growing!
Please note that all youth must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Ticket prices are as follows: member adult $9.00, adult $10.00, member youth $9.00, youth $10.00.
Note- this does sell out so be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time!
Crafts at Lakeshore
A super fun and super cool FREE craft event from 11-3 this Saturday to help get your kids ready for school!! Create a Super Fun, "Silly Face Magnetic Note Holder." Click here to learn more!
Michael's Crafts
Michaels will also be holding a super fun kids crafting experience for the little ones on Saturday. Let your child's creativity bloom while they create a "Back to School Chalkboard Wood Plaque". Start the school year off with a touch of class. Join Michael's on Saturday, August 23, from 10am to noon, for their Back to School Chalkboard Wood Plaque Event. Just $2 per 30-minute session - includes supplies. Click here to book a class!
Muscoot Farm
A really cute and fun activity will take place on Sunday, August 24th at Muscoot Farms in Katonah, NY. From 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. come on a Fairy Walk! Wear your fairy outfit and search the woods for these winged whimsies. Click here to learn more!!
Sals Pizzeria- Block Party
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the famed Sal's Pizzeria in the Village of Mamaroneck! To commemorate the event, there will be a block party celebration on Sunday, August 24th at 1pm. The party will take place on Mamaroneck Avenue from the Spencer Avenue intersection to the Palmer Avenue intersection. There will be food, music and so much more so come on out and celebrate one of the Village's most famous and yummiest places, Sal's Pizzeria!!
Pirate School at the Pool
Saxon Woods Pool, will be holding a super fun Pirate School on Sunday, Aug. 24 from 2-4! Children and their families will find out how to stand, talk, laugh and sing like a pirate, and then join in a hunt for secret treasure. Click here for more info!
Maritime Aquarium
At the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, the Lorakeets have arrived! And this is their last weekend here! "Step into a lush aviary to share a laugh, a squawk and maybe a cup of nectar with beautiful tropical birds that will sip food right out of your hands in "Lorikeets," our big fun special summer exhibit. Set in an aviary on our riverfront courtyard, the exhibit will feature more than 50 free-flying lorikeets, which are colorful medium-sized parrots native to the south Pacific. Entry into "Lorikeets" will be free with Aquarium admission. But purchase a $3 cup of nectar and the lorikeets may land on your hand, your shoulder, your arm or even your head to get at this sweet liquid. (For anyone with an aversion to close encounters with birds, viewing of the lorikeets will be possible from outside the aviary.) They also have their Jiggle a Jellyfish exhibit up and there is an International Children's Art Exhibit to explore. For more info click here.
Bruce Museums Extreme Habitats: Into the Deep Sea
From now until November 9th, you can check out this incredible exhibit! Explore the vast and extraordinary deep sea, the last frontier on this planet.
• Discover the extremophiles that form the foundation of a hydrothermal vent
• Witness the bizarre appearances and adaptations of deep-sea species
• Learn about the technology that makes deep-sea explorations possible
• Feel like you are in a deep-sea submersible as you look through view ports
To learn more click here
Bronx Zoo
Sometime we forget that the Bronx Zoo is only about 20 minutes from Rye Brook. The Children's Zoo is currently closed for renovations but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go! The zoo has so much to offer and this weekend it has even more for the kids!
-Dinosaur Safari
They're bigger and bad-der than ever – Dinosaur Safari is roaring back to the Bronx. A few fan favorites from last year are making a second appearance, but most of the dinos hissing and snarling along the trail will be newcomers. Find out how scientists investigate the secret lives of ancient animals as you travel back in time this spring. Special weekend events are listed on our Dino events calendar.
-The Children's Museum of the Arts Presents The Art of the Wild Zoo Field Guide
Workshop August 22
Crafts Activity August 23-24
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Ages: 5 and over
Join the Children's Museum of the arts for a hands-on art making workshop inspired by the day's adventures at the Zoo. Young Artists will work with a CMA Teaching Artist to create a field guide for their favorite animals throughout the Zoo.
-Sing along with the Musical Munchkins as children learn how to keep a beat, share, and listen!
When: August 23rd & 24th
Where: Terrace Café
Time: 11:30am, 1:30pm and 2:30pm
Click here to learn more about the zoo or the programs listed above!
**Remember there are nearby beaches in Rye and Greenwich to enjoy. Playland is always a good bet for fun rides and entertainment!
Email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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
