HEADLINES

Weekend Guide for October 3-5

 

Ok, so its officially Fall now.  October has crept up on us way too quickly.  That being said, I love Fall and all that it brings, from apple picking to the leaves changing gorgeous colors, to Halloween and my favorite holiday of all Thanksgiving, which will be here before we know it! Yom Kippur (the day of atonement) starts at sundown tonight and for those of you observing, I wish you an easy fast.  Whether you are spending part of your weekend in temple or not, Rye Brook HamletHub has found lots of fun activities to enjoy with friends and family...enjoy!

Home Depot Kids Workshop-

This Saturday from 9-12 at the Home Depot, since it’s the first Saturday of the month, it’s time for the free hands-on Kids Workshop and this week’s super fun activity is learning How to Build an EMS Truck for Fire Safety Month.  This activity is appropriate for ages 5-12.  All kid get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.  Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.  Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis. Please do not arrive before 9:00 a.m.  Home Depot prefers people to register online to help them better plan their craft kit quantities needed.

Sam Bridge Nursery Fall Activities

Scarecrow Building- Join Sam Bridge Nursery in Greenwich for their 15th Annual Build-A-Scarecrow Workshop! Anytime between 10am & 2pm Oct. 4th, 11th, 13th, 18th & 25th. $35 per scarecrow.  You bring a long sleeve shirt, long pants and any accessories you may want to add. They provide the frame, head, hair, face pieces, stuffing and place to make a mess.  Get creative!! After each workshop, a winner will be chosen. The winners from each workshop will be entered to win a grand prize at the end of the month. So fun!!!

*Reservations are required as spaces are limited. Please call (203) 869-3418 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up.

Hayrides-The nursery will also be offering FREE Hayrides to their Pumpkin Patch! From Now until October 31st. Fridays 2pm - 4pm, Saturdays 10am - 4pm & Columbus Day 10am - 4pm

Pumpkin Painting- Oct. 4th, 11th, 13th, 18th & 25th. Anytime between 10am & 2pm. $8/pumpkin

All ages welcome, fun for the whole family!  For more info on any of the above, click here

TD Bank Opening Celebration

The speculation over what is going to occupy the former space that was the Mobil Gas station for many years comes to an end with the opening of TD Bank on the corner of Ridge Street and Bowman Avenue, opposite the Rye Ridge Shopping Center.  And on Saturday October 4th, from 10-2pm, join them for their grand opening celebration with the chance to win prizes and more!

Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

This phenomenal sight that you won’t believe until you see it for your own eyes, begins this weekend!-Starts Oct 4 and 5th and runs for 28 nights…so get your tickets ASAP as it does sell out!  “See more than 5,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated jack o' lanterns in this elaborate walkthrough experience. Meander through an historic, 18th-century riverside landscape and discover a breathtaking display — all made of jack o' lanterns!  Oooh and ahh at intricate pumpkin portraits of characters from Washington Irving’s famous tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  Tumbling acrobats and circus characters will put a smile on your face, and a special 10th anniversary pumpkin cake will whet your appetite for…more pumpkins!

Witness the incredible sight of gourd-filled Jack-in-the-Boxes springing up and bouncing around. See slithering ground snakes, a giant spider web, and go gaga over a collection of shrunken Little Monsters. Gaze in amazement at a working doomsday grandfather clock.

A giant sea serpent adds some hiss to the Undersea Aquarium while comical, squash-eating Venus pumpkin traps sprout in the garden. Blaze's perennially popular Jurassic Park includes a triceratops, a pterodactyl, a brontosaurus, and a T-Rex!

Come gawk at more jack o'lanterns than ever before. Tens of thousands of visitors experienced last year’s Blaze®, which was sold out EVERY NIGHT! Complete with sound effects, elaborate synchronized lighting and the second volume of an all-original soundtrack by recording artist Richard Christy, this not-to-be-missed spectacle is the area’s most innovative Halloween happening.”

Recommended for all ages.  Tickets cost: Adults, $20; Children 3-17, $16  (Saturdays $25, $20) 
FREE for children under 3 +.  To buy tickets or learn more, click here.

Honey Weekend at Wave Hill

Oct 4 & 5 from 10-1-Join Wave Hill for their super fun honey weekend. 

First up,  for this Family Art Project classic, outfit yourself with wings, antennae, a pollen cup and a kazoo to hum with. Buzz around in a cardboard hive of six-sided cells and forage in the flowers. Join in a bee parade and dance at 12:30PM, weather permitting. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 


There is also a Candle Making workshop (11-3), honey tasting (11-4), honey extraction demonstration (12-3), hives and honey information station (1-3)

For more information click here!

Boo at the Zoo

Me and my kids absolutely love Halloween and everything to do with it! Boo at the Zoo is no exception.  It's so much fun!! Weekends at the Bronx zoo, including Columbus Day and Halloween, will feature hay mazes, costume parades, musical theater, magic, and more. Visit bats, owls, vultures and other winged icons of Halloween, then embark on a trip back in time as you ride their Dinosaur Safari! Weekends until Nov 2.  You can save $5 off tickets when you purchase them ahead of time online 

Rye Nature Center

Send the Dads and Kids to the Daddy & Me Animal Show on Saturday, October 4th at 9:15 am!  Fathers can drop-in with their kids for this fun-filled animal adventure. $10/family members, $15/family non-members.

Also on Saturday, at 3pm, there will be the Bee Program! Join an FRNC naturalist as we examine the life of a honeybee. Learn how they communicate, spot the queen and even sample some honey! $5.00/person members, $8.00/person non-members. To learn more about either program or the Nature Center in general, click here.

Greenburgh Nature Center

As always, the Greenburgh Nature center has lots of fun activities for the whole family!  This Saturday at 11AM kids age 5-7 can go on a Gem Hunt.  The slightly older kids ages 8 & up can also participate at 2pm. “Think rocks are dull and boring? Think again! Discover the treasures of the earth while learning about many local gems and crystals. Each participant receives a geode to take home. Note ages for each session. Members $8, Non-members $12”

On Sunday at 11:30am, come to Teaching Trails: A community path for environmental education.  “Guided Trail Experience through the woodland forest. Discover who left that track, which tree makes the best animal home, or which mushroom make the best dinner. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE!”

And finally, at 2pm on Sunday, watch out for “Alien Invaders- Come explore some of the most fascinating plant and animal species to ever invade our lawns, lakes, and forests during an engaging and interactive stroll around the GNC property. Members $5, Non-members $8”.

Click here to learn more about the Greenburgh Nature Center.

Muscoot Farm

There’s quite a few fun activities going on at Muscoot this weekend.  All weekend from 12-4 in the Main House Artist Gallery “See the Westchester Area Basketmakers Guild's "A Bounty of Baskets" exhibit in the main house on October weekends. Also, 10/5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, and 25 & 26. 

On Saturday from 12-3 there will be a fun Pumpkin Patch and Sunday from 12-3 join Muscoot on their Mushroom Walk.

Visit http://muscootfarm.org to learn more.

Scared by the Sound

2014 marks the 15th consecutive year of Scared by the Sound Haunted House and also their return to Historic Playland Amusement Park. With their original location by the Long Island Sound completely refurbished, the only things left churned up by Hurricane Sandy are the surviving scary creatures still lurking and awaiting your arrival! Come experience for yourself Crypt Walk, The Haunted Wine Cellar, Creepy Morgue, Tunnels of Doom plus some all new scenes. In addition, don't forget to try and test your survival skills in the all new outdoor Black Out Maze. Open weekends in October plus November 1st and parking is free. Amusement Park Rides Are Not Open for this Event. Please note, this is a walk-through dark attraction. Night time event may be too scary for children under 10 years of age, alone or with an adult. Strobe lighting and fog may be in use during this night time event. Persons adversely affected by these effects are advised not to enter.Open Saturday October 4th from 7-11pm.  You can buy tickets online and download the $1 off coupon 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! This weekend, in addition to the regular museum that you can walk around on your own schedule, there are the following planned activities.

On Saturday from 10:45 - 11:15AM come to Mutt-i-grees!  Enjoy a special canine storytime 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.

Also Saturday from 2-2:30pm, don’t miss Around the World: Creative Kids – Ethiopia. Ages 2 and up. Free with museum admission, but tickets required from the Welcome Desk. Limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis.

And finally, also on Saturday from 3:30-4pm, witness incredible performances by Talent Education Suzuki School (TESS).  Enjoy a mixed ensemble of student performers and their musical gifts. TESS (Talent Education Suzuki School) is the best music school for early childhood music in Fairfield County. They offer classes for children ages 3 to 18 in violin, piano, cello, and guitar as well as a Suzuki Babies class for children ages 0 to 3. The Mixed Ensemble performing at Stepping Stones represent all ages and levels from these four instruments and will showcase music by Bach, Paganini and more.  Click here to learn more about any of the above programs!

Crafts at Michaels

Every Saturday, Michaels offers a Craft for the kids from 10-12.  This weekend’s activity is creating Hand Painted Halloween Rocks.  Let the kids craft while you shop. Come by for their Event … and take home a completed project. Includes supplies. Plus, get free Halloween face painting at Kids Club Events in October. Ages 3 and up. Click here to register!  

Another fun event at Michaels this weekend is the Annual Great Pumpkin Event, also on Saturday October 4th but from 12-3pm.  Just $6 per 9” craft pumpkin, includes supplies. Offer available while supplies last.

Crafts at Lakeshore

There will also be crafting going on at Lakeshore!  From 11-3pm this Saturday, the kids will be able to create a super fun and super cool FREE craft ! This week's activity is to create a "Makin’ Music Drum.” Click here to learn more.

Spooky Fall Adventures At the NY Botanical Gardens

Bring your whole family to enjoy this exciting annual tradition at the Garden. This year, The Haunted Pumpkin Garden combines the spooky fun of Halloween festivities with an astonishing display of the most eye-catching and intriguing pumpkins and gourds. To buy tickets click here.  To learn more click here.

Fall Flicks at Cross County Center

On Friday, October 3, 7PM, Cross County Shopping Center will be hosting the second of their fall movie series, FALL FLICKS, that will take place this October!   This Friday’s movie is “MALEFICENT”!  There will be pre-show entertainment, food Trucks, prizes and much more! So head to The Green, in the center of the mall, to watch family-friendly movies. Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy all the entertainment Fall Flicks has to offer! The event begins at 7PM and the show will start as soon as the sun goes down (about 7:30pm).  Click here to learn more.

Rye Library Preschool Storytime

On Saturday October 4th, from 11-12, children ages 3 1/2 & up, and their caregivers can 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. Call 914-231-3162 or click here 

Apple and Pumpkin Picking

If you haven’t gone apple picking yet, this may be your last chance.  Some orchards are done for the season already because of a lighter than usual apple crop. Don’t miss out on your chance to apple pick- it’s one of the best parts of fall!  Below are some of my favorite orchards and activities that are happening this weekend.  A great activity for the whole family to enjoy together!

At Barton’s this weekend,  October 4 & 5 from 9-6pm Entry $3 to Farm (includes hayrides, live music, animals, kiddie hay maze, pumpkin slide). Add on a Fun Pass "if you dare" for Corn Maze, Haunted House & Fun Park!  Drink Shack, Donut Hut, 2 Kitchens & more.. Saturday 10/4 features Jake's Country Band & Sunday 5th is Hot Rod! WEEKENDS & HOLIDAY 10/13 Barton's runs Full Attractions, Music & Picking. Fun Pass $9.50. plus Admission to Farm $3. 

At Harvest Moon unfortunately their apple trees have been picked clean L (there are apples in bins that you can fill up the bags with.) But every weekend throughout October, they will be celebrating their Fall Festival from 10-5!  There will be live music, hayrides, pumpkins, apple cannons, bounce house, pony rides, face painting, farm animals, food vendors and BBQ food!$3 admission, Special $6 Fun Pass!  Live Music, Demos, Games, Corn Maze. 

Other orchards worth mentioning are  Dr. Davie's Farm, Stuart FarmsWilken's and Silverman's (pick your own has ended here too), Outhouse Orchards 

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!

-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- 10-3:30pm- Note, This is the last one.  You can support local farmers and explore the SM&NC through hands-on activities and crafts.

-Scarecrow Making, Sunday, October 5 & 12, from 2 - 4 pm. Join the SM&NC for their 5th annual scarecrow making program and create a scarecrow for the Harvest Festival contest! Families will create a life-size scarecrow that will be exhibited and entered in their scarecrow contest at Harvest Festival (Oct. 18 & 19), then can be picked up in time to grace their lawns for Halloween. Materials are provided but families are encouraged to bring clothing or accessories to help with their creation. One scarecrow per family. Supplies are limited and are first-come, first-served.

Members: Free | Non-Members: Free with gate admission.

For more, visit their website.

Teddy Bear Clinic

This activity sounds absolutely adorable! It takes place on Sunday October 5th, from 12-3 in the Greenwich Medical Building Parking Lot at 49 Lake Avenue (behind the

hospital).

   

At the Teddy Bear Clinic, Greenwich Hospital pulls out all the stops to help kids feel comfortable in a healthcare setting. Now in its 16th year, this popular mini-hospital under tents will pop up again to care for a menagerie of stuffed animals in an atmosphere of learning and fun.

Whether it’s a broken tail, a missing nose, a tummy ache or just a checkup, doctors, nurses, technicians and others will be on hand to confer with your child as they diagnose and treat furry patients. Prevention, too, is stressed, with experts offering child-friendly activities and tips for sun protection, good nutrition, strong bodies and more.

The event is held RAIN OR SHINE. Parking is available in the hospital’s staff lot on Lake Avenue.  Questions? Call 203-863-3627 or toll-free 888-357-2409. FREE.  Click here to learn more.

Westmoreland Sanctuary

Two fun events this weekend at Westmoreland.

First up, on October 4 at 11am, join them on their FBI Hike –“Everyone knows the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but what is the FBI out in the forest?  Join Westmoreland Sanctuary staff as they hike along the trails hunting for evidence of the FBI.  You will discover who the FBI are, and what are they doing in the woods.  Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. $5 per person for non-members and free for members.

And on Sunday, October 5 at 1pm see learn all about Slithering Snakes .  “They are creepy and crawly and have a bad reputation.  Come to Westmoreland Sanctuary to get the inside scoop on snakes.  Find out how snakes can actually help our environment and what types may live in your yard.   Learn how to identify a venomous snake. At the end of the program, meet our snake ambassador, Hobbs. $5 per person for non-members and free for members.”

Visit http://www.westmorelandsanctuary.org to learn more. 

 

 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 October 4th.  Tickets for this do sell out so be sure to get your tickets in advance.   The times are, 11-11:45 or 12-12:45.  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.

On Saturday October 4th (12:30-1:15 and 1:30-2:15) 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!

Maritime Aquarium

At the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, this fun exhibit invites you to do something you've tried to NOT do all your life:  touch jellyfish!  Gently touch the tops of live moon jellies as they pulse in our new exhibit!

How is this possible without being stung? The stinging cells of moon jellyfish hang on tentacles below their bodies. Also, their sting is known to be relatively benign for most people.  Click here to learn more:

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 

Greenwich Beaches

The beaches in Greenwich are open year round, but Park/Beach Passes are required from May 1 to October 31.  Click here to learn more 

Remember, it’s always a good idea to call ahead to ensure a scheduled activity is still running.  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

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