What To Do With the Kids May 2017
What To Do With the Kids May 2017: 28 things to do with the kids in May! IMAX movies, dinosaur puppets, sheep shearing, spring’s baby animals, kid’s theatre, a new star show and the first carnival of the season.
NEW Star Show! Hudson River Museum Planetarium – Sat-Sun: 3:30pm in May: When the Museum’s historic home, Glenview, was being built in 1875, astronomers and physicists believed that they had completed the foundation of knowledge for their sciences. This new show, The Victorian’s Guide to the Galaxy, narrated by award-winning science fiction narrator Kate Baker, explores what 19th-century scientists understood about their universe. (511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; www.hrm.org)
Cool! IMAX Movies, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk – Daily through June 30: Through June 30 The Maritime Aquarium will be screening four movies seven days a week on their six-story tall IMAQX screen. Including: Dream Big, the first IMAX movie with STEM content; Jean-Michael Cousteau’s Secret Ocean; Born to Be Wild that follows orphaned orangutans through the rain forests of Borneo and the Kenyan savannah, and National Parks Adventure narrated by Robert Redford. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk, www.maritimeaquarium.org)
Cool! Marine Life Study Cruises, Maritime Aquarium Norwalk – Sat, 4/29-Sat, 9/30: 1-3:30pm. Study the biodiversity of Long Island Sound’s interdependent marine life. Participants utilize such sampling techniques as a plankton tow, biodredge, mud grab and otter trawl that may bring up fish, crabs, lobsters, sea stars and more. A video microscope and touch tank on board enhance observations. Check dates. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk; www.maritimeaquarium.org)
New at the Maritime Aquarium, Sun-Sat: 10am-5pm: The Maritime Aquarium recently debuted their new Coral Reef Exhibit featuring more than 40 species of reef fish native to the Indo-Pacific in their new 3000 gallon tank. Also new is a Sketch & Release video wall where kids can digitally color sharks, sea turtles and other marine animals onto their giant screen. (10 Water St., Norwalk, CT; www.maritimeaquarium.org)
The House At Pooh Corner, Ridgefield Playhouse – Sat, 5/6: 11am & 2pm: The Virginia Repertory Theatre returns to The Ridgefield Playhouse with their original production about Christopher Robin and Winnie-The-Pooh (Tigger and Piglet, too) – faithfully based on the A.A. Milne classic The House At Pooh Corner. . (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)
Cool! Long Island Sound Lighthouse Cruises, Maritime Aquarium Norwalk – Sat, 4/1 & 15, Sat, 5/6 &20: 9am or 10am. The Norwalk Aquarium offers two Lighthouse Cruises on their Spirit of the Sound catamaran. The Western cruise departs at 9am and passes lighthouses on a 7-hour cruise including Sands Point and Eaton’s Neck. The Central Cruise departs at 10am and passes five century old beacons on its 5-hour cruise including Sheffield Island. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk; www.maritimeaquarium.org)
Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway, Sun, 5/7-6/25: 10am-2pm: Friends of Westchester County Parks closes off a six and a half mile stretch of the Bronx River Parkway for the exclusive use of bicyclists, joggers, scooters and strollers. Park your car at the County Center lot and bike to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. Round trip 13.1 miles. www.friendsofwestchesterparks.com
Local! Bedford Rec’s Fishing Derby, Lake Marie – Sun, 5/7: 12-3pm: The 17th annual Bedford Fishing Derby is open to kids to age 15 – children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own fishing rod. Volunteers will help kids bait hooks and provide fishing tips. Prizes are awarded throughout the day. Pre-register with Bedford Hills recreation by Fri, 5/5. Rain Date: Sat, 5/20: 12pm. Residents and non-residents welcome. (Bedford Hills Memorial Park, Haines Rd., Bedford Hill; www.bedfordny.info)
Puppet Alert! Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live! Palace Theatre Stamford – Fri, 5/12: 3:30 & 7pm: Australia’s Erth Visual and Physical puppeteers, with the help of a team of paleontologists, present this educational theatrical production with their amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.palacestamford .org)
Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party at NYBG – Sat-Sun, 5/13-14: NYBG’s spring landscape is the setting for live music, games, garden tours, picnicking and other dining options. After a significant restoration and expansion, the historic Lilac Collection reopens, making room for more Garden spots to play and relax. Featuring croquet, beanbag, lawn games, face painting, giant chess, chalk drawing and a family photographer. (2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; www.nybg.org)
Local! Learn to Ride Bike Program, Bedford Recreation – Sat, 5/13: 10am-12pm: Bike New York teaches kids how to ride a bicycle and shows parents effective methods for teaching their kids at home. The Bedford Police will be on hand to provide safety tips and bike registration. Bring your own bike and helmet. For boys and girls of all ages. Rain Date: Sat, 5/20: 10am. (Bedford Hills Memorial Park, Haines Rd, Bedford Hills; www.bedfordny.gov)
Local! 4th Annual Stayin’ Alive 5K & Fun Run and Walk, Armonk – Sat. 5/13: 8am: The run starts at The Windmill Club and continues through Windmill’s woodsy community. Stayin’ Alive raised over $36,000 for needed equipment for North Castle’s First Responders last year. Fun Run at 10am. (The Windmill Club, 10 Maple Way, Armonk; www.stayinalive.org)
Baah! Sheep Shearing & Farmers Market at Muscoot Farm – Sun, 5/14: 12-3pm. Every Mother’s Day Muscoot Farm shears its adult sheep and the public is invited to watch them get their spring haircut. Mother’s Day also marks the opening of the Muscoot Farmers Market. The market is open every Sunday through October. See our guide to Farmer’s Markets. (Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)
Local! First Carnival Sighting! 42nd St. Patrick’s School Carnival, Bedford – Tues-Sun, 5/16-21: The local carnival season always kicks off at St. Patrick’s School in Bedford. One of the state’s biggest grossing carnivals, this event raises money for educational ministries of the parish. With full-scale carnival rides and games for kids and teens, cotton candy, “Sausage and Peppers” and a big-prize raffle worth $25,000. (483 Old Post Road, Bedford; stpatricks.org)
Local! Armonk Chamber’s Third Thursdays – Thurs, 5/18: 5-8:30pm: The Armonk Chamber of Commerce’s Third Thursday Celebrations kick off with this High School Chalk Art Competition in Armonk Square. With live music, art showings and town-wide promotions from retailers and restaurants. These Chamber celebrations continue the third Thursday of each month through August and include a chili cook-off, an antique car show and a festival of street performers. (www.armonkchamberofcommerce.com)
Smart Kids! Djembes & Dance – Sat, 5/20: 12-5pm: African dance and drumming take center stage at this springtime celebration of African rhythm. expanded Pinkster Day Celebration. There’s also food, cooking demos, storytelling and a re-creation of a colonial cross-cultural event known as Pinkster, first celebrated in the Hudson Valley in the 17th century Philipsburg Manor is the only living museum dedicated to the history of slavery in the northern colonies. (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.org)
Baby Animals! Spring on the Farm Festival, Stamford Museum & Nature Center – Sat-Sun, 5/20-21: 11am-3pm: Featuring spring’s baby animals, sheep shearing, yarn demonstrations, face painting, crafts, music with Jay and Ray, hayrides, a bonsai exhibition and the museum gallery’s exhibit, Connecticut’s Waterways. There will also be a plant, herb and bonsai sale and FOOD TRUCKS! (Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; www.stamfordmuseum.org)
Some Pig! Charlotte’s Web, Paramount Hudson Valley – Sat, 5/20: 11am & 3pm. “Some pig.” Theatre Works USA brings to life E.B. White’s classic story about how Charlotte the spider saves Wilbur the pig from becoming breakfast. Since 1961, Theatre Works USA has presented professional family theatre to over 90 million children. Grades K-5. (1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com)
Local! Monkey Kingdom, Jacob Burns Film Center – Sat-Sun: 5/20-21: 12pm & Thurs, 5/25: 5pm: JBFC Kids presents this DisneyNature documentary from the creators of Bears & Chimpanzees. This 2015 film follows a lively and clever band of monkeys through the legendary jungles and ancient ruins of South Asia. With stunning photography, and narration by comedian Tina Fey, this heartwarming story of a young mother and her adorable baby is recommended for ages 6 and up. (364 Manville Road, Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.orgz)
Local! New Castle 5k & 10K Road Race & Fun Run – Sun, 5/21: 8am: This challenging course takes you from Town Hall through some of the most scenic landscapes in Chappaqua. Runners get a police escort, water stations and a sag wagon. There are awards in 8 age categories. Check in begins at 7am. Or pre-register with New Castle Recreation. (Town Hall, 200 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.mynewcastle.org)
Crohn’s & Colitis Take Steps Walk & Festival, Purchase – Sun, 5/21: 5pm: Run or walk to find a cure for digestive diseases. The Take Steps walk and 5K run is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s largest event of the year. This run/walk festival offers IBD friendly food, a bounce house, balloon artist, face painting and local entertainment. The festival is at SUNY Purchase College starts at 4pm and the walk/run start is at 5pm. For more info call Andi Cosby at 914.812.8988 or email acosby@crohnscolitisfoundation.org. (SUNY Purchase, 735 Anderson Hill Rd.; www.cctakesteps.org/fairwest2017)
Northwell Health Walk at Westchester, FDR Park, Yorktown Heights – Sun, 5/21: 10am: Walk to benefit the Bruce and Andrea Yablon Cancer Health and Wellness Program for Northwell Health’s Northern Westchester Hospital. Plus, a series of pre-walk events will also raise funds for the Cancer program including Yoga, Spin and Zumba Day at the Saw Mill Club (4/2), Happy Hour at Village Social (4/5), a Rock n Jump trampoline outing (4/19), Bake Sale (4/14) and Sip & Shop at J McLaughlin in Bedford (5/11). Read more.
Cool! Pirelli World Challenge & Royals Car Show, Lime Rock Park Memorial Day Season Opener – Fri-Sun, 5/26-28: The Pirelli World Challenge series serves up races from all 7 car classes from the Bid Dogs (Cadillacs, Bentley’s, Lomborghinis & Porches) to the TC class of Mustangs and BMW 228is, and the smallest class of Chevy Sonics and Mazda 2s. On Sunday, the Royals Car Show draws 200-400 prime vehicles from rare sports cars to muscle cars from the 60s and 70s. (60 White Hollow Rd., Lakeville CT: www.limerock.com)
Hilltop Hanover Farm Memorial Day Farm Fest – Moved to Sat, 6/3: 10am-4pm: A family day at Hilltop Hanover celebrating farming in Westchester. With plants for sale, a farm stand, vendors, tractor rides, kids events, tours, hiking, food, and more! (1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights; www.hilltophanoverfarm.org)
Local! More Baby Animals! Meet the Baby Animals, Muscoot Farm – Sun 5/28: 12-3pm: Get up close and personal with Muscoot Farm’s new arrivals. Like this Dorset lamb. Visit their Farmers Market when you are three. (Muscoot Farm, Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)
Lewisboro/South Salem Memorial Day Races & Fair, 10K, 5K, Health Walk & Pee Wee – Mon, 5/29: 8am: Four events starting with the 10K race at 8am that takes on challenging hills in South Salem. Start time for the 5K is 9:30am. Both races are USA Track and Field certified. The youth Mile Fun Run starts at 10:45am and Pee Wee 25 and 50-yard dashes for 2-8 year olds are at 11:05am. Register online or on race day at 7am. Mon, 5/30: 8am-11:05. The Memorial Day Fair (10am-3pm) features performing artists, music, children’s games a bake sale and food. (Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem; www.southsalempc.org)
Jones Beach Air Show –Sat-Sun, 5/27-28: 12-5pm: The US Air Force Thunderbirds return to Jones Beach for the 14th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Air Show. Get there early. In the past, this show has easily seen 200,000 people fill up the beach on a single day. It is not unusual for the parking lots to be filled by 11:00am (if not earlier). When this happens, the parkways are closed and people are turned away. So, it is probably a good idea to arrive before 10:00am, or as early as reasonably possible. There’s more tips on watching the show at www.airshow.jonesbeach.com.
Local! Bedford Riding Lanes Association Memorial Day Country Pace & Luncheon, Mon, 5/29. 7am-2pm: Admission to the grounds is free for BRLA’s Spring pace that starts and ends at John Jay Homestead. For information on the luncheon call (914) 234-BRLA. (www.bedfordridinglanes.com)
Local! Bedford Memorial Day Picnic, Katonah – Mon, 5/29: 11am-2pm: The local American Legion Post 1575 will host a Memorial Day picnic at American Legion Hall next to the Katonah Museum of Art. All town residents are invited. (American Legion Hall, 136 Jay St. Katonah; www.bedfordny.gov)
Church of St. Mary’s 80th Annual Strawberry Festival – Sat, 6/3: 11am-4pm. The Strawberry Festival at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin features games and crafts for kids and teens, live music, bounce castles, BBQ and strawberries, strawberries, strawberries. Including, strawberry smoothies, and St. Mary’s famous strawberry shortcake. Plus, craft vendors and treasures from the attic. (Church of St, Mary the Virgin, 191 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; churchofstmary’s)
More What To Do: In & Around Town
Sign up for the What To Do Email Newsletter … carefully curated for townies, foodies, culture-vultures and locavores!