What To Do: With the Kids April 2018

What To Do: With the Kids April 2018: The best kid’s flicks, theatre, music, nature escapes, farm fests, fishing derbies, carnivals and more for spring. 

April 

Mickey & Minnie’s Doorway to Magic, County Center – Fri-Sun, 3/30-04/1: check times: Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and 25 of Disney characters in this Disney Live stage production. See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box with the help of the green army men; and the stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they rise into the sky amidst floating lanterns. With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell, and Aladdin’s Genie. (198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)

Local Imax! Backyard Wilderness, IMAX Movies, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk – Daily: 3/24 – 9/3: 11am, 1 & 3pm: This new Imax movie at the Maritime Aquarium was filmed outside the Croton on Hudson home of the Academy Award-nominated (Children of Fate) filmmakers Andrew Young and Susan Todd. “With input from our science advisors, we worked on filming scenes of the animals that actually live in our backyard, which is part of the eastern forest ecosystem,” Young told Westchester Magazine. The film puts the audience in the world of Westchester County’s backyard animal characters – blue jays, raccoons and (you guessed it) coyotes! (10 N. Water St., Norwalk, www.maritimeaquarium.org)

Planetarium Shows, Hudson River Museum Planetarium – Sat-Sun, 3/31 – 4/29 ( Mon – Fri 4/2-6:  HRM’s planetarium offers 4 different shows each weekend with at least one for younger audiences. April shows: Earth, Moon & Sky: Explore our solar system with Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions in for ages 5+ @ 12:30pm; The Sky Tonight is a live tour of the heavens with a planetarium educator for ages 8 plus @ 2pm; Habitat Earth explores the ocean’s depths, the forest floor and beyond to witness how human and ecological networks intersect;  and Victorian’s Guide to the Galaxy, for ages 8+ @3:30pm. (511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers;  www.hrm.org)

Egg-Citement, April Fool’s ScavengerHunt, Magic Show, Muscoot Farm – Sat-Sun, 3/31-4/1: Dye eggs for the Easter season on Sat, 3/31: 1-3pm. Come back on Sunday, 4/1 for an April Fool’s Scavenger Hunt and a magic show from Margaret Steel. (51 NY 100, Katonah; www.muscootfarm.org)

Teatown Lake Reservation, Spring Mini-Camp – Mon-Fri, 4/2-6: Half-day nature camps for 4-5 year olds and full day camps for 6-12 year olds. Hiking, games, crafts and more. (1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining; www.teatown.org)

Colonial Survivor Spring Break Camp, Phillipsburg Manor – Mon-Fri, 4/2-6: Hands-on adventures based on the challenges faced by New York colonists. Turn sand and mud into bricks using colonial solar power, make a candle and lantern, learn colonial songs and dance for week-end Colonial Fest.Full-day for grades 3-6. (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.org)

Conservation Camp, Westmoreland Sanctuary – Tues-Fri, 4/3-6: Epic adventures in Westmoreland’s pristine woodland environment.  Campers will hike near and far and conduct water testing, amphibian surveys, measure tree growth, remove invasive plants, band and release wild birds, conduct game camera studies, and more. Half-day for 7-9 and full-day for 10-15. (260 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Mt. Kisco; www.westmorelandsanctuary.org)

Cool! Seal Spotting (or) Long Island Sound Lighthouse Cruise, Maritime Aquarium Norwalk – Sat, 4/7: 10am, Sun, 4/8: 11:30am & -Sat, 4/14: 9am: Board the Maritime Aquarium’s catamaran Spirit of the Sound for a seal spotting exhibition (4/7-8) or a seven hour tour of 8 western LI Sound lighthouses from Sheffield Island to Sands Point and Eaton’s Neck on 4/14. Board both cruises from the Aquarium Dock. (10 N. Water St., Norwalk; www.maritimeaquarium.org)

Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, Stamford Palace – Sun, 4/8: 3pm: The award-winning Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers present The Legend of the Banana Kid, featuring 20 hand-crafted glove, mouth and rod puppets and a slew of twirling styrofoam. Follow Little Chucky, riding his trusty goat into the Wild West for a showdown with Big Bad Bart and his gang of bandits. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

Local! Spring Egg Hunt, Bedford Recreation, Tues, 4/11: 10:50am: Children ages 2-10 bring their own baskets or bags for egg collection and photo ops with the Spring Bunny. (John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., (RT. 22) Katonah; www.bedfordny.gov)

Local! Flashlight Egg Hunt, Bedford Recreation, Wed, 4/12: 8pm: Kids in grades 3-7 bring a flashlight or don a headlamp for this after dark egg hunt. Bring a bag to collect your loot. (Bedford Village Memorial Park, 65 Greenwich Rd., Bedford; www.bedfordny.gov)

Wild Krats Live, To The Creature Rescue, Stamford Palace – Thurs, 4/19: 7pm: The animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, “come to real life” in this stage production of a classically Wild Kratts story. Activating their Creature Power Suits, they confront the comic villain, Zach, to save the animals of the creature world. (61 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.palacestamford.org)

Huck & Tom and The Might Mississippi, Ridgefield Playhouse – Sat, 4/21: 11am & 2pm: The Ridgefield Academy Family Series present a foot-stompin’ musical based on the novels of Mark Twain. Join Huckleberry and Tom, Jim, Becky Thatcher, Aunt Polly and all the residents and of Hannibal, MO as they explore the majestic river that defined their lives, tested their souls, and carried their spirit into the heart of America. (80 E. Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Funny! The Princess Bride, Jacob Burns Film Center – Sat – Sun, 4/21-22: 12pm: In Rob Reiner’s charming and hilarious fairy tale set in an alternate universe of joyful derring-do and corny jokes, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) is kidnapped by a motley crew—including a strongman (André the Giant), a master swordsman (Mandy Patinkin), and an evil genius (Wallace Shawn)—right before she is to be married to the villainous Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). A romance at its core, The Princess Bride is still perfect for kids who prefer action and adventure. (364 Mannville Rd., Pleasantville: www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

Baah! Sheep to Shawl, Phillipsburg Manor – Sat-Sun, 4/21-22: 10am-5pm: From fiber to fashion, this classic spring festival celebrates all things wooly sheep! Demonstrations explore each step in the process of turning wool into cloth. Watch sheep get shorn by hand just like in the 18th century. Scottish border collies herd sheep and corral ducks. Yes, ducks. Plus hands on wool dying workshops, crafts, a fashion show from Project Colonial Runway, music form Bluegrass Collusion and food from Geordane’s.(381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.org)

Earth Day Festival, Bedford 2020 – Sun, 4/22: 12-4pm: Bedford 2020 presents this Earth Day Festival featuring live music from The Shovel Ready String Band, games for kids, free tree saplings, native plant sale, food and gardening, composting and landscaping tips from the pros.(Bedford Hills Train Station: www.bedford2020.org)

Some Pig! Charlotte’s Web, Emelin Theatre – Sun, 4/22: 11am & 1:30pm. “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. (153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)

Rockin’ Rave Family Fun Night, Westchester Children’s Museum – Sat, 4/28: 5:30-8pm: A family friendly special night out to benefit the Westchester Children’s Museum!  It’s a get-your-boogie-on, dance the night away, glow fest. Families will enjoy music under the strobes, explore interactive sound and light activities and experiments; take a break for mocktails and munchies, and get special after-hours access to the Museum’s exhibits and MakerSpace programs. (100 Playland Park, Rye; www.discoverwcm.org)

Ruff! Mutts on the Mountain 5K & Lazy Dog 1M, Blue Mountain Reservation, Peekskill – Sat, 4/28: 8am -12pm: The only timed trail race (of any length) in Westchester County where you can run with your dog. (It’s worth a try just for the dry-fit Mutts on the Mountain tee-shirt they give you.) The first of three separate starts is dedicated to runners without canines. The Lazy Dog fun run is for dog/(wo)man duos who can’t handle the rough terrain of the 5K but still want lake views on their jog. (435 Welcher Ave., Peekskill: www.thewpf.org)

Sleeping With Wolves, Wolf Conservation Center South Salem – Sat, 4/28, 5/5, 12, 19, 26 & Sun, 5/27: 5pm-8:30am. Nocturnal adventures offers families a chance to sleep out with over 20 wolves at the WCC. Pizza party with Ambassador Wolves, see critically endangered red and Mexican wolves, movie under the stars, fireside snacks and breakfast. Tents provided. www.nywolf.org

Deeply Rooted, Greenwich Audubon – Sat, 4/28: 5-8pm: A special screening of the film ‘Deeply Rooted.’ The film tells the story of master gardener and heirloom seed saver John Coykendall; detailing his life story and the importance of saving our seeds and stories. ‘Deeply Rooted’ was produced by Christina Melton for Louisiana Public Broadcasting and will be distributed this fall by American Public Television. Kids ages 10 & up free! (613 Riversville Rd., Greenwich: www.greenwichaudubon.org)

7th Annual Fishing Derby – Gedney Pond, Sun, 4/29: 8:30am: New Castle Recreation & Parks Department and the Camp Fire Conservation Fund of Chappaqua stocks Gedney Pond with a variety of fish for this catch-and-take home event. This event for ages 6 & up offers prizes and giveaways to keep the competition going. Fishing licenses for kids 6+ (required) can be obtained at www.dec.ny.gov. (Gedney Park, Rt. 133, Chappaqua; www.mynewcastle,org)

May

Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway, Sun, 5/6-20 & 6/3-24: 10am-2pm: Bicycle Sundays return on May 6. The Westchester Parks Foundation 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

17th annual Bedford Fishing Derby, Bedford Hills Memorial Park – Sun, 5/6: 12-3pm: Fish at Lake Marie with Bedford Recreation. Bring your own rod, volunteers from the Sportsman’s club of Northern Westchester will help you bait hooks and offer fishing tips. Kids to age 15 (under 8’s must be accompanied by adults)> The whole family is welcome. Register by May 4. www.bedfordny.gov

Laurie Berkner: Greatest Hits Solo Tour, Paramount Hudson Valley  – Sat, 5/12: 11am. Children’s music star, Nick Jr. and Sprout TV favorite, Laurie Berkner performs a solo concert of her greatest children’s songs including “Bumble Bee (Buzz, Buzz)”, “Victor Vito”, “We Are The Dinosaurs”and “Rocketship Run”. (1008 Brown St., Peekskill: www.paramounthudsonvalley.com)

The Stunt Dog Experience, Paramount Hudson Valley – Sun, 5/13: 2 & 6pm: Featured on David Letterman, The Ellen Degeneres Show and The tonight Show with Jay Leno, Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog show features up to a dozen performers and two dozen dogs performing big air stunts, comedy antics, athletic feats and dancing dogs.  (1008 Brown St., Peekskill: www.paramounthudsonvalley.com)

44th St. Patrick’s School Carnival in Bedford – Tues-Sun, 5/15-20: The local carnival season 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, a ferris wheel, bumper cars, games for kids and teens, food, cotton candy, sausage & pepper heroes and more. (483 Old Post Road, Bedford; stpatricks.org)

Smart Kids! Pinkster Day, Philipsburg Manor – Sat, 5/19: 12-5pm: The only living museum dedicated to the history of slavery in the northern colonies, recreates this 17th century African-American spring celebration with a colonial-style festival of music, dance and food. Join the drumming parade, listen to the melodious strings of the kora, enjoy African folktales, and taste akra (West African pea fritters). (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; www.hudsonvalley.org)

Babies, Jacob Burns Film Center – Sat-Sun, 5/19-20: 12pm: This 2010 film for ages 6+, takes a look at the first year of four baby’s lives from birth to first steps in Namibia, Mongolia, Japan and the United States. See the similarities of infant experiences (and the differences) by following this culturally diverse group of baby’s from around the world. Content Advisory: breastfeeding and cultural and maternal nudity. (364 Mannville Rd., Pleasantville: www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

Baby Animals! Spring on the Farm Festival, Stamford Museum & Nature Center – TBA: 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)

Cool! Pirelli World Challenge & Royals Car Show, Rock Park Memorial Day Season Opener – Fri-Mon, 5/25-28: 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)

June

Hilltop Hanover Farm Farm Fest – Sat, 6/2: 10am-4pm: Join Hilltop Hanover Farm for a local artisan’s fair, food, children’s games, tractor rides, hikes, and farm tours. There will be organic seedlings for sale and the farm stand will open its doors for the season! Admission is free – but there is a suggested donation of $5/car. (1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights; www.hilltophanoverfarm.org)

More stuff to do here.

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