What To Do: With the Kids February

What To Do: With the Kids February and March: February is circus time here in Westchester and in the city. Here’s 37 of the best things to do with the kids for the rest of the winter with an emphasis on eagles, valentines, maple syrup and Peter and the Wolf. 

February

Westchester Knicks – County Center: Powered by the recent acquisition of Jimmer Fredette, the Westchester Knicks have an 11-15 record going in to the New Year. You can see Jimmer, former Michigan State star Travis Trice, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and the high-scoring, former Georgetown star Dajuan Summers on Fri, 2/5: 7pm, Wed, 2/17: 7pm, Fri, 2/19: 7pm, Sun 2/21: 1pm, Thurs, 3/3: 7pm, Sun, 3/6: 5pm, Thurs, 3/24: 7pm, Mon, 3/28: 7pm, Wed, 3/30: 7pm * Sat, 4/2: 5pm. (County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)

Planetarium Shows – Hudson River Museum Planetarium: The Hudson River Museum offers these planetarium shows on Saturday and Sundays in February: Earth, Moon and Sun (ages 5 plus), explores our solar system through Coyote, an amusing character adapted from Native American oral traditions who has many misconceptions about our home planet and its neighbors. His confusion about the universe reveals how the Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system. Native American stories are used throughout the show to help distinguish between myths and science. (12:30pm) The Sky Tonight, for ages 8 plus, offers a live tour of the heavens as seen from our area with a planetarium educator at 2pm. Undiscovered Worlds: The Search Beyond Our Sun (ages 8 plus) This show, co-written by Alan Lightman, the author of Einstein’s Dreams, and featuring an original orchestral score, uncovers the world of exoplanets that orbit stars beyond the sun. It explores how new technology like the Kepler Telescope has brought us closer to the possibility of finding an Earth-like world. (3:30pm) (Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; www.hrm.org)

EagleFest – Teatown Lake Reservation: Teatown Lake has upped the ante with this year’s EagleFest with new activities including music from Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Tom Chapin, classical rock violinist Daisy Jopling and other local musical acts, children’s activities and storytelling, 25 participating environmental groups, bus tours to viewing sites, heated tents and good from RiverMarket Bar and Kitchen and Wobble Café. Plus, the usual bird walks, eagle watch sites and bird and raptor shows at the Eagle Theatre and Eaglet Stage. It all takes place in Croton Point Park. Sat, 2/6: 9am-4pm. For more information and a complete list of events click here.

Ski Belleayre – New Castle Recreation: Skiers and snowboarders with their own equipment (ages 9-15) take a round trip coach bus from New Castle Town Hall to Belleayre Mountain with Endless Adventure Camps for a day of serious slope carving. Group lessons are available. Parents can join in, too. Sat, 2/6: 6:30am-6pm. Register online at www.endlessadventurecamps.com/winter-camp)

Victorian Valentine’s Tea and Craft Party – New Castle Historical Society: Join the New Castle Historical Society for a special Victorian Tea at the Horace Greeley House on.  This event, recommended for kids up to 12, will include Victorian tea, snacks, crafts and a tour. Sat, 2/6: 2pm. To register call NCHS at 914-238-4666 (email: director@newcastlehs.org) or call the Chappaqua Library at 914-238-4779 (email: chakids@gmail.com). Horace Greeley House, 100 King St., Chappaqua; www.newcastlehs.org)

Valentines Crafts & Things – Bedford Recreation: Kids in grades 2-6 make Valentine crafts, play games, have fun with friends and have dinner. Open to residents and non-residents. Sat, 2/6: 6-8:30pm. (Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St., Bedford Hills; www.bedfordny.info)

Moon Mouse – Emelin Theatre: Follow Marvin the mouse in this Lightwire Theater production, as his quest to be popular with the cool kids takes him on a heroic cosmic adventure to the moon in a homemade rocket ship where he meets strange creatures, learns of infinite peril and experiences awesome beauty. Find out if Marvin’s cosmic adventure enacted in Lightwire’s signature brand of electroluminescent artistry will ultimately make his dreams of acceptance come true. Ages: 5-10 Sat, 2/13: 11am & 1:30pm. (Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)

The 41st Annual Royal Hanneford Circus – The County Center: The stars of the 2016 Royal Hanneford Circus include Cuzin Grumpy’s Pork Chop Revue, Grandma The Clown from Big Apple Circus fame and the latest of The Royal Hanneford Family of Performers along with many of the old favorite acts! Sat-Mon, 2/13-15: 10am, 2 & 6pm. (Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)

Winter Breakout Day: Big & Little – Stamford Museum: Celebrate the opening of the new pop-up exhibition, Extreme Art: Massive and Miniature, by taking a look at things BIG and little in nature. Learn how to turn large amounts of maple sap into a smaller amount of maple syrup, taste the “liquid gold” made by the smallest residents of the farm in a honey tasting, and meet the largest and smallest lizards in a “Leapin’ Lizards” class. Plant some tiny seeds and see how the spring farm babies have grown up. Enjoy self-guided crafts and a big/little scavenger hunt. End the day with a BIG treat of S’mores on the Meadow! Mon, 2/15: 11am-3pm. (Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; www.stamfordmuseum.org)

NASA: Journey Into Outer Space – New Castle Recreation: In this two day experience, kids in grade K-4 explore the solar system, create a lunar eclipse, travel to the end of a rainbow, make a sunset, steer a laser beam through a laser maze, build a Skyblazer rocket and more. Tues, 2/16 & Thurs, 2/18: 9am-3:30pm. (New Castle Community Center, 10 Senter St., Chappaqua; www.mynewcastle.org) 

Winter Solstice Ice Spectacular – Ridgefield Playhouse: This year’s Winter Ice Solstice features live singing, specialty acts, and professional ice skaters gliding across the stage in a special winter themed performance. Sun, 2/21: 4 & 7:30pm. (The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Maple Sugaring Series, Muscoot Farm: See the process of making maple sugar from tapping the farm’s maple trees to witnessing the boiling process and sampling the final product. Sun, 2/21 & 2/28: 1-3pm. (Muscoot Farm, Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

Sruli And Lisa – Greenwich Arts Council: Curiosity Concerts Presents Sruli & Lisa’s Family Klezmer Band performs a mix of traditional music, song, dance, and assorted mischegas that gets kids clapping, singing, and dancing in the aisles. Enjoy a reception after the first concert and before the second. Presented in association with JCC Greenwich. Tickets are free but reservations are required at www.curiosityconcerts.org. Sun, 2/21: 2 & 4pm. (Greenwich Arts Council, 299 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT; www.curiosityconcerts.org)

Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus presents Legends – Barclays Center: It’s circus time as Ringling Brothers new show delivers the circus masters, majestic animals, exotic performers and daredevils to “dazzle the senses” and “redefine your sense of possibility.” Thurs-Sun, 2/25-3/6: check times. (Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn; www.barclayscenter.org)

Dan Zanes Song Gusto Hour – Emelin Theatre: Bring your voices and your instruments for a sing along with Grammy award-winning musician Dan Zanes. The Song Gusto Hour is a casual, communal and festive experience for ages 2 and up. Zanes, a former member of the Del Fuegos during the height of their popularity in the 80s, has toured the world sharing handmade 21st century social music with enthusiastic crowds of kids from thrift shop basements to Carnegie Hall. People magazine called him “the crown prince of contemporary music.” His music has been featured on Sesame Street, Playhouse Disney, Nickelodeon, HBO Family and Sprout. Sat, 2/27: 11am & 1:30pm. (Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)

The Intergalactic Nemesis – a live-action graphic novel – Performing Arts Center: In this family-friendly performance, three actors voice dozens of characters, a Foley sound artist creates the audio effects, and a pianist plays a cinematic score, while projections of more than 1,250 individual full-color hi-res comic book panels tell a hilarious sci-fi adventure story. The Intergalactic Nemesis has been featured on television, including Conan O’Brien, and on stage in New York where the New York Post called it “Great fun! A happily retro multimedia extravaganza.” Recommended for ages 7 and up. Kids 16 and under go half-price. Sat, 2/27: 3pm. (PepsiCo Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; www.artscenter.org)

Sugaring Sundays – Teatown Lake Reservation: Stoke up the fire, its sugaring time at Teatown! From tapping to collecting, boiling to bottling, Teatown’s naturalists will be in Warren’s sugarhouse sharing facts and folklore about this sweet time of year! Sun, 2/28, 3/6 & 3/13: 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. (600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining, NY 10562, 914.762.2912; www.teatown.org)

March

Westchester Knicks – County Center: Powered by the recent acquisition of Jimmer Fredette, the Westchester Knicks have an 11-15 record going in to the New Year. You can see Jimmer, former Michigan State star Travis Trice, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and the high-scoring, former Georgetown star Dajuan Summers on Thurs, 3/3: 7pm, Sun, 3/6: 5pm, Thurs, 3/24: 7pm, Mon, 3/28: 7pm, Wed, 3/30: 7pm * Sat, 4/2: 5pm. (County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz) 

You Can’t Take it With You – Horace Greeley High School Winter Play: The HGHS players present the Pulitzer Prize-winning 1936 romantic comedy about a slightly batty New York City family from George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart for their winter play. In 1938 the play was adapted for the screen starring Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart and Edward Arnold. The film won two Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director for Frank Capra. A classic, as they say! Thurs 3/3: 7pm & Fri-Sat 3/4-5: 8pm. (HGHS Auditorium, 70 Roaring Brook Rd., Chappaqua; Greeley Calendar)

Beauty and the Beast – The Varley Players: The Varley Players, the Byram Hills High School stage company, takes on the 1991 Disney romantic musical Beauty and the Beast based on the French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. The Academy Award-winning musical score from Allen Menken and Howard Ashman features the hit songs “Be Our Guest”, “Belle” and “Beauty and the Beast” that won the Oscar for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture in 1992. Thurs-Fri, 3/3-4: 7pm & Sat, 3/5: 2 & 8pm. (Byram Hills H.S., 12 Tripp Lane, Armonk; wwwbyramhillsstage)

Spirit of Michael Jackson – Ridgefield Playhouse: This show from Laser Spectacular is a multi-media tribute to the King of Pop’s life and legacy. Lasers, large screen video and 50,000 watts of sound take kids on a journey that captures the essence of Jackson’s concerts. Featuring some of his most memorable moments like the moonwalk, his 1995 MTV Music Awards performance and the Thriller premier complimented by a dance troupe performing Jackson’s choreography. Fri, 3/4: 7:30-pm. (The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Observatory Visitors Nights – Stamford Museum: View the sky through a 22-inch research telescope, weather permitting. Program suitable for ages 5 and older. The Stamford Observatory entrance is located off Scofieldtown Road. For GPS users, enter 151 Scofieldtown Road. Please call 203-977-6537 for weather updates in regards to telescope viewing. Fri, 3/4, 11, 18 & 25: 8pm. www.stamfordmuseum.org

Jungle Jack Hanna – Stamford Palace: Jungle Jack Hanna’s live show features many of his favorite animal friends, as well as fascinating and humorous stories and footage from his adventures around the world. Sat, 3/5: check time. (Palace Theatre, 81 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT; www.palacestamford.org)

Fox Lane High School Musical: The Fox Lane winter musical (or is it Spring?) is scheduled for Saturday, March 5 at 7pm and Sunday March 6 at 1pm. Check back for updates.

Ski Belleayre – New Castle Recreation: Skiers and snowboarders with their own equipment (ages 9-15) take a round trip coach bus from New Castle Town Hall to Belleayre Mountain with Endless Adventure Camps for a day of serious slope carving. Group lessons are available. Parents can join in, too. Sat, 3/5: 6:30am-6pm. Register online at www.endlessadventurecamps.com/winter-camp)

Sugaring Off – Muscoot Farm: Join in on maple inspired activities on the final day of sugaring and enjoy some sweet snacks. Sun, 3/6: 12-3pm. (Muscoot Farm, Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

Shanghai Acrobats – Ridgefield Playhouse: As seen on Broadway & PBS, this production of The New Shanghai Circus features gravity defying acrobatic stunts, jugglers and contortionists drawing on over two thousand years of Chinese circus traditions. “Feats of circus art that reach literally breathtaking heights of skill” – The New York Times Sun, 3/6: 4pm. (The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT; www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org)

Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus presents Legends – Prudential Center: It’s circus time as Ringling Brothers new show delivers the circus masters, majestic animals, exotic performers and daredevils to “dazzle the senses” and “redefine your sense of possibility.” Wed-Sun, 3/9-13: check times. (Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St, Newark; www.prucenter.com)

Wild Kratts Live – Stamford Palace: The animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, “come to real life” in a classically Wild Kratts story. It’s off “To the Creature Rescue!” when the Kratt Brothers activate some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. Through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal ‘wow facts’ the Wild Kratts team rescue their favorite invention from Zach’s clutches so the animals of the creature world are safe once again. Fri, 3/11: 3:30 & 7pm. (Palace Theatre, 81 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT; www.palacestamford.org)

SugarFest 2016 – Westmoreland Sanctuary: Westmoreland’s Sugarfest! celebrates the sugaring season with demonstrations and their delectable all-you-can-eat Pancake Feast served with 100% New York Maple Syrup. There are two seating times available each followed by their Maple Sugaring Through the Ages program that explores the harvesting and processing techniques used by the Native Americans and early colonists through present day. Two seatings at 9:30am and 11:30 am with a special performance from the bluegrass band NannyHagen Creek at 11:30am. Sat, 3/12: 9:30 & 11:30am. (260 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Mt. Kisco; www.westmorelandsanctuary.org)

Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee boy – Tarrytown Music Hall: Inspired by the New York Times Top 10 best-selling Children’s Books with 14 titles and over 3.3 million copies in print, this new musical “buzzes” with the inventive energy of childhood. Lulu is disappointed that she is too little to play baseball with her big brother, grabs her trusty sidekick, Bingo, the family dog, and goes off to the park, seeking adventure. She meets up with her friends, Sam, Marley and Kiki and they morph into the Bug Squad as Ladybug Girl, Bumblebee Boy, Dragonfly Girl and Butterfly Girl fight the Mean Alien…or is that Lulu’s brother? Sat, 3/12: 2pm. (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown; www.tarrytownmusichall.org)

Challenge Game Night – Bedford Recreation: Kids in grades 3-7 play Stratego, Battleship, Connect Four and other challenging games. Dinner and snacks included for residents and non-residents: Sat, 3/12: 6-8:30pm. (Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St., Bedford Hills; www.bedfordny.info)

Room on the Broom – Emelin Theatre: In this Tall Stories production, adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo the witch and her cat fly happily on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. So begins this “high-energy treat” (NYT) filled with songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up. “Children’s theatre doesn’t come much better than this.” The Stage. Sat, 3/12: 11am & 1:30pm. (Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)

Egg Dying Workshop – Muscoot Farm: Muscoot Farm dyes eggs for spring in this special event for kids and families. Sun, 3/20: 1-3pm. (Muscoot Farm, Rt. 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

Piff the Magic Dragon – Paramount Hudson Valley: A finalist from season 10 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Larry David in a dragon suit with his Chihuahua friend Mr. Piffles performs jaw-dropping magic tricks. With over 12 million YouTube hits, Piff has performed at Radio City Music Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe and the London and Sydney Opera House. Sun, 3/20: 7pm. (Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; www.paramounthudsonvalley.com.)

Silent Slapstick – Playtime at the Palace: Lincoln Center’s famous silent film accompanist/historian, Ben Model, improvises original scores for 3 short slapstick silent comedies from the 1920s screened in the Palace Cinema. Just $10. Sun, 3/20: 3pm. (Palace Theatre, 81 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT; www.palacestamford.org)

Peter and the Wolf – Greenwich Library Cole Auditorium: Curiosity Concerts presents the woodwind quintet of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, the timeless tale of boy vs. wolf. This fully staged vaudeville-inspired performance from Really Inventive Stuff features a solo performance actor Michael Boudewyns. The program also features selections from Disney and Harry Potter films and a movement of Jacques Ibert’s woodwind quintet “Trois Pièces Brèves. Presented in association with the Ashforth Children’s Concert Series. Tickets are free but reservations are required at www.curiosityconcerts.org. Sun, 3/20: 2pm. (Greenwich Library Cole Auditorium, 101 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT; www.curiosityconcerts.org.

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