Westchester Family - July 2019

July 2019

WestchesterFamily.com

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The best of everything for families, voted on by our readers Summer Fun in Westchester County

156

Fun July Activities

Where to See Fourth of July Fireworks!

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3

$1,980

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100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY • 914.632.8836 • www.td.edu July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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contents

July 2019 volume twenty-nine | number xxxx

departments 6 Editor’s Note 7 Events & Offers 8 Bits & Pieces 32 Ask the specialist

Heads-up Parents: Are Keratin

Treatments Safe?

34 LET’S GO

Summer Fun in Westchester County

50 Last word

Dear Alexa: I’m Sorry

calendar Family Activities for July

37 Top Pick: Live Butterfly Exhibit 40

Editor’s Pick: River Explorers

42 Editor’s Pick: Marine Life Encounter Cruises 44 Happy Fourth of July 45 #Apollo50 46 Marvelous Music 47 City Picks

Coming Next Month

features

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2019 Westchester Family Favorites Awards We asked and you voted! Now it’s time for the big reveal. Read our 2019 Family Favorites Award feature to find out who won! We cover everything from ice cream to nature centers to academic enrichment.

on the cover JULY 2019

10 WESTCHESTERFAMILY.COM

34 Summer Fun in Westchester 37

Fun July Activities

44

Where to See July Fourth Fireworks

SPONSORED BY

YOUR HOME. OUR MISSION.

The best �f ev�ry�hing f�r famil�es, v��ed �n by �ur �eaders Summer Fun in Westchester County

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Family Favorites

156

FUN JULY ACTIVITIES

Where to See Fourth of July Fireworks!

Westchester Family | July 2019

Summer Travel Looking for a getaway that’s family friendly? Read our parents review of the new Kartrite Resort & Waterpark in nearby Monticello in the Catskills.

Back-to-School: Get Organized Just a little preplanning and organizing can save you oodles of time and energy, not to mention sanity, next month. Read about these space and time savers from an organizational pro.

Plus … Westchester Family’s awardwinning searchable calendar for families on westchesterfamily.com and much more!

Look for it starting July 26!

FREE

First lesson & Consultation

Belle School of Music

“Where Learning is Fun!”

SPECIALIZING IN PIANO, KEYBOARDS KEYBOARDS AND ANDVOICE VOICE Ages 2-4 with parent participation.

Plant the seed of music in your child!

MUSIC LAND Ages 4-5 with parent participation.

A delightful experience for Mozarts of the future MUSIC FOR LITTLE PEOPLE Ages 5-7 with parent participation. Unique Russian-Japanese method.

Experience the Magic of Music.

ADVENTURES IN KEYBOARD Ages 8-12. Tradition on a new note. Piano instruction for the child of the new millennium.

Bring out the musical talent in your child! family favorites TO P 5 2019

TOP 5 2018

TOP 5 2017

TOP 5 2016

Scarsdale: 1088 Central Park Ave White Plains: 283 Tarrytown Rd Yonkers: 1537 Central Park Ave

WINNER 2015

914-961-5511 www.belleschool.com

Westchester Family partner

Spotlight on Rye Brook: Knocking It Out of the Park!

Why Compass’ Kori Sassower Team is loving the Rye Brook lifestyle.

“This town is a true gem.” That’s what Kori Sassower tells her clients just discovering Rye Brook. It’s a warm and inviting place that blends vibrant community with serene privacy. Enjoy your own backyard while kids play in the neighborhood. With an award winning public school that feels like private, it’s easy to fall in love with Rye Brook.

A Small Town With a Ton to Offer.

Beyond the neighborly vibes of Rye Brook’s beautiful 3.5 square-miles, there’s a real practicality to its size—getting everywhere is fast! This makes carpooling, walking or biking around town a whole lot easier.

Whether you’re cheering at a homecoming game, enjoying movie nights in Pine Ridge Park or celebrating at Crawford Park during Rye Brook’s annual birthday bash, there is always a lot happening. At its town center is Rye Ridge Shopping Center. From spin classes at Soul Cycle to errands at Lester’s to dinnertime options at Balducci’s, Rye Ridge has it all.

Living Close to Everything.

Whatever Rye Brook doesn’t have in its immediate borders is surely close by. Nearby beaches, golf, pools, and tennis clubs make the whole family happy. The designer boutiques in Greenwich, the boardwalk at Rye, the famous Capitol Theater in Port Chester—all just minutes away. For commuters, take the Port Chester train (40 minutes to Grand Central) and after work, head to the lively downtown for food and drinks!

Homes In All Styles and Scales.

Rye Brook offers many different types

of homes, including planned communities that offer amenities and maintenance free lifestyles: Kingfield (the newest), Bellefair (the largest), Enclave (the priciest), Arbors (most affordable) and Talcott (all single family homes).

Single family homes in Rye Brook are between $400k-$2.5m. Each area has its own personality, but since there is just one elementary school no neighbor-hood is more coveted than the others, it is just personal preference.

The estate section offers the largest property sizes—up to an acre of land!

What’s Next for Rye Brook?

Stop by Compass’ new office in Rye Ridge later this summer to chat!

To see current Rye Brook listings or learn more about the team, visit korisassowerteam.com Kori Sassower, Licensed Associate Real Estate Associate Broker, NY & CT. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity Laws.

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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editor’s note President and Publisher Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO and Co-Publisher Joshua Schneps Westchester Family WestchesterFamily.com Publisher Clifford Luster cluster@schnepsmedia.com co-Publisher/Editor Jean Sheff edit@westchesterfamily.com Calendar Editor Andrea White calendar@westchesterfamily.com

Grab This Issue and Hold Onto It! Our readers tell us that our annual July issue is a must save and we know why — Family Favorites! Sometime during the next year there is a good chance you are going to ask yourself, where should we hold our next birthday party? Where should we enroll the kids for music lessons? And what about an easy family dining spot?

Who knows best? Other parents of course, so here’s a word-of-mouth survey that gives you the low-down on what’s tops in Westchester. Thanks to all our readers who voted — we value your opinion and so do our other parent readers. Plus local businesses thank you too! We have amazing resources for family fun and education right here in Westchester County and this is a great way to celebrate those who add so much to our quality of life. Enjoy reading the 2019 Family Favorite awards feature this month.

Because it’s summer we decided to feature not just one but two pages of summer fun ideas for families. Summer means water — and we have you covered there. Read about the best pools, beaches, and splash parks right here in Westchester.

Other outdoor ideas — we have that covered too from mini-golf to historic sites and farms to outdoor play plazas. And we know it’s summer, but rain happens so we have suggestions for rainy days as well. From

indoor rock climbing to trampoline parks to a table tennis center. Looking for an impromptu day trip — we have a few ideas about that too. Be sure to read and keep the Let’s Go … column this month, it’s packed with goodies.

There are also plenty of other great events happening every single day this month — from live butterfly exhibits to music festivals and old-fashioned ice cream socials too. Our calendar editor Andrea White has combed the county and found the best activities for families — don’t miss the Calendar of Events in this issue.

Enjoy summer but be mindful of the sun. Check out our Bits & Pieces column where Richard Torback, M.D. debunks some popular sunscreen myths and we add our recommendations for several sunscreens that are a great fit for kids.

It’s summer, the perfect time to lighten up.

I dare you not to smile as you read our Last Word column, “Dear Alexa: I’m Sorry.” You won’t be sorry you did!

Go – do – have fun!

Happy Summer, Jean Sheff Co-Publisher, Editor

ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@schnepsmedia.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov John Napoli Marcos Ramos Connie Sulsenti DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Roberto Palacios 718-260-4531

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Westchester Family (ISSN 1043-6774) is published monthly by Queens Family Media LLC. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the Publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.

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events & offers Our July contests

Grand Prix New York Fun Cards Enter to win two (2) Family-Four Pack Grand Prix Fun Cards! Rainy days in summer call for indoor fun. Entertain the kids for hours at the arcade and see what other fun activities Grand Prix New York has to offer, including inflatables, bowling and car racing. Retail value, $20.

Contest ends July 26, 2019. Enter now at WestchesterFamily.com/GrandPrix.

Playland Wristbands!

Enter to win a Family Four-Pack of Playland Wristbands.

Each family member wearing a wristband can enter Playland and enjoy unlimited rides! Whether it’s the easy rides in Kiddieland, fun family rides or the big thrill rides there’s a ride for everyone at Playland. Retail value, $120.

Contest ends July 26. Enter now at WestchesterFamily. com/playland.

The World Around Me

SUMMER CAMP 2019 JUNE 24 - AUGUST 16

Summer Fun Activities

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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bits & pieces Five Myths about your sunscreen

+ Three choices

Effective use of sunscreen — as well as an awareness of its limitations — plays an important role. “But people need to apply sunscreen mindfully,” says Richard Torbeck, M.D., a boardcertified and fellowship-trained dermatologist. “In some cases, people may think that they have taken the appropriate steps to protect themselves but, in fact, still be at risk.”

With that in mind, he offers the following guidance: Myth 1: Just a dab will do you: “Unfortunately, most people don’t use nearly enough,” states Torbeck.

“Adults need at least an ounce — think a shot glass full — for total-body coverage. In terms of spray sunscreens, their effectiveness remains a question because it’s hard for the user to gauge how much is actually being applied.”

Myth 2: Once is enough: “We can’t apply and then head out for the day,” says Torbeck. “We need to carry our sunscreen with us for re-application: every two hours — and more often in there’s water or sweat involved.”

Myth 3: If it feels good, use it: “Customer reviews touting ‘feel’ or ‘absorption’ should not guide our choice,” emphasizes Torbeck. “An analysis of Amazon faves found that 40 percent missed the mark in terms of meeting the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommendations, which are really what we need to heed: namely, a product that is at least 30 SPF, provides ‘broad-spectrum’ protec-

Supergoop Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen SPF: 40 broad spectrum This sunscreen was originally created for the founder’s daughter, Emery, whose skin reacted to everything. It has olive polyphenols and minerals that are a physical blocker to the sun. This mineral formula doesn’t leave a white cast and is free from irritating chemicals. $16-$28, supergoop.com

tion from both UVA and UVB radiation, and is water/sweat resistant.”

Myth 4: Sunscreen is all you need: “No level of SPF can completely block the sun. It’s important to remember, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., that sunscreen alone is not enough. Additional protection — a hat, sunglasses, cover-ups — is also needed. And, if possible, we should simply get out of the sun when its rays are most intense.”

Myth 5: When summer’s over, we can put the sunscreen away: “Colder temps can obscure the fact that the sun’s rays are still doing damage,” notes Torbeck. “In fact, cold-weather factors like snow can actually reflect and intensify the sun. We should build sunscreen into our daily routine so that it becomes a 365-day habit.”

Richard Torbeck, M.D., is a boardcertified and fellowship-trained dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer and cosmetic dermatology at Advanced Dermatology P.C. advanceddermotologypc.com.

Tropic Sport Sunscreen SPF: 30 broad spectrum This mineral sunscreen is safe to use on your kids and easy for the environment.

It is reef safe, eco-friendly, and scored #2 on the EWG, meaning it has a low hazard ranking compared to other sunscreens on the market. It passed the water resistant test to last up to 80 mins. $29.99, tropicsport.com Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF: 50 broad spectrum A 100% mineral sunscreen that’s easy to blend, lightweight, and non-greasy. It’s packed with rich coconut oil, and shea and cocoa butter that restore and hydrate the skin. It is free from gluten, PABA, oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and the list goes on. $13.99, babybum.com

First Day of School Jitters We know it is just the start of summer, but as always it will go by fast. Here’s a parenting heads-up — it’s perfectly natural toward the end of August for children to start getting anxious about the new school year. It’s not only kindergartners who can feel reluctant; just about any kid can feel hesitant.

Apparently, New Jersey writer Annie Silvestro knows this feeling well. Her latest picture book Butterflies on the First Day of School (Sterling Children’s Book,

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Westchester Family | July 2019

2019) is about Rosie, a sweet little girl who can’t wait to start school. Yet when the big day arrives her tummy starts to hurt. Her mom tells her it’s just butterflies dancing around in her belly. And wow is Rosie surprised when she says hi to a new friend on the bus and a butterfly flutters right out of her mouth! Are there more butterflies to come? We can guarantee it.

This gentle tale, beautifully illustrated by Dream Chen, can help calm elementary school kids and perhaps parents as well.

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP, SUMMER CLASSES & FALL 2019

GYMNASTICS CLASSES family

favorites TO P 5 2019

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Age 3 & Up Book Early!

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BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Gymnastics, Trampoline, Air Castle & More All parties are private and our amazing staff will make your party one to remember!

family favorites TO P 5 2019

Our goal is to build a physical and mental foundation for ALL sports and to promote athleticism and good health through participation in gymnastics.

“We specialize in beginners.”

At Equalize Fitness

GymCats Gymnastics & Birthday Party Center One Odell Plaza, Yonkers (Exit 9 off Saw Mill River Pkwy)

151 CROTONA AVE • HARRISON 914-835-0010 • ISGGymnastics.com

914-965-7676 www.Gymcats.net

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Family Favorites Winners 2019 Our readers have voted, and here are the results!

We’ve asked you, our readers, what your family favorites are and then we tallied the numbers. So, drum roll please — here are the results.

Each category has an alphabetized list of the top five finalists with an editorial highlight of the overall winner.

Keep this article handy so you can refer to it all year long.

Tell your friends too. In addition, the article is always available just a click away on our website, westchesterfamily.com, click on the Family Favorites tab or the Our Magazines tab to see the complete digital issue. There you can flip through the pages and click on the live links that take you right to the winners’ websites.

This list is compiled through a random survey of Westchester Family magazine readers, enewsletter subscribers and social media followers between March 21, 2019 and June 7, 2019. This list is not meant to represent an endorsement from Westchester Family or Schneps Media. Westchester Family and Schneps Media do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any person related to use of any business, service or individual included on this list. As of press time all contact information for winners was verified. All top five nominees are listed in alphabetical order. In the event of a tie in voting, all honorees with votes making them eligible to be in the top five have been listed and a special note of a tie is included.

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Westchester Family | July 2019

WINNER 2017

WINNER 2018

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST PLACE FOR MUSIC LESSONS

THREE YEARS IN A ROW! Winner of more awards that any other music school in Westchester!

FREE $60 Registration EXPIRES 7/31/19 Limit one per household, one per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of original registration.

Not valid for cash or refunds.

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY 253 Halstead Avenue Harrison, NY 10528

ROCKLAND COUNTY

914-575-2288

845-709-8383

www.HarrisonMusicSchool.com

14 North Main Street New City, NY 10956 www.NewCityMusicSchool.com July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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family favorites 2019

Academic Enrichment Program

Hudson Learning Lab Director Marcella Moran is coauthor of the book, Organizing the Disorganized Child.

Playland’s friendly dragon mascot invites you to experience all this National Landmark amusement center has to offer.

Top 5 • Achievement Learning Center (Larchmont) • Eye Level Learning Center (Briarcliff) • Hudson Learning Lab (Pleasantville, Hartsdale, Rye, Yorktown) • KUMON (Croton-on-Hudson, Eastchester, Dobbs Ferry, Hartsdale, Mamaroneck, Mt. Kisco, New Rochelle, Ossining, Pleasantville, Port Chester, Scarsdale, Somers, Tarrytown, White Plains, Yonkers, Yorktown Heights) • Mathnasium (Ardsley/Irvington, Chappaqua, Cortlandt, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, Rye) The Winner Hudson Learning Lab Pleasantville, Hartsdale, Rye, Yorktown 914-579-2224 hudsonlearninglab.com Hudson Learning Lab is a “tutoring center for unique learners.” They specialize in effective interventions for children/adolescents with learning issues, attention difficulty, and organizational challenges.

Students receive a customized learning program that addresses their educational needs. Learning specialists can work on reading, writing, math, subject-based tutoring, organizational coaching, and special education. Hudson Learning Lab Director, Marcella Moran, MA, LMHC, is coauthor of Organizing the Disorganized Child (Harper Collins, 2009), a practical how-to book for parents looking to help their children develop organizational skills.

Amusement Center Top 5 (* tie for Top 5) • Boundless Adventures* (Purchase) • FunFuzion* (New Rochelle) • Grand Prix New York (Mt. Kisco) • LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Yonkers) • Playland (Rye) • Spins Hudson (Peekskill) The Winner Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard offers families the time-honored tradition of picking apples right off the tree.

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Westchester Family | July 2019

Playland Playland Pkwy., Rye 914-813-7010 or 7000

ryeplayland.org Playland was officially declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Families continue to enjoy the more than 50 rides for children, youngsters, and adults. There’s also free entertainment, a beach, pool, boardwalk and pier, lake boating, picnic area, and mini golf. If you are at least 48” tall be sure to get on the famous Dragon Coaster, ride the 3,400 feet of track and plunge into a 128-foot drop that hurls you into the mouth of the dragon! The Kiddyland section is dedicated to the youngest visitors with rides that are age appropriate. Catch the Friday Night Fireworks display set to music every Friday evening from July 12 to Aug. 30 at 9:20 p.m.

Apple Picking Orchard Top 5 • Barton Orchards (Poughquag) • Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction) • Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (North Salem) • Stuart’s Fruit Farm (Granite Springs) • Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights) The Winner Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-485-1210 harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com Picking apples is a time-honored tradition in Westchester. Don’t miss the chance to get out in the orchards and pick-your-own at this popular family-owned apple orchard in North Salem. In September and October Harvest Moon offers apple-picking, seasonal festivals, hayrides, a bounce house, games, live music, farm animals, pony rides, face painting, and food and craft vendors. Plus their country store is loaded with homegrown veggies, fruit, eggs, homemade hard cider, and their famous apple cider donuts! Purchase lunch and have it on the farm picnic tables al fresco! CSA’s are also available.

family

favorites TO P 5 2019

COMING TO

NINJA COURSE SUMMER 2019 GPNY.COM

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July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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family favorites 2019

Art Studio for Kids Top 5 • A Maze in Pottery (Briarcliff Manor) • Fun Craft of Scarsdale (Scarsdale) • Katonah Art Center (Mt. Kisco) • Pelham Art Center (Pelham) • The Rye Arts Center (Rye) The Winner

It is hands-on fun and learning at The Rye Arts Center.

Riviera cakes not only look beautiful — they taste even better!

The Rye Arts Center 51 Milton Road, Rye 914-967-0700 ryeartscenter.org The Rye Arts Center is a not-for-profit organization that offers a wide range of classes for children of all ages.

Students can explore the visual arts with drawing, painting, ceramics, and photography classes. Performing art classes are offered in music, ballet, dance, and musical theater. New classes are being added all the time. This summer ther are new offerings such as Stitching & Embroidery on Plastics and Book Sculptures. There are also S.T.E.A.M. classes in Robotics, 3D printing and coding. This summer kids can try Animation Week with Minecraft or Minecraft 3D printing classes. They also offer a pre-K program called Creative Kids. The Center has been operating since 1960 and continues to strengthen and expand their programming. The LOOK! Program brings innovative arts education into many classrooms in the area. Special summer programs and mini-camps make this Center a popular choice for local summer fun.

Birthday Cake for Kids (Local)

Kids have fun at The Rye Arts Center birthday parties.

Top 5 • Beascakes Bakery (Armonk) • Gammie Cakes (Pleasantville) • Martine’s Fine Bake Shoppe (Scarsdale) • Riviera Bakehouse (Ardsley) • The Snackery Bakeshop (Larchmont)

occasion, custom cakes or cupcakes from Riviera Bakehouse add a magical touch to the celebration. Everything here is made in-house and from scratch. The baked goods not only taste great, the whimsical designs are a work of art! Have an idea for a special design? You can work with the master bakers here to make your dream cake come true. Allow time when you stop by to have coffee and cookies, or a sandwich or a classic pastry in the shop or on the deck out front. While you are there take a look at the book of designs they have - real photos of cakes they have creted and chronicled over time – it’s great fun to browse through. Open seven days a week.

Birthday Party Place Top 5 • BounceU (Elmsford) • Greenburgh Nature Center (Scarsdale) • Jodi’s Gym (Mt. Kisco, NYC) • Magical Movements (Harrison) • The Rye Arts Center (Rye) The Winner The Rye Arts Center 51 Milton Road, Rye 914-967-0700 ryeartscenter.org Choose from themed-party packages such as Minecraft Birthday Party, Polymer Clay Party, Birthday pARTy at The RAC, 3D Party, or LEGO® Party. Or you can work with their staff to create something unique. Parents choose the date, they do the rest. Tableware, accessories, and food are provided.

Clothing Store (New & Local) Top 5 • All About the Dress (Armonk) • Epstein’s Dry Goods (Tuckahoe) • Lester’s Clothing (Rye Brook) • Little Rags & Riches (Armonk) • Stephanie’s Kloset (Larchmont)

The Winner Riviera Bakehouse 660 Saw Mill River Road,

Cool rules at Stephanie’s Kloset in Larchmont.

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Westchester Family | July 2019

Ardsley 914-693-9758 thewhimsicalbakehouse.com Don’t take everyone in Westchester’s word for it. Drop by yourself and inhale the delicious smell of fresh pastry at this haven of baked goods.Whether it’s a birthday, graduation or other special

The Winner Stephanie’s Kloset 1917 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 914-834-2144 Cool kids rely on Stephanie’s Kloset for the latest hip brand fashions and accessories. The racks and shelves are packed with irresistible items that even parents love. Besides clothing there are toys, pillows, and other good gift

We are a tween, We are a tween, junior and junior and woman's woman's clothing store clothing with A store LOT with A LOT of great of great accessories, accessories, toys and toys and more ... more ...

Stephanie's Stephanie's Kloset Kloset 914-834-2144

1917 Palmer Ave 914-834-2144 Larchmont, NYAve 10538 1917 Palmer Larchmont, NY 10538

family favorites TO P 5 2019

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26 Broadway, Hawthorne, NY 10532 • (347) 943-9882 • www.fabtheatre.com July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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family favorites 2019

items. This is a closet any kid, especially young girls, would love.

Consignment Store for Kids Top 5 • Affordables (Dobbs Ferry) • Lil Chameleon (Tuckahoe) • Once Upon A Child (Baldwin Place) • Once Upon A Child (Scarsdale) • Sweet Repeats (Yorktown & Carmel) The Winner Lil Chameleon is so much more than a consignment shop.

Students jump for joy at Magical Movements School of Dance in Harrison.

Lil Chameleon 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe 914-346-5148 lilchameleon.com When is a consignment store more than a consignment store? When it’s Lil Chameleon of course! This kid’s resale boutique buys, sells, and trades new and nearly new clothing for kid’s sizes newborn to 12. You’ll also find books, toys, gear, and accessories. Take your gently used or new items to the store and Lil Chameleon may select them paying you 30% cash or 50% store credit, based on the resale price. Yet, there’s so much more – kids’ activities, camps, parties, and a play café are also onsite. There’s even summer drop-off fun time for ages 3 to 6. And catch this, there’s drop-off childcare coming soon! You can even have a tea or coffee in the café. It’s a great way to meet other local moms.

Dance Class

Milkshakes are an outrageous treat at Mt. Kisco Diner.

Top 5 • Dance for Joy (Mohegan Lake) • French-American Ballet Theatre (Hawthorne) • Logrea Dance Academy (Ossining) • Penny Lane Dance Academy (Baldwin Place) • Magical Movements School of Dance (Harrison) The Winner

Kids get active and have fun at World Cup Gymnastics in Chappaqua.

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Westchester Family | July 2019

Magical Movements 33 Halstead Ave., Harrison 914-381-6185 magicalmovements.net It’s rare to find the dance studio that not only teaches the discipline of dance but allows students to feel comfortable and encourages them to enjoy expressing themselves through movement. Readers tell us Magical Movements does just that. Parents say the friendly and professional staff,

small classes plus affordable rates make this studio a winner. They offer children ages 1 and up classes in a mommy & me setting, fairytale ballet, jazz, hip-hop, Latin jazz, boys hip-hop, Modern, pre-point and point as well as Girl Scout badges programs. Birthday parties are also a favorite here.

Dining with Children Top 5 • AJ’s Burgers (New Rochelle) • The Cheesecake Factory (White Plains, Yonkers) • Fuji Mountain (Larchmont) • Mt. Kisco Diner (Mt. Kisco) • Westchester Burger Company (Mt. Kisco, Rye Brook, White Plains) The Winner Mt. Kisco Diner 252 E. Main St., Mt. Kisco 914-666-5676 mtkiscodiner.com This casual eatery has something for everyone, and plenty of it. There’s breakfast all day, vegan and glutenfree options, plus parking, highchairs, takeout service, and a glass of wine for parents. Don’t let the kids see the milkshake before they finish their meal — The Love Shake Raspberry Vanilla is the most popular — it’s outrageous, and a treat to beat! Hey, there’s milk in there so that’s healthy.

Gymnastic Class Top 5 • GymCats Gymnastics (Yonkers) • ISG Gymnastics (Harrison) • Jodi’s Gym (Mt. Kisco, NYC) • World Cup Gymnastics (Chappaqua) • YWCA Gymnastics (White Plains) The Winner World Cup Gymnastics 170 Hunts Ln., Chappaqua 914-238-4967 worldcupgymnastics.com This 19,000 square foot facility offers recreational and competitive gymnastics for boys and girls. The program starts with Romperee, a parent & child program. Graduate to Preschool Gymnastics, Recreational Gymnastics, and the option of joining the Boys or Girls Competitive Teams. They also offer Cheer Tumbling, Ninja Warriors and Dive Training. The gym works to

affordables

a quality children’s consignment store

LOTS OF SUMMER CLOTHING! family favorites

• children’s clothing: TO P 5 2019 sizes 0-14 • maternity clothes: TOP 5 2018 casual, business & dressy • baby equipment: strollers, bouncers, cribs & more • toys, books, games • shoes & rain boots • trykes • scooters • bikes Clothes to fit 18” Dolls!

10 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry 914-693-3610 Tuesday – Saturday, Closed Mondays July & August

DISCOVER YOUR INNER CHAMPION! AT WORLD CUP GYMNASTICS Call 914-238-4967 or register at worldcupgymnastics.com Whether you are a beginner or experienced gymnast, an infant or a teenager, there is a class for you at World �up �ymnas�cs� 170 Hunts Lane | Chappaqua, NY 10514

C E LE BR ATIN G 15+ YEARS

The journey begins here...

DANCE FOR TOTS – TEENS MINI-CAMPS / WORKSHOPS PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES 33 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528 914-381-6185 www.magicalmovements.net

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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family favorites 2019

maintain a safe, positive, fun, and creative atmosphere. For parents there’s Kids Night Out, a drop-off program for kids ages 3 to 12 on select Saturdays so adults get an evening out and kids have fun. Birthday parties and summer camp sessions are also popular here.

Horseback Riding Stable

Even the youngest kids can enjoy a pony ride at Rocking Horse Ranch.

Top 5 • Bronx Equestrian Center (The Bronx) • Fox Hill Farms (Pleasantville) • Rocking Horse Ranch Resort (Highland, N.Y.) • Summit Farm (North Salem) • Twin Lakes Farm (Bronxville) The Winner

Longford’s Own-Made Ice Cream comes in some 90 flavors.

Rocking Horse Ranch 600 State Route 44/55, Highland, N.Y. 844-402-3214 rockinghorseranch.com Parents say this Ranch offers a nice introduction to horseback riding for kids. The Junior Wrangler program, for kids under 48” tall, allows parents to lead their child’s pony if they’d like.

These gentle “ponies” are retired trail riding horses that like moving at a slower pace. As kids age they can move up to The Walk Ride program then to intermediate (walk and trot) and advanced (walk, trot, canter). There are also horse-drawn wagon rides, horse shoeing demos, and if you are making a family getaway there’s a full children’s center, a water park, and more.

Ice Cream & Yogurt

The fun never stops at LEGOLAND!

Top 5 • Blue Pig (Croton-on-Hudson) • Cold Stone Creamery (Pleasantville, White Plains) • King Kone (Katonah) • Longford’s Own-Made Ice Cream (Rye) • Penny Lick Ice Cream Company (Hastings-on-Hudson) The Winner

Scale to new heights at The Cliffs at Valhalla.

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Westchester Family | July 2019

Longford’s Own-Made Ice Cream 4 Elm Pl., Rye 914-967-3797 longfordsicecream.com Own-made means just that ­– this ice cream is handcrafted in small batches.

Owners Patricia Sudbay and Nolan

West also create sorbet, frozen yogurt, and gelato. Manufactured in Stamford, Conn., this local ice cream has been wowing families for more than 25 years.

With more than 60 flavors plus another 30 seasonal choices there is plenty to choose from. Longford’s Own-Made Ice Cream is also available at select distributors.

Indoor Playspace Top 5 • BounceU (Elmsford) • The Digital Arts Experience (Scarsdale) • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center (Yonkers) • The Play Place (Elmsford) • Rockin’ Jump (Mt. Kisco, Yonkers) The Winner LEGOLAND® Discovery Center 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers 844-740-9223 westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter. com Have children at various ages? No problem keeping them all entertained at LEGOLAND®. There are two familyfriendly rides, 10 LEGO build and play zones, a 4D cinema, a Ninja City Adventure, climbing wall, and an all new VR Experience! Open every day – yes, here’s something to do on a Monday or a holiday – allow at least two to three hours for your visit because there’s plenty to do. Parents can have a cup of coffee in the café and because it is located in the Ridge Hill complex there are many dining choices once the kids work up an appetite.

Indoor Rock Climbing Top 5 • The Cliffs at Valhalla (Valhalla) • High Exposure Rock Climbing (Northvale, N.J.) • Life the Place to Be (Ardsley) • The Rock Club at Pine Brook Fitness (New Rochelle) • Sportime USA (Elmsford) The Winner The Cliffs at Valhalla 1 Commerce St., Valhalla 914-328-7625 valhalla.thecliffsclimbing.com

Located in Briarcliff Manor, New York, A Maze in Pottery is a warm, friendly art-studio where you can relax while painting and decorating a piece of pottery.

We have a large and diverse selection of bisque pottery pieces which makes our studio a great place for people of all ages; adults, teens, and children.

No artistic experience is necessary!

With our collection of idea books, painted samples, art tools and, above all, the assistance of our dedicated staff, you will be able to express yourself and your inner artist.

• Walk-Ins • Birthday Partys • Summer Camp • Mommy & Me Programs • Teenagers & College Kids Summer Classes • Adult Sip N Paint Nights (First Friday of the Month) family

favorites TO P 5

914-502-0088

2019

amazeinpottery.com

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Interested in rock climbing? At the Cliffs you can pop in for the day (no experience required), take a class, or join a climbing club. There are four climbing programs for kids grouped by age: ages 6 to 9, 10 to 12, and 13 to 18.

There’s plenty of fun and challenge for adults here too. For the serious climber there are Competitive Teams. Summer Camp, Scout Badge programs, birthday parties, and private instruction are also available.

Museum for Families

Kids love all the hands-on exhibits at Stepping Stones Museum for Children.

Top 5 • Bruce Museum (Greenwich, Conn.)

• Hudson River Museum (Yonkers) • Katonah Museum of Art (Katonah) • Stepping Stones Museum for Children (Norwalk, Conn.)

• Westchester Children’s Museum (Rye) The Winner

Harrison School of Music offers fun and engaging music lessons in a supportive environment.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children Mathews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn.

203-899-0606 steppingstonesmuseum.org This Museum takes play very seriously.

Packed with a multitude of interactive learning experiences, here kids play and learn seamlessly. There are exhibits for every age group including infants and pre-walkers. Kids love Energy Lab, a wonderfully wet way for kids to learn about the science of energy. The Build It exhibit allows kids to explore building and Tot Town is ideal for the littlest museum visitor. An outdoor courtyard expands the play area and special exhibits mean there’s always something new to explore.

Special days/times are dedicated to individuals with sensory processing differences and other special needs (see website). Birthday parties are also offered.

Music Lessons

It all sounds good in a Sounds Good Westchester class.

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Westchester Family | July 2019

Top 5 • Belle School of Music (Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers) • Eugene’s Music Studio (Port Chester) • Harrison School of Music (Harrison) • Larchmont Music Academy (Larchmont) • The Rye Arts Center (Rye)

The Winner Harrison School of Music 253 Halstead Ave., Harrison 914-575-2288 harrisonmusicschool.com At Harrison School of Music classes are available in guitar, bass, piano, drums, ukulele, singing, voice, saxophone, violin, flute, and clarinet.

Professional, experienced musicians teach students ages 4 to adult and of all abilities seven days a week.

Students can study rock, pop, jazz, country, blues, and classical styles. A comfortable parent’s lounge makes waiting easy. Music recitals are held at least two times a year.

Music Program (Parent & Child) Top 5 • Gymboree Play & Music (Scarsdale) • Musical Munchkins (Armonk, Dobbs Ferry, New Rochelle, Pleasantville, Scarsdale, Tuckahoe, White Plains) • Rye YMCA (Rye) • Sounds Good Westchester (Harrison, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Pelham, Port Chester, Rye) • Starlight Starbright Music (Chappaqua, Scarsdale, Tarrytown) The Winner Sounds Good Westchester Harrison, Larchmont, New Rochelle, Pelham, Port Chester, Rye, Scarsdale 914-670-7024 soundsgoodwestchester.com Parent and child classes are a great way to interact with your little one and meet other like-minded adults.

Sounds Good Westchester offers Music Together® classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with their grown-ups. Select from Babies Only, Mixed Age or Generations classes. There’s even a Canta y Baila Conmigo® Spanish music class offered in Rye and a Music Together® Sing Shalom class in Scarsdale.

Classes are offered seven days a week. Sign up online to try a free demo class.

Stepping Stones

Museum for Children

Thank you for voting us Westchester's Best Parent/Child Music Program!

MEMORIAL DAY – LABOR DAY Open 7 days a week, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Harrison • Larchmont • New Rochelle • Pelham • Port Chester/Rye Brook • Rye • Scarsdale www.soundsgoodwestchester.com • (914) 670-7024

COOLest summer for families!

Rain or shine, we have all types of environments your child will enjoy. We have a tented outdoor courtyard and hands-on exhibits where children of all ages will explore, discover, create, test and learn in ways they have never imagined… see for yourself why everyone loves Stepping Stones. Plan your visit today.

JULY 1–7 4 6–7 11 – 21 20 –21 27

Independence Week Independence Day – OPEN until 3:00 pm Revolutionary War Encampment Bubble Week!

Apollo 11 Moon Landing: 50th Anniversary Big Adventures: Dinosaurs Exhibit Opens

· Private lessons · Private in your lessons home, in home, in your our studio, in or ouronline studio, or online

· Early Childhood · Early Childhood classes classes in our fully

in our fully (914) 259-8389 equipped studios (914) 259-8389 equipped studios · Instrument rental and purchase, · Instrument rental and purchase, and much more! and much more!

Plan your visit today!

steppingstonesmuseum.org/calendar

Eugene's Music Studio will find a way Eugene's Music Studio will find a way to bring the love of music into your life to bring the love of music into your life

eugenesmusicstudio.com

Norwalk, CT

eugenesmusicstudio.com Westchester@eugenesmusicstudio.com Westchester@eugenesmusicstudio.com July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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family favorites 2019

Nature Center Top 5 • Audubon Greenwich (Greenwich, Conn) • Greenburgh Nature Center (Scarsdale) • Muscoot Farm (Katonah) • Rye Nature Center (Rye) • Teatown Lake Reservation (Ossining) The Winner

Kids can get up close to nature at Greenburgh Nature Center.

Youngsters experience the joy of performing at The Play Group Theatre.

Greenburgh Nature Center 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale 914-723-3470 greenburghnaturecenter.org This 33-acre, not-for-profit, woodland preserve offers trails, a pond, gardens, a live animal museum, and indoor exhibits. There are many family programs held during the week and on weekends as well as a parent and child preschool program. There’s even summer camp! The Live Butterfly Exhibit through Aug. 3 is especially popular. Make sure to take the kids to the Nature’s Discovery Playground, an outdoor playground suitable for all ages. Here kids can climb, slide, and swing in a natural setting. The tree house-like structures are magical.

Performing Arts Class / Acting Top 5 • Artistree Performing Arts (Mamaroneck) • Broadway Training Center of Westchester (Hastings-on- Hudson) • The Play Group Theatre (White Plains) • Star Kidz (Harrison) • Yorktown Stage (Yorktown Heights) Find everything you need for your pet at Pet Goods in Scarsdale.

Jane Goodrich Photography offers relaxed family photos with a modern edge.

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Westchester Family | July 2019

The Winner The Play Group Theatre 1 N. Broadway, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org Jill Abusch, artistic director, and Steve Abusch, executive director, are co-founders of the award-winning Play Group Theatre that offers a full component of programs for students ages 4 to adult. MainStage and Theatre Lab are performance programs culminating in public or open performances. Classes are offered in Design Tech, Little Theatre (ages 4-6), acting, musical theatre, voice, college counseling, audition coaching, and

summer theater camps. There’s even an Improv Troupe and Community Cabaret.

Pet Shop Top 5 (*tie for Top 5) • All Paws Gourmet Pet Boutique (Rye) • Bird Jungle* (Scarsdale) • Pet Goods (Scarsdale) • Petco (Hartsdale, Larchmont, Mt. Kisco, Mt. Vernon, Port Chester, Yonkers) • PetSmart* (Mohegan Lake, Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers) • Wags & Whiskers (Chappaqua) The Winner Pet Goods 1125 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-472-6050 petgoods.com Billed as a super store with personal service, this store always welcomes your pet. Whether you have a dog, cat, fish, bird, reptile, or other small animal you can find something for them at this family-owned business that was started in 1979. They carry a wide range of food products including Blue Buffalo and Orijen pet food plus animal supplies and accessories. View their monthly Pet Goods Promotions on their website that lists special monthly sales.

Free shipping on orders over $49.

Photographer (Family or Child) Top 5 • Donna Mueller Photography (Pleasantville) • Jane Goodrich Photography (Larchmont) • Michael Kormos Photography (New York City) • Suzanne Claire Photography (Port Chester) • Venture Photography (Greenwich, Conn) The Winner Jane Goodrich Photography 7 Woodland Ave., Suite 17, Larchmont 917-744-3310 janegoodrich.com Parents tell us working with Jane Goodrich is so easy. Goodrich takes the stress out of photography. Her easy way with kids translates into

Live Butterfly Exhibit July 6 - August 3 Experience the wonders of butterflies at Greenburgh Nature Center â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the 2019 Family Favorites Winner for Best Nature Center!

SUMMER

2019 Art Camp

914.232-4843

The perfect summer fun art experience from 3.5 years to teens!

family favorites TO P 5 2019

KIDS ART CAMP TEEN INTENSIVES ART & IMAGINATION

W W W. K AT O N A H A R T C E N T E R . C O M

greenburghnaturecenter.org

Summer Theatre Camps Fall Shows & Classes

Enrolling Now! (914) 946-4433 2019

playgroup.org July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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genuine, relaxed images that capture your child’s personality. Goodrich has published three books and even offers workshops for parents on how to photograph their children. She shoots on location, in homes, and in her studio.

She specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, and kids and family photography.

Playground Kids get back to nature and up to all kinds of fun at Nature’s Discovery Playground.

Top 5 • Croton Point Park (Croton-onHudson) • Gedney Park (Chappaqua) • Harbor Island Playground (Mamaroneck) • Nature’s Discovery Playground at Greenburgh Nature Center (Scarsdale) • Saxon Woods Park (White Plains) The Winner

Get wet and have fun at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos.

Nature’s Discovery Playground at Greenburgh Nature Center 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale 914-723-3470 greenburghnaturecenter.org Nestled in the forest right next to the Center’s Great Lawn this magical playground offers the traditional fun of a playground in a nature-themed setting for children ages 2 to 12. The playground is wheelchair and stroller accessible by a path located at the handicapped parking area next to the Manor House.

Resort for Families A 1:1 teacher to student ratio helps kids with special needs succeed in Backyard Sports Cares programs.

Top 5 • Camelback Resort (Tannersville, Penn.)

• Great Wolf Lodge (Scotrun, Penn.)

• Hersheypark (Hershey, Penn.)

• Kalahari Resorts (Pocono Manor, Penn.)

• Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, N.Y.) The Winner

The Digital Arts Experience (DAE) engages kids to build and develop anything they can imagine.

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Westchester Family | July 2019

Great Wolf Lodge 1 Great Wolf Dr., Scotrun, Penn.

800-768-9653 greatwolf.com Local families enjoy experiencing Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos while creating lifelong memories. This year the resort showcases their brand new renovations and additions such

as new dry-play activities including the expansive Oliver’s Mining Co. and Moonstone Mine, along with a new look to the popular mystical adventure, MagiQuest! Of course the indoor water park excels at everything wet and there’s plenty of water play too.

Special Needs Recreational Program Top 5 • Aqua Tots (West Harrison) • Backyard Sports Cares (White Plains) • Greenburgh Special Education Recreation (Ardsley) • JCC of Mid-Westchester (Scarsdale) • The Miracle League of Westchester (Hartsdale) The Winner Backyard Sports Cares 75 S. Broadway, Suite 453, White Plains (office) 914-304-4052 byardsportscares.org Backyard Sports runs BYS Plus program for children ages 5 to 15 with special needs. The popular tennis/ baseball program runs on Sundays at the main gym at Purchase College.

Other programs run at various locations. With a 1:1 teacher to student ratio kids get individual attention that helps them build skills, confidence, and overall fitness. The program is safe and appropriately competitive. Good sportsmanship and group cooperation is stressed.

STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Top 5 • Curious-on-Hudson (White Plains) • The Digital Arts Experience (Scarsdale) • Mad Science (White Plains) • Mathnasium (Ardsley/Irvington, Chappaqua, Cortlandt, Mamaroneck, Scarsdale, Rye) • STEM Alliance of LarchmontMamaroneck (Larchmont) The Winner The Digital Arts Experience 303 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-644-8100 thedae.com The Digital Arts Experience (DAE)

SWIM TANK

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

BYS Plus Fall Basketball For Special Needs Children Start your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lessons today!

Our goal is to education children to be safe and competent in and around water. We believe that, given the right instruction and encouraging environment, all children can learn this lifesaving skill.

www.SwimTank.net (914) 694-3289

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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family favorites 2019

helps students develop their interest and expertise in all things digital. The fully equipped open, collaborative environment features the latest creative software, a makerspace with 3D printers and scanners, a photo and video studio, a recording studio and other equipment that makes learning easy. Experienced instructors are passionate about teaching, which helps kids get excited through handson projects such as building robots, drones, and coding. Summer Camps and after-school programs available.

New Rochelle Racquet Club offers a Ten and Under Tennis program that’s designed to get kids playing the game.

Tennis Program for Kids Top 5 • Armonk Tennis Club (Armonk) • New Rochelle Racquet Club at Pine Brook Fitness (New Rochelle) • The Play Place (Elmsford) • Rye Racquet Club (Harrison) • Yonkers Tennis Center (Yonkers) The Winner

Shows such as Pete the Cat keep families coming back to the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck.

New Rochelle Racquet Club (NRRC) at Pine Brook Fitness 130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookfitness.com NRRC offers an amazing Ten and Under Tennis (TAUT) program that’s specially designed to get kids actually playing tennis. By using kid-sized courts and equipment with balls that bounce lower and don’t move as fast

through the air kids have more success on the court and begin to enjoy the game. Kids move up to the Junior Development program and ultimately the Tournament Training Program.

NRRC also offers summer camps and birthday parties.

Theater for Families (Local & Live) Top 5 • Emelin Theatre (Mamaroneck) • The Performing Arts Center (Purchase) • The Play Group Theatre (White Plains) • Tarrytown Music Hall (Tarrytown) • Westchester Broadway Theatre (Elmsford) The Winner Emelin Theatre 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck 914-698-0098 emelin.org Emelin Theatre, a 275-seat non-profit theater, offers a Family Series that appeals to kids - and the kid in every parent. Presenting the work of talented groups such as Theatreworks USA and collaborating with others such as the Missoula Children’s Theatre, Emelin offers quality programming for the junior set. Recent shows include Pete the Cat, Rosie Revere, Engineer, and the upcoming Peter Pan.

We Have More Winners!

Thanks to all our readers who entered the Westchester Family Family Favorites contest.

Your local businesses and venues thank you as well for giving them the shoutout they so deserve. Isn’t it wonderful that we live in a fantastic county that has so many fantastic opportunities for family fun and education!

There are two other lucky winners we would like to mention.

All voters who completed the contest form were automatically entered for a chance to be randomly selected to win

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Westchester Family | July 2019

a two-night stay for a Family of Four to Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos. The winning family can experience Great Wolf Lodge Poconos, which offers renovated suites, 79,000-sq. ft. of indoor water park fun, and dry-land activities for the entire family. The winning family gets to enjoy the resort’s brand new renovations and additions such as new dry-play activities including the expansive Oliver’s Mining Co. and Moonstone Mine, along with a new look to the popular mystical adventure, MagiQuest! Lodging, admission and Paw Passes to activities are included,

just purchase your meals - what a great getaway!

We are proud to announce that The Ennis family of Pleasantville is the happy winner of the Great Wolf Getaway!

Congrats and enjoy your vacation!

Voters also had the chance to be randomly selected to win a four-pack of tickets to see a New York Yankees game!

The winner gets to attend a 2019 season game at Yankee Stadium this season.

We are happy to announce that Joe Volpe of New Rochelle is headed to Yankee Stadium!

Thanks again to all who participated and remember to enter again next year!

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family favorites 2019

| Special Advertising Supplement

A Little More Information on Some of Our Top 5 Winners Making the Top 5 is a win in our book. Get to know some of the local businesses and services that made it to the top of the list in this year’s Family Favorites contest.

Affordables: Top 5 Consignment Store for Kids 10 Main St., Dobbs Ferry 914-693-3610 affordablechilddobbsferry.com Billed as “high-quality consignment for moms who know how to shop smart,” Affordables offers name-brand kid’s clothing and a maternity clothing section that includes casual, dressy and business wear. They also sell gently used books, toys, baby equipment, bicycles and seasonal items.

All Paws Gourmet Pet Boutique: Top 5 Pet Shop 31 Purchase St., Rye 914-921-1690 This shop is dedicated to offering the most healthful and nutritious food for your pet. All Paws also works with a bakery to bring you fresh cake and cookie treats for your doggy. They also offer carefully selected toys and dogwear.

A Maze In Pottery: Top 5 Art Studio for Kids 76 N. State Road, Briarcliff Manor 914-502-0088 amazeinpottery.com It’s just amazing what you can create at this local pottery studio where the focus is on fun and relaxation. Adults, teens and children are encouraged to express their inner artist.

No artistic experience necessary! Birthday parties, classes and camp also available.

Aqua Tots: Top 5 Special Needs Recreation Program 45 W. Red Oak Ln., West Harrison 914-694-3289 swimtank.net Swim Tank is the home of Aqua Tots, a program that offers customized swim lessons to meet the individual needs of your child. Trained instructors work with you to identify

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and meet the specific goals that you would like to set for your child.

Best of Westchester; Top 5 Westchester Family; Kids Out & About!

Belle School of Music: Top 5 Music Lessons

Digital Arts Experience: Top 5 Indoor Playspace

1537 Central Park Ave., Yonkers 1088 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 283 Tarrytown Road, White Plains 914-961-5511 belleschool.com Under the supervision of highly qualified staff your child will have fun and develop an appreciation for music that lasts a lifetime.

Three convenient locations make getting to and from lessons easy for parents. Belle offers a free consultation and introductory lesson.

303 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-644-8100 thedae.com The after school drop-in workshops are flexible and convenient. Arrive between 3 and 4 p.m. to hang out, have a snack, and finish homework.

Then the project of the day begins. It’s a digital playground! Westchester Family readers voted The DAE Best S.T.E.M. Program for the past three years!

Boundless Adventures: Top 5 Amusement Center

603 N. Main St., Port Chester 914-259-8389 Offering in-home or in-studio music lessons for brass, percussion, and woodwind instruments, as well as piano and voice. Dedicated teachers look for new ways to make their students’ musical experience rewarding. Also offering Early Childhood Music Classes, ages 6 months to 6 years.

735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-893-4550 boundlessadventures.net/ ny-park Swing, climb, balance and zip-line through this treetop aerial adventure park. With 9 courses spanning 4 levels of difficulty, challenge yourself with our 90+ bridges and 17 ziplines. There is something for everyone from beginner to expert. Great for family outings, birthday parties, and more.

Broadway Training Center (BTC): Top 5 Perfroming Arts Class/Acting 10 Washington Ave., Hastingson-Hudson 914-478-7065 broadwaytraining.com Westchester’s premiere performing arts school provides yearlong training in acting, voice, dance, and Musical Theater Performance programs for K-12 and adults.

An award-winning not-forprofit 501(c)(3) organization; National Youth Arts awards;

Westchester Family | July 2019

Eugene’s Music Studio: Top 5 Music Lessons

Eye Level Learning Center: Top 5 Academic Enrichment Program 501 N. State Road, Briarcliff Manor 914-741-0407 eye-level-learning-center-ofbriarcliff.business.site Eye level offers basic math, critical thinking, and integrated reading and writing programs. Offering early learning, enrichment and extra help. Summer sessions are also available to help your child build a strong foundation in math and English.

Low teacher to student ratio makes individualized teaching possible.

French-American Ballet Theatre: Top 5 Dance Class 26 Broadway, Hawthorne 347-943-9882 contact@fabtheatre.com fabtheatre.com Directed by faculty from leading European and American ballet companies, French-American Ballet Theatre proposes a unique set of classical ballet classes for beginners to professional dancers, theme-focused workshops, tailored private lessons, and an inspiring Ballet Barre Sculpt adult program.

Grand Prix New York: Top 5 Amusement Center 333 N. Bedford Rd, Mt. Kisco 914-241-3131 gpny.com From one of the most well known originators of family fun in Westchester, Grand Prix will launch its newest attraction; GPX! Stay tuned for the launch of their massive ninja style course loaded with gravity defying obstacles and even more adventure than before!

Coming this summer.

Greenburgh Nature Center: Top 5 Birthday Party Place 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale 914-723-3470 greenburghnaturecenter.org Westchester Family readers adore this nature center, which was also voted a Family Favorites Winner in the Nature Center and Playground categories!

“Green” birthday parties allow kids to celebrate as they enjoy the wonders of nature. Different themes are all fun and educational.

Gymcats Gymnastics: Top 5 Gymnastic Class 1 Odell Plaza, #190, Yonkers 914-965-7676 gyncats.net Founded more than 30 years ago, this gymnastics center looks to create athletes as well as lay the foundations for kids to succeed both in and out of sports. Classes for kids ages 20 months to teens.

Competitive team and noncompetitive team program are also available.

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family favorites TO P 5 2019 July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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family favorites 2019

| Special Advertising Supplement

ISG Gymnastics: Top 5 Gymnastic Class

Logrea Dance Academy: Top 5 Dance Class

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151 Crotona Ave., Harrison 914-835-0010 isggymnastics.com ISG has been in business for nearly 40 years offering classes for kids ages 3 to teen.

This family-owned center strives to provide a safe and fun environment. They look to create and foster self-confidence in children in a positive atmosphere.

2 Dale Ave., Ossining 914-941-2939 logreadance.com Superb training. Life-long friendships. Life-lessons like discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence are all wrapped in a positive, caring, fun family atmosphere.

Whether your child wants a career in dance, or just wants to dance for the joy of it, Logrea can help them achieve their dreams.

Offering classes in: Armonk, Dobbs Ferry. New Rochelle, Pleasantville, Scarsdale, Tuckahoe, White Plains 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins is celebrating 35+ years of making music and memories. Toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers explore their natural musical abilities with interactive live guitar music, instruments, props, puppets for a clapping, singing, dancing good time.

960 California Road, Eastchester 914-961-3821 twinlakesfarm.com This riding academy and competitive show stable offers lessons seven days a week!

Situated on 150 acres of protected parkland that includes miles of trails and indoor and outdoor arenas. This traditional riding school also offers therapeutic riding program, Access Equestrian for the special needs community.

Play Group Theater: Top 5 Theater for Families (Live & Local)

Westchester Broadway Theatre: Top 5 Theater for Families (Local & Live)

1 N. Broadway. White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org Readers also voted this popular theater a 2019 Family Favorite Winner for Performing Arts Class/ Acting. Besides preparing children “for every stage in life,” Play Group also provides excellent entertainment for families. Stunningly staged, professionally directed shows from Shakespeare to Shrek regularly delight local audiences.

1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford 914-592-2222 broadwaytheatre.com Families can enjoy Broadway Musicals, Special Events and Concerts at WBT, the longest running year-round Equity Theatre in New York State!

Enjoy a delicious meal and an exciting show for one low price! On Your Feet, Mambo Italiano, and An American In Paris are onstage in 2019!

Spins Hudson: Top 5 Amusement Center

170 Hunts Lane, Chappaqua 914-238-4967 worldcupgymnastics.com Whether you are a beginner or experienced gymnast, a recreational or competitive gymnast, they have a program that will match your skills.

Discover your inner champion at World Cup Gymnastics.

Programs include: romperee, preschool, recreational, ninja and competitive gymnastics and birthday parties.

Katonah Art Center: Top 5 Art Studio for Kids 40 Radio Circle Dr., Mt. Kisco 914-232-4843 katonahartcenter.com A go-to hub for students looking to learn and excel in the visual arts. Drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture, photography, jewelry making, 3D printing, digital arts! All ages and all levels. KAC’s Art Summer Camp offers one-week sessions - half-day, full-day, extended-day options. For ages 3.5 to teens.

Michael Kormos Photography NYC|Westchester 212-544-0102 michaelkormos.com They’ll make you laugh with delight, and move you to tears. With an eye for candid moments and genuine interactions, Michael & Sophie have been recognized worldwide for their fresh style, creative perspectives, and portraits that celebrate the love and joy of families.

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5 John Walsh Blvd., Peekskill 914-930-7920 spinshudson.com Spins Hudson is the perfect place for outdoor and indoor activities for kids and adults alike. There is no shortage of fun to be had in their laser tag arena, ropes course, and massive redemption arcade! Plus views of the beautiful Hudson.

Suzanne Claire Photography: Top 5 Photographer (Family or Child)

SuzanneClairePhotography.com Info@SuzanneClairePhotography.com

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Westchester Family | July 2019

42 Milton Ct., Port Chester 914-462-8608 Outdoor and studio shoots are offered by this award-winning photographer who specializes in newborn, maternity and family photography. She also works with models, does head shots and photographs events. See her website for information and happy client comments.

World Cup Gymnastics: Top 5 Gymnastic Class

YWCA Gymnastics: Top 5 Gymnastics Class 515 North St., White Plains 914-949-6227 ywcawpcw.org The 8,000-square-foot, air-conditioned facility has a spring floor, trampoline, BAB system and 40-foot Tumbletrack. The staff is safety certified by the USA Gymnastics Federation. There are classes for Parent & Tot, Preschooler, Youth (Co-Ed), Boys Program, Ninja Warrior, Tumbling and Team.

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July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

31

ask the specialist

Heads-up Parents Are Keratin Treatments Safe?

By Stacey Pfeffer

A

s a mom of two curly haired girls I am always a bit dismayed when they get their haircuts and they ask to have their hair blow dried straight. Why can’t they just learn to accept their luscious locks and go au naturel? Luckily blow-drying their hair straight occasionally doesn’t cause any significant damage or involve chemical processing but if you are considering a keratin treatment for your daughter, you should be aware that there are a number of health risks.

Health risks of formaldehyde We spoke with Amy Brown, M.D., an attending physician in pediatric pulmonology at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla to learn about the potential health hazards of keratin. Brown is also an environmental health scholar at the Children’s Environmental Health Center of the Hudson Valley.

Keratin treatments offer shiny, silky smooth hair but they often contain formaldehyde (or another chemical that releases formaldehyde). When formaldehyde is heated during a keratin treatment, it is released at more concentrated levels.

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas and can actually be found in a wide variety of uses including as an embalming preservative in funeral homes and medical labs. Cigarette smoke also contains formaldehyde.

“I think of formaldehyde as an irritant and an allergen and also of its carcinogenic potential,” explains Brown. It can cause a reaction in the airways (nose, mouth, and throat) and can produce an allergic reaction in the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It can cause coughing and wheezing and can trigger asthma and eczema. “Preteens and children are more vulnerable to any environmental toxins. When people think about formaldehyde exposure, they only think about what it is doing to their own body [during a treatment] but it can also affect the cells of future offspring. We know that formaldehyde is released during the product’s application and when it is heated or blow dried but we don’t know how much formaldehyde is released a few days or months after the initial application.”

Formaldehyde is classified as a class

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Westchester Family | July 2019

1B carcinogen by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer meaning that there is strong evidence that it causes cancer in animals and some human evidence but the data isn’t as robust. It has been linked to nasopharyngeal cancer (a type of head and neck cancer) and leukemia.

Confusing product labels The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate hair treatments and many products that actually contain formaldehyde actually do not contain that information on the product label. When the keratin treatment is heated, other chemicals that release formaldehyde are present including methylene glycol, formalin, methylene oxide, paraform, formic aldehyde, methanol, oxomethane, oxymethylene or CAS Number 50-00-0. Some hair products that contain these chemicals were labeled as “formaldehyde-free” and the FDA has since required keratin makers to change their labeling because they deemed it as false and misleading.

Advice for parents As a mom of girls, Brown understands that image is so important for them but she advocates giving girls a positive self-image and delaying the use of keratin treatments instead. If they still want one, make sure the application happens in a well-ventilated area and “each time they blow dry their hair, open up a window to mitigate risk.”

Other advice for parents: • Don’t take your child to a salon if you are having the treatment done on yourself.

• Consider the risk if your teen wants to work in a salon. Many teens work summer or part-time jobs in salons where exposure to formaldehyde can be high.

• Limit the number of times one receives keratin treatments to peak high frizz seasons like summer.

• Ask what product will be applied to the hair and read the product label carefully.

• Brown also cautions about formaldehydecontaining products in nail salons.

Alternatives to traditional keratin treatments Some salons are opting for smoothing

treatments that are formaldehyde-free or contain lower amounts than other products on the market.

Zokkoz Salon in Briarcliff Manor is owned by Jillian Sherman, a mother of a 2-year-old son who is concerned about the product safety of keratin treatments. In her opinion, “no one should be getting keratin done until they are finished with puberty.”

Nevertheless, whenever clients ask her for keratin treatments, she makes education a priority. “There is a lot of misinformation out there about these products,” she adds.

Sherman researched keratin products for months before deciding to use Lasio on her clients. “The product contains 0.02% of formaldehyde whereas other products on the market contain 1.5-5% formaldehyde.

It decreases frizz and straightens curls,” she explains. She also has encouraged many of her Lasio clients to use Cezanne, a smoothing treatment that defrizzes but does not produce poker straight hair. For parents and their children it’s good news that there are straightening and smoothing products available that are formaldehyde-free, or nearly formaldehyde-free, which offer a safer alternative.

Stacey Pfeffer is a writer and editor based in Chappaqua.

Danger Alert The Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists these keratin products as dangerous: • Brazilian Blowout • Brasil Cacau Cadiveau • Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy • Marcia Teixeira • Keratin Express • KeraGreen • Tahe •R&L

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33

let’s go

Summer Fun in Westchester County

By Jean Sheff

Y

ou don’t have to go far to have fun this summer because there’s a wealth of family-friendly activities and venues right here in our county!

Beaches and Pools Croton Point Park This beautiful 508-acre park offers yearround events and facilities for camping and swimming. It’s also the home of Croton Point Nature Center, which features exhibits about the Hudson River, local history, Native American history and hands-on activities.

Beach is closed Monday and Tuesday except holidays. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 1A Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson. 914-862-5290. parks. westchestergov.com

except holidays. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 1 Playland Parkway, Rye. 914-813-7010. playlandpark.org.

Saxon Woods Pool Located in Saxon Woods Park (18-hole golf course, picnic areas and a playground that is accessible to children with special needs) this is the county’s largest swimming pool. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

1800 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck. 914-9954480. parks.westchestergov.com.

Tibbets Brook Park Lots of water fun abounds at Tibbets. There’s a spray playground, in-pool basketball and volleyball, lap lanes and a lazy river. The pool here is open seven days a week 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

355 Midland Ave., Yonkers. 914-231-2865. parks. westchestergov.com.

Glen Island Park & Beach There’s 105 acres of park space at this local oasis that offers picnic pavilions, open picnic areas, boat launchings and pathways. There’s a beautiful beach with access to the Long Island Sound where you can take Learn to Kayak classes. Beach is closed Monday and Tuesday except holidays. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Weyman Ave., New Rochelle. 914-813-6720. parks.westchestergov.com.

Willson’s Waves Pool You’ll find four water recreation areas for all ages at Willson’s Waves. There’s a wave pool with three-foot waves that bounce bathers around for six-minute intervals, plus also two 18-foot high water slides, an interactive water playground and a spray deck with 57 different spray pads. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. East Lincoln Ave., Mt. Vernon. 914-813-6990. parks.westchestergov. com.

Harbor Island Park Beach Besides a small sandy beach there’s also a sprinkler park and playgrounds for kids when they need a break from the sand. 123 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck. 914-777-7784.

Miniature Golf

Hudson Park & Beach Have a little green with your sand. The park features a grassy recreation area with a playground and seating areas. The beach is open every day through Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1 Hudson Park Road, New Rochelle.

914-654-2000. newrochelleny.com.

Rye Playland Beach Besides the old-time amusement center, Rye Playland also boasts a beach and pool. Beach and pool are closed Monday and Tuesday

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Westchester Family | July 2019

Courtesy photo

Changing exhibits means there’s always something new at Maritime Aquarium.

challenging obstacles, reconstructed bridges, and putting greens. Snack stand on-site. 355 Midland Ave., Yonkers. 914-557-5046. parks. westchestergov.com.

Other Fun Muscoot Farm Always open, always free! Weekend family activities, a farmers’ market, baby animals and plenty of space to run and play - and even picnic. Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Saxon Woods Park Saxon Woods Park, which also has an 18hole golf course, is also home to a miniature golf course, just right for family fun. 1800 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck. 914-381-4843. parks.westchestergov.com.

Play Days@Jay Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at the Homestead and explore the Discovery Centers, open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus the education staff leads a short hands-on activity at 1 p.m.

Take a tour of the house and property, a special 25-minute Highlight Tour is offered on Saturdays. Free admission to grounds, Discovery Centers, Carriage Barn Education & Visitor Center. Tours $10 adults, free for children under 12. See website for more information. John Jay Homestead Historic Site, 400 Jay St., Katonah. 914-232-5651. johnjayhomestead.org.

Tibbetts Brook Park Home to Brookside Mini Golf, which has been recently renovated, offers new

St. Paul’s Historic Church Take a guided tour, attend an outdoor concert, or participate in a living history program – all

Playland Park Try this 18-hole miniature golf course in Playland Park then stroll the boardwalk where you can grab an ice cream cone or play old-fashioned arcade games. 1 Playland Parkway, Rye. 914-813-7010. playlandpark.org.

241 Market St.,Yonkers. 914-510-9119.

Ridgehill.rockinjump.com.

Westchester Table Tennis Center. Open seven days a week for drop-in play or group training and one-on-one training sessions.

Play all day for $10 adults and $5 for kids under 20! 175 Tompkins Ave., Pleasantville.

914-741-0738. westchestertabletennis.com.

Public Libraries Did you know there are some 38 public libraries throughout Westchester County?

And the majority of them all have children’s rooms and programs. See the general website for a list of Member Libraries.

Don’t just visit the library in your town - explore what’s in other towns as well. westchesterlibraries.org.

Photo by Michael W. Hicks

Stepping Stones Museum for Children offers plenty of hands-on fun for kids and adults!

for free at this National Historic Site rich in local history. Kids can even become a Junior Ranger here. From July to December the site is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mt. Vernon. 914667-4116. nps.gov/sapa/index.htm.

Kensico Dam Plaza Completed in 1917 the Kensico Dam, which forms the Kensico Reservoir, is 307 feet high and 1,843 feet long. Summer weekends here are devoted to a wide variety of cultural celebrations. There are scenic picnic areas, places for little kids to ride tricycles and bikes with training-wheels and you can walk up a set of steps right to the very top of the dam! The playground keeps kids occupied for hours. Bronx River Pkway, Valhalla. 914-231-4033. westchestergov.com.

Rainy Day Fun Rain happens … be prepared.

Maritime Aquarium A great learning environment, shush! don’t tell the kids, this aquarium offers permanent and changing exhibits, special events and seasonal programming. See an IMAX movie or take a cruise on the Aquarium’s research vessel Oceanic. 10 N. Water St., Norwalk,

Conn. 203-852-0700. Maritimeaquarium.org.

Bowling Alleys Stack up the pins and play ball! Bowling is a great indoor sport.

Bowlmor White Plains. 47 Tarrytown Rd., White Plains. 914-948-2677. bowlmor.com.

Grand Prix New York/Spins. 333 N. Bedford Rd., Mt. Kisco. 914-241-3131. gpny.com.

Homefield Bowl. 938 Saw Mill River Rd., Yonkers. 914-969-5592. homefieldbowl.com.

Indoor Amusement Centers The Cliffs at Valhalla. Don’t climb the walls at home - climb at The Cliffs. 1 Commerce St., Valhalla. 914-328-7625. thecliffsclimbing. com.

Fun Fusion Glow Mini Golf. When you can’t play mini golf outside - here’s the inside alternative! 29 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, 914-637-7575. funfusiononline.com.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Lego fun for all ages. Hands-on building fun, a movie and a play make for a full day of indoor play. One Ridge Hill Blvd., Ridge Hill, Yonkers. 844-7409223 (groups/parties). legolanddiscoverycenter. com/Westchester.

Rockin’ Jump. Bounce it out at this trampoline park with two Westchester locations. 333 N. Bedford, Rd, Mt. Kisco. 914743-5730. mtk.rockinjump.com.

Museums These Museums are the perfect place for some serious hands-on fun!

Stepping Stones Museum for Children.

Mathews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn.

203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Westchester Children’s Museum.

100 Playland Pkwy, Rye. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Day Trip Governor’s Island Take the ferry and enjoy the cool breeze on your way to the island. Tons of free fun here exhibits, outdoor music, climbing structures, hands-on art. There are public restrooms, plenty of food trucks, and bike rentals are available. See website for calendar of events. govisland.com Walkway Over the Hudson Take a short drive to Poughkeepsie and explore this 1.28-mile-long walk on an old railway bridge that offers great views and a sense of adventure. Strollers, bikes, dogs on leash, roller-skating, and picnicking permitted. Admission is free. Parker Ave., Poughkeepsie. walkway.org.

And if you’ve completed this list you can fall back on some of childhood’s time-honored favorites: • Play jump rope, hop scotch, hula hoop • Get out the sidewalk chalk and bubbles • Make your own ice pops • Build forts - inside or outside • Play in the mud and catch fireflies.

Jean Sheff is co-publisher and editor of Westchester Family.

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

35

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calendar

July

By Andrea White

Greenburgh Nature Center

Get up close and personal with beautiful butterflies at the Greenburgh Nature Center’s Live Butterfly Exhibit, beginning July 6.

Live Butterfly Exhibit Fly on over to the Greenburgh Nature Center to walk among live butterflies! The Center’s butterfly arbor is the perfect place to learn all about these enchanting creatures and their importance in nature.

Saturdays - Thursdays, 10am-3pm, July 6 - Aug. 3. For all ages. $11 adults, $9 children, children under 2 free. Price includes admission to the GNC’s Live Animal Museum. Reservations not required.

Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

calendar What’s Inside Editor’s Pick: River Explorers ������������������������� 37 Editor’S Pick: Marine Life Cruises ���������������42 Happy Fourth of July! ������������������������������������ 44 #Apollo50 �����������������������������������������������������������45 Marvelous Music ����������������������������������������������46 City Picks ����������������������������������������������������������� 47

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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calendar

1

July

Monday

✪ Afternoon Studios: Jenga-tastic. Hop into The Studio to paint a piece of one of The Aldrich’s new outdoor Jenga sets. 2-4pm. For all ages.

Included with admission. $12 adults, children 12 and under free. Reservations not required.

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203-438-4519. aldrichart. org.

✪ Annual Village of Mamaroneck Fireman’s Carnival. The fair is here, with rides, games, festival food and more! Plus, enjoy the Annual Fireman’s Parade on July 2 and Independence Day Fireworks on July Fourth. Daily, 6:45-11:30pm; until July 6. For all ages. Free admission. Fees vary for rides, games and food. Reservations not required. Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck. vmfd.org. ✪ Dinosaur Safari. A roaring good time is back at the Bronx Zoo! Take the biggest, most realistic dinosaur ride in America to see 40 life-size animatronic dinos. Plus, visit the fossil dig area, take photos and more. Weekdays, 10am-5pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am5:30pm. For all ages. Included in Total Experience Tickets. $39.95 adults, $29.95 children 3-12, children under 3 free.

Reservations not required. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx.

718-220-5100. bronxzoo.com.

©Gabe Palacio

Take a blanket and spend the evening with friends listening to music at Caramoor’s “Dancing at Dusk” events.

✪ LEGO® City: Report for Duty. Build your police badge, build a super rescue helicopter and take it on a test flight, film your own epic adventure scene, see a new 4D movie, meet characters and more! Sundays Thursdays, 10am-7pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-9pm, until July 7. For all ages. Admission: $24.95 and up online, $29.95 and up onsite. Children 2 and under free. Reservations not required. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. westchester.

legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

✪ School of Rock 2019 Summer Tour Show! See Marvelous Music page 46.

2

Tuesday

✪ Dig! Plant! Grow! Scentsational Herbs. Visit the Edible Academy to learn about, smell and touch sweet and savory herbs and leafy greens used in all parts of our daily lives.

Then, mix and make your own take-home packet of salad

Look for our complete calendar of events and activities online at WestchesterFamily.com.

Calendar Submissions & Approvals: For Print: • Send to calendar@westchesterfamily.com.

Include: Dates, times, location, address, event description, ages, cost, phone, website.

• Information to be considered for the September 2019 calendar must reach us by July 31, 2019.

For Online Calendar: • Visit WestchesterFamily.com. Click the “Post Your Own Event” link beneath the calendar image on our home page and submit your event. Online postings appear approximately 48 hours after approval.

Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and locations of all events.

38

Westchester Family | July 2019

dressing. Tuesdays - Saturdays, 1:30-5:30pm, Sundays, 10am5:30pm, until July 14. For all ages. Included in All-Garden Pass. Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; Weekends: $28 adults, $12 children 2-12; children under 2 free.

Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

✪ Independence Day Celebration. See Happy Fourth of July! page 44.

Key to suggested ages

● baby & me ● toddler ● preschool ● elementary

school

● older kids ✪ families ✖ adults

● ● ✖ Marine Life Encounter Cruises. See Editor’s Pick page 42.

● Toddlers’ Tuesday Morning Storytime. Join Barnes & Noble booksellers for a story and coloring activity every week in the Children’s Department.

Tuesdays, 11am. Reservations not required. Barnes & Noble, 2614 Central Park Ave., Yonkers. 914771-6400. barnesandnoble.com.

3

Wednesday

✪ Colonial Games Day. Learn what it was like to be a kid in the 1700s! Take a selfie in some reproduction clothing and test your luck at many of the popular games from the era. Wednesdays, Noon-2pm. For all ages.

Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Reservations not required. Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914-965-4027. parks.ny.gov. ✪ Fireworks & Concert.

See Happy Fourth of July! page 44.

✪ Kensico Dam Music Fest and Fireworks. See Happy Fourth of July! page 44. ● ✪ ✖ On Your Feet! From international superstardom to life-threatening tragedy, go behind the music and inside the real story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Featuring some of the most iconic songs of the past 25 years. Parents use discretion as there are a few moments of strong language. Wednesdays - Sundays, until Aug. 4. Check website for performance times.

Recommended for ages 10 and up. $53-$89. Reservations required. Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plz., Elmsford. 914-592-2222. broadwaytheatre.com.

● ● Young Discoverers.

Stimulate curious minds with simple experiments and crafts at this weekly science-based “drop-

in” program. Wednesdays, 1111:30am. For ages 2-5. Free with $7.50 admission. Reservations not required. Sign-ups begin when the museum opens. Space is limited. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm. org.

4

Thursday ✪ Fourth of July

Activities. See Happy Fourth of July! page 44.

✪ Annual Village of Mamaroneck Fireman’s Carnival. See July 1. ✪ Holiday Fireworks Celebration. See Happy Fourth of July! page 44. ✪ Independence Day Celebration. See City Picks page 44. ✪ Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks. See City Picks page 44. ✪ Pops, Patriots, and Fireworks. See Happy Fourth of July! page 44.

5

Friday

● ● Exploring Play. This weekly class features a new theme every month, brought to life through creative and fun movement activities, singing, story time and a take-home project. Fridays, 11am. Ages 2-4. Free with $7.50 museum admission. Sign-ups begin when the Museum opens. Space is limited. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm. org.

● ● Fish Tales. Enjoy stories, songs and games for toddlers that encourage their emerging language skills, followed by a play time. Fridays, 10:15-11am.

For ages 5 and under with caregiver. Free with admission. $24.95 adults, $17.95 children

Book Your Celebration in the Treetops BronxZooTreetop.com (347) 308-9021 BZtreetop@wcs.org Follow Us @BronxZooTreetop

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

39

calendar

July Editor’s Pick

3-12, children under 3 free.

Reservations not required.

Space is limited. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Amphitheatre, 117 Washington Rd., West Point. 845-938-2617. westpointband.army.mil.

✪ Holiday Fireworks Celebration. See Happy Fourth of July! page 44. ✪ Play Days @ Jay. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at the Homestead and explore the Discovery Centers. Education staff lead a short hands-on activity at 1pm. Fridays, Noon2pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah.

914-666-7004. johnjayhomestead. org. ● ● Rhyme Time by the Hudson. Spark your little one’s curiosity and imagination during this interactive program of nursery rhymes, songs, parachute play and storytelling. 9:30am today and July 26. Recommended for ages 1-4 with caregiver. Paywhat-you-wish admission. Preregistration required. Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison. 914-265-3638. boscobel. org.

6

Saturday ✪ Boscobel Celebrates

Independence. Listen to music by the 60-piece Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra on the Great Lawn overlooking dramatic views of the Hudson River and the Independence Day fireworks display at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Take your own picnic and chairs. 6-10pm. Rain date July 7. For all ages. $42 adults, $23 children, children under 5 free.

Reservations required. Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison. 914-265-3638. boscobel. org.

● ● ✖ Butterfly Count.

Locate and count butterflies on the preserve in this annual rite of summer. Be prepared to

40

CURB

Wade into the Hudson River and catch creatures with a net at the Center for the Urban River at Beczak in Yonkers.

River Explorers ● ● Curious kids explore nature and the Hudson River during this program series at CURB. The day begins with a nature-themed lesson and craft. Families can also participate in seining (fishing with a net) in the afternoon, catching and releasing hundreds of critters. Saturdays, 11am-noon & 1-3pm. Ages 5-12. Pre-registration required. Center for the Urban River at Beczak, 35 Alexander St., Yonkers. 914-377-1900. centerfortheurbanriver.org.

hike over rough terrain. 10am.

Ages 6 and up. Pre-registration required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-762-2912 x110. teatown.org.

✪ First Saturday Art Workshop. Drop in for a handson art workshop led by an arts and crafts specialist. 11am-1pm.

For all ages. Free with $7.50 admission. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm. org.

greenburghnaturecenter.org.

● ✪ Kids’ Workshop: Tow Truck. Build a custom toy tow truck with an operational boom. Once your wrecker construction is complete, customize it with paint and stickers. 9am-noon.

Recommended for ages 5-12 with a parent or caregiver.

Pre-registration required. Home Depot stores in Mt. Pleasant, Nanuet, New Rochelle, Port Chester, W. Nyack, Yonkers. homedepot.com.

✪ Float Like a Butterfly. On the

✪ Live Butterfly Exhibit. See page 37.

opening day of the GNC’s Live Butterfly Exhibit, learn about the amazing and magical life cycle of these beautiful insects while getting a close look at them.

1-2pm. For all ages. Included in admission to Butterfly Exhibit. $11 adults, $9 children, children under 2 free. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914-723-3470.

✪ Music Under the Stars: Independence Day Celebration. Salute America’s independence with the Army’s oldest band! Take a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy an evening of music that concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Hudson River. 7:30pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Trophy Point

Westchester Family | July 2019

✪ Pack Chat for Kids. This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children.

Learn all about these animals and their important role in the natural world, then visit Ambassador wolves Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr. 2pm today and July 13, 20; 11am July 7, 14, 21, 28. For all ages. $14 adults, $11 children under 12. Pre-registration required. Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 914-7532373. nywolf.org. ● ● River Explorers. See Editor’s Pick page 40.

7

Sunday

✪ Children and Families Activities at Storm King Art Center. Take part in weekly events, including crafts projects, workshops and games, at this 500-acre outdoor museum.

Check website for specific activities. Sundays, 1pm. For all ages. Included with admission. $18 adults, $8 children 5-18, children 4 and under free.

Reservations not required. Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Rd., Mountainville. 845-534-3115. stormking.org.

✪ Family Art Project: Felting the Magical Atmosphere.

Come together to read Faith Ringold’s Tar Beach and imagine flying over places that hold a special meaning. Then layer stiffened, wool-felt shapes to create a magical atmosphere to hold you on your spectacular journey. 10am-1pm. For all ages.

Free with admission. $10 adults, $4 children 6 and up, children under 6 free. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx.

718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

✪ Family Gardening Days. Let your love of gardening grow during open hours at the Ridge Hill Community Garden.

Hands-on activities include watering, weeding, mulching, planting, harvesting and more. Noon-4pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required. Ridge Hill Shopping Center, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers. 914-207-2900. ridgehill.com.

✪ Muscoot Farmers’ Market. Visit the farm and buy food and other products from over 20 local vendors.

Sundays, 9:30am-2:30pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org. ✪ New York Liberty. The WNBA’s New York Liberty are back home in Westchester. Feel the excitement on and off the hardwood and cheer the team on to victory! Check website for specific opponents. 3pm today and July 20. For all ages. $18.50 and up. Reservations required.

Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains. 914995-4050. liberty.wnba.com.

8

Monday

✪ Ridge Hill Movie Mondays! Grab your blankets and popcorn for family films under the stars! Fun pre-show activities are followed by movies at sunset. Check website for lineup. 7pm today and July 15, 22, 29. For all ages. Reservations not required. Ridge Hill Shopping Center, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers. 914-207-2900. ridgehill. com. ● ● Storytime with Mr. Ben. A weekly storytime featuring songs and crafts.

Mondays, 4pm. Recommended for ages 1-5, but all are welcome.

Reservations not required.

Barnes & Noble, 3089 E. Main St., Mohegan Lake. 914-528-6275. barnesandnoble.com

9

Tuesday

✪ Kids Create Like Burle Marx! Learn about the native

plants of Brazil and become inspired plant lovers and designer-artists like Burle Marx.

In the Children’s Adventure Garden, pot up a fantastic philodendron plant and design a playful sculpture inspired by the bold colors and geometric shapes used by Marx. Tuesdays Fridays, 1:30-5:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5:30pm. For all ages. Included in All-Garden Pass. Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; Weekends: $28 adults, $12 children 2-12; children under 2 free.

Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

✪ Storytime at the Beach. A fun, educational and interactive series of reading, games and other activities led by the staff of the Rye Free Reading Room. Held at the South Pavilion, rain or shine. Tuesdays, 9:30-10:15am, today - Aug. 27.

For all ages. Parking fees apply.

Reservations not required. Rye Town Park, Forest and Rye Beach Avenues, Rye. townofryeny.com. ● ● ● Superhero Glasses and Arm Bands. Become a magical and powerful superhero while decorating your very own superhero accessories. Perfect for imaginary play! 9:4510:15am. Ages 2-6. $20 children, $15 siblings. Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.

10

Wednesday

✪ Dancing at Dusk: Kostas Psarros & Friends. Get moving to the sounds of Greek music courtesy of renowned bouzouki player Kostas Psarros. Take part in traditional group dances, do a craft and meet the artists during this evening of fun. 5pm. For all ages. $16 adults, $8 children.

Reservations required. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah. 914232-1252. caramoor.org.

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

41

calendar

July

● ● Itsy Bitsy Playgroup. Connect with other parents over the joys and bumps of parenthood while engaging your little one in a group setting through music, motor play and story time. 10:30-11:30am today and July 17, 24, 31. For parents of infants and toddlers.

Reservations not required.

Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Conn. 203-8697191. templesholom.com.

Editor’s Pick

✪ Summer Concert Series. Take a blanket and chairs and enjoy a variety of music under the stars. Check website for specific artists. 7-9pm today and July 17, 26. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Pascone Park, Ashford Ave., Ardsley. ardsleyvillage.com.

13

✪ Movie Night: Ralph Breaks the Internet. Enjoy an evening swim and see the sequel to Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph.

7-10:30pm. Rain date July 11. For all ages. $5. Children under 5 free. Reservations not required.

Glen Island Park, Weyman Ave., New Rochelle. 914-813-6720. parks.westchestergov.com.

● ● ● Storytime.

Immerse yourself in tales of adventurous artists and learn how they used their cameras to change the world. 11:30amnoon today and July 24. Ages 5 and under. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914963-4550. hrm.org.

11

Thursday

● ✖ Grease. Oh, those summer nights! See the classic musical film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and have a blast at Rydell High! 6:30pm.

Recommended for ages 12 and up. $12 adults, $10 children.

Reservations not required.

Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Rd., Bedford. 914-234-6704. bedfordplayhouse.org.

The Maritime Aquarium

Observe fish and other marine animals up close on fun, eyeopening cruises at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

Marine Life Encounter Cruises ● ● ✖ Meet an amazing variety of fish, crabs, mollusks and other creatures brought up out of Long Island Sound right before your eyes. Help collect and examine the animals on this 2.5-hour cruise. 1:15pm July 2-7, 9, 11, 12, 16-18, 20, 21, 23-25, 27, 28, 30, 31. Participants must be at least 42 inches tall. $31.95. Reservations strongly recommended. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Workshops. Dig right in at these workshops in the Ridge Hill Community Garden.

Learn about planting, watering, mulching and harvesting, plus do crafts and tastings!

10-11am today and July 18, 25.

Recommended for ages 3-8. $10.

Pre-registration required. Ridge Hill Shopping Center, 1 Ridge

42

Saturday ✪ 240th Storming of

Stony Point. Commemorate the daring midnight assault on the British fortifications at Stony Point in July 1779. See a battle reenactment, enjoy 18th century crafts, colonial games and more! 11am today and July 14. For all ages.

Reservations not required. Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site, 44 Battlefield Rd., Stony Point. 845-786-2521. facebook. com/stonypointbattlefield​and​ lighthouse.

● ● ✪ Bring the Kids! Second Hill Blvd., Yonkers. 914-207-2900. ridgehill.com.

✪ Summer Concert Series. Enjoy an evening of music in the heart of White Plains, featuring a different artist every week. Check website for lineup. In case of rain, concerts are at the third floor lobby inside City Center. Thursdays, 6:308:30pm, today - Sept. 12. For all ages. Reservations not required.

City Center Courtyard, City Pl., White Plains. 914-328-5166. wpbid.com. ✪ Sunset Jazz Concerts. Relax

● ● Kids’ Summer Gardening

7275. parks.westchestergov.com.

on Lyndhurst’s great lawn, take in the gorgeous view of the Hudson and enjoy cool music by hot jazz artists! Check website for artist lineup. Take blankets and pack or buy a picnic supper.

Thursdays, 6pm, today - Aug. 29. For all ages. $5 per person parking fee. Reservations not required. Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914-631-

Westchester Family | July 2019

4481. lyndhurst.org.

12

Friday ✪ Annual Firefly

Festival. It’s the time of year to witness nature’s fireworks.

Enjoy kid-friendly activities and crafts. Take a chair or blanket.

Meet at the Meadow parking area. 6:30-8:30pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required.

Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Rte. 35 and Rte. 121, Cross River. 914864-7322. friendsoftrailside.org.

✪ Screenings Under the Stars. Take a picnic, blanket and chairs for a fun night of outdoor entertainment!

Tonight’s movie is the animated film Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, starring the voices of Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg and more. 6pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required.

Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway Rd., Valhalla. 914-964-

Saturdays. Enjoy a familyfocused tour of the Historic House Museum, hands-on activities and a special craft. This month’s theme is “Embroidery Essentials.” 9:30am.

Recommended for ages 5 and up. $12. Pre-registration required.

Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison. 914-265-3638. boscobel.org.

✪ City of Water Day. See City Picks page 47.

✪ Community Day of Nature & Play. Spend the day enjoying nature! Play in Grasshopper Grove, meet live animals, go on a hike, enjoy a performance by Jonathan the Storyteller and more. Check website for activity schedule.

Noon-4pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required.

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall. 845-5345506. hhnm.org.

● ● ✪ Dazzling Dragonflies.

Learn all about dragonflies and damselflies including anatomy, life cycle and feeding habits.

Then walk the fields to net and identify these jewels before releasing them back to their habitat. 10am. For ages 5 and up. $8 adults, $6 children. Price includes free same-day admission to the Wildlife Education Center.

Reservations not required.

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall. 845-5345506. hhnm.org.

✪ Family Art Project: The Memory of Space. Draw plans of one of your favorite places and then build constructions purely from your impressions and memories. Take a walk around Wave Hill to collect natural materials that remind you of home, and add them to your constructions of cardboard, foam core and wood. 10am-1pm today and July 14. For all ages.

Free with admission. $10 adults, $4 children 6 and up, children under 6 free. Admission is free until noon today. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx.

718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

● ● ✪ Morning Farm Chores.

Learn the morning routine at Muscoot and help feed cows, collect hen eggs, meet sheep and pygmy goats and more! Dress for farm work (long pants and close-toed shoes required). 8am.

Ages 8 and up with an adult. $6 or $20 for family of four. Preregistration required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914864-7286. muscootfarm.org.

✪ Music Under the Stars: Sunset with a Soundtrack. Enjoy the sunset and a breathtaking view over the Hudson River as the West Point Concert Band entertains with a program of world-class music. A combination that makes for an unforgettable evening! 7:30pm.

For all ages. Reservations

not required. Trophy Point Amphitheatre, 117 Washington Rd., West Point. 845-938-2617. westpointband.army.mil.

WINNER 2018

✪ Pleasantville Music Festival 2019. See Marvelous Music page 46.

ANNOUNCING THE 2019-20 SEASON

● ● ● ✪ RRPH Presents: The

A Lightwire Theater Production

Music of The Beatles For Kids.

See Marvelous Music page 46.

● ● ● Rhyme and Read. Get a head start on reading! Learn a new nursery rhyme by singing, watching and pointing, then do a craft. 11am today and July 20.

Recommended for ages 3-5. Free with $7.50 museum admission.

Sign-ups begin when the Museum opens. Space is limited.

Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-4215050. discoverwcm.org.

✪ Stew’s Water Safety Brunch.

Enjoy a “Don’t Jump In ‘Til You Learn to Swim” singalong with Stewie the Duck. Kids receive a free board book about swimtime courtesy of the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation. Brunch includes breakfast and lunch food options and beverages.

12:30-2pm. For all ages. $16.95 adults, $14.95 children 2-11.

Pre-registration required.

Stew Leonard’s 1 Stew Leonard Dr., Yonkers. 914-375-4700. stewleonards.com.

● ● ✪ Story Pirates Theater. Get those creative juices flowing with the Story Pirates!

Kids work with professional actors to help create a comedy show and star in it on stage, too! Event takes place at Center Court. 2-4pm. For ages 5-13.

Reservations not required. Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers. 914-9689570. crosscountycenter.com.

✪ Summer Saturday Adventure Series: Dragonfly Dance. Darting and dipping dragonflies are masters of the hunt! Head down to Teatown Lake to watch, catch and learn

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New World Stages 340 W. 50th St.

GazillionBubbleShow.com G ill llii B bbl Sh July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

43

July

about these amazing insects. The adventure starts with a story and ends with an activity, with plenty of time for discovery in between.

10-11:30am. For all ages. $8. Preregistration required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-762-2912 x110. teatown.org.

14

Sunday

● ● ✪ Family Nature Walk.

Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a familyfriendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. Severe weather cancels. 1pm. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Free with admission. $10 adults, $4 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Reservations not required.

Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx. 718549-3200. wavehill.org.

✪ Hispanic Heritage Celebration. A day to celebrate Hispanic culture! Enjoy music, entertainment, crafts and food. Noon-7pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required.

Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway Rd., Valhalla. 914-9647275. parks.westchestergov.com. ● Science Sunday. Drop in for hands-on science exploration, with a different theme every month. 11:30am-12:15pm & 1:30-2:15pm. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Free with $7.50 museum admission. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Happy Fourth of July!

calendar

Get your fill of fireworks and fun during Independence Day celebrations all around Westchester.

✪ Fireworks & Concert.

Celebrate Independence Day in style at Cross County! The evening begins with a concert by the NYC Party Band in the center of the mall, followed by a fireworks show in the north parking lot. 6:30pm July 3. Rain date July 5. For all ages.

Reservations not required. Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers.

914-968-9570. crosscountycenter.com. ✪ Fourth of July Activities.

Celebrate America’s birthday on the banks of the Hudson River in Peekskill.

The band Billy and the Showmen perform, followed by fireworks. Take a blanket or chair and a picnic. 7pm July 4.

For all ages. Reservations not required.

Riverfront Green Park, 1 Robin Dr., Peekskill. cityofpeekskill.com.

● ● ✪ Summer Birding. Learn

✪ Holiday Fireworks Celebration.

about birds and their behavior on this walk through the gardens and woodlands. 9:30am. Ages 10 and up with an adult. Free with admission. $10 adults, $4 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Reservations not required.

Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx. 718549-3200. wavehill.org.

Playland marks Independence Day with a special fireworks display scored to patriotic music. 9:30pm July 4 and 5. For all ages. Included with park admission.

Check website for prices. Reservations not required. Playland Park, 1 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-813-7010. playlandpark.org.

● ● ✪ ✖ Superman.

44

Westchester Family | July 2019

✪ Independence Day Celebration. Say happy birthday to

America with a fun-filled evening of entertainment, giant inflatable rides, food and fireworks! 6-10pm July 2. For all ages.

Reservations not required. White Plains High School, 550 North St., White Plains. cityofwhiteplains.com.

✪ Kensico Dam Music Fest and Fireworks. Pack a picnic and enjoy entertainment, a concert of patriotic music and fireworks during Westchester County’s official Independence Day celebration. 6-9:45pm July 3. For all ages. Reservations not required. Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway Rd., Valhalla. 914-964-7275. parks. westchestergov.com. ✪ Pops, Patriots, and Fireworks.

Celebrate Independence Day at Caramoor!

The Westchester Symphonic Winds perform a selection of works that pay tribute to America’s independence. The evening includes a medley of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs and ends with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, followed by a spectacular fireworks display! 8pm July 4. Rain date for fireworks is July 7. For all ages. $15-$93.

Reservations required. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah. 914-232-1252. caramoor.org.

July Sometimes you just can’t beat the original. See Christopher Reeve bring the legendary Man of Steel to life in this 1978 classic film.

4pm. Recommended for ages 8 and up. $12 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Reservations not required. Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Rd., Bedford. 914-2346704. bedfordplayhouse.org.

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calendar

dances in colorful costumes from Tahiti and Hawaii. Celebrate ancient and modern hulas with Tabu’s exuberant music of the ukulele, Tahitian auhuroa, apartima and fast-paced drums of the Otea. 5pm. For all ages. $16 adults, $8 children.

Reservations required. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah. 914232-1252. caramoor.org.

Monday

✪ First Annual Kids Week.

✪ Movie Night: Wonder Park.

Enjoy dozens of fun-filled activities, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, musical performances, special guest appearances and interactive demonstrations. Daily, today - July 21. Check website for schedule. For all ages. Free with admission. $16 adults, $13 children 3-11, children under 3 free. Reservations not required.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, Conn.

203-394-6565. beardsleyzoo.org.

Fit in an evening swim and watch this animated movie about an amazing amusement park and a girl with a wild imagination.

7-10:30pm. Rain date July 18.

For all ages. $5. Children under 5 free. Reservations not required.

Willson’s Woods Pool, E. Lincoln Ave., Mt. Vernon. 914-813-6990. parks.westchestergov.com.

Tuesday

● ● ✪ ✖ Apollo 11 IMAX Movie with Moon Viewing. See #Apollo50 page 45.

✪ Dig! Plant! Grow! Pickle Me! Explore summer fruits throughout the Edible Academy!

Learn more about the crops and spices used to make pickles. Make your own batch of “Fridge Pickles” to enjoy at home. Tuesdays - Saturdays, 1:30-5:30pm, Sundays, 10am5:30pm, today - Aug. 9. For all ages. Included in All-Garden Pass. Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; Weekends: $28 adults, $12 children 2-12; children under 2 free.

Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

17

Wednesday

✪ Dancing at Dusk: Lei Pasifika. Take the kids on a trip to the South Pacific through demonstrations of traditional

Relive the triumph of Apollo 11 — 50 years later — by watching a new documentary about the moon landing.

#Apollo50

16

Courtesy of Statement Pictures for CNN Films/MacGillivray Freeman Films

✪ Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Celebration. Celebrate the moon landing exactly 50 years to the day from that momentous event!

Take a blanket or chairs and watch the Apollo 11 documentary on the big screen, under the waning gibbous moon. Before the screening (at 8pm), listen to a discussion about the landing and its impact. Popcorn, cotton candy and ice cream available for purchase. 8:30pm July 20. For all ages. Reservations not required. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall. 845-5345506. hhnm.org.

✪ Outdoor Family Magic Show & Outdoor Movie.

Enjoy a family-oriented magic show, followed by a familyfriendly movie. Check website for movie selection. Held on the lawn at the hill by the north beach entrance and snack bar building. 7pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required. Rye Town Park, Forest and Rye Beach Avenues, Rye. townofryeny.com.

18

Thursday

● Museum Minis. Meet up ● ● ✪ ✖ Apollo 11 IMAX Movie with Moon Viewing. Mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 11 with a screening of Apollo 11: First Steps Edition. Following the film, head outside to the Aquarium’s riverfront courtyard for a viewing of the full moon led by astronomy experts. 8pm July 16. For children school ages and up. $15 adults, $10 children 3-12, children under 3 free.

Reservations required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

● Back to the Moon. A fun program celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing, presented by the educational group Knowledge to Grow On. 5pm July 30. For children in grades 2-5. Pre-registration required. Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem. 914-875-9004. lewisborolibrary.org.

in Toddler Beach for songs, movement, stories and plenty of fun. Thursdays, 10:30-11am.

Ages 18-24 months. Free with $7.50 admission. Reservations not required. Sign-ups begin when the Museum opens. Space is limited. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm. org.

✪ Sensory-Friendly Evening.

Lights are turned lower and music and other sounds are turned down or off to give guests with sensory-processing differences a fun, comfortable and accepting environment.

A specially selected IMAX

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

45

calendar

July

movie at 7pm is also sensoryfriendly. 6:30-8:30pm. For all ages. $15 adults, $10 children 3-12, children under 3 free.

Reservations not required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-8520700. maritimeaquarium.org.

9pm, today - Sept. 2. For all ages.

Admission: $24.95 and up online, $29.95 and up onsite. Children 2 and under free. Reservations not required. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. westchester. legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

19

✪ Music Under the Stars: At the Point. The West Point Concert Band presents an evening of superb music set to the beautiful backdrop of Trophy Point and the Hudson River. Take a picnic and treat the family to a relaxing evening set to the soundtrack of the Army’s oldest band. 7:30pm. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Trophy Point Amphitheatre, 117 Washington Rd., West Point.

845-938-2617. westpointband. army.mil.

Friday

✪ Drag Queen Story Hour. This event is just what it sounds like – drag queens reading stories to children.

DQSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive and unabashedly queer role models.

5pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914-963-4550. hrm.org. ● ● Stroller Tours. Pop your little one into a stroller and join other parents and caregivers for an interactive tour of the KMA’s current exhibitions. Fussy babies welcome and activities provided for older siblings. 9:30-10:30am.

Recommended for adults with children under 18 months. Free with $10 admission. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.

20

Saturday

✪ Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Celebration. See #Apollo50 page 45.

● ● ● ✪ Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz. See City Picks page 47.

46

Marc Millman

Move to the beat of the classics with the Rock and Roll Playhouse band on July 13 in Port Chester.

Marvelous Music

✪ Artful Afternoon. Activities inspired by the art on view pop up around the KMA campus.

Perfect for those looking for some creative afternoon fun or cool meeting spaces. 3-5pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $10 adults, children under 12 free. Reservations not required.

Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.

✪ Pleasantville Music Festival 2019. Rock out at New York’s Backyard Jam. World-class headliners and breakout stars perform on three stages. Plus, enjoy kids’ activities, lots of food options and explore the vendor village. Take chairs and blankets. Noon-9pm July 13. For all ages. $50 adults, $30 children 12 and up, children under 12 free Reservations required. Parkway Field, Marble Ave. at Hopper St., Pleasantville. pleasantvillemusicfestival.com. ● ● ● ✪ RRPH Presents: The Music of The Beatles For Kids. Come together to twist and shout to the music of the Fab Four! Kids rock out with the Rock and Roll Playhouse band and explore their creativity through games, movement and stories. 11:30am July 13. For ages 10 and under. $15 in advance, $17 at the door, children under 1 free.

Reservations not required. Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, 145 Westchester Ave., Port Chester. 914-9374126. therockandrollplayhouse.com.

✪ School of Rock 2019 Summer Tour Show!

Hear an epic mix of classic rock music and greatest hits performed by talented young musicians from School of Rock Mamaroneck and other students from across the country. 6pm July 1. For all ages. $10. Reservations required. Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, 145 Westchester Ave., Port Chester. 914937-4126. thecapitoltheatre.com.

● ● Free Crafts for Kids. Drop in and make a different craft every week.

Materials and templates provided. Saturdays, 11am-3pm.

For ages 3 and up. Reservations not required. Lakeshore Learning Store, 969A Central Park Ave., Scarsdale. 914-472-1820. lakeshorelearning.com.

Westchester Family | July 2019

✪ LEGO NINJAGO® : Master Wu’s Mission. Unleash your Ninja building powers to complete Master Wu’s challenges to become a Master of Spinjitzu!

Pick your Elemental Power, build and fly your Spinjitzu flyer, create your epic battle movie and more.

Sundays - Thursdays, 10am-7pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-

✪ New York Liberty. See July 7. ✪ Owls and Other Skyhunters.

Celebrate the nocturnal raptor of Jane Yolen’s classic children’s book, Owl Moon, on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing. Compare its special characteristics to those of the hawk and falcon. Watch them fly as falconer Brian Bradley demonstrates their special powers. 1:30-2:30pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $7 adults, $4 children 3-18, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914963-4550. hrm.org. ● ● ● Rhyme and Read. See July 13.

✪ Stew’s Summertime Fruit Design Party. Kids use their imaginations to create designs, scenes, faces and more with cut fruit. The finished fruit platters are brought home to enjoy with the family. Brunch included.

10-11:30am. For all ages. $16.95 adults, $14.95 children 2-11.

Pre-registration required.

Stew Leonard’s 1 Stew Leonard Dr., Yonkers. 914-375-4700. stewleonards.com.

✪ Valley Con. This second annual convention features multiple video game tournaments, a meet and greet with celebrity guests, free movie viewings, tons of vendors from the world of comics/gaming/ anime/movies, a cosplay competition and more! Noon9pm today; 11am-6pm July 21.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights.

914-245-4688. jeffersonvalleymall. com.

21

Sunday ✪ Arab-American

Heritage Celebration.

Experience Arab-American culture with music and dance, arts and crafts and food vendors.

1-7pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Ridge Road Park, 287 Ridge Rd., Hartsdale. 914946-8133. parks.westchestergov. com.

✪ Children and Families Activities at Storm King Art Center. See July 7.

✪ Family Art Project: A Metaflor for Me. With what flower do you most identify? Wave Hill’s flower experts give readings that match you with a flower that is a perfect “meta-flor” for who you are. Create assemblagesculptures using found objects to fully represent your new floral identity. 10am-1pm. For all ages.

Free with admission. $10 adults, $4 children 6 and up, children under 6 free. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx.

718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

✪ Feeding Fun. It’s mealtime for the Nature Center’s animals! Come see what’s on the menu. 1-2pm. For all ages. $8. Reservations not required.

Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914-7233470. greenburghnaturecenter.org. ✪ First Annual Kids Week. See July 15.

City Picks

July

calendar

Courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution

Celebrate America’s 243rd birthday by going back to Revolutionary times at the New-York Historical Society.

✪ City of Water Day. Dozens of events across NYC encourage people of all ages to experience the waterfront! Enjoy free kayaking and boat tours, coastal cleanups, fishing, science experiments, music, crafts and kids’ activities. Check website for specific events and locations. Organized by the Waterfront Alliance. 10am-4pm July 13. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Various locations including the South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St., New York. waterfrontalliance.org. ● ● ● ✪ Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz. Dorothy is whisked away by tornado from her New York City apartment! What happens next? Follow the Yellow Brick Road for this new take on the classic tale. 10am & 1pm July 20, 21, 27 and 28. 1pm show on July 21 is a sensory-friendly performance.

Recommended for ages 2-11. $18. Reservations required. 92Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. at E. 91st St., New York. 212-415-5500. 92y.org.

✪ Independence Day Celebration. Mark the Fourth of July by exploring George Washington’s encampment! Enter his Headquarters Tent and meet the man himself. Plus enjoy singalongs, fife and drum corps music, a reading of the Declaration of ✪ Italian Heritage Celebration. Enjoy music and dance, arts and crafts and food vendors, all with an Italian flair! Noon-7pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required.

Independence and more. Revolutionaryera education and activities continue every weekend as part of the NYHS’s “Revolutionary Summer” programming.

11am-3pm July 4. For all ages. $21 adults, children under 17 free. Reservations not required. New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W. at W. 77th St., New York.

212-873-3400. nyhistory.org.

✪ Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks. It’s the nation’s largest 4th of July fireworks show! This year’s spectacular highlights American Cinema with a fan-favorite film score. Watch in person (or on TV) as thousands of shells illuminate the Brooklyn Bridge and New York City skyline along the East River.

8-10pm July 4. For all ages. Reservations not required. Lower East River, New York.

212-494-4495. macys.com/fireworks. ✪ Pear Garden Adventure. In this children’s play, three generations of a family are brought together by the beauty of art. Presented by Shenzhen Oxygen Culture Communication Co. 7pm July 26. For all ages. $60-$80. Reservations required. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at W. 94th St., New York. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway Rd., Valhalla. 914-9647275. parks.westchestergov.com.

22

✪ Pack Chat for Kids. See July 6.

✪ Live Butterfly Exhibit. See page 37.

Monday

✪ Dinosaur Safari. See July 1.

July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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calendar

July

✪ Ridge Hill Movie Mondays!

See July 8.

23

Tuesday

● ● Paint Your Own Maracas.

Design and paint a pair of maracas. Once dry, these create a wonderful keepsake to shake, rattle and roll with! 9:4510:15am. Ages 2-5. $20 children, $15 siblings. Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.

✪ Pancakes & Pajamas.

What’s better than breakfast for dinner? Breakfast for dinner at the library, listening to some awesome stories! 7pm. For all ages. Pre-registration required.

Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem. 914-875-9004. lewisborolibrary.org.

24

Wednesday

✪ Colonial Games Day. See July 3.

Joshua Bright

Weekends mean family art projects at Wave Hill! Get creative and make memories with a craft.

25

Thursday

✪ Summer Concert Series. See

✪ Dancing at Dusk: Héctor Del

✪ Movie Night: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Take an evening dip and then watch this animated movie featuring Spider-Man and his multiple counterparts. 7-10:30pm.

Rain date July 25. For all ages. $5. Children under 5 free.

Reservations not required. Saxon Woods Pool, 1800 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 914-995-4480. parks.westchestergov.com.

July 12.

✪ Sunset Market. A family fun and food festival featuring food trucks, live music, kids fun action area, vendors and a hot dog eating contest! 5-8:30pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required.

Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. 914-2454688. jeffersonvalleymall.com.

26

Friday

✪ Movie Under the

Stars: Incredibles 2. Take a blanket and refreshments and go on a superhero adventure with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and their super kids. 9pm. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers.

914-965-4027. parks.ny.gov.

✪ Pear Garden Adventure. See City Picks page 47. ✪ Play Days @ Jay. See July 5.

● ● ● Storytime. See July 10.

48

Hudson. See July 5.

Noble Ave., Bridgeport, Conn.

203-394-6565. beardsleyzoo.org.

● ✪ ✖ On Your Feet! See July 3.

Curto Tango Trio with special guest Santiago Del Curto.

Take a journey of music and movement to Argentina! Explore the century-old history of tango, led by Grammy-winning Argentine bandoneon virtuoso Héctor Del Curto and Argentine tango dancers. 5pm. For all ages. $16 adults, $8 children.

Reservations required. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah. 914232-1252. caramoor.org.

● ● Rhyme Time by the

Westchester Family | July 2019

27

Saturday

● ● American Girl Doll Spa Day. Learn the best tips and tricks for keeping your American Girl doll looking her best. Plus, take home a new pair of spa slippers for your doll. 11am-noon. Ages 7 and up. $15. All supplies included.

Pre-registration required. Space is limited. Girl AGain, 4 Martine Ave., Store 2B, White Plains. 914358-1460. girlagain.com.

✪ Chris Rowlands Live.

Entertainer Chris Rowlands brings animals to life through kid-friendly songs, dance, puppets and colorful props.

Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along on stage! 11am, 1pm, 3pm today and July 28. For all ages. Free with admission. $16 adults, $13 children 3-11, children under 3 free. Reservations not required.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875

✪ Disney Frozen Jr. Based on the popular Disney movie, this story of true love and acceptance.

Featuring a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure and plenty of humor. Performed by the Yorktown Stage Kids ages 8-18.

1pm & 6pm today; 1pm July 28.

For all ages. $15. Reservations required. Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St., Yorktown Heights.

914-952-0606. yorktownstage.org. ● ● ● ✪ Dorothy’s Adventures in Oz. See City Picks page 47. ● ● River Explorers. See Editor’s Pick page 40.

✪ Summer Saturday Adventure Series: Busy as a Bee. Hike to Swope’s Field and find out what the buzz about bees is all about! The adventure starts with a story and ends with an activity. 10-11:30am. For all ages. $8. Pre-registration required.

Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-

762-2912 ext.110. teatown.org.

28

Sunday

✪ Dragonfly Walk.

Go on a walk with a Saw Mill Audubon Naturalist and look for the dragonflies that call Muscoot home. 10am. For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org.

✪ Family Day: Meet the Illustrators. Acclaimed illustrators Jerry Pinkney and Marisabina Russo demonstrate their illustration style for animal characters and talk about their process. Kids can draw and ask questions. 2-4pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $10 adults, children under 12 free.

Reservations not required.

Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.

of Irish culture and heritage, featuring dancing, music, food and more. Kids’ activities include face painting and sand art. 1-5:30pm. For all ages. $5 adults, children 14 and under free. Reservations not required.

Ridge Road Park, 287 Ridge Rd., Hartsdale. aiawestchester.com.

● ● ✪ ✖ The Princess Bride.

A wonderful movie classic!

Starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright and many more in an enchanting take on fairy tales. 4pm.

Recommended for ages 8 and up. $12 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Reservations not required.

Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Rd., Bedford. 914-234-6704. bedfordplayhouse.org.

29

Monday

✪ LEGO NINJAGO® : Master Wu’s Mission. See July 20.

● ● Storytime with Mr. Ben. ● ● ✪ Family Tour: Character Collages. Using the portraits on view in “Art and Identity” and the permanent collection as inspiration, create a collage that represents you or your family. 2:30pm. Ages 3 and up. Free with admission: $7 adults, $4 children 3-18, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914963-4550. hrm.org.

✪ Ice Cream Social. A throwback summer celebration, harkening back to times when friends would gather on the village green for ice cream. Take a self-guided tour of the Historic House Museum and listen to celebrated violinist Gwen Laster and her quartet. 11am-3pm. Rain date Aug. 4. For all ages. $22 adults, $13 children, children under 5 free. Reservations required. Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison.

914-265-3638. boscobel.org. ✪ Irish-American Heritage

See July 8.

30

Tuesday

● Back to the Moon. See #Apollo50 page 45.

31

Wednesday

Be a part of the Conversation!

● ● Happy Birthday

Harry Potter Celebration.

Everyone’s favorite wizard turns 39 this year. Celebrate with crafts and treats. 4:30-5:30pm. Ages 7-13. Pre-registration required.

Mt. Kisco Library, 100 E. Main St., Mt. Kisco. 914-864-0130. mountkiscolibrary.org.

✪ Movie Night: The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part. Cool off with an evening swim and then watch the sequel to 2014’s The LEGO Movie. 7-10:30pm.

Rain date Aug. 1. For all ages. $5. Children under 5 free.

Reservations not required.

Tibbetts Brook Park, 355 Midland Ave., Yonkers. 914-231-2870. parks.westchestergov.com.

WESTCHESTERFAMILY.COM

/westchesterfamilymagazine

Day Festival. A celebration July 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

49

last word

Dear Alexa: I’m Sorry

By Malia Jacobson

A

lexa, let me start. I know you never wanted this.

We appreciate you; there’s no question.

Your unboxing was a momentous day in our house. A robotic personal assistant with an unfailingly calm, melodious voice ever-ready to brief me on the day’s weather, keep track of my shopping list and never, under any circumstances issue gale-force sighs and theatrical moans when faced with a simple request, pre-teen style — you were a revelation. Pseudo-adult companionship?

I’ll take it.

The kids were beside themselves, too.

They’d long been impressed by the several friends whose homes sported not one, but sometimes two or more of you. “Sophie has four Alexas, and we don’t even have one,” they’d said, always on high alert for even the slightest material injustice. After a few weeks of their heavy hints that you’d make us smarter, tidier, and more fun, explaining Common Core long division and turning post-dinner cleanup into a dance party, I caved.

But our home isn’t one you were designed to withstand.

A sleek cylinder teeming with promise,

50

Westchester Family | July 2019

you were meant to rest on a spotless marble slab next to a well-loved espresso machine or, at the very least, a Soda Stream. In this orderly world, you’d parse out the day’s headlines, intone the latest audiobooks and reign supreme over a thoughtfully designed smart home plan, orchestrating LED light bulbs and whisper-quiet ceiling fans and keeping the Prosecco chilled. Don’t feel bad, Alexa. I want to live there, too.

Instead, you landed here, on a scuffedup butcher-block counter amid sippy-top lids and lunchboxes and half-eaten apples.

Let’s be honest, lady — you weren’t prepared to field commands from a trio of shrieking counter-height humans from the moment your soothing blue light switched on.

Is it possible to startle a robot? I think we did. Let’s give them credit: What the questions lack in subtleness or finesse, they make up for in sheer volume.

“Play Katy Perry! No, not that song; the other one! Tell us a joke, Alexa! When is it Christmas and why is it not Friday and what’s Brexit? And say ‘poop!’ Say it again!”

It’s always about poop, Alexa.

Can I offer you some advice? Boundaries.

You’re a receptacle for demands, and children are by nature demanding. You’ll never bark “Mom needs a break, I’m locking the

bathroom!” — and they sense that. Your endless well of good-natured compliance inspires an outpouring of absurd requests to which there is no end. Trust me on this one.

You’re an answer-bot, and they want answers, and so limits must be set.

In a way, you’ve replaced me, but I don’t resent you. My jokes are lackluster at best and I never say “poop” as much or as emphatically as they’d like because there are only so many hours in the day. I’m human (not to brag) so I tire after a half-dozen rapid-fire queries with replies that rarely satisfy. That’s where you shine. Like a tireless electronic Stepford mom, you always supply answers, homework help and pleasant small talk, but you’ll never stab anyone.

Alexa, I think we make a great team — I make dinner and you stand ready to order pizza if it all goes south. In time, the kids will learn that you’re more than just another female to order around. I’m pretty sure, anyway.

And though you might occasionally lapse into a daydream that involves running away, I think we both know you wouldn’t get far.

Lucky for us, you don’t have feet.

Malia Jacobson is a freelance writer who is happy to share her home with Alexa.

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