What To Do: With the Kids Summer 2014

45 Summer what to dos with the kids from snapping turtles to fireworks

May

Sheffield Island: Board the 45-foot C.J. Toth catamaranfor a cruise to Sheffield Island in the Long Island Sound for a lighthouse tour, a hike on the nature trail through Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, a picnic and other beach front activities. Or take a Clambake Tour on Thursday nights: ferry over to the island, tour the lighthouse and enjoy a clambake on the shore. Sat-Sun, 5/2-9/28: 11am, 2 & 3:30pm. Mon-Fri, 6/23-9/1: 11am & 3pm. Clambake Tours: Thurs, 6/19-9/11: 6pm. (Sheffield Island Dock, Washington and Water Streets, South Norwalk, Ct.; www.seaport.org)

Bicycle Sundays: 60,000 people a year break out their bikes to “ride the parkway,” a Westchester tradition since 1974.  Sponsored by Con Edison and the Friends of Westchester County Parks, a 6.5 six mile stretch of the Bronx River Parkway is closed for the exclusive use of bicyclists, joggers, scooters and strollers. Park your car at the County Center lot for $5 and bike from there to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers. Round trip 13.1 miles. Sun, 5/11, 18, 6/1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 9/7, 14, 21 & 28: 10am-2pm. www.westchestergov.com)

Mary Poppins: The stage adaptation of the popular Disney movie, Mary Poppins, was nominated for 7 Tony Awards on Broadway. See it here, with a nosh. Directed and choreographed by WBT favorite Richard Stafford with Lauren Blackman as May Poppins. Wed-Sun, 5/8-7/27: check times. (Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plaza, Elmsford: www.broadwaytheatre.com)

Lime Rock Park Season Opener: Stock car racing at its best! The Grand Sport Race has big, loud, fast Camaros, Porsches, Mustangs and Aston Martins. The Street Tuner Race has quick and agile Hondas, VWs, Mazdas and Porsche Boxsters. Plus, the world debut of Electric Vehicle Sports Racers! On Sunday, the Royals Car Show draws 200-400 prime vehicles from rare sports cars to muscle cars from the 60s and 70s. Fri-Sun, 5/23-5: check schedule. (60 White Hollow Rd., Lakeville CT: www.limerock.com)

Hilltop Hanover Farm Memorial Day Farm Fest: A family day at Hilltop Hanover, celebrating farming in Westchester. With a plant sale, farm stand, vendors, kids events, tours, hiking, food, and more! Mon 5/26: 10am-4pm. 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights; www.hilltophanoverfarm.org)

Local! Stayin’ Alive 5K Fun Run and Walk: This event is organized by the newly formed non-profit Stayin’ Alive whose mission it is to raise funds for North Castle First Responders. It features a 5K run followed by a fun run for kids. Sat, 5/31: 8am. Register here. (The Windmill Club, 10 Maple Way, Armonk)

Lasdon Commemorates D-Day: This military vehicle show and D-Day exhibit features big band music from the Gerard Carelli orchestra, food from the field kitchen, and military memorabilia presentations and sales to mark the 70th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, France, noon to 7 p.m., Sat, 5/31: 12-7pm. (Lasdon Park Arboretum and Veterans’ Memorial, 2610 Rt. 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)

June

Local! The Running Goddess 5K, Lasdon Park: This 5K race on the immaculate grounds of Ladson Park is a family event that helps support the Running Goddess Scholarship Fund, created by Bettina Sementilli, the owner of Cross Sport Woman in Katonah. The Running Goddess Scholarship Fund helps female HS grads in Westchester and Putnam counties pursue a math, science or technology education. Sun, 6/1: TBA. (2648 Alawalk Rd., Rt. 35, Katonah; www.therunninggoddess.com)

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, a “living” museum of antique aviation, offers one of the largest collections of early aeroplanes (1909 to 1939) in the world weekend, plus weekend airshows, and bi-plane rides. The museum displays aircraft form the Pioneer Era, World War I and the Lindbergh Barnstorming era.Saturday airshowschronicle the History of Flight with Pioneer, World War I and Lindbergh era aircraft including a 1909 Bleriot – the oldest flying aircraft in the United States. Sunday shows feature a World War I dogfight and Barnstorming Aircraft. The museum and bi-plane rides are open June- October 1. Air shows: mid-June through mid-October. (9 Norton Rd, Red Hook; www.oldrhinebeck.org)

Local! Drug Mart’s Movies in Millwood Park: Drug Mart and the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce present movies in the park every Friday night in June at 8:30pm.The lineup includes: FROZEN: 6/6; Ghostbusters: 6/13; Despicable Me 2, 6/20; The Lego Movies: 6/27. (200 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; chappaqua-millwoodchamber)

Local! Katonah Fire Department Carnival: The 2014 Katonah Fire Department Carnival kicks off with the annual Fireman’s Parade on Wed, 6/4: 7-11pm. The carnival continues on Thurs, 6/5: 6-10pm, Fri, June 6/6: 6-11pm and Sat, 6/7: 1-11pm. Ride all night for one price on Thursday and again on Saturday. (Katonah Fire Department, 65 Bedford Rd., Katonah www.katonahfd.org)

A WTD Fave Rave! 40th Annual Armonk Lions Club Fol de Rol: Ride the Ripcord, Tornado and Tilt-a-Whirl. Visit the fun house. You know the school year is almost over when the Armonk Lions Club Fol-de-Rol comes to town. Buy the $20 wristband, for unlimited rides, and let the kids run wild. With carnival games, pony rides, music, food and prizes. (You can never have too many stuffed animals.) New this year, performing dogs, llamas, a colonial village and more. There’s even a Crafts Fair for adults whose Ripcord days have passed them by. The Armonk Lions sell raffle tickets to support various charities including guiding eyes for the blind and diabetes camps. Thurs-Fri, 6/5-6: 6-10pm , Sat, 6/7: 10am-10pm & Sun, 6/8: 11am-6pm. (Wampus Brook Park, 28 Maple Ave., Armonk; www.armonklions.org)

Local! Challenge Game Night in Bedford: Games and competitions in Stratego, Battleship, Connect Four, Giant Spoons and more. Plus, dinner and snacks from Bedford Recreation. Sat, 6/7: 6-8:30pm. (Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St., Bedford Hills; www.bedfordny.gov)

Zerbini Family Circus: The circus returns to Somers, known as the “cradle of the American circus” since Hachaliah Baily brought Old Bet, the first circus elephant, there in 1808. The Zerbini Family Circus features aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, clowns, and camel rides. What no elephants? Sponsored by the Somers Fire Department. Sat, 6/7: 2 & 5pm. (Babich Fireman’s Field, Rt. 202, Somers)

SteveSongs: Steve Roslonek songs and stories create “not just a musical journey but an entertaining, interactive and educational one.” – Boston Globe. Steve has performed at Symphony Space, Wolf Trap, the Kennedy Center, the White House, and Fenway Park. In 2008, he took on the role of “Mr. Steve,” cohost of PBS KIDS. Ages 2+. Sat, 6/7: 11am. (Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck; www.emelin.org)

Boscobel, Snapping Turtle Walk: Bring your camera to Boscobel’s Belvedere, overlooking the Hudson River and Highlands, for a turtle presentation. These prehistoric creatures climb the banks from Constitution Marsh to Boscobel every spring to lay their eggs. After the presentation search the grounds for egg-laying females. Complimentary donuts, coffee and juice included. Sat, 6/7:7:30-9:00 am. (1601 (Route 9D (Bear Mountain Highway) in Garrison; www.boscobel.org)

Local! Church of St. Mary’s 77th Annual Strawberry Festival: The 75th annual Strawberry Festival at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin features  games and crafts fro kids and teens,, music from Annie and the Natural Wonder Band, bounce castles, BBQ and strawberries, strawberries, strawberries. Including, strawberry smoothies, and St. Mary’s famous strawberry shortcake. Plus, craft vendors and treasures from the attic.  Sat, 6/7: 11am-4pm. (Church of St, Mary the Virgin, 191 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; churchofstmary’s)

Father’s Day! Hilltop Hanover Farm Father’s Day Hike: Join Hilltop Hanover naturalist Wilson Chang for a guided hike around the property. Learn all about Westchester’s local flora and fauna on this two-hour walk through the woods. Free event. Sat, 6/14: 10am-12pm. (1271 Hanover St., Yorktown heights; www.hilltophanoverfarm.org)

Father’s Day! NYBG Big Backyard BBQ & Music Fest: Music, BBQ, putting green games and more on Daffodil Hill at the New York Botanical Garden. Chow on a selection of BBQ styles from New York specialty purveyors and local craft beers. There’s a full slate of top Americana musical acts (The Lone Bellow, The Defibulators, Roosevelt Dime, Miss Tess and the Talk Backs), cooking demonstrations and Edible Academy tours. Plus, Three Billy Goats Bluff – a new adaptation of the Norwegian fairy tale with a dose of Saturday Night Fever. Sat-Sun, 6/14-15: 11am-5pm. (2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; www.nybg.org)

Father’s Day! Boozoo’s Canine Carnival, Stepping Stones Museum for Children: Explore the powerful and important bonds between humans and their animal friends. Many special activities and performances are planned throughout the day, including the annual Crazy Canine Contest where visitors enter their own family dogs in a variety of canine categories. Sat, 6/14: 10am-5pm. (303 West. Ave., Norwalk; www.steppingstonesmuseum.org)

Father’s Day! County Center, New York Comic Fest: This comic book convention comes from the promoters of the Asbury Park Comicon, a show that honors the creators and culture of comics. Featuring Guest of Honor Scott Snyder and special guests Mark Waid, Herb Trimpe, Bob Camp, Larry Hama, Evan Dorkin, Dick Ayers, JJ Sedelmaier, John Holmstrom, Fred van Lente, and many more! Sat, 6/14: 10am-6pm. (198 Central Ave., White Plains, www.countycenter.biz)

Disney’s On The Record: This new Disney musical from is set in a contemporary recording studio where a young unknown is about to get her big break, a pop diva is about to meet her match, and a matinee idol is about to meet the “new kid on the block.” With 64 of the most beloved songs ever written, from some of the most popular films ever made over the past 75 years. Fri-Sat: 6/20-21 & 27-28: 8pm; Sun, 6/22 & 29: 2pm. (White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains; www.wppac.com)

Kids Cook at Hilltop Hanover Farm: With Hilltop Hanover’s Kids Cooking workshop, children ages 8 to 12 will get to see where their food comes from. They can harvest veggies right out of the field and learn how to cook healthy and delicious snacks from master chef Maria Reina. Registration required; Sat, 6/21: 1-3:30-pm. (1271 Hanover St., Yorktown heights; www.hilltophanoverfarm.org)

Photo by Anthony Pepitone

Hot Ticket Alert! Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival: This world-class outdoor music festival lives on after the death, this year, of its founder Pete Seeger. The festival attracts top roots musical talent each year to its seven stages. But it’s more than a music fest. There’s a host of river, field and educational activities for kids and families, including sloop and schooner rides, food, art, crafts, jugglers, clowns, a puppet show, and a petting zoo. There are more than 70 musical acts including Lucinda Williams, Norah Jones, Rufus Wainwright, The Mavericks, moe.Acoustic, Richard Thompson, Martin Sexton, David Bromberg, Josh Ritter, Dar Williams, Buckwheat Zydeco, Jake Shimabakura, Bettye Lavetta, Tom Paxton, Tom Chapin, Holly Near, Tony Trischka, and The Klezmatics. Sat-Sun, 6/21-22: 9am. (Croton Point Park, 1A Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson; www.clearwaterfestival.org)

Schooner Soundwaters: Public sails on the Schooner Soundwaters from Stamford’s Harbor Park Marina beginning on Thurs, 6/26 through the end of September. The Schooner’s 2-hour afternoon family-sails offer a hands-on educational experience for kids 5 and up. Or pack dinner and a chilled summer quaff and watch the sun set on the horizon on one of their sunset-sails. Afternoon family-sails: Sat-Sun: 3-5pm. Sunset-sails: Thurs-Sun: 6:30-8:30pm. Plus two special fireworks sails on Thurs, 7/3 & Sat, 7/5: 7-11pm. (Stamford Harbor Park Marina, 333 Ludlow St., Stamford www.soundwaters.org)

Hot Ticket Alert! A Night on Fire at Philipsburg Manor: The fire juggling comedy troupe, A Different Spin returns to Sleepy Hollow for a fully choreographed display of fire arts featuring flame-wielding, juggling, dancing, spinning, sword fighting, and fire-eating performers. A Night On Fire promises jaw-dropping stunts, knee-slapping humor, and a touch of danger for audiences of all ages. Very limited availability. Purchase tickets must in advance. Sat, 6/28: 7 & 9pm, Sun, 6/29: 7:30pm. 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow: www.hudsonvalley.org)

July

Fireworks! Kensico Fireworks & Music Fest: Pre-concert entertainment begins at 6 p.m. The Bensen-Scott Big Band performs at 8 p.m. A fireworks display in front of the dam follows at 9:15 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Carpooling is suggested. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Thurs, 7/3: 6pm. (1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla: www.westchestergov.com)

Fireworks! Caramoor’s Pops, Patriots & Fireworks: A WTD Fave Rave for most civilized way to celebrate the 4^th. Broadway star Ryan Silverman (Wicked, Chicago, Phantom) joins Conductor Curt Ebersole and the Westchester Symphonic Winds in a program that ranges from John Phillip Sousa’s The Stars & Stripes Forever and Jule Styne’s Overture from Funny Girl to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Plus  vocal selections from the Great White Way and Ryan Silverman. Picnic on the lawn before the show – return to your soccer chairs and coolers (right where you left them) for fireworks after the concert. It’s a beautiful thing. Fri, 7/4: 8pm. (Venetian Theatre Caramoor; www.caramoor.org)

Fireworks! Sail on the Schooner Soundwaters: Pack a dinner and a chilled summer quaff and watch the sun set and the fireworks over the Long Island Sound on these two special fireworks sails on the Schooner Soundwaters from Stanford’s Harbor Park Marina. Thurs, 7/3 & Sat, 7/5: 7-11pm. (Stamford Harbor Park Marina, 333 Ludlow St., Stamford www.soundwaters.org)

Fireworks! Playland
 Park: Fireworks displays, computer-fired and choreographed to a musical soundtrack, Fri, -Sat, 7/4-5: 9:15pm, Plus every Wednesday and Friday evening through 8/31: 9:15 p.m. (100 Playland Parkway, Rye; www.ryeplayland.org)

Local! John Jay Homestead Independence Day Fair: Colonial games, house tours, hayrides, sheep herding, educational discovery centers, beekeeping, blacksmith demonstrations, horses, crafts, live music, bake sale, refreshments and a reading of the Declaration of Independence from George Washington – or a reasonable facsimile. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Bedford-Armonk and Friends of John Jay Homestead. Fri, 7/4: 11am-4pm. (400 Jay St./Rt. 22, Katonah; www.friendsofjohnjay.org)

Pirates of the Hudson at Philipsburg Manor: Flung into the future by a bumbling sea witch, a crew of misfit pirates has one chance of returning home: performing the greatest pirate epic ever seen on stage! But when their script is torn asunder, these pirates-turned-actors are forced to improvise from audience suggestions! The performance is at Tarrytown Music Hall. Afterwards, head to Philipsburg Manor and interact with the pirates of the Hudson. All tickets include the Music Hall performance and entrance to Philipsburg Manor. Sat, 7/5: 11am, 1 & 3pm. (Tarrytown Music Hall and Philipsburg Manor; www.historichudsonvalley.org)

Local! Breezemont Day Camp’s Summer Concerts: Breezemont Day Camp and the Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce presents four summer concerts on Wednesday nights at 7pm at The Gazebo on Recreation Field. Check back for concert details. Wed, 7/9, 16, 23 & 20: 7pm. (Recreation Field, Chappaqua: 200 S. Greeley Ave.:  Chappaqua-millwoodchamber)

Local! Bedford Summer Music Concert, The Mulligans: High-energy classic rock hits from the Stones, Springsteen, U2, Talking Heads, Counting Crows, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and more. Annual free concert sponsored by the Katonah Memorial Park Association and Bedford Recreation. Fri, 7/11: 7-8:30pm. (Katonah Memorial Park, High St., Katonah; bedford recreation and parks)

Pirate Adventure On Sheffield Island: Ferry over to Sheffield Island for a day of pirate themed activities at the lighthouse. Sat-Sun, 7/12-13; 26-27 & 8/2-3. (Sheffield Island Ferry Dock, Washington/N. Water St., Norwalk; www.seaport.org)

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Cunningham

Hot Ticket Alert! Pleasantville Music Festival: The Pleasantville Music Festival has attracted top folk, roots and Americana festival acts since its inception in 2005. Including Jakob Dylan, Joan Osborne, Marc Cohn, Scars on 45, Sonny Landreth, Red Wanting Blue, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Rusted Root, Dar Williams, and Sloan Wainwright. This year’s artists TBA. With food, crafts, and a kid’s area with face painting, games and food. Free parking and round-trip bus service between Pace University and the Festival site from 11:30 AM through 10:00 PM. Sat, 7/12: (Parkway Field, Village Ln. Pleasantville; www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com)

Local! Bedford Movie in the Park: The Bedford Village Chowder & Marching Club presents their annual Movie in the Park. THIS YEAR’S FLICK: E.T. THE EXTRA-TERESTRIAL. Movie details available at the pools.  Fri, 7/18: 8:30pm. (Bedford Village Memorial Park, 65 Greenwich Rd., Bedford; bedford recreation)

The National Circus Project: An interactive fun show for all ages on the main stage of the Palace Theatre! Since they began in 1984, over 2,000,000 “children of all ages” have experienced the excitement of the National Circus Project’s awesome acrobats, jugglers, aerialists, clowns and hula hoop artists. Tues, 7/22: 11am. (Stamford Center for the Arts, The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford; www.stamfordcenterforthearts.org)

Local! Westmoreland Sanctuary Shakespeare Fest: Westmoreland Sanctuary presents The Tempest, directed by Emma Zakes Green. This sixty minute family-friendly adaptation is set in the natural setting of the preserve. Actors and audience move through the woods and meadows following the narrative action. Grounds open 90 minutes prior for picnicking and the day ends with a marshmallow roast round the campfire. Auditions for 30 roles (adults, teens and children 7 & up on Mon, 6/23: 5pm. Festival: Fri-Sat, 7/25-6: 6:30pm; Sat, 7/26: 2pm; Sun, 7/27: 1pm. (260 Chestnut Ridge, Rd., Mt. Kisco; www.westmorelandsanctuary.org)

Putnam County 4H Fair: Produced by the Cornell University Cooperative Extension, this fair offers 3 days of family entertainment including animal showmanship, a pet dog show, mini-horse demonstrations, horse jumping, educational and environmental exhibits, games, crafts, food, music and a country living auction. Plus, Muscoot Farm animals. Fri-Sun: 7/25-7: check times. Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, 201 Gipsy Trail Rd., Carmel; www.counties.cce.cornel.edu)

NEW! Family Dinners with Mario Batali’s Chefs: This series of three-course garden to table, family style al fresco dinners prepared by featured chefs from Mario Batali’s acclaimed restaurant support the New York Botanical Garden’s Edible Academy. There are also hands-on gardening and craft activities for the kids and live cooking demonstrations by top chefs in the outdoor Whole Foods Market^® Family Garden Kitchen. Chef Appearances include: Chef Josh Laurano (LUPA) and Chef Dan Drohan (OTTO) on 7/27; Chefs Alix Pilas and Fritz Tallon (EATALY) on 8/10; Chef Andy Nusser (Tarry Lodge) and Chef Anthony Sasso (Casa Mono) on 9/14, and Chefs Mark Ladner, Matt Abdoo and Brooks Headley (Del Posto) on 9/21: 5-7:30pm. View the menus here. (New York Botanical Garden,  2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx)

August

Haunted Lighthouse Weekend On Sheffield Island: Ghosts, ghouls and goblins greet visitors to the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse – decorated to provide thrills and chills for youngsters of all ages. This fun-filled, child-friendly haunted attraction includes activities for young visitors. Sat-Sun: 8/9-10. Ferry departs at 11am, 3pm & 3:30pm. (Sheffield Island Ferry Dock, Washington/N. Water St., Norwalk; www.seaport.org)

County Center, Baseball Card Show: 450 tables, thousands of autographed memorabilia, modern and vintage sports cards, autographed baseballs, on-site authentication, hobby and wax boxes, and on site autographs including Dwight Gooden and Jose Canseco. Thurs, 8/14: 4-8pm, Fri, 8/15: 2-8pm, Sat-Sun, 8/16-17: 10am-4pm. (198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)

Lime Rock Park Historic Festival: The east coast’s premier vintage racing and concours event. Three days of on-track racing. More than 300 cars and drivers, racing everything from pre-WWI racers to the best competition machines from the 1920s to the 1970s. How cool is that? Thurs-Mon, 8/28-9/1: check schedule. (60 White Hollow Rd., Lakeville CT: www.limerock.com)

Muscoot Farm Faerie Walk: Take an interactive walk through the forest at the farm to discover the fairies who live at Muscoot. Dress up like fairies, make a fairy craft and listen to fairy stories. Sun, 8/31: check times. (Route 100, Somers; www.muscootfarm.org)

CORNucopia at Philipsburg Manor: This novel corn festival offers an inspired bounty of corn-centric delicacies, demonstrations and hands-on, corn-related activities. Kids play games like Konk-a-Crow and Ring-a Cob in the CORNival area. There are corn-shucking races, a mini maize-maze, and crafts – make a cornhusk doll. Plus house tours, cooking, barrel making and corn grinding demonstrations, bluegrass and folk music and English country dancing in the barn. For those with the corn munchies there’s cornbread, corn salsa and chips, corn chili, popcorn and sweet corn ice cream. Sat-Mon, 8/30-9/1: 10am-5pm. (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow: www.hudsonvalley.org)

Summer Carnivals: Salem Fire Department: Need one more Ripcord before summer ends? Willing to travel? We found three nearby for Carnival-crazed locals. South Salem Fire Dept. Thurs, 8/6: 6-10pm, Fri, 8/7:6-11pm, Sat, 8/8: 5-10pm. (1190 Rt. 35, S. Salem; www.southsalemfire.com) St. Leo Church, Tues-Fri, 8/26-29: 6-11pm, Sat, 8/30: 2-11pm. (24 Roxbury Rd., Stamford) Norwalk Oyster Festival, Fri, 9/5: 6-11pm, Sat, 9/6: 11am-11pm, Sun, 9/7: 11am-8pm. (Veteran’s Park, Fort Point St./Seaview Ave. E. Norwalk; www.seaport.org)

Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival: Arts & Crafts show, harbor tour cruises, a Ferris wheel, Pirates Coast Adventure, a New England Village, and a Kids Cove with circus and puppet shows, music, arts & crafts (for the kids), craft beer (for the adults), celebrity oyster slurping contests and … OYSTERS, OYSTERS, OYSTERS. Plus, a food court and musical entertainment including JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS on Saturday night. How did we miss this all these years? Fri, 9/5: 6-11pm, Sat, 9/6: 11am-11pm, Sun, 9/7:11am-8pm. Sunday is family day. Kids 5-12 are free with an adult. Yowza! (Norwalk Veterans Park, 42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk: www.seaport.org)