Family Fun for Memorial Day Weekend 2011 in CT & Westchester, NY

Wee Care Nanny wishes you and your family a happy, relaxing and safe Memorial Day Holiday.

We listed some family activities taking place over the long weekend throughout Fairfield County, CT and Westchester, NY. We hope you enjoy.

Memorial Day Fun
Memorial Day weekend usually means a break from the normal routine, giving you and your family the opportunity to enjoy activities that you might not have time for on a typical weekend. Here are a few things going on nearby.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011 10:30 – 11:30 am & Thursday, May 26th, 2011 9:30 – 10:30 am

FREE! Mommy and Me Story Time and Songs

Giant Steps Toy and Baby

226 Kings Highway East
Fairfield, ct 06825

http://giantstepstoys.com

Hear special themed books hand-selected to delight your child. Work together on a specially prepared arts and crafts project. Listen, Laugh, Sing, Smile – the perfect activity for you or your mom group. One of Giant Steps most popular weekly events! Ages 2-5+ recommended

Saturday, May 28th, 2011 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Farming Fever

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

1875 Noble Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06610

http://www.beardsleyzoo.org+

Join us for an afternoon of learning about farm animals and farming with former Connecticut resident Chris Rowlands, an entertainer who’s famous for getting everyone involved. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along with Rowlands on stage as he shares his self- penned songs such as “Cud Chewing,” a tribute to cows. Presented in partnership with the Fairfield County Farm Bureau.

Take a Marine Life Study Cruise and explore the shores of the sound for crabs, fish, and lobsters with educators from the Maritime Aquarium. Suitable for ages 8 and up. May 28. 1pm. $20.50. Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT. 203-852-0700.

Kids can jump on stage, sing, and wear hats as entertainer Chris Rowlands presents Farming Fever, a show that gets everyone involved in learning about farming and farm animals. May 28-29. 11am-3pm. $11; $9 children 3-11. Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT. 203-394-6563.

Take time to smell the roses and learn about a variety of plants in bloom in Family Programs: Garden Exploration at the Bartlett Arboretum. Find out what attracts honeybees and butterflies to the garden. May 28. 1pm. $18; free children under 12. Bartlett Arboretum, 151 Brookdale Road, Stamford, CT. 203-322-6971.

Children of all ages can stop by during regular library hours and make a craft at Drop-In Memorial Day Crafts. May 28. 10am-5pm. FREE. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton. 203-762-3950.

At Lobster Days, crack some claws and let the butter drip as you sit by the water on the grounds of the Mystic Seaport. May 28-30. 11am-4pm. $24, kids 6-17 $15 (lobster dinner extra). Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic. 888-973-2767.

After the Memorial Day parade in town, bring a blanket and picnic on the museum’s lawn at the 4th Annual Memorial Day Community Picnic. May 30. Noon-3pm. Fairfield Museum and History Center, 1520 Bronson Road, Fairfield, 203-259-1598.

http://www.nymetroparents.com/article/Fairfield-CountyCTMay-Calendar-HighlightsFamily-Activities

WESTCHESTER, NY

5/28/11
ONE WITH WARBLERS The last wave of these active migrants. The habitats of Marshlands will overwhelm you with bird songs and calls of many of our feathered visitors. Please bring binoculars.
Hours: Saturday 7:30 a.m. FreeLocation: Marshlands Conservancy Route 1
Rye, NY 10580 For additional information: 9914) 835-4466 Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/28/11
POND EXPLORATION Cranberry’s premiere program, offered to hundreds of school children each year, is open to the public once a summer. Join us on this kid-friendly search for tadpoles, water bugs, snails and more. Nets provided, wear rubber boot if you have them. Hours:
Saturday 1 p.m. FreeLocation: Cranberry Lake Preserve Old Orchard Street North White Plains, NY 10603 For additional information: (914) 428-1005 Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/28/11
WALKING TOUR OF THE WILDFLOWER GARDEN
Join us for a tour of Trailside’s Luquer-Marble Wildflower Garden while the flowers are at their peak. The garden is home to over 70 species of flowers and ferns and includes some increasingly rare native plant species. Hours: Saturday 1 p.m. Parking $4 with Westchester County Park Pass; $8 without Park PassLocation: Trailside Nature Museum Ward Pound Ridge Reservation routes 35 & 121 South
Cross River, NY 10518 For additional information: (914) 864-7322
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/28/11
NIGHT OF THE HORSESHOE CRAB
Come and experience a tradition over 200 million years old! The moon will be full, the tide will be high, and the horseshoe crabs will be coming in to mate. Hours: Saturday 10:30 p.m.
FreeLocation: Marshlands Conservancy Route 1 Rye, NY 10580 For additional information: (914) 835-4466 Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/28/11, 5/29/11
ARTIST GALLERY – “FLORALS AND TRAVEL” Watercolors by Waltra Maurer. Exhibit in the Main House Gallery. Hours: Saturday & Sunday noon – 4 p.m. Free Location: Muscoot Farm
Route 100 Somers, NY 10589 For additional information: (914) 864-7282
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/28/11, 5/29/11, 5/30/11, 6/4/11, 6/5/11, 6/11/11, 6/12/11, 6/18/11, 6/19/11
WESTCHESTER COUNTY BEACHES OPEN
Beaches open for weekends on a pre-season basis. Season opening Wednesday – Sunday, (closed Monday & Tuesday), June 24 through September 5. Hours August 15 – September 5 Noon – 6 p.m.
Hours: Weekends and Holidays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $4 adults, $3 children 5 – 11 years old, $2 seniors (weekdays only)Location: Glen Island*, New Rochelle – *Park Pass Required
Playland Beach, Playland Park, Rye Croton Point Beach, Croton-on-Hudson various, NY
For additional information: (914) 864-PARK Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/29/11
MUSCOOT FARMERS MARKET
Fresh produce, meat, cheese, soap, candles, honey, mape syrup, flowers, fish and delicious baked goods. Hours: Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. FreeLocation: Muscoot Farm
Route 100 Somers, NY 10589 For additional information: (914) 864-7278
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/29/11
MEET THE BABY ANIMALS
Experience a close encounter with our new baby animals.
Hours: Sunday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. FreeLocation: Muscoot Farm
Route 100 Somers, NY 10589 For additional information: (914) 864-7282
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/29/11
. TOUR OF THE MAIN HOUSE AT LASDON
Learn about the history of Lasdon Park and Arboretum while touring the Main House.
Hours: Sunday 2 p.m. FreeLocation: Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial
Route 35 Somers, NY 10589 For additional information: (914) 864-7263
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/29/11
NATURALIST CHOICE HIKEhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Let the naturalist guide you through the magic and mysteries of Marshlands.
Hours: Sunday 2 p.m. FreeLocation: Marshlands Conservancy
Route 1 Rye, NY 10580 For additional information: (914) 835-4466
Westchester County Parks Dept.

5/30/11
26TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY ANTIQUES FAIR
Rain or shine. Call (914) 273-4667 or www.cordshows.com for information.
Hours: Monday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $7 (kids under 13 free) Location:
Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial Route 35 Somers, NY 10589
For additional information: (914) 864-7268 Westchester County Parks Dept.

http://www.hvwebtv.com/westchesterevents.html

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Connecticut Events Calendar in October for the Entire Family

FRIDAY October 15, 2010

The Music of Simon & Garfunkel – Bridgeport – A.J. Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle re-create the memories of the classic hits of Simon & Garfunkel. Downtown Cabaret Theater, 263 Golden Hill St. 7:30 p.m. $26.50-$29.50. 203-576-1636. Through 10/17; times vary.

We The People – Waterbury – TheatreworksUSA presents an all-new musical revue that brings American civics lessons to life and makes social studies exciting. For grades 4-8. Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. $8. 203-346-2000.

To Kill a Mockingbird – Stamford – The story is a tender portrait of a southern town, brimming with powerful lessons of tolerance, justice and quiet heroism. Dressing Room Theatre, 1349 Newfield Ave. 8 p.m. $14-$28. 203-329-8207. Through Oct. 31; times vary.

SistaAct – Norwalk – This uproarious musical comedy involves the nuns as they try to hide a lounge singer from the mob. Carriage House Arts Center, Cranbury Park, 390 Grumman Ave. 8 p.m. $15-$20. 203-229-9797. Through Oct. 30; days and times vary.

Family Campfire – Westport – Enjoy lively music and sing-along songs, toast marshmallows for s’mores and more. Bring a blanket or chair. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane. 7-8:30 p.m. $8-$10. Pre-register. 203-227-7253.

SATURDAY 10/16
Family Wii Day – Westport – Spend the afternoon playing Wii on the big screen in the library. All ages. Westport Public Library, 20 Jesup Road. 2-4 p.m. Free. 203-291-4809.

Pumpkin Patch – East Haven – Ride a vintage trolley to the patch where each child can select a little pumpkin to decorate. See train layouts and more. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River Street. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-$8. 203-467-6927. Also on Oct. 17, 23 and 24.

Haunted Hayrides – Shelton – Tour a haunted farm on hay wagons for a creepy 1-1/2 mile ride through spookified trails. No reservations necessary. Fairview Tree Farm, 486 Walnut Tree Hill. Continuous rides from 7-10 p.m. $11. 203-944-9090. Also on October 22, 23, 29 and 30.

Yale Football – West Haven – Watch the Yale Bulldogs take on Fordham. Yale Bowl, Derby Avenue. Noon. Free-$8. 203-432-1400.

Family Drop in Weekend – Ridgefield – Enjoy self-guided, hands-on projects for all ages levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St. Noon-5 p.m. Free with admission. 203-438-4519, ext. 40. Also on October 17.

Greater Bridgeport Symphony – Bridgeport – Anita Chen, violin and piano 2007 Carlson-Horn Competition winner, joins the symphony performing works by Rossini, Mozart and Liszt. Klein Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Avenue. 8 p.m. $24-$58. 203-576-0263.

Happy, Healthy Hip Family Fair – Greenwich – Enjoy live entertainment, food, vendors and a car seat check. Presented by Fairfield County Attachment Parenting Group. Old Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Road. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 631-848-8545.

Welcome To Our House Tour – Hartford – Take a living history tour of Stowe’s home given by an interpreter portraying Stowe’s daughter, a hostess with many family stories to tell. Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, 77 Forest St. 11 a.m. $8-$11. 860-522-9258, ext. 317.

VOCE – Hartford – Enjoy the melodic sounds of VOCE, a singing group that combines excellence in music with service to the community. The concert features a Mark Twain theme. Immanuel Congregational Church, 360 Farmington Avenue. 860-247-0998.

Harvest Fair – West Hartford – Pick out the perfect pumpkin, enjoy fun events for children of all ages, shop for antiques, white elephant booth, holiday shopping and more. United Methodist Church, 1358 New Britain Avenue. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 860-521-7766.

Stamford Symphony Orchestra – Stamford – The orchestra will perform Beethoven’s “Symphony Number 5,” along with works by Brahms and Prokofiev. Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic Street. 8 p.m. $29-$79. 203-325-4466. Also on October 17 at 3 p.m.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour – Norwalk – See how the animal husbandry staff meets the varying food and water needs of the resident animals. Ages 10 and up. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. 8:15-10 a.m. $20-$30. RSVP. 203-852-0700, ext. 2206.

Wolf Day – Westport – Learn about wolves, listen to stories and make a craft. Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free with admission. 203-227-7253.

SUNDAY 10/17
Charlotte’s Web – Fairfield – Theatreworks/USA presents this beloved story about the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Quick Center for the Arts, 200 Barlow Road. 1 and 3 p.m. $12-$15. 203-254-4010.

A Walk on the Wild Side – Farmington – See lesser utilized parts of the trail system. Venture onto the Metacomet Trail. Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd. 2 p.m. Free-$3. 860-677-4787.
Harvest Festival – Stamford – Enjoy hayrides, apple cidering demos and fun activities for the whole family. Wear a costume and have some Halloween treats. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free-$10. 203-977-6521.

Combustion Sunday – West Hartford – Meet firefighters, see a fire engine, watch demonstrations on the chemistry of cumbustion, and learn about fire safety. The Children’s Museum, 950 Trout Brook Ave. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Museum admission. 860-231-2824.

The Hammersteins: A Musical Theatre Family – Ridgefield – Author Oscar Andy Hammerstein talks about his new book, reads passages and signs copies. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St. 3-5 p.m. Museum admission. 203-438-4519., ext. 26.

Eric Johnson, Andy McKee and Peppino D’Agostino – Ridgefield – Three innovators in the world of guitar come together to create an evening of unforgettable music. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge. 8 p.m. $45. 203-438-5795.

Chamber Players – Greenwich – The Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony perform works by Debussy, Shostakovich, Reinecke, Villa Lobos and Barber. Round Hill Community Church, 395 Round Hill Road. 4 p.m. $5-$25. 203-869-2664.

Walk in the Park for Abilis – Old Greenwich – Fifth annual fundraiser to support Abilis and people of all ages with autism. Greenwich Point Park (Tod’s Point). Register and activities at 10:30 a.m.; Walk at noon. Donations. 203-531-1880, ext. 110.

MONDAY 10/18
Chamber Players – Greenwich – The Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony performs works by Debussy, Shostakovich, Reinecke, Villa Lobos and Barber. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive. 8 p.m. $5-$25. 203-869-2664.

Shadow Ball in Jasper’s Town – Fairfield – Beautiful paintings of baseball’s Negro League players will be on display. A great opportunity for kids to learn about sports history. Lukacs Gallery, Quick Center for the Arts, 200 Barlow Road. 1-8 p.m. Free. Through October 25; days and times vary.

TUESDAY 10/19
Little Movies, Big Heart – Newington – Watch The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio, a story about a woman who helped support her family in the ’50s by winning jingle contests. Rated PG-13. Lucy Robbins Welles Library, 95 Cedar St. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 860-665-8700.

Green Earth Series Lecture – Westport – Mitchell Lester, M.D. will discuss “The Effect of the Climate and the Environment on Health.” Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane. 7:30 p.m. Free. Pre-register. 203-227-7253.

WEDNESDAY 10/20
Pre-K Storytime – Fairfield – Grandparents can bring their grandchildren for a stoytime focusing on baseball, sports, heroes and teamwork. Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road. 10 a.m. Museum admission. 203-259-1598.

Preschool Art & Nature Adventures – Farmington – Children ages 4-7 will explore a piece of the museum’s art collection through stories, hikes and other activities. Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd. 10-11 a.m. $8-$12. Pre-register. 860-677-4787, ext. 142.

Haunted Baseball & Field of Screams – Fairfield – Listen to ghostly stories when Dan Gordon explores the spooky connection between baseball and the paranormal. Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Rd. 7 p.m. $5-$8. RSVP. 203-259-1598.

THURSDAY 10/21
New Haven Symphony Orchestra – New Haven – Experience the Italian flair of guest conductor Aldo Sisillo through works by Martucci, Schumann and Brahms. Woolsey Hall, 500 College Street. 7:30 p.m. $10-$65. 203-865-0831, ext. 10.

Full Moon Campfire and Night Hike – New Haven – Experience the sights and sounds of the nocturnal forest under a glorious autumn moon. Ages 6 and up. Bring flashlight. Common Ground, 358 Springside Ave. 6-8 p.m. Free. 203-389-4333, ext. 1213.

Zing Zang Zoom – Bridgeport – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily present a soaring extravaganza with a magical twist! Arena at Harbor Yard, 600 Main St. 7:30 p.m. $15.25-$95.25. 800-745-3000. Through Oct. 24; times vary.

Saturday 10/23
Children’s Book Sale – Norwalk – Be the first to find books at this children’s books sale. Sunday is 50 % off day; Monday is $3/bag day; and Tuesday is free day. Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Ave. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 203-899-2780, ext. 131. Through Oct. 26; times vary.

American Girl Fashion Show – Darien – Celebrate being a girl with a presentation on historical and contemporary fashions. Ages 4 and up. Country Club of Darien, 300 Mansfield Ave. 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. $45. 203-554-6907. Also on Oct. 24.

Yale Football – West Haven – Watch the Yale Bulldogs take on Penn. Yale Bowl, Derby Avenue. Noon. Free-$8. 203-432-1400.

Greenwich Cardinals’ Home Coming-Greenwich-11 a.m. Homecoming parade down Greenwich Avenue 2 p.m. Cardinals’ Homecoming football game vs. Bridgeport Central, featuring cheerleaders, marching band and dance team.

Sunday 10/24
Fall Foliage Family Frolic – Stamford – This 2-3 mile hike is geared for families with small children. Bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy at a special spot. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road. 11 a.m. Museum admission. 203-322-1646.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Family Activities and Events for the End of Summer

Fun activities for the whole family to enjoy in the last few weeks of summer. We wanted to share some family friendly activities taking place in Westchester, NY, Greenwich, Conn. and Manhattan to enjoy in the last few weeks of summer. Have a wonderful August!

August 19
Shakespeare in the Park – New Haven – The Elm Shakespeare Company presents Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. At 5 p.m., enjoy food and drinks. Edgerton Park, 75 Cliff Street. 8 p.m. Donation, $5-$20. 203-393-1436. Also Aug. 20-22, 24-29 and Aug. 31-Sept. 5.

Thrilling Thursdays – Wilton – Cowboy Billy will amuse children with his stories and songs of the Wild West. Enjoy comedy, songs and art. For ages 4-9 with caregiver. Pre-register. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road. 2-3 p.m. Free. 203-762-3950.

August 20
2010 RiverFlicks for Kids: Free Outdoor Summer Movie Series – Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, Manhattan
Enjoy family favorite movies outdoors along the Hudson River, every Friday evening from July 9 through August 20. All films are rated G or PG. Complimentary popcorn. Refreshments available for purchase.
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=59738

August 21
Movies for Kids and Their Families: “The Great Muppet Caper” – Jacob Burns Film Center, Westchester
Jim Henson’s second live-action Muppet feature stars Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo as investigative reporters hot on the trail of a jewel thief. Filled with corny jokes, and musical numbers. Rated G
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=60877

Behind-the-Scenes Tour – Norwalk – See how the animal husbandry staff meets the varying food and water needs of the resident animals. Ages 10 and up. Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. 8:15-10 a.m. $20-$30. RSVP. 203-852-0700, ext. 2206.

Explore the Stream – Westport – Learn about the streams and rivers that run through town. Explore Stony Brook. Go into the water so wear sneakers and old clothes. Earthplace-Nature Discovery, 10 Woodside Lane. 11 a.m.-noon. Free with admission. 203-227-7253.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Bridgeport – This lecture will look at Mark Twain’s masterpiece in the context of the history of race relations in America from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement. Barnum Museum, 820 Main St. 3 p.m. Museum admission. 203-331-1104.

Shakespeare on the Green – Ridgefield – Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival presents an original interpretation of The Taming of the Shrew. Green Expo begins at noon. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge. 2 p.m. show. Free, tickets must be reserved. 203-438-5795.

Summer Blockbuster Series: ‘The Princess Bride’- Symphony Space, Manhattan
See this classic film on the big screen.
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=64500

Central Park Conservancy’s Summer Chess Series – Chess & Checkers House, Central Park, Manhattan
Learn local Grandmasters’ secrets to improve your chess game and then test your new skills against theirs or a friend’s
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=60566

August 22
Family Pond Exploration – Audubon Greenwich, Fairfield
Hop around the pond with Audubon staff and get up close to the tiny creatures that call the nearby pond home. Equipment provided. Space limited. RSVP to Store at x221
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=62704

Family Art Project: Fishy Fun -Wave Hill, Riverdale, NY
Focus on friends with fins, especially those popular goldfish swimming in the Aquatic Garden. Turn colorful paper bags into 3-D fish that can swim through the air and flutter home with you.
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=63197

August 25
The Boogers – Westport – Anti-Barney and the Wiggles’ worst nightmare, they sound like a cross between the Ramones and a book of nursery rhymes! Pre-show festivities at 6:30 p.m. Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Road. 7 p.m. Free. 203-221-2153.

Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency