Westchester Parent March 2020 by City Guide NY

Westchester

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

MARCH 2020

CHOOSING A CAMP • 10 Questions to Ask a Camp Director • Westchester Camp Directory • Camp Comparison Chart

Birthday Hacks

5 tips for a low-stress party

What is cancel culture?

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WestchesterParent

inside

march 2020

Original photo by Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com) Clothing courtesy Macy’s Backstage (macysbackstage.com)

16 “You’re Canceled!” What you need to know about the current craze

18 Choosing a Camp 10 questions to ask a camp director

38 Birthday Breather Tips to throw a stress-free kids’ birthday party

40 Pic Tips How to take better pictures of your kids

42 Thumb Sucking 101 How to handle this common childhood habit

COLUMNS 6 Editor’s Note 9 News: What’s happening in the community 12 Mommybites: Rest Stops 14 Advice: Ask DadandBuried 54 Last Word: What is your darkest parenting secret?

THINGS TO DO 27 Family Activities Calendar

RESOURCES 20 Camp Directory 43 Professional Services 44 Camp Chart 50 Open Houses

52 Party Central

53 Advertisers’ Index

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

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editor’s note MARCH 2020 • Vol.19 • No.6

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

Happy Spring!

t’s officially spring this month, which means summer is right around the corner. And summer, to us, means one thing: camp! Is your child returning to their beloved camp from last year, or are you on the hunt for a new summer program? If you’re in the latter group, you’re in luck! You’ll find plenty of Westchester camp options right in this issue: Turn to p. 20 for descriptions of all the area camps, and on p. 44, you’ll find a side-by-side camp comparison chart. Once you’ve narrowed down the list of potentials, speak with the directors to get a full picture of the camp—check out the 10 questions to ask on p. 18. If you’re in the former group, you’ll still find plenty of fun and advice to help you be a better parent in this issue, whether you’re wondering how to talk to your teen about cancel culture (p. 16), how to get your toddler to stop sucking her thumb (p. 42), or how to throw a stress-free birthday party (p. 38). For us, spring is also a season of growth, whether it’s the flowers blooming, baby animals arriving at the local zoo, or seeing your child near the end of another school year (can we pause time, so they stay small for just a little longer?). One way we’re growing is by creating new partnerships with local, popular Instagrammers and bloggers to give you even more resources for great advice and ideas, including Pamela Pekerman, whom you can meet on p. 10! We’re excited to introduce you to more of them in the coming months! Here’s to this season growth—however happens looks for your family! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes FEATURES EDITOR: Shana Liebman ASSISTANT EDITOR: Jacqueline Neber CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

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Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager Lauren Alperin Meirowitz, Managing Director Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Lauren Anchin, Meredith Perl, Merrill Sugarman Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

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DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATOR: Elvins Cruz, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER: Erin Jordan TRAFFIC COORDINATOR: Victoria Cocivera

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DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIRECTOR | DIGITAL CONTENT: Silvia Balu

MARKETING

Meet This Month’s Cover Kid!

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Anastasiya Borunova

Our cover star is 3-year-old Jasper from Manhattan—a grand-prize winner in our 2019 Cover Kids Contest! A huge thanks to Macy’s Backstage for Jasper’s outfit, and an even bigger shout out to Sarah Merians of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company (sarahmerians.com) for the great photo!

CEO: David L. Miller GENERAL MANAGER: Thomas K. Hanlon CFO: David Friedman 213 W. 35th St., Suite 12W, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

Want to know when the 2020 cover contest opens? Sign up for our newsletter at nymetroparents.com/newsletter!

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BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2019, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

18 MONTHS - 8TH GRADE

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news

Six Flags for All

The Jackson, NJ amusement park has plans to become an inclusive environment all year long.

Six Flags Great Adventure has plans to earn a Certified Autism Center™ designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. This means at least 80 percent of the guestfacing staff at Six Flags must complete a training and certification program through IBCCES, complete onsite audits, and make a commitment to future training. The Jackson, NJ location already hosts annual Autism Days, during which the park transforms into a sensoryfriendly space with lowered light and noise levels, shorter lines, and decompression areas. But the company is working toward the designation because it understands that visiting new places or going on family vacations can be challenging and overwhelming for kids with autism, and it wants to be an inclusive fun space. “We are proud to partner with IBCCES to ensure that guests on the autism spectrum have the best possible experience when visiting our parks,” said Jason Freeman, the Six Flags vice president of safety. “The certification process will equip our team members with the tools and training needed to better serve guests with special needs. We want them to know Six Flags stands ready to welcome them with open arms.” Find out more details at nymetroparents.com/six-flags.

WestchesterParent

Courtesy Pamela Pekerman

news

It’s Story Time! In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, March 2 is National Read Across America Day! So, grab your favorite books and snuggle up with the kiddos for an extra story time. If you want to go all out, only read books by tongue-twisting, rhyming master. Our favorite? Daisy-Head Mayzie!

Pamela Pekerman with her two children

Celebrate Spring March 19 at 11:50pm officially marks the arrival of spring, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac—bring on the warmer weather! To celebrate, we found the top 20 things to do this season in Westchester. Check them out at nymetroparents. com/spring.

Got a Green Thumb? Get your hands dirty and cultivate your child’s green thumb by creating grassy gnomes (think: chia pets) to watch over your garden— or add some greenery to your life if you don’t have space for a garden. Visit nymetroparents.com/ gnomes for directions.

Hustling Like a Mom

ou might recognize Pamela Pekerman (@pamelapekerman) from morning shows, where she appeared for a decade talking about style trends. And then she had kids and decided she didn’t want to travel as much. “So, I began to write about the real-life moments I was experiencing as a mom of two under two!” she says. Soon she was blogging about time-saving tips for busy moms, creating videos for Parents.com, and hosting events for moms. Her focus evolved into content and networking events that appeal to hustling mompreneurs. While she still does school pickup and drop-off every day, she says, “I’ve never felt more fulfilled by my work than I am now, as I grow a community of women that are redefining what it means to be a working mom.”

What’s the best parenting advice you ever received?

What do you think is a parent’s hardest job?

Listen to the crowd but go with your gut. Don’t silence your inner mama bear, as she truly knows what is best for her cubs. Sure, it’s nice to be a PTA mom, but that might not be on your priority list. …Parenting is hard, and you need to ensure you are coming at it from a place of inner contentment and confidence in your choices—because so many moments will challenge your sanity and your sense of self.

Being present. It’s a gift to the person you are speaking with, in this case your children, to be present, to not have your mind wander. In 2019, I found that replacing the phrase “I have to” with “I get to” gave me a dose of gratitude for that which was before me. I get to practice piano with my kids. I get to pick up my kids from school.

Read more from Pamela Pekerman—and learn about her next Hustle Like a Mom event—at nymetroparents.com/hustle.

Connect with us facebook.com/nymetroparents

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

@nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

New Places, New Programs Mamaroneck Tots Grow New Skills The Westchester Jewish Center introduced outdoor gardening to its Early Childhood Center at the end of January. It utilizes aeroponic gardening, which provides year-round, multigenerational gardening using a vertical growing tower. The tower garden does not need soil and requires little space to grow crops in less time than it takes in traditional gardens. Students ages 1-4 will learn to plant, harvest, and prepare crops including lavender, mint, rosemary, marigolds, sunflowers, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, and cucumbers, which will be used during Passover and Shabbat celebrations. Rockland and Palmer avenues, Mamaroneck; 914-698-2767; wjcenter.com.

Travel Teams, Volleyball Clinics, and More AAU Basketball Travel Teams are now being offered at A-GAME SPORTS, with group tryouts scheduled through Feb. 23. Additional tryouts will be scheduled in March on an as-needed basis. It also plans to offer volleyball training clinics in the spring and camps in the summer for children ages 8-14. Plus, Jose Reyes was promoted to executive director of baseball operations in October 2019. Reyes is a former professional baseball player and has been with A-GAME SPORTS since its inception. 856 Main St., New Rochelle; 914278-9477; agamesports.net.

Springing Forward Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 8, which means we lose an hour of our already limited sleep. While “springing forward” makes us more tired (cue the extra cup of coffee), it can turn our children into major grumps. To help your kids adjust (and be a little less grumpy), have them go to bed 15 minutes earlier over the next few nights to get them back on track, suggests Lisa J. Meltzer, Ph.D., a sleep expert and co-author of Pediatric Sleep Problems: A Clinician’s Guide to Behavioral Interventions.

The Importance of Sleep

Coding for Kids and Tweens Codeverse, the world’s first fully interactive coding studio for children ages 6-13, according to Lily Wilson, vice president of growth at Codeverse, is slated to open in the Westchester Mall in White Plains this June. It will offer weeklong summer camps, after-school and weekend classes for ages 6 and older, pre-K classes for ages 3 and older, day camps for days when school is closed, kids’ nights out, and birthday parties. The Westchester Mall, 125 Westchester Ave., White Plains; 844-644-CODE (2633); codeverse.com.

It’s a pillar of health and is essential to human functioning, health, wellbeing, and healing. And for babies, sleep is essential to development. The growth hormone is released during sleep, causing your infant to gain weight, length, and head circumference; the brain develops and fosters better cognitive development; and it helps with social and emotional development. For more on the importance of sleep, and how it benefits the family unit as a whole, visit nymetroparents.com/sleep.

WestchesterParent 11

mommybites

Rest Stops How to get baby to sleep anywhere By Christina Vercelletto

sleep routine is important for keeping your baby wellrested and happy—not to mention yourself! Although it can be tricky at times, sticking to that hard-won routine when you can’t be home all day (and when can you?) is well worth the effort, says Kim West, aka The Sleep Lady, an infant sleep coach. “A nap-deprived baby will have more difficulty going to sleep at bedtime and staying asleep,” West warns. “Plus, it will be easier for a well-rested baby to nap on the go than one who is already overtired.”

In the Bedroom It helps to have baby in a bedside bassinet for the first few weeks so you can keep middle-of-the-night feedings simple and in the dimmest light possible. “The biggest task in the first two months is helping with day and night confusion,” West says. “In the evening, keep the house quiet, and interactions with your infant brief and boring.”

In the Den, Kitchen…Anywhere A comfy, portable crib can be a huge help, especially in the early days, when your newborn’s internal clock can’t tell the difference between night and day. It will allow you to start dinner, put away groceries, or load the dishwasher while your baby naps nearby.

At Grandma’s House “Timing for naps is everything!” West insists. “It’s essential that you watch your baby’s wakeful windows so that he doesn’t stay awake long enough to get overtired.” Therefore, it’s wise to

always bring along a compact crib. Choose one with a canopy to block the sun and protect baby from insects so, even if you decide to go to the park, baby’s sleep schedule won’t have to miss a beat.

On a Walk Turn your stroller into a “napmobile” by reclining the seat so your child can stretch out. Some babies need constant motion to go to sleep and stay asleep. “If you stop moving, and your baby wakes up after too short of a nap, then start moving again,” West advises. Also, consider using a stroller shade to block out light and distractions. “This is especially helpful for alert babies who have a harder time shutting the world out to go to sleep.”

Hitting the Road Car seat naps can go a long way toward keeping your tot’s daily sleep requirements met. If possible, plan car rides at your baby’s regular nap times to make it easier for her to snooze, West advises. Play relaxing, soft music, if any, and consider putting up a shade on the car window next to your child’s seat.

On Vacation Bring a familiar piece of home—your little one’s favorite lovey or teether—to comfort and soothe her to sleep. West also recommends setting the scene: “quieting the environment, dimming the lights, playing soothing music, reading.” Finally, sticking to a consistent bedtime, eliminating noise, and slowing down with a low-key activity will cue baby’s body for sleep—and it works for parents, too.

Mommybites’ nanny boards only feature postings from nannies’ current families. You can rely on their recommendations. If you need a nanny or babysitter, visit Mommybites.com. 12

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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WestchesterParent 13

2020 EVERY WEEK is an Exciting

STEAM Adventure for Campers Grades K – 5

Stepping Stones Museum for Children goes the distance for children this summer with week-long Camp Adventures at Stepping Stones, featuring dinosaur discoveries, animation storytelling, Eco Kids investigations, music making, science central explorations and Summer Olympic celebrations! From June 22 – August 21, come experience these unforgettable, STEAM-fueled, “happenings.” Extended day options available.

advice

Ask DadandBuried My son’s birthday is coming up. We used to host birthday parties in our home, but he’s in third grade, and his friend group has gotten bigger. I’m not sure I want to deal with decorating or cleaning up after 15 kids and their parents. So, I’m considering renting a play space—one of the bouncy venues. But I can’t decide! —Jean P., Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

his is a question I’ve wrestled with myself, multiple times. Is it better to host a birthday party at home or to have the party at a venue? Not an easy call—unless you’re among the 1 percent. I mean, if you’re one of the Kardashians and you have a palatial estate that you can decorate like mad, and install bouncy houses and games, complete with employees who will handle setup and cleanup? That’s the way to go. But if you’re just one of us regular folks? It’s convenience vs. cost. Going the venue route is super convenient. Everything—except maybe the birthday cake—is usually handled by the venue. The staff decorates, plans the games and activities on-site, and handles all the cleanup. It can be more expensive to secure those hours—especially for a venue in the NYC area—but it’s largely stress-free. That’s huge. Hosting at home can be cheaper, but it may cost your sanity. You’ll be stressed about decorations; you’ll need to provide food and drink and the fun. You’ll be stressed about cleaning before guests arrive; you’ll be stressed about cleaning after guests leave; there’s a lot of work involved! And while it should definitely cost less money, making sure everything is Pinterest-perfect may end up costing more than you suspect. (And if you enlist your arts and crafts-impaired spouse in the preparations, you might have to factor in the expense of the resulting divorce as well!) All the extra work—and its accompanying headaches—may counter the cost benefit. It ultimately comes down to which you prefer: saving money or peace of mind. One more thing: If you do host the party at home, I implore you to provide beer or wine for your fellow parents. Nobody needs to suffer through one of those things stone-cold sober! Though some venues do allow it, many don’t. In fact, that’s what ultimately tips the scales for me. Looks like we’ll be hosting the next birthday party at home! Our advice column features the wise and humorous commentary of Mike Julianelle (aka @DadandBuried), a 40-something influencer with a popular podcast who lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two kids.

HAVE A QUESTION FOR DADANDBURIED? Send it to editor@nymetroparents.com with the subject “DadandBuried’s Advice.” 14

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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social media

“You’re Canceled!” What you need to know about the current craze By Melissa Wickes

ver the last few years, “canceling” has come up within the world of celebrities—from the #TaylorSwiftisOverParty to Louis C.K.’s banishment. But what does this really mean? To cancel is to call out a behavior—an offensive remark or an unforgiveable action—and to reject the person responsible through blocking, unfollowing, and even verbally targeting on social media platforms, according to Lizzy Duffy, senior social strategist at Sparkloft Media, a social media creative agency. Unfortunately, cancel culture is no longer just for famous people. It has made its way into classrooms and teen peer groups. And now parents are concerned it’s affecting their kids.

When Kids Cancel When Logan Paul, a 24-year-old YouTuber with 20.2 million subscribers, published a video that included footage of a suicide victim, people banded together to “cancel” him, which in turn pressured not only YouTube but the advertisers and sponsors he worked with to take action against him. Paul was removed from Google’s Preferred, the company’s premier advertising platform, which prevented him from monetizing his YouTube videos. Teens and kids are now applying this practice to their peer groups, Duffy says. While the phrase “you’re canceled” can be a joke between friends, some teens are actually boycotting classmates, and sometimes over a personal opinion. “All the friends I had through middle school completely cut me off,” a high schooler nicknamed “L” told The New York Times. “Ignored me, blocked me on everything, would not look at me.” When L asked a former friend why she had been isolated, she was told she was “a mooch, annoying and petty, and an emotional leech who was thirsty for validation.” When to cancel someone is an arbitrary and personal decision. As Arielle Rokhsar, a junior at The Wheatley School in Old Westbury, explains: “There is no definite line between what actions allow for one to be canceled and for one to be spared, it all depends on how the audience interprets it.” And values are constantly evolving. Ali Bhalloo, Arielle’s classmate, argues the “views that we have today may be considered wrong in the future. Opinions change with time. In my opinion, it is crucial that we cancel cancel culture.”

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Psychological Impact Like bullying, canceling can lead to kids being isolated and ostracized, says Rebecca Sinclair, Ph.D., child and adolescent psychologist and director of psychological services at Brooklyn Minds, a mental health practice with locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Manhasset. “Children and adolescents are much more vulnerable than adults, and isolation can affect depressive moods, anxiety, impulsive behavior, and use of substances.” Plus, cancelation can make individuals afraid to stand up for themselves or voice an opinion, says Alexandra Hamlet, Psy.D., clinical psychologist in the Mood Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit that helps children and families with mental health and learning disorders. She says that while there are instances when avoidance can be appropriate—such as when someone is racist or harassing—it’s always better to first have a discussion with the individual and help him understand that what was said is not okay. “A question that should be asked is, ‘does the person really deserve the removal of support in such a reactive way for saying one thing that might have been disagreed with?’” Dr. Hamlet says.

The Fine Line A community that unites against someone who has done something unforgivable can be empowering. It can also make kids think twice before posting or announcing potentially offensive views. But there’s a negative too. “It’s balancing this fine line because we want to give our youth and teens the opportunity and power to call [them] out when there are issues in teen behavior,” Dr. Sinclair points out. “The issue is, [cancelation] doesn’t leave opportunity for improvement.” People—especially kids—make mistakes. Kids have not had as many experiences to learn from as adults have. Learning from failures allows adolescents to build up social skills, develop a sense of self, and develop a sense of relationships, Dr. Sinclair says. In 2019, President Barack Obama disparaged the concept of canceling someone in an interview about youth activism. “The world is messy. There are ambiguities,” he said. “People who do really good stuff have flaws. People who you are fighting may love their kids and share certain things with you.”

And kids are often not told they’ve been canceled, or the reason behind it. A confrontation would at least provide them with an opportunity to apologize, learn, and grow, Duffy says. Dr. Sinclair also points out that the confusion caused by social isolation often causes teens to become defensive and cling onto the opinion or belief that led to the cancellation in the first place.

What is the parent’s role? Like any other difficult conversation with your adolescent, it is important to understand where your child is coming from. “Cancel culture might make the parent really uncomfortable and alert them in a hyper-vigilant way, but it is important to hear from the kids what their emotion and experience is, whether it’s worry, sadness, or anger,” Dr. Sinclair says. “There can be a difference between validating a child’s emotion and agreeing with their behaviors. You can validate how frustrated they are and how confused they are without agreeing that canceling someone is the right thing.” Also, as Duffy points out, cancel culture makes it difficult for adolescents to have transparent conversations about things they disagree about, which is an important life skill. Dr. Hamlet suggests parents focus on teaching their child what it means to understand someone else’s point of view and that settling differences doesn’t have to mean blocking someone out of your life or unfollowing them on social media.

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WestchesterParent 17

Choosing

Camp

10 questions to ask a camp director By Jess Michaels

any parents select a camp based on a friend or relative’s rave reviews. But choosing your child’s summer experience based on hearsay or personal anecdotes is often problematic, according to the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. Instead, it’s important to thoroughly research a camp in order to determine if it’s a good fit for your kid. The ACA suggests making an appointment with the camp’s director and asking the following 10 questions.

What is the camp’s mission or philosophy?

Who is the staff?

Each camp has its own. Make sure this particular camp’s mission matches your own family’s values.

Ask about the ages and backgrounds of staff members. Find out how they were hired and what kind of training and background checks they went through.

What is your background and experience?

Are you able to accommodate my child’s special needs?

Ask the camp director about his experience, years at the camp, and previous jobs. You want to make sure you find a commonality here. When you send your child to camp, you are forming a partnership with the director to ensure your child has a successful camp experience.

If your child has any special considerations, such as having food allergies or ADHD, or is wheelchair-bound, be completely upfront about her needs and make sure the camp is able to accommodate them.

What type of child is successful at the camp? Does it sound like she is describing your child? If not, this isn’t the camp for your child.

After pouring over websites and marketing materials, parents often start to feel like all camps look alike. Find out what makes this camp stand out from the others.

Can you describe the program?

How are conflicts handled?

Find out if the program is structured (has a set schedule) or elective (children choose their activities). Also inquire about how the program changes for older kids. For example: Do the elective choices increase with age?

While camps work hard to build a caring community, fights among campers can occur. Ask the camp director how the camp handles these types of conflicts.

What are the camp’s safety procedures?

Ask if you can call parents of campers currently enrolled at the camp, especially ones with kids who are the same ages as your children. They will be your next valuable source of information.

It’s important to know about emergency action plans, water safety, medical staff, and camper-to-staff ratios.

What makes your camp unique?

May I speak with references?

Jess Michaels is the director of communications for the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. She believes every child should have a summer camp experience.

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

There are hundreds of day camps and sleepaway camps in the New York area, which can make determining the just-right spot for your child overwhelming. Here’s advice from camp directors on how to create the perfect summer for your kid: Know What You—and Your Child—Want Consult with your child (it’s her summer after all!) but also consider what you want her to gain, whether that’s learning how to swim, making friends, or STEM skills.

Look into the Camp’s Accreditation It’s important that prospective camps are accredited by the American Camp Association— it’s a sign of approval that isn’t easy to achieve.

Keep Your Budget in Mind Look at the total all-in cost for each camp— including transportation, clothing, gear, etc. Then take all the camps that are over-budget off your list.

Don’t Forget About Day-to-Day Logistics Think about the location of pickup and drop-off. And, ask about whether the camp has flexibility if you want to take a family vacation.

Do Your Research Browse through websites—and involve your child, too. Same goes for when you visit camp fairs. As you research, pay attention to interactions with the staff, and the facilities, activities, and counselor-to-camper ratio.

Call or Visit the Camps on Your Shortlist Most directors recommend visiting your two to three finalist camps. Bring your child and make sure the camp seems clean and wellmaintained. Calling the camp director is your next best option—try to dig into factors that aren’t mentioned on the website. The camp should be one your child can enjoy this summer, and for many summers to come. For more tips from camp directors on choosing a camp, visit nymetroparents.com/choose-camp.

WestchesterParent 19

CAMPS DIRECTORY Day Camps Beth El Day Camp

1324 North Ave., New Rochelle 914-235-2700 x256 betheldaycamp.org jrockowitz@bethelnr.org A safe, fun-filled experience for children ages 2-9 from June 29-Aug. 20, with before- and after-camp care. We believe a child’s growth is a process involving physical, mental, and social development. We offer instructional and free swim daily, team sports, art, STEM, and tennis. Lunch included.

Bronxville Montessori School

101 Pondfield Road West, Bronxville 914-793-2083 bronxvillemontessori.com admissions@bronxvillemontessori.com Founded in 1975, Bronxville Montessori School encourages independence and self-confidence and promises to maintain each child’s love of learning. Our summer program is a seven-week, flexibly scheduled program for children 18 months to 6 years. Learning is fun, encouraging independence, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Butler Nursery School

100 Underhill St., Yonkers 914-779-7449 butlernurseryschool.org Join us for six weeks of fun in the sun! Our Summer Program offers crafts, noncompetitive sports, and outdoor play for ages 2-5. The program is organized around the theme of the week to provide a wide array of activities. Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm (9-11am for 2s), June 15-July 23.

CAMP SETON

363 Riversville Road, Greenwich 203-869-8424 campseton.org greenwichscouting.org Set on 238 acres and two lakes, Camp Seton’s programs include fishing, boating, swimming, archery, BBs, nature, Scout skills, climbing, campfire cooking, and handicrafts. Cub Scout Camp is for ages 7-10, Scout Adventure Camp-ages 11-13. Boys and girls do not have to be Scouts to attend. Schedule a tour today!

Camp Young Judea Sprout Westchester

500 Yorktown Road (Route 129), Croton-On-Hudson 914-271-7563 sproutwestchester.org camp@sproutwestchester.org Sprout Westchester, a Young Judaea day camp, is a place where children and staff work together to create a diverse, joyful

community based on fun, Jewish values, friendship, and personal growth. Campers participate in daily swim, arts, team and individual sports, cooking, adventure courses, drama, archery, STEM, music, and yoga.

Challenge Camp

The Leffell School, 555 W. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale 914-779-6024 challengecamps.com info@challengecamps.com Challenge Camp, ACA-accredited day camp in Hartsdale celebrating its 40th year offering summer enrichment for bright, curious children ages 4-15. More than 100 STEM and arts electives including 3Dprinting, coding, cooking, drones, Fortnite, Minecraft, photography, robotics, theater, and YouTube. Sports, swimming, fencing, and Ninja Warrior options! Transportation and early/ extended day available.

Chapel School Summer Program

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org directorofsummercamps@thechapelschool.org The Chapel School offers a variety of programs June 17-Aug. 16 for children ages 3-12. The Care Bear Program (ages 3-6) has morning, afternoon, and full-day classes. The Explorer Program (ages 7-12) has classes in sports, Mad Science, drama, singing, and cartooning. Extended hours 8am-5:30pm. Flexible scheduling one-nine weeks.

Day Camp at Whitby School

969 Lake Ave., Greenwich 203-869-8464 x176 whitbyschool.org/summer-camps-ct smead@whitbyschool.org Early Childhood (18 months-5 years) is led by Whitby Montessori teachers who encourage independence and desire to learn through our specialized summer camp. Enrichment Program (ages 5-7) is an “a-la-carte” program where children spend half-day sessions participating in a variety of activities led by sport and academic experts.

Great Play of Scarsdale

Interactive Gym for Kids 969B Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-713-3470 greatplay.com/scarsdale Our high-energy, award-winning program helps kids develop motor, sports, and social skills, for lifelong confidence and physical fitness, in our unique Interactive Gym. We offer classes (ages 6 months to 5 years), camps, and themed camps (ages 3-10) during summer! Camps are the perfect

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

vacation activity combining fun and play with significant development!

Harvey Summer Camp

260 Jay St., Katonah 914-232-0581 harveycavaliercamp.org cavaliercamp@harveyschool.org The Harvey Summer Camp for children entering grades first-ninth offers programs in fine arts, crafts, theater, music and dance, swimming, ice-skating, gymnastics, sports, and science. Guided by professional artists and educators, campers enjoy an adventure of self-exploration. Harvey’s sprawling 125-acre campus provides a perfect setting for summer fun.

Hudson Country Montessori Camp

340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle 914-636-6202 hudsoncountry.org Programs for campers ages 18 months to 12 years feature a full range of recreational activities, special events and trips, swim instruction, sports, and a splash-and-slide zone. Hudson has extended hours options for campers ages 18 months to 12 years, an optional catered lunch program, and an air-conditioned facility.

Kids’ B.A.S.E. & The Little School

307 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale 914-472-5409 kbls.org The Little School Summer Scene Program provides a preschool experience for ages 3-4, and three half-days for age 2. Little School children swim and receive instruction at the Scarsdale Pool (ages 3-4). In everything we do, we promote each child’s positive self-image through a variety of age-appropriate physical and creative activities.

The Milestone School

70 W. Broad St., Mt. Vernon 914-667-3478 themilestoneschool.com Summer at Milestone is an eight-week program with two-week sessions, full-day or half-day, for children ages 2-8. A typical day for campers includes water play, outdoor play, arts and crafts, music, yoga, story time, cooking, and an introduction to reading through our phonics-based program.

Mosholu Day Camp

261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields 845-243-0751 mosholudaycamp.com Mosholu Camps offer a quality program at a low cost. With a strong emphasis on developing new relationships and experiences,

our traditional camp day is filled with dynamic activities. Campers participate in activities such as swimming, music, arts, trips, archery, boating, dance, and sports. At Mosholu, we make memories!

The Nurtury Montessori School

2097 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 1144 North Ave., New Rochelle 914-632-6200 Nurtury at Flandreau 130 Flandreau Drive, New Rochelle thenurtury-montessori.com info@thenurtury-montessori.com The Nurtury’s summer months are a wonderful continuation of the child’s year. Continuity leads us to success. Our children start their day with a Montessori morning filled with academics which encourage all five academic areas. Then we splash into each afternoon with water play, science exploration, art appreciation, and team sports.

Oasis Summer Day Camp

Oasis at Mercy College 555 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry Oasis at Masters School 49 Clinton Ave., Dobbs Ferry 646-519-5057 oasischildren.com dobbs@oasischildren.com Oasis Day Camp prides itself on age-appropriate programming for ages 3-15. Early Start (ages 3-5) is a nurturing camp environment. Lower (first-second grade) offers sports, arts, swim, enrichment, and nature. Upper (third-sixth grades) is bigger and better for older campers. Teen Travel (seventh-ninth grades) offers unique trips, overnights, and friendships.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

33 Lecount Place, New Rochelle 914-365-7370 skyzone.com/newrochelle The summertime is the perfect time to stay active and make friendships that will last throughout the year! At Sky Zone our Sky Camp is packed with team-building experiences, games, interactive activities, and crafts. Snacks will also be provided each day. Your children won’t want to miss this!

Small World Daycare and Preschool

Dr. Susan Sciascia, director 600 N. Broadway, Yonkers 914-349-9200 smallworldcare.com smallworlddaycare600@gmail.com Small World Daycare-Summer Camp runs from July 6-Aug. 28 from 8am-4pm with extended hours. Registration fee is $100. Children will enjoy many activities such as: arts and crafts, themed days, special events, music, and active indoor and outdoor play to promote socialization and physical fitness. For more information call 914-349-9200. continued on page 22

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Mosholu Day Camp/MMCC Located at Lake Cohasset in Harriman State Park 261 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975

CALL: 845.243.0751VISIT: mosholudaycamp.com EMAIL: mosholudaycamp@gmail.com WestchesterParent 21

continued from page 20

Thornton-Donovan School

100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 914-632-8836 td.edu Founded in 1969, the Summer Challenge has been a source of joy, entertainment, enlightenment, and playful fun for boys and girls ages 3-14. Stop by and see our sports field, basketball court, and playground! Swim instruction and recreational swim are major components of the program. Door-todoor transportation and lunch included.

Westchester Jewish Center (WJC) Day Camp

Ann Pardes, director 914-698-2767 Palmer and Rockland Avenues (Use 175 Rockland Ave. for GPS purposes). Mamaroneck wjcenter.org WJC’s Early Childhood Camp Program provides a fun summer experience. Early Childhood teachers gear activities to young campers, ages 18 months to 3 years. Dance, music, art, soccer, cooking, yoga, nature, science, and outdoor water play provide a fun-filled day. We specialize in toddlers and are a diaper friendly camp!

Woodlot Christian Summer Enrichment Program

25 Oakland Ave., Tuckahoe 914-779-0368 woodlotchristianpreschool.com Woodlot Summer Enrichment Program believes children learn best in an environment of love and joy. Our multi-sensory approach to learning allows children to explore, problem solve, and discover God, themselves, and the world around them. Join us for an exciting summer with crafts, cooking, drama, songs, and games.

Sleepaway Camps Camp Huntington

56 Bruceville Road, High Falls 855-707-2267 camphuntington.com admissions@camphuntington.com Camp Huntington, a coed, residential summer camp for children and young adults with autism and related developmental and learning disabilities, ADD. Ability levels mild to moderate-severe. Located in High Falls in the beautiful Catskill Mountain region, the camp provides therapeutically and instructionally designed recreation programs in summer.

Specialty Camps A-Game Sports

856 Main St., New Rochelle 914-278-9477 agamesports.net info@agamesports.net

A-Game Sports offers highly instructional sports training camps for individual sports including baseball, softball, basketball, lacrosse, flag football, field hockey, volleyball and soccer, as well as recreationally enjoyable multisport camps for kids just looking for active fun in the summer.

Bach To Rock Mamaroneck

130 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 914-341-1457 mamaroneck.b2rmusic.com mamaroneck@bachtorock.com B2Rs summer camp has a unique approach that makes it possible for students with no previous musical training to be rocking out in a matter of hours. B2R teachers transform music instruction to a joyous and exciting team activity.

Camp Huntington

Camp PGT

1 N. Broadway, suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 info@playgroup.org Camp PGT is the perfect, customizable, summer performing arts experience for your young actor or designer! With one to fourweek sessions, The Play Group Theatre’s camps for students ages 4-17 include everything from On Camera, Shakespeare, Improv, and Design/Tech. Check out Camp PGT at playgroup.org/summer today!

Clay Art Center

40 Beech St., Port Chester 914-937-2047 Kelly O’Sullivan, youth director clayartcenter.org/summercamp mail@clayartcenter.org Kids unplug with mud at Clay Art Centers award-winning, weekly, themed, half- and full-day summer camps for ages 6-15 from June 29-Aug. 28. In the classroom aspiring young artists will have fun and develop their imaginations while working in the transformational medium of clay. Taught by professional ceramic artists.

Destination Science - The fun science day camp for curious kids ages 5-11! multiple locations in Westchester County, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Scarsdale, Tarrytown, White Plains

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

888-909-2822 destinationscience.org info@destinationscience.org For more than 20 years, we have focused on STEM learning through science-based activities. Experience fun, hands-on science to encourage year-round learning! Three science stations daily, games, spirit days, and all the fun of camp! Programs include STEAM Inventors and Anti-Gravity Racers Camp, Galactic Space Training Camp, and Robot Island.

Gymcats Gymnastics Summer Camp

One Odell Plaza, Yonkers 914-965-7676 gymcats.net GymCats Gymnastics Summer Program offers a fun-filled day of beginner through advanced gymnastics, arts and crafts, themed activities, and local trips! We offer low student-to-teacher ratios, boys and girls welcome, and half-, full-, or extended-day options. Spots fill up quickly!

iD Tech

Held at 150 prestigious campus locations 1-888-709-8324 idtech.com iD Tech is the world leader in STEM education, with 450,000 alumni and more than 20 years of experience. Summer programs for ages 7-19 are held at 150 prestigious campuses including NYU, Caltech, and Imperial College London. Students build in-demand skills for futures in coding, game development, robotics, and creative arts.

ISG Gymnastics

Annie Pipia and Joann Distler, directors 151 Crotona Ave., Harrison 914-835-0010 isggymnastics.com Gymnastics classes, summer camp, cheerleading tumbling, birthday parties-ISG has got it all! From babies-teenagers, beginner-advanced, we have the program that’s right for you! You’ll flip over this professional facility with certified instructors for all levels. Age-appropriate program and equipment. Fun for all!

Mandarin Discovery School

Summer Camp Programs Classes in Westchester and China 914-351-6788 mandarindiscov.org shanshanli@mandarindiscov.org Summer Camp in Westchester offered for children ages 2-10. Five one-week sessions from June 29-July 31. Held at the WCC in Valhalla. Take the family to China in August for summer camp! Two weeks immersive Mandarin study for children. One week of culture, food, and sights for everyone!

Penny Lane Dance Academy

80 Route 6 unit 608, Baldwin Place 914-248-8822

pennylanedance.com info@pennylanedance.com Since 2003 Penny Lane Dance Academy’s camps and classes have been known for being magical and inspirational in the world of dance. We offer summer camps for ages 2-17, from Fairy Academy where your little one will earn her very own wings to Artists in Motion for older campers.

Pine Brook Fitness

130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookfitness.com Adventure begins here! Join us this summer for our annual rock climbing and tennis summer camps. Have a blast climbing or playing tennis in our indoor, air-conditioned facility or experience the thrill of real rock and fresh air with our outdoor climbing camp Rockout! Ages 5-16.

Purchase College Learn-to-Swim Program

J. Brian Hansbury, director 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-251-5938 purchaseaquatics.weebly.com john.hansbury@purchase.edu The Purchase College Aquatics Program runs year-round in our sparkling, six-lane pool and features children’s group lessons, parent and child classes (6 months and older), and specialty programs including adult lessons, private and semi-private lessons, and Pre-Competitive Swimming Group workouts. Summer lessons offered daily with an afternoon option.

Purchase College Summer Youth and Precollege Programs in the Arts

Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-251-6500 purchase.edu/academics/ youth-and-precollege-programs youth.pre.college@purchase.edu For more than 40 years, students are inspired by our scenic campus, learn new skills, and create with others who share their passion. Immersed in a variety of exciting, fun, and enriching learning activities, students gain new skills in acting, interior design, creative writing, digital arts, filmmaking, photography, visual arts, and musical theatre.

SPORTIME Camps - Westchester

SPORTIME Lake Isle/JMTA Summer Training Camps 660 White Plains Road Lake Isle Country Club Tennis Courts, Eastchester 914-777-5151 sportimecamps.com/lisle campslisle@sportimeny.com SPORTIME Harbor Island Summer Camps Tennis Courts in Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck continued on page 24

Let Biomes Be Biomes

SUMMER CAMP 2020 JUNE 22 - AUGUST 14

Summer Fun Activities

WestchesterParent 23

DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE! 21 UNIQUE PROGRAMS for Campers, Ages 4–16, with:

• Weekly Sessions • Door-to-Door Transportation • State-of-the-Art Facilities • Expert Coaches • Daily Swimming

continued from page 22 914-777-5050 sportimecamps.com/hi campshi@sportimeny.com sportimeny.com/summercamps camps@sportimeny.com SPORTIME’s tennis and JMTA Tennis Training camps are designed for youngsters who want to focus their camp days on playing and learning tennis. Campers will be taught proper tennis technique and strategies while participating in competitive drills, games, and match play. Camp days include field sports, special events, and swimming.

Starlight Starbright Music

78 Garth Road, Scarsdale 914-924-0995 slsbmusic.com jackie@slsbmusic.com Did you know that all children are musical? Join our summer classes for mixed ages (newborn-age 5) or babies (newborn-6 months)! This summer, we are also offering parent-child ukulele classes (ages 3-6). Join us for some serious fun!

Steam Works Studio Enroll Early and SAVE!

700 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 845-790-8132 steamworksstudio.com/westchester westchester@steamworksstudio.com Steam Works Studio’s summer camp covers a broad spectrum of STEAM topics, ranging from robotics, coding, 3D-printing, circuits, arts, and animation, for students as young as age 4. Our mission is to spark creativity and bolster a deep interest in STEAM through hands-on learning by “Making.”

Steffi Nossen School of Dance Swimming and and Lifeguarding Lifeguarding Swimming

July 129- -August 2, 2019 June July 31, 2020

All certified certified water water safety safety instructors instructors All All levels levels ofof daily daily intensives intensives swim swim instruction instruction All Additional non-swimming activities included Additional non-swimming activities included

216 Central Park Ave., White Plains Satellite locations in Chappaqua and Ossining 914-328-1900 steffinossen.org Steffi Nossen School of Dance offers summer dance camps and intensives for a variety of ages, levels, and disciplines. One- to two-week offerings give a diverse dance experience while enhancing technical and artistic growth. Camps and intensives offered in creative movement, ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip-hop, musical theater, and composition.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Matthews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk 203-899-0606 x208 steppingstonesmuseum.org/camp Stepping Stones Museum for Children goes the distance for children this summer with weeklong Camp Adventures at Stepping Stones featuring dinosaur discoveries, animation storytelling, Eco Kids investigations, music making, science central explorations, and Summer Olympic celebrations! From

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

June 22–Aug. 21, come experience these unforgettable, STEAM-fueled, “happenings.” Extended day options available.

Teatown Lake Reservation

1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining 914-762-2912 teatown.org Teatown’s Natural Science Summer Day Camp is jam-packed with adventure, discovery, and hands-on fun in the outdoors. We’re catching frogs, collecting bugs, climbing rocks, and exploring natural habitats all summer! Teatown Camp brings kids outside to learn about and explore the natural world.

UFC GYM Mamaroneck

300 Waverly Ave., Mamaroneck 914-835-4269 ufcgym.com/locations/mamaroneck dean.bellantoni@ufcgym.com Summer camp starts at 9am and ends at 3pm for $395 per week. No School No Problem Camp to help you handle “school holidays” with ease is offered from 9am3pm for $75 per day. Camp is available for children entering third-eighth grade.

Westchester & Fairfield Swim Camp at Pace University in Pleasantville

914-588-2971 westfairswim.com kpalladino@westfairswim.com Westchester and Fairfield Swim Camp offers a progressive swim camp for children entering kindergarten in the fall through 15, operating daily from 9am-3pm. Swimming is taught by certified water safety instructors and geared for all levels. Comprehensive preparation for summer swimming, and a great supplement for summer swim teams.

Westchester Gymnastics & Cheer

5 Skyline Drive, Hawthorne 914-592-2324 westchestergymnastics.net tara@westchestergymnastics.net Let your children tumble their way through the heat! We offer daily and weekly summer options. Founded more than four decades ago (1972), we are the most experienced gymnastics center in Westchester County and we look forward to having your children join our camp programs.

Yankees Baseball Summer Camps

212-381-7786 yankees.com/camps info@yankeessummercamps.com Yankees Baseball Summer Camps offer young ballplayers the unique opportunity to learn new skills through the official Yankees Camp curriculum. Join us for nonstop baseball fun with an emphasis on teamwork, attitude, and healthy competition. Camps include four days of baseball instruction and a daylong visit to Yankee Stadium.

SKY ZONE NEW ROCHELLE your local indoor trampoline park that features a variety of attractions & programs for your whole family! TODDLER TIME AT SKY ZONE is for your little ones to discover the joy of being active and bouncing under the supervision of their parents without interference from the big kids! Toddler Time is every day (excluding Saturday) from 9:30 am- 11:00 am.

SKY CAMP The summertime is the perfect time to stay active and make friendships that will last throughout the year! At Sky Zone our Sky Camp is packed with team-building experiences, games, interactive activities, crafts and so much more! Snacks will also be provided each day. Your children won’t want to miss this! CAMP SESSIONS:

Week 1: 6/22 - 6/25 Week 2: 7/6 - 7/9 Week 3: 7/20 - 7/23 Week 4: 8/3 - 8/6 Week 5: 8/17 - 8/20

PARTIES Elevate the way you celebrate, with a party at Sky Zone. Whether it’s a birthday party, Sweet 16 or any other celebration, Sky Zone has packages for a fun and active event.

SKY ZONE New Rochelle 33 Lecount St. New Rochelle skyzone.com/newrochelle • 914-365-7370

SPORTIME SUMMER CAMPS JMTA SUMMER TRAINING CAMPS

JMTA GREEN & YELLOW BALL TRAINING JMTA MAC RED BALL & MAC ORANGE BALL PRESCHOOL UNDER 10 TENNIS TENNIS & SPORTS EXCEL TENNIS VOLLEYBALL HOCKEY MORE! Register Today!

(914) 777-5151

www.SportimeCamps.com

Camp locations in Westchester, New York City and across Long Island, including in the Hamptons. We’ve got your summer fun covered! Visit us online to ﬁnd the camp nearest you or contact us at campslisle@sportimeny.com. Programs and services vary at each SPORTIME Camp location.

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Children's Swimming Program Upcoming Sessions

Lessons Available Saturdays & Sundays

SCHOOL YEAR SESSIONS

*REGISTER NOW*

SPRING 4: 3/14–5/3

(NO CLASS 4/4–4/12 Spring Break)

*SUMMER INTENSIVES* 1. 6/08–6.19 2. 6/22–7/03 3. 7/06–7.17

Team Clinic Sat at 1PM

*Multiple Session Discounts Available

purchaseaquatics.weebly.com

FOR ALL LEVELS

Family Swim Sat/Sun 12PM 1-HOUR SWIM

4. 7/20–7/31 5. 8/03–8/14 ADULT 6/09–7/14

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS

Lesson slots starting at: 10AM | 11AM | 12PM | 1PM

Private and Semi-Private lessons available on request

All of our instructors are American Red Cross-trained Water Safety Instructors For more information contact: lorena.peralta@purchase.edu | 914-251-6546 www.purchasecollegeathletics.com

PROJECT EXPLORE We offer a structured learning environment for children to grow in the areas of cognitive, motor and social development. Programs Offered: Toddlers 18 months - 2.9 years of age Integrated Pre-School Program 2.9 through 5 years of age If you are interested in touring our Program, please contact Asanchez@eastersealsny.org or call us at 914-328-1578. Easterseals Project Explore 70 Columbus Avenue Valhalla, NY 10595

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Teatown Summer Camp is where kids unplug, disconnect, and have a wild time! We spend our days on our 1,000-acre preserve learning by exploring, discovering new things about ourselves, each other and the earth, and developing friendships and respect for all living things.

June 29—August 21, ages 4—14 Register at teatown.org 1600 Spring Valley Rd Ossining, NY 10562 (914) 762-2912

Continuing Education

Youth & Precollege Programs in the Arts SUMMER 2020 Grades 3-12

1, 2, & 4 Week Programs

June 29– August 7

Acting, Creative Writing, Digital Arts, Filmmaking, Interior Design, Musical Theatre, Photography, Songwriting, Vocal, Visual Arts

SERIOUS FOUNDATION. SERIOUS FUN.

www.purchase.edu/youth

R A D N E CAL

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Ideas When You Need Them: Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!

nymetroparents.com/register 28 Editor’s Hot Tickets 29 NYC Events Worth the Trek 30 Nature Lovers 31 Fairs, Festivals, & Markets 32 Theater & Concerts

33 Museums & Exhibits 34 Little Makers 35 Educational Activities 36 Get Active 37 Holiday Fun, Special Needs

EDITOR’S

T O H TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the March events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month! ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ & Other Eric Carle Favorites WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 3pm WHERE: The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase AGES: All WHAT: Three beloved stories by Eric Carle, award-winning children’s book illustrator and author, are retold on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets. WHY WE LOVE IT: The show features the imaginative approach to storytelling through theatre and is just 60 minutes long, perfect for the youngest audiences! WANT TO GO? $25-$45. 914-251-6200. artscenter.org.

WHAT: Get into the Purim spirit and enjoy an out-of-this-world experience with Ha-moon-tashen, an Interactive Megillah reading, and a show like you have never seen before! WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes glow-in-the-dark cotton candy, a cosmic concession stand, and all the graggers you can handle! WANT TO GO? $25 per family suggested donation; $10 single suggested donation. 914-693-6100. chabadrt.org.

Evening Howl for Pups of All Ages

HOT TICKET

WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 11am WHERE: Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: See this bestselling, award-winning children’s recording artist play all of her greatest hits live! WHY WE LOVE IT: Expect to hear some newer songs, as well as old favorites such as “We Are the Dinosaurs.” WANT TO GO? $25-$35. 914-739-0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com.

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 5-6:30pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with ambassador wolves and potentially behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves. All guests will be served weather appropriate treats. Please bring flashlights. Preregistration is required. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids get to have an after-dark adventure, all before bedtime! WANT TO GO? $16; $13 for kids younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.

LEGO® Weekend

23rd Annual City of White Plains St. Patrick’s Day FREE

WHEN: March 7-8, 10am-5pm WHERE: The Maritime Aquarium At Norwalk, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT AGES: All WHAT: Help create an enormous ocean scene using everyone’s favorite building blocks during LEGO® Weekend! WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids can also build motorized LEGO sharks that will duel for superiority on LEGO Battletracks. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $26.95; $24.95 seniors 65 and older; $19.95 ages 3-12. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 12pm WHERE: Old Mamaroneck Road and Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the contributions of the Irish people at the 23rd annual City of White Plains St. Patrick’s Day, then stick around for a cultural tour, music, dancing, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a fun way to recognize the contributions of the Irish people through their rich culture and music, their indomitable courage and spirit, and their legendary warmth and humor. WANT TO GO? whiteplainssaintpatricksday.com.

Purim in Outer Space

Pancake Brunch

WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, 5:15pm WHERE: Chabad of Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry AGES: All

WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 8:30am, 9:45am, 11am, and 12:15pm WHERE: Teatown, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: All

Laurie Berkner Greatest Hits Solo Show

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHAT: Start your day off with stacks of hotcakes and maple syrup and watch a demonstration about how ‘liquid gold’ is produced. WHY WE LOVE IT: Join Charlie Roberto for a free half-hour bird walk after you’ve had your fill of food. WANT TO GO? $18; $13 members; $10 children younger than 12; $7 children younger than 12 members. 914-762-2912 x110. teatown.org.

Drumfolk

Terrarium Workshop: Gardens Under Glass

New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE

WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Design and plant a fanciful, miniature landscape in a glass container with a selection of diminutive plants. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: Go green and bring your own glass container to receive an extra plant or ceramic critter for your terrarium. WANT TO GO? $50. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 17, 11am-5pm WHERE: Fifth Avenue, from 44th to 79th streets, Midtown to the Upper East Side, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: It’s one of the most iconic parades celebrating Irish heritage! WANT TO GO? 718-231-4400.

The Peking Acrobats WHEN: Sunday, March 29, 1:30pm and 4pm WHERE: Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck AGES: All WHAT: See the world-renowned Chinese acrobatic troupe push the limits of human ability and defy gravity. WHY WE LOVE IT: Families will be amazed by displays of contortion, flexibility, and control! WANT TO GO? $20-$30. 914-698-3045. emelin.org.

Johnny Peers & the Muttville Comix with David Darwin: One-Man Sideshow

WHEN: Through March 15: see website for schedule WHERE: New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy this lively concert full of tap, beatboxing, and the African American tradition of stepping! WANT TO GO? $17 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.

Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers: ‘Everybody Loves Pirates’ WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 12 and younger WHAT: Get swept away by this zany tale set on the high seas! WANT TO GO? $14-$17. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Macy’s Flower Show FREE WHEN: Through April 5: daily, 10am-10pm WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square, 100-104 W. 35th St., Midtown, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: The upcoming show’s theme is “Voyage to Oceanum!” WANT TO GO? 212-695-4400. macys.com.

WHEN: Sunday, March 29, 3pm WHERE: Academic Arts Theatre, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: David Darwin opens with laugh-a-minute riveting feats of juggling, swordplay, and fire. Following is a slapstick comedy like no other where Johnny leads a dozen rescue dogs through challenging and hilarious tricks. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal to enjoy the fun! WANT TO GO? $26; $24 seniors, faculty and staff, and non-WCC students; $18 children younger than 13. 914-606-6262. sunywcc.edu.

NYC Events

WORTH THE TREK Michael & The Rockness Monsters FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 11am WHERE: David Rubenstein Atrium, Broadway, between 62nd and 63rd streets, Upper West Side, Manhattan AGES: 4 and younger WHAT: Kids will love this interactive, super galactic, funk-inspired, rock and roll family experience! WANT TO GO? 212-875-5375. lincolncenter.org. WestchesterParent 29

Weasels of Winter FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 11am-12pm WHERE: Teatown, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: All WHAT: Learn more about these secretive animals. Register online. WANT TO GO? 914-741-0333. teatown.org.

Morning Farm Chores WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 8am-12pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: 8 and older WHAT: Help the staff do farm chores. Pre-registration required. WANT TO GO? $20 for family of 4; $6 individuals. 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Nature Lovers Maple Sugaring FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 1pm WHERE: Trailside Nature Museum, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, 11 Reservation Road, Cross River AGES: All WHAT: Northeast North American’s history comes alive during a demonstration of the origins of this amazing product. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7322. friendsoftrailside.org.

Eagles Out! FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 9-11am WHERE: Teatown, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: All WHAT: Meet at the Echo Bay Boat Launch in Croton and continue to sites along the Hudson to view eagles and waterfowl. Register online. WANT TO GO? 914-762-2912. teatown.org.

Sugaring FREE

Sugaring Sundays WHEN: Sundays, March 1-15, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm WHERE: Teatown, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: All WHAT: Teatown’s naturalists will be in Warren’s Sugar House sharing facts and folklore about this sweet time of year. Call to register. WANT TO GO? $8; free for members. 914-762-2912 x110. teatown.org.

Celebration of Spring FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 1-2pm WHERE: Trailside Nature Museum, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, 11 Reservation Road, Cross River AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Explore the science of spring and learn about the changing seasons through storytelling and crafts. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7322. friendsoftrailside.org.

Spring Equinox and Bulb Planting

WHEN: March 1-14, see website for schedule WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Visit the sugar house to see how sap is turned into syrup. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 1pm WHERE: Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore the forest and look for signs of spring’s arrival and have a chance to plant your own bulb to bring home and watch grow! WANT TO GO? $10; $8 members. 914-967-5150. ryenaturecenter.org.

Discover Ecosystems: Live Animal Program FREE

Vernal Pool Hike FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 1pm WHERE: Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: All WHAT: Discover what makes a habitat perfect for the animals that live there. Meet animals from the rain forest, desert, and more. WANT TO GO? 914-967-8720. friendsofreadwildlifesanctuary.org.

Maple Saturday: Sap to Syrup WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 10am-1pm WHERE: Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St., Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: See how trees are tapped and how sap is collected and boiled down. Then, try to taste the difference between the real and fake stuff. WANT TO GO? Admission is free; $5 optional pancake breakfast with special maple treats. 914-968-5851. parks.westchestergov.com. 30

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 2-5pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: 8 and older WHAT: Join naturalist Paul Lewis for a hike to the farm’s vernal pools in search of wood frogs, salamanders, and fairy shrimp. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Maple Sugar at Home WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 1-2pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Travel back in time to discover the history of maple sugaring and learn how easy sugaring is to do in your own kitchen! WANT TO GO? $8; $5 members. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Caregiver and Me Pop-ins WHEN: Through March 24: Tuesdays, 11am-12pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: 3-5 WHAT: A fun story/craft/walk. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $5. 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Caregiver and Me Book and Cook Pop-ins WHEN: Through March 26: Thursdays, 11am-1pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Story time and cooking with Farmer Brandy. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $5. 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Pre-K Friday WHEN: Friday, March 27, 10-11am and 1-2pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Visit the farm for a story, craft, and walk to learn about a specific type of animal. This is a drop-off, pre-registration program. WANT TO GO? $15. 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Animal Adventures: Sounds Of Spring FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 11am-12pm WHERE: Teatown, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: Hike the trails to hear the sounds of spring. Register online. WANT TO GO? 914-741-0333. teatown.org.

Map Adventures FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 1-2pm WHERE: Trailside Nature Museum, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, 11 Reservation Road, Cross River AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This map adventure program will teach you the skills needed to traverse the park. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7322. friendsoftrailside.org.

Shelter Building WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 1pm WHERE: Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: 7 and older WHAT: Make a teepee or lean-to using only natural materials. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 members. 914-967-5150. ryenaturecenter.org.

Feeding Fun WHEN: March 15-28, see website for schedule WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the indoor animals, birds of prey, and barnyard. WANT TO GO? $8; free for members. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Raptors of Westchester WHEN: Sunday, March 29, 1-2pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Meet and learn about birds of prey. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 members. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Fairs, Festivals, & Markets Zoo Purim Carnival WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 1-4pm WHERE: Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy yummy “animal snack” hamantaschen, play carnival games, bounce like kangaroos, and more. WANT TO GO? Admission is free; tickets, wristbands, and snacks/ hamantaschen will be available for purchase. 203-487-0965. stamfordjcc.org.

Spring Crafts at Lyndhurst WHEN: March 1-3, Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Lyndhurst, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: Browse 275 artists’s unique offerings, plus children’s activities. WANT TO GO? $12; $11 seniors 62 and older; $5 kids 6-16; free for children younger than 6. 845-331-7900. artrider.com.

Sugaring Off Party FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 12-3pm WHERE: Trailside Nature Museum, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, 11 Reservation Road, Cross River AGES: All WHAT: This celebration offers food, music, and sugaring demos. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7322. friendsoftrailside.org.

Sugarin’ Off FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 12-3pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: On the last day of sugaring, listen to music, taste maple treats, watch sugaring demos, and go on a scavenger hunt. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Pleasantville Indoor Farmers’ Market WHEN: Through March 28: Saturdays, 8:30am-1pm WHERE: Pleasantville Middle School, 40 Romer Ave., Pleasantville AGES: All WHAT: Browse this indoor farmers’ market. WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 914-205-4545. pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org.

Mamaroneck Winter Farmers’ Market FREE WHEN: Through April 18: Saturdays, 9am-1pm WHERE: Down to Earth Markets, 1 Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck AGES: All WHAT: Browse the indoor farmers’ market. WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 914-923-4837. downtoearthmarkets.com. WestchesterParent 31

‘Seussical’

WHEN: March 13-15, Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Actors Conservatory Theater, Bryn Mawr Hall, 20 Buckingham Road, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: A musical based on the beloved stories of Dr. Seuss. WANT TO GO? $22; $20 seniors; $15 students. 914-391-6558. actshows.org.

‘Ballet Hispánico’

WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 3pm WHERE: Academic Arts Theatre, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: These artists reflect the ever-changing face of our nation. WANT TO GO? $28; $26 seniors, faculty and staff, and non-WCC students; $18 children younger than 13. 914-606-6262. sunywcc.edu.

Theater & Concerts Bossy Frog WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 3pm WHERE: Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The Bossy Frog Band is guaranteed to get all the kids moving. WANT TO GO? $12.50. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org.

The Paper Bag Players FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 2-5pm WHERE: Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 Bedford Road, Chappaqua AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Register through the New Castle Recreation Department. WANT TO GO? 914-238-4771. mynewcastle.org.

1 2 3 Andrés WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 11am and 1:30pm WHERE: Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck AGES: 3-12 WHAT: A bilingual story with themes of empathy and friendship. WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 914-698-3045. emelin.org.

‘A Revolution of Her Own’: The Dynamic Story of Deborah Sampson and the American Revolution FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 1pm WHERE: Saint Paul’s Church, 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon AGES: All WHAT: See a Living History presentation about the woman who disguised herself as a man and fought in the Revolutionary War. WANT TO GO? 914-667-4116. nps.gov.

Magic & Beyond WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 3pm WHERE: Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: David Garrity uses visual magic and illusions combined with music, pantomime, situation comedy, and audience participation. WANT TO GO? $12.50. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org. 32

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Wiggle, Giggle Time with Dawny Dew FREE

WHEN: Through March 25: Wednesdays, 9:30am, 10:15am, or 11am WHERE: Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children will wiggle to music and giggle to funny rhymes. WANT TO GO? 914-967-0480. ryelibrary.org.

Black Violin

WHEN: Friday, March 27, 8pm WHERE: The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase AGES: All WHAT: Black Violin blends classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass to create a sound they call “classical boom.” WANT TO GO? $35-$70. 914-251-6200. artscenter.org.

‘The Pout Pout Fish’

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 11am and 1:30pm WHERE: Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This musical features whimsical puppets and live performers. WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 914-698-3045. emelin.org.

Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary Concert FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 1pm WHERE: New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle AGES: All WHAT: See The Music School of Westchester students perform. WANT TO GO? 914-381-2070. musicschoolofwestchester.com.

‘As You Like It: A New Musical’ WHEN: March 27-29, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 3pm WHERE: Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main St., Irvington AGES: 9 and older WHAT: See the regional premiere of this musical. WANT TO GO? $22; $18 students and seniors; plus $3 per ticket if purchased at the door. 914-591-6602. broadwaytraining.com.

‘The Legend of The Banana Kid’ WHEN: Sunday, March 29, 3pm WHERE: Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, CT AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: See 20 hand-crafted puppets, and a slew of flying bananas. WANT TO GO? $12.50. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org.

Museums & Exhibits

Learn

Experience Grow Connect

Representing Recreation: Multimedia Art Workshop WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 1:30pm WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Take a brief tour of Derrick Adams: Buoyant, then use paint, fabrics, and paper to create artworks that explore life on floaters. WANT TO GO? Free with general admission: $8; $5 seniors 62 and older, students, veterans; $4 ages 3-18; free for children younger than 3. 914-963-4550 x240. hrm.org.

Young Discoverers: Getting to Know Dr. Seuss & ‘The Cat in the Hat’ WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 11-11:30am WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 2-5 WHAT: Read the book and look at patterns. Sign ups begin at 10am. WANT TO GO? $7.50; $6.50 seniors; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Science Sunday WHEN: Sundays, March 8-15, 11:30am-12:15pm and 1:30-2:15pm WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 7 and older WHAT: Science Sunday is an exciting and dynamic lesson complete with hands-on activities, awesome experiments, and fun facts. WANT TO GO? $7.50; $6.50 seniors; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Storytime FREE

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER A safe, nurturing, exciting preschool environment in which children develop a sense of belonging and a love of learning. Our groups are small so that children receive individualized attention. sensitive to children’s needs.

• Preschool (2 to 5 year olds) • Summer Camp (18 months to 4 year olds) • •Little Ones & Friends (1 to 2 year olds and their adult) •

ECC SUMMER CAMP -June 22-August 14 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH 1ST AT 10:00AM

RSVP: 914-698-2767

Ann Pardes ann@wjcenter.org Eileen Fortuna schoolsecy@wjcenter.org Visit our website wjcenter.org for camp information and registration forms

for kids of all ages

WHEN: March 14-25, see website for schedule WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Active youngsters and their caregivers explore Derrick Adams: Buoyant and hear stories about swimming and family fun. WANT TO GO? 914-963-4550. hrm.org.

MUMMENSCHANZ you & me Sunday, February 23, 3pm

Museum Minis

Air Play Friday, February 28, 7pm

WHEN: Thursdays, March 5-26, 10:30-11am WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 1½-2, adult WHAT: Enjoy songs, moving, and fun! Sign ups begin at 10am. WANT TO GO? $7.50; $6.50 seniors; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Exploring Play: Getting to Know Dr. Seuss & ‘The Cat in the Hat’ WHEN: Fridays, March 6-27, 11-11:30am WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Read the book and and talk about the patterns in the rhymes. Sign ups begin at 10am. WANT TO GO? $7.50; $6.50 seniors; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Wordless, surreal, enchanting. Ages 3+

Circus and science collide. Ages 6+

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia The Very Hungry Caterpillar Sunday, March 1, 3pm

Beloved stories by Eric Carle come to life. Ages 2+

A Cappella Live! Sunday, March 15, 3pm

The Filharmonic + Committed + Blake Lewis + Women of the World. Teens & tweens

Treehouse Shakers The Boy Who Grew Flowers Sunday, March 22, 3pm

Magical story of diversity and empathy. Ages 4+

Black Violin Friday, March 27, 8pm

Violin & viola, plus DJ and drums. Classical boom. Teens & tweens

A Simple Space Gravity and Other Myths Saturday, May 2, 7pm Seven acrobats push their physical limits. Ages 6+

Tickets for kids 16 +under are always 50% off the regular price!

914-251-6200

www.artscenter.org WestchesterParent 33

Build Your Own Nesting Box WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 1pm WHERE: Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Build a nesting box for backyard birds. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $15. 914-967-5150. ryenaturecenter.org.

Family Art Project: Restore and Re-story Quilts

Little Makers Family Art Project: We Build Our Homes

WHEN: March 14-15, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Plant your story in a collective story quilt and celebrate your unique relationship with the land that holds us. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6-18; free for children younger than 6 and free admission to grounds on Saturday until noon. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Create an accordion-style zine to use as a journal. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 youth 6-18. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Women’s History Month Craft: Make a Binary Bracelet FREE

DIY ‘Cat in the Hat’ Handprint Painting FREE

Arts Day! FREE

WHEN: Monday, March 2, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Dr. Seuss with a painting! Registration recommended. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Exploring Art Through Artists: Amanda Browder Public Sewing Day WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 10:30am-3:30pm WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: All WHAT: Join WCM for a special opportunity to contribute to an exciting public art textile project and learn all about fabric sculptures. WANT TO GO? $7.50; $6.50 seniors; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Tealight Candleholders WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 10am-12pm WHERE: The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road, Rye AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Use paper folding and cutting to make LED candle holders! WANT TO GO? $25; discount for members. 914-967-0700. ryeartscenter.org.

Family Art Project: Homage to Spring Light WHEN: March 7-8, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Create “drawing sculptures” with mylar, gold leaf, and more. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6-18; free for children younger than 6 and free admission to grounds on Saturday until noon. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org. 34

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 3-4pm WHERE: White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make binary bracelets in honor of Ada Lovelace! WANT TO GO? 914-422-1476. whiteplainslibrary.org. WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 1pm WHERE: The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Road, Rye AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy this day of free hands-on activities to explore everything from painting and ceramics to 3-D printing and laser cutting, plus a free children’s concert. WANT TO GO? 914-967-0700. ryeartscenter.org.

Family Art Workshop WHEN: March 7-29, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Participants will make self-portraits floating on calm waters in unicorn- or candy-shaped plastic floaties. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $8; $5 seniors 62 and older, students, and veterans; $4 ages 3-18; free for members and children younger than 3. 914-963-4550. hrm.org.

Family Art Project: Unfurling Field Journal WHEN: March 28-29, daily, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Take a walk around the gardens and make a journal. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6-18; free for children younger than 6 and free admission to grounds on Saturday until noon. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Kidx Tiny Tot Tuesdays With Apple Moms FREE WHEN: Through June 9: Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Bring your little ones for crafts, games,and more. WANT TO GO? 914-245-4688. jeffersonvalleymall.com.

Educational Activities

sportimeusa.com 914.592.2111 380 N Saw Mill River Rd. Elmsford, NY 10523 OPEN ALL WEEK!

Read Across America Weekend WHEN: Through March 2: daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: The Maritime Aquarium At Norwalk, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT AGES: All WHAT: Children’s books focused on marine animals come to life as the aquarium spreads out the fun into a three-day celebration. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $26.95; $24.95 ages 65 and older; $19.95 ages 3-12. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

EXCITING NEW BIRTHDAY PACKAGES & ATTRACTIONS

Sunny Scientists FREE WHEN: Thursday, March 5, 4:30-5:15pm WHERE: Mt. Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Discover scientific concepts through fun experiments! WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Daddy & Me Animal Show WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 9:15-10:15am WHERE: Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Fathers (or other caregiver) and kids can join! WANT TO GO? $15 per family; $10 per member family. 914-9675150. ryenaturecenter.org.

Happy Pi Day! FREE

FUN FOR ALL AGES! ARCADE - BUMPER CARS LASER TAG - KIDDIE ZONE BATTING CAGES- SUPER FLY FREE FALL - ROCK CLIMBING and SO MUCH MORE! FREE PARTY UPGRADE! Add an extra activity for FREE! Call for details. Ad must be presented at the time of booking Expires: 3-31-20

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 3-4pm WHERE: White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains AGES: 5-9 WHAT: Listen to a story and enjoy games, riddles, a craft, and more. WANT TO GO? 914-422-1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.

Pack Chat for Kids WHEN: March 1-29, see website for schedule WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Kids will learn about the mythology and the important role of wolves. Then, visit ambassador wolves. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 children younger than 12. 914-7632373. nywolf.org.

Wonder Women of STEM Workshop FREE WHEN: Tuesdays, March 3-31, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Explore different fields of STEM and learn about historic women who were innovators in their field. Sign up at 4pm. WANT TO GO? 914-422-1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.

Unplugged After School FREE WHEN: Through March 31: Tuesdays, 3-5pm WHERE: Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Drop by the Children’s Room for board games and puzzles with friends or ask a librarian about their STEM Engineering Kits. WANT TO GO? 914-967-0480. ryelibrary.org. WestchesterParent 35

Weekly Winter Walks at Sheldrake FREE WHEN: Through March 9: select Mondays, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Sheldrake Environmental Center, 685 Weaver St., Larchmont AGES: All WHAT: Connect with nature and observe the changes in the landscape and natural environment week over week. WANT TO GO? 914-834-1443. sheldrakecenter.org.

Artistree’s Pajama Party

Get Active! Storybook Dancing FREE WHEN: Wednesday, March 4, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Explore literature, music, and dance in this fun and engaging workshop! Space is limited to 24 dancers, and tickets will be handed out 30 minutes before the program. WANT TO GO? 914-422-1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Artistree Performing Arts, 114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Send your kids in their PJs to an awesome pajama party complete with games, dancing, face painting, crafts, pizza, movies, and more! Call for reservations. WANT TO GO? $35; $25 sibling. 914-835-2200. artistreearts.com.

Saw Mill River Audubon Second Saturday Walk at Brinton Brook Sanctuary FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 9-11am WHERE: Brinton Brook Sanctuary, 1339 Albany Post Road (Route 9A), Croton-on-Hudson AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Monthly walks will continue year-round. WANT TO GO? 914-666-6503. sawmillriveraudubon.org.

Aquarium Yoga

Movers and Shakers FREE

WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 8:30-9:45am WHERE: The Maritime Aquarium At Norwalk, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT AGES: 14 and older WHAT: This unique slow flow yoga class takes place in the serene environment in front of the big sharks before the aquarium opens. WANT TO GO? $25; $22 for members. 203-852-0700 x2206. maritimeaquarium.org.

WHEN: Through May 29: Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:30am WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua AGES: 2 and younger, adult WHAT: Music, motion, and bubbles for walkers! WANT TO GO? 914-332-0133. chappaqualibrary.org.

Family Forest Time WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 12-1pm WHERE: Sheldrake Environmental Center, 685 Weaver St., Larchmont AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Bring your family into the woods to notice nature, savor the outdoors, and connect with each other and community. Register in advance to secure your spot. WANT TO GO? $20 per family. 914-834-1443. sheldrakecenter.org.

Family Nature Walk WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a familyfriendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6-18. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Glow WHEN: Through May 30: Fridays and Saturdays, 9pm-12am WHERE: Sky Zone, 33 Lecount Place, New Rochelle AGES: All WHAT: Lasers, music, and blacklight transform the whole park into a crazy jumping dance club. WANT TO GO? $29.99 for 3 hours, $25.99 for 2 hours, $22.99 for 1 hour. 914-365-7370. skyzone.com.

Rock n’ Roll Babies & Toddlers FREE WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Fridays, 10:15-10:45am WHERE: Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: It’s time for stories, songs, and lots of dancing! WANT TO GO? 914-271-6612. crotonfreelibrary.org.

Shining Lights Yoga for Kids FREE WHEN: Through Dec. 30: Wednesdays, 11am WHERE: The Westchester, 125 Westchester Ave., White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Stay active with your little and have fun doing yoga exercises. WANT TO GO? 914-421-1333. simon.com.

Holiday Fun Pysanky Workshop WHEN: Sunday, March 1, 12-3pm WHERE: Bartow-Pell Mansion, 895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn the art of Ukrainian Easter eggs, and make your own. WANT TO GO? $25 includes admission to the museum and materials fee. 718-885-1461. bpmm.org.

Purim Prep WHEN: Wednesday, March 4, 4-5:45pm WHERE: Sprout Westchester Day Camp, 500 Yorktown Road, Croton-on-Hudson AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Bake hamentaschen cookies with friends at Sprout. WANT TO GO? $18 per child. 914-271-7563. sproutwestchester.org.

Holi: A Festival of Colors FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 3-4pm WHERE: White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A welcoming of spring, a festival of colors. WANT TO GO? 914-422-1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.

Purim Celebration WHEN: Sunday, March 8, pre-k and kindergarten program, 9:3010:45am; family celebration, 10:45-11:45am; carnival, 11:30am-1pm WHERE: Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Ave. E., Rye AGES: All WHAT: Spend the day celebrating Purim. RSVP to jdubro@c-e-w.org. WANT TO GO? Admission is free, but please bring diapers and baby wipes to donate. 914-967-4382. congregationemanuel.org.

The Buchanan St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 2pm WHERE: Tate Avenue to Westchester Avenue, Buchanan AGES: All WHAT: After the parade enjoy treats, music, and more. WANT TO GO? facebook.com/buchananstpatricksparade.

Northern Westchester-Putnam Saint Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 8, 2pm WHERE: Mt. Hope Road, Route 6, Mahopac AGES: All WHAT: The parade will feature numerous bands, clubs, Irish dancers, and people showing their support of the Irish community. WANT TO GO? saintpatricksdayparade.net.

Mount Kisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2pm WHERE: Main Street and Moore Avenue, Mount Kisco AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the day at the Mount Kisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade. WANT TO GO? 914-666-7555.

31st Annual Peekskill St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 3pm WHERE: Church Of The Assumption, 131 Union Ave., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate at the 31st Annual Peekskill St. Patrick’s Day Parade. WANT TO GO? facebook.com/peekskillstpatrickscommittee.

Eastchester’s 16th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 15, 3pm WHERE: Immaculate Conception School, 53 Winter Hill Road, Tuckahoe AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate with Eastchester’s 16th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. WANT TO GO? eastchesterirish.org.

DIY Beaded Shamrocks FREE WHEN: Tuesday, March 17, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: All WHAT: Make a festive shamrock out of beads and pipe cleaners. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Yonkers St. Patrick’s Parade FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 21, 1pm WHERE: Mclean Avenue, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: There will be an 11:15am mass at St. Barnabas before the parade. WANT TO GO? yonkersstpatricksparade.org.

9th Annual Sound Shore St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE WHEN: Sunday, March 22, 1:30pm WHERE: Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the great contributions of the Irish and IrishAmericans in the Sound Shore area. WANT TO GO? soundshoreparade.com.

Special Needs Ecology Club for Families with Special Needs FREE WHEN: Saturday, March 7, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children with special needs are invited to bring a family member or caregiver with them to the Nature Center to enjoy animal programs, hikes, and other fun science and sensory adventures. Pre-registration required. WANT TO GO? 914-967-5150. ryenaturecenter.org.

Children and Adults with ADD (CHADD) Meetings WHEN: Through Dec. 7: first Monday of the month, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: Select Human Services, 17-19 Marble Ave., Pleasantville AGES: Adult WHAT: Help you or your child manage ADD for success and discuss different topics at meetings on the first Monday of the month through the school year. WANT TO GO? $5. 914-741-6300. chadd.net. WestchesterParent 37

birthday parties

Take a Birthday Breather Don’t get caught up in the hype—it is possible to throw a stress-free kid’s party! By Kirsten Clodfelter

ove over Pinterest parties. It’s time to take a break from the perfectly curated child’s birthday spectacular. While there’s nothing wrong with themes or crafting, not everyone wants to stay up until 2am making party favors and Instagram-able snack spreads. All kids deserve to be celebrated, yes, but hear us out: Birthdays can be special, magical, and unforgettable without requiring a Cricut machine. Sometimes it’s just fine to throw a low-key party that doesn’t break the bank. We asked experts for their favorite ways to minimize the stress.

Trash your schedule.

and throw a glow-in-the-dark dance party. Old school classics such as musical chairs and heads-up-seven-up are also great go-to games.

Do what they love. “Overall,”Jackson says,“way too much energy goes into trying to create unique experiences.” Instead, she suggests starting with something a child loves and building the party around that. For example, if the child is a sports lover, consider an afternoon of soccer at a sports complex, bouncing at a trampoline park, or a friendly mini-golf competition. You can also bring in some help. Hire an entertainer who can bring in exotic animals or science experiments for a couple of hours of birthday learning and fun.

Dakota Jackson, a special events planner for D&S Events in Virginia, which she runs part-time with her wife, says: go rogue. “The biggest unnecessary thing parents stress about is keeping a strict schedule. Kids won’t necessarily remember what they did, but they’ll remember how they felt. If everyone seems to be enjoying an activity, don’t force the group to start the next thing you planned. And if something isn’t a hit, don’t be afraid to move on quicker than expected.”

Go for an experience.

Go low-tech. Like, really low.

Set the tone.

“Younger kids are happy to just be in a room with other kids! If you blow up some balloons and tell them to keep the balloon in the air, they’ll play for a long time,” says Jessica Ashley, founder and lead event designer at Jessica Ashley Events in Virginia. Another easy crowd-pleaser: hand out glow sticks, kill the lights,

Most importantly, Ashley says, parents should take a breather. “Kids want to share in the joy with their parents. If Mom or Dad is stressed out, kids can totally sense that.” Don’t let the goal of a “perfect party” get in the way of the whole point of the day— celebrating your child in a way that’s fun and happy for them.

Rather than hosting a party, have your child invite one or two friends out for a special event, like a day at an amusement park, an overnight camping trip, or to see a performance or sporting event. Not only does this give parents a pass on party planning, but “a smaller group of friends might create more intense memories together,” Jackson says.

Kirsten Clodfelter is a Midwest-based freelance writer, the co-founder of Rise Marketing, Inc., and a mom of three.

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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WestchesterParent 39

tech for parents

Pic Tips 8 expert recommendations for taking better photos of your children By Katelin Walling

e always have a camera in our hands these days, which makes it super easy to snap social mediadestined pics of our kids when they’re doing something cute, funny, or outrageous. But what about when you want to take professional-looking photos to share with Grandma and Grandpa, print for your gallery wall, or add to your photo album? Sarah Merians is CEO and founder of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company, an NYC-based boutique photography studio that specializes in wedding, mitzvah, child, and family photography. Here, she shares eight tips to help you take better photos of your children.

Make it fun!

photos of your child. (And make sure there’s nothing in the background that looks like it’s coming out of his head!) Choose a background that will make the child stand out, Merians suggests, and stay away from darker backgrounds, which tend to go black in pictures.

Stand back to capture candids. If you want to snap a shot of your child living in the moment (i.e. reading, playing, having fun with her friends), stand just outside the doorway or in another room to take the photo. Then you can zoom in and crop the photo to focus on your child. That way, she isn’t aware you’re there.

There’s nothing better than capturing your child’s genuine smile or catching him mid-laugh full of personality. So, Merians recommends making the experience more playful and less like a posed, portrait experience. Tickle your child, have her dance or jump to get the sillies flowing, play peekaboo, make silly noises (we guarantee fart sounds will unleash the giggles!), and tell jokes.

Live in the moment a little more.

Avoid taking photos in the middle of the day outside.

Give the camera to your child.

Digital cameras and smartphones are really sensitive to light, so taking photos in low-light situations (either earlier or later in the day) is better than at high noon or in broad light.

Keep the light on the subject’s face. “I’m forever watching people with their iPhones in a restaurant or at a party and they’re standing against the window taking a picture, and I know the photo isn’t going to be good,” says Merians, who has been a photographer for more than 30 years. That’s why she recommends treating the light in the environment like a flash—keeping the light behind you.

Look for light, simple backgrounds. While there is a time and place for photos in the latest Instagram pop-up, stick to clean, simple, and light backgrounds for classic

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

With social media, it’s (unfortunately) easy to compare yourself and what you’re doing with your kids to others’ curated feeds. Merians urges parents to occasionally put the camera down: “I think it’s important to be with your children and enjoy them and interact with them and capture moments—just not all the time.”

While you’re in an environment where your phone or camera is less likely to break if dropped (on carpeting) and your child is old enough, take a moment to teach him how to snap a photo of you. “It becomes a shared moment, a moment of education, and not all about what Mom and Dad want but letting the child have a voice and a vision as well,” Merians says. “They might find they enjoy having their picture taken that much more if they understand it.” And who knows, you might just have a budding photographer on your hands!

Be in more photos with your kids. Whether you’re on vacation or you’re doing something really cool with your child near home, ask someone in your vicinity to take a picture of you together. And if you see another parent snapping pics of their kids, volunteer to be their photographer.

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WestchesterParent 41

kids’ life

Thumb Sucking 101 How to handle this common childhood habit—and tips to get your child to stop By Jaimie Seaton

f your baby or toddler is a dedicated thumb sucker, don’t worry— it’s perfectly normal. Rooting and sucking are natural reflexes for babies, and sucking a finger, thumb, or even a toe is comforting. In fact—as you may know from your ultrasound photos—many babies begin thumb sucking in the womb, and it’s not uncommon for children to continue the habit well past their toddler years.

Pros and Cons Babies will often turn to thumb sucking if they are unhappy, hungry, or tired. That’s a good thing; we want our children to learn to self-soothe. And a 2016 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who sucked their thumb or bit their nails were less likely to develop allergies. “Even when the habit lingers past infancy, thumb-sucking is rarely something to be concerned about. It doesn’t indicate that a child has emotional problems or that he will still be sucking his finger when he’s a teenager,” says Sabine Hack, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine. However, after the age of 5, thumb sucking can be detrimental to mouth and teeth development, according to Larissa Davids, D.D.S., owner of Rego Park Orthodontics. And it can lead to bite problems, including an anterior open bite (the teeth not coming together correctly) or a cross bite, and speech impediments.

When and How to Intervene Most children stop sucking their thumb by the age of 3 or 4, or they’ll suck only in times of stress or when going to sleep. There’s no cause for concern until the adult teeth start coming in, at about the age of 6. If your child is still thumb sucking at 5 years, that’s the time to address the issue. The Mt. Sinai Hospital website cautions parents against scolding or punishing their child for thumb sucking. After all, she’s doing it because it’s soothing and comforting, and nagging may actually ingrain the habit. Instead, Dr. Davids recommends talking to your child about the issue. It may be he is embarrassed and will welcome your assistance. Take a loving, positive approach, offering praise when he doesn’t suck. Beyond giving positive reinforcement, there are various methods you can employ to help your child.

• P ut her down for a nap earlier than usual, when you first begin to see her getting sleepy. • Offer a stuffed animal as a substitute. • T alk to your child about his frustrations or fears and help identify triggers for thumb sucking. • Use gentle reminders. • Keep her hands busy with fun activities. • Don’t ever ridicule or shame him.

What About Pacifiers? Some parents use pacifiers to wean their children from their thumbs. There’s good and bad on this front, too. Pacifiers at naptime and bedtime can reduce the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, according to Mt. Sinai’s website, because a pacifier might allow a baby’s airway to open further. It might also prevent her from falling into a deep sleep. (If the baby is breastfeeding, it’s best to wait until he’s 1 month old before giving him a pacifier.) Just as with the thumb, however, children may be attached to their “binky” long after they’ve left the nursery. Again, pacifiers can have a detrimental effect on oral development, so parents will want to break the habit by the time the child is 5, if not before. (Most children give up their pacifiers by 2 to 4 years old.)

When to Seek Professional Help Thumb sucking can be a difficult habit to break. If your child is resistant to your efforts, you may want to have your pediatrician or dentist speak to her, Dr. Davids says. Sometimes a message is better received when it doesn’t come from mom or dad. A medical professional can also advise you on using other methods, including putting a bandage or bitter nail polish on the thumb. If you choose the latter, be sure it’s a non-toxic substance that is safe for consumption. Above all, relax. If you’re stressed about your child’s thumb sucking, he will be too. Rest assured, she’ll eventually break the habit on her own.

Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is the former Thailand correspondent for Newsweek. Her work on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics has been featured in the Washington Post, the Guardian, Glamour, and numerous other publications.

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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Lunch

Transportation

Camp Chart

CODE: NYYMP30

DISCOUNT: SAVE $30

Steffi Nossen School of Dance 2020

June - August | 1&2 week sessions

Come Grow With Us!

Ellen Crane Photography

Camps (Pre-K - High School) 10% Discount ends March 30th

THE MILESTONE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP A fun-filled day camp geared towards ages 2-8 Age-appropriate activites include: Soccer • Capoeira • Music • Water Play • “Early Phonics”

THE M I U

OOL CH

STONE S LE

Call us today for a tour ot visit our website at themilestoneschool.com 914-667-3478

M ER CAM

Story Book Camp Dance Camp Choreography Camp Hip Hop Camp Dance Intensive Musical Theater Kids Musical Theater Intensive Adaptive Dance White Plains ♦ Chappaqua ♦ Ossining (NEW) | steffinossen.org | (914) 328-1900

BUT LER NURSERY SCHOOL of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tuckahoe

SUMMER 7 WEEKS OF OUTDOOR FUN!

2020 CAMPSETON.ORG

SERIOUS LEARNING IN A FUN AND NURT URING SPACE

Small Classes

Low student:teacher ratio

Excellent Programs

Solid academic preparation for kindergarten and beyond

Fun Learning

Play-based curriculum Half-day programs for children ages 2-4 (2s/3s need not be potty trained to start). Extended day available. Enrollment for the 2020-21 school year is now open. New to the area? Contact us about current openings.

ButlerNurserySchool.org 100 Underhill Street Yonkers, NY 10710 (914) 779-7449 WestchesterParent 49

openHOUSES Bronxville Montessori School

101 Pondfield Road West, Bronxville 914-793-2083 bronxvillemontessori.com admissions@bronxvillemontessori.com Stop in to see our classes in action at our open house on Thursday March 19, 9:30-11:30am. Learn about our half- and full-day programs as well as our summer session.

Butler Nursery School

100 Underhill St., Yonkers 914-779-7449 butlernurseryschool.org Join us for an open house on March 3 from 10-11am. We also offer tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30am-12pm, or by appointment.

Challenge Camp

The Leffell School, 555 W. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale 914-779-6024 challengecamps.com info@challengecamps.com Join us for an open house on Sunday, March 22 from 2-4pm. Tour our facility, preview class options, and learn more about our innovative STEM and arts enrichment summer program.

The Chapel School Summer Program

Family Owned & Operated since 1973! Experienced Counselors

Licensed by the Health Department

Serving children 2 months-14 years-of-age Age Appropriate activities OPEN HOUSE INFO: including: tween trips, bowling, swimming, golf, drama, sports, water slide, zip-line, climbing wall, train rides, arts & crafts, sports, computers, air castle and more!

Call for a Tour and Appointment! 914-592-3027

Saturday, March 21, 10am-1pm

Hudson Country Montessori School

340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle 914-636-6202 hudsoncountry.org Join us for an open house on Feb. 29 from 10am-12pm. Tours are also available weekdays. Please call to schedule a visit and see how we inspire a love of learning.

Purchase College Summer Youth and Precollege Programs in the Arts

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford

annandandychildcare.com

WE’RE SO MUCH MORE THAN A DAYCARE! OUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

OPEN ENROLLMENT (914) 349-9200 orldCare@gmail.com allW Sm 600 N. Broadway Yonkers, NY 10701

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org info@thechapelschool.org Join us for an open house on March 14 or April 26 to learn about our Summer Program. Personal tours for our school are offered by appointment. Call to schedule.

• • • • •

Infants and Toddlers Preschool Before School After School Summer Program

Ages 6 months to 5 years

www.SmallWorldCare.com

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-251-6500 purchase.edu/academics/youth-and-precollege-programs youth.pre.college@purchase.edu Join us for an open house on Saturday, March 28 from 10am-12pm in the Music Building, room 0078 on the Purchase College Campus.

Thornton-Donovan School

100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 914-632-8836 td.edu Join us for Thornton-Donovan School’s Summer Challenge camp open house on Sunday, March 15 from 2-4pm. Camp is for boys and girls ages 3-14.

Westchester Jewish Center Early Childhood Center

Palmer and Rockland Avenues, Mamaroneck 914-698-2767 (Use 175 Rockland Ave. for GPS purposes). wjcenter.org To schedule a tour call 914-698-2767. Join us for an open house on Sunday, March 1 at 10am and stay for our PJ Library program at 11am. Please RSVP.

Ask us about birthday parties, private events and field trips!

LEARNING MANDARIN BROADENS THEIR WORLD

Mandarin Discovery School

An immersive Mandarin language school

NEW in 2020

Grab your friends and head to We Rock the Spectrum for a rockin’ time!

Summer Camp in Westchester for children 2 – 10 years old Five one-week sessions

June 29 – July 31.

• Preschool Group (ages 2-5) • High Beginner Group (ages 5-10) • Advanced Group (ages 5-10) •

Held at WCC in Valhalla • Optional Field Trips

MandarinDiscov.org

914-351-6788 • shanshanli@mandarindiscov.org

We are the only SENSORY-SAFE kid’s gym with trampoline fun, a zip line, swings, games, music and more! A nurturing and fun environment to foster learning, exploration and sensory-safe experiences for all kids! 606 Main Street, New Rochelle • werockthespectrumnewrochelle.com 914.365.2585 • info@werockthespectrumnewrochelle.com

OPEN HOUSE March 14th 1-4PM!

WEEKLY SUMMER CAMPS RUN JUNE 29  AUGUST 28 *Register before March 15th to recieve a 10% discount!

DISCOVER THE ART OF SUMMER

Summer 2020 Camp Sessions Session 1: June 29th - July 24th Session 2: July 27th - August 14th

Have your kids unplug with mud in our award winning summer camps for ages 6 – 15!

Offering Stimulating Courses Like... • Computers • Theater • Robotics • Swimming • Digital Photography • Sports ...and many more!

• Extended Day Available • Hot Lunches Included • Transportation Available

Winner 2017 Inspectors Choice Awards!

MAKE

Friends Memories Art

OUR

47TH

YEAR Hartsdale, New York Call: 914.328.3798 | Email: Squirecamps@gmail.com

40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY | www.clayartcenter.org | 914.937.2047

BACH TO ROCK

ENROLLING

NOW

AMERICA’S MUSIC SCHOOL

Private & Group Classes Early Childhood Classes

Come learn from our experienced Montessori teachers who provide an individual, hands on learning environment. We offer a variety of toddler and pre-K programs! Extended hours are available.

Rock Band Musical Theater Birthday Parties Summer/Winter Music Camps

www.alcottschool.org Scarsdale

Dobbs Ferry

27 Crane Rd. | 914-472-4404

535 Broadway | 914-693-4443

130 Mamaroneck Avenue Mamaroneck, NY

914.341.1457 Bachtorock.com/mamaroneck

Enroll in our Summer Break Music Camps before May 31st

for 10% off!

WestchesterParent 51

Chocolations Mamaroneck chocolations.com

FunFuzion @ New Roc City New Rochelle funfuziononline.com

Great Play of Scarsdale Scarsdale greatplay.com/scarsdale

Hommocks Park Ice Rink Larchmont hommocksparkicerink.org

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Manhattan intrepidmuseum.org

Penny Lane Dance Academy Somers pennylanedance.com

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Shooting Star Parties Inc. Westchester County shootingstarparties.com

Sky Zone Trampoline Park New Rochelle skyzone.com/newrochelle

Sportime USA Elmsford sportimeusa.com

Stepping Stones Museum for Children Norwalk, CT steppingstonesmuseum.org

The Little Gym Scarsdale and Manhattan thelittlegym.com

The Play Group Theatre White Plains playgroup.org The Rock Club New Rochelle climbrockclub.com

Accessible/ Sensory-Friendly

Accomodate Dietary Restrictions

Artistree Performing Arts Mamaroneck artistreearts.com

Musical Munchkins Tuckahoe musicalmunchkins.com

Twisted Creations Bubble & Balloons Serving NY, NJ, and CT twistedcreations.net

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UFC Gym Mamaroneck Mamaroneck ufcgym.com

Westchester Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum Rye discoverwcm.org

Westchester Gymnastics & Cheer Hawthorne westchestergymnastics.net

Atendee Parents Can Stay

Goodie Bags

Bring Your Own Food

Set Up & Clean Up

Amy Rosen Cooking By Design Larchmont amyrosencookingbydesign.com

Changing Tables in Bathrooms

Food & Cake

Invites & Thank You Notes

Private Party Room

Entertainment

Plates, Cups, & Utensils

A-GAME SPORTS New Rochelle agamesports.net

Party Place

Party Central

March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

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Great Speakers. Great Learning. Helping Young Children Learn & Grow

A Lavishly Illustrated Children’s Story of Friendship and Overcoming Obstacles

Tilly...

APRIL 28 –MAY 1, 2020 WYNDHAM NEW YORKER HOTEL

17TH ANNUAL

A Deer’s Tale (BASED ON A TRUE STORY)

Over 100 Speakers

Follow the adventures of a rescued baby deer. Share Tilly’s courage and valiant recovery.

More than 80 Conference Sessions

Call 914-764-5564

to schedule a free Tilly Event for schools, libraries & hospitals

Full Day & Half Day Workshops

Available at Barnes & Noble, Walden Books and at Amazon.com For books preview and sale, visit us at:

birthday / partyservices A-Game Sports .................................... 39 Amy Rosen Cooking By Design............. 39 Bach to Rock - Westchester ................. 51 Clay Art Center .................................... 51 FunFuzion ........................................... 38 Great Play - Scarsdale.......................... 38 Gym Cats .............................................. 8 ISGC Gym ............................................. 8 Little Gym - Westchester....................... 55 New York Yankees ............................... 49 Penny Lane Dance Academy ................ 39 Play Group Theatre .............................. 45 Sky Zone of New Rochelle ................... 25 Sportime USA, Inc................................ 35 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ............. 49 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .....14 UFC Gym Mamaroneck ........................ 17 We Rock the Spectrum New Rochelle ... 51 Westchester Gymnastics and Cheer ..... 43

camps A-Game Sports .................................... 39 Ann & Andy......................................... 50 Bach to Rock - Westchester ................. 51 Beth El Day Camp................................ 19 Butler Nursery School .......................... 49 Camp Huntington ................................ 47 Camp Ramaquois ................................ 41 Camp Seton......................................... 49 Camp Young Judea Sprout Westchester ...29 Challenge Camp ................................. 35 Chapel School / Village Lutheran .......... 41 Clay Art Center .................................... 51 Codeverse ........................................... 50 Destination Science ............................. 41 Elizabeth Seton Childrens School ......... 13 Future Stars ........................................ 24 Great Play - Scarsdale.......................... 38 Gym Cats .............................................. 8 Harvey School ..................................... 47 Hudson Country Montessori ............ 7, 23 iD Tech Camps .................................... 15 ISGC Gym ............................................. 8

Presented by

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area!

index Gym Cats .............................................. 8 ISGC Gym ............................................. 8 Westchester Gymnastics and Cheer ..... 43

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Kids Base and The Little School ............ 39 Little Gym - Westchester....................... 55 Mandarin Discovery Preschool ............. 51 Milestone School (The) ........................ 49 Mosholu Montefiore Community Center ....21 New York Yankees ............................... 49 Oasis Children Services .......................... 2 Penny Lane Dance Academy ................ 39 Pinebrook Fitness ................................ 45 Purchase College - Learn - To - Swim ... 26 Purchase College-Youth & Pre-College Program .............................................. 26 Sky Zone of New Rochelle ................... 25 Small World Daycare and Preschool ..... 50 Sportime ............................................. 25 Squire Advantage Camps ..................... 51 Steam Works Studio ............................ 49 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .14 Teatown Lake Reservation ................... 26 UFC Gym Mamaroneck ........................ 17 WCC Extension Program (Thompson + Bender) ............................................... 21 Westchester County Parks ................... 23 Westchester Gymnastics and Cheer ..... 43 Westchester Jewish Center .................. 33 Westfair Camp @ Pace Aquatics .......... 24 Whitby School ..................................... 41

child care / day care Ann & Andy......................................... 50 Elizabeth Seton Childrens School ......... 13 Small World Daycare and Preschool ..... 50

classes Alcott Montessori................................. 51 Bach to Rock - Westchester ................. 51 Clay Art Center .................................... 51 Easter Seals Project Explore.................. 26 Elizabeth Seton Childrens School ......... 13 Great Play - Scarsdale.......................... 38 Mandarin Discovery Preschool ............. 51 Play Group Theatre .............................. 45 Purchase College - Learn - To - Swim .....26 Purchase College-Youth & Pre-College Program .............................................. 26 Small World Daycare and Preschool ..... 50 Starlight Starbright Music .................... 43 Steam Works Studio ............................ 49 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .....14

UFC Gym Mamaroneck ........................ 17 Westfair Camp @ Pace Aquatics .......... 24

dance Penny Lane Dance Academy ................ 39 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ............. 49

education Alcott Montessori................................. 51 Archdiocese of New York ..................... 56 Bronxville Montessori School ............... 45 Butler Nursery School .......................... 49 Chapel School / Village Lutheran .......... 41 Codeverse ........................................... 50 Elizabeth Seton Childrens School ......... 13 Hudson Country Montessori ............ 7, 23 Kids Base and The Little School ............ 39 Mandarin Discovery Preschool ............. 51 Mathnasium......................................... 13 Milestone School (The) ........................ 49 Small World Daycare and Preschool ..... 50 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .14 Sylvan Learning Centers ...................... 17 Thornton Donovan School ...................... 5 WCC Extension Program (Thompson + Bender) ............................................... 21 Westchester Jewish Center .................. 33 Whitby School ..................................... 41 Woodlot Christian Preschool ................ 45

family entertainment / events / outings FunFuzion ........................................... 38 Performing Arts Center Purchase College .....33 Sky Zone of New Rochelle ................... 25 Sportime USA, Inc................................ 35 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .....14 We Rock the Spectrum New Rochelle ... 51

family travel Inn at East Hill Farm (The) .................... 50

fitness A-Game Sports .................................... 39 Pinebrook Fitness ................................ 45 Purchase College - Learn - To - Swim ... 26 UFC Gym Mamaroneck ........................ 17

health Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry .................. 15 Pediatric Assoc. of Southern Westchester ....47 Rothman Orthopedic Institute................. 3

10/15/19 2:08 PM

Tappan Zee Kid Smiles ......................... 43 UFC Gym Mamaroneck ........................ 17 White Plains Orthodontics ................... 47

music Bach to Rock - Westchester ................. 51 Starlight Starbright Music .................... 43

performing arts / acting Bach to Rock - Westchester ................. 51 Play Group Theatre .............................. 45

play spaces Great Play - Scarsdale.......................... 38 Sky Zone of New Rochelle ................... 25 We Rock the Spectrum New Rochelle ... 51

religious Westchester Jewish Center .................. 33 Woodlot Christian Preschool ................ 45

retail Tilly...A Deer’s Tale................................ 53

special events Performing Arts Center Purchase College .....33 Young Child Expo ................................ 53

special needs Briarcliff Pediatric Dentistry .................. 15 Camp Huntington ................................ 47 Easter Seals Project Explore.................. 26 Sportime USA, Inc................................ 35 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ............. 49 Tappan Zee Kid Smiles ......................... 43 We Rock the Spectrum New Rochelle ... 51 Young Child Expo ................................ 53

sports A-Game Sports .................................... 39 Future Stars ........................................ 24 Purchase College - Learn - To - Swim ... 26 Sky Zone of New Rochelle ................... 25 Squire Advantage Camps ..................... 51 UFC Gym Mamaroneck ........................ 17 Westfair Camp @ Pace Aquatics .......... 24

theater Performing Arts Center Purchase College .....33

tutors Mandarin Discovery Preschool ............. 51 Mathnasium......................................... 13 Sylvan Learning Centers ...................... 17

WestchesterParent 53

last word

What is your darkest parenting secret?

“I have lost track of how much I have been drinking in the evenings when I’m home alone with my kids, and I realized I shouldn’t drive if there is an emergency.” —Carol Davis, Manhattan

“I sometimes pretend I’m going to a meeting when I hire a babysitter and then I just drive around and sit in my car—just to get away for a while.” —Brent Minsky, Queens Whenever my twin toddlers are having ‘a moment,’ I sit on the floor and start practicing yoga breathing exercises in front of them. This is something I really started doing to help myself get through the moment, but it actually works in reverse and helps calm and center them too.” —Lauren Carasso (@LaurenCarasso), Westchester

“My almost-4-year-old was not feeling well over the weekend, and while I hate to see my baby sick, I secretly love that she ‘needs’ me again, and will curl up, cuddle, and fall asleep in my arms.”

kle “After I buc their my kids in car seats, I at treasure th t, small, quie lk carefree wa car around the to the front ea seat. It’s lik on.” mini vacati

“When I play catch

with my son, and he drops a few easy balls, I begin quietly muttering things like, ‘Holy crap that is just terrible’ or ‘Wow you really can’t catch, can you?’ ‘Nice try!’ I yell.” —Michael Moshan, Westchester

“

thington —Andrea Wor Westchester t), ha tc (@babygo

”

—Brook Gesser, Brooklyn

—Kathleen Hurley (@letsbemomfriends), Long Island

Connect with us

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March 2020 | nymetroparents.com

I have tried, on multiple occasions throughout the years, to convince my principled vegetarian daughter to just drop it already and start eating meat again.

@nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

At The Little Gym, we complement the traditional school experience with unique classes that revolve around active play. Our students are encouraged to jump, ﬂip, and swing their way towards increased health, focus, knowledge, and happiness. Big Discoveries at The Little Gym. Find your kid's happy place with an Introductory Experience!

The Little Gym of Scarsdale tlgscarsdaleny.com 914-722-0072 The Little Gym of Upper West Side tlgupperwestsideny.com 212-799-1225

NOW

enrolling for Winter/Spring Semesters!

Parent/Child Classes • Pre-K Gymnastics Grade School Gymnastics • Dance Karate • Sports Skills • Awesome Birthday Bashes Parents’ Survival Nights • Camps

Thinking of changing schools? Consider a Catholic education for your child! Are you moving to a new home? Interested in helping your child succeed academically in a safe, structured learning environment? If so, now is the time to invest in a Catholic education. Catholic schools provide a curriculum based on faith, respect and service to others; and our Math/ELA proficiency test scores have outpaced New York public schools for each of the last five years. Apply before April 15, 2020, and save $100/child in registration fees! Or book a Touring Tuesday on March 3 or March 24 or a private tour at any of these Westchester and Putnam schools: CORPUS CHRISTI – HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL

RESURRECTION GRAMMAR SCHOOL

ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE SCHOOL

Port Chester

Rye

Carmel

HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL

SACRED HEART GRADE SCHOOL

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL

New Rochelle

Yonkers

HOLY NAME OF MARY MONTESSORI SCHOOL

SACRED HEART SCHOOL

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL

Croton-on-Hudson

Hartsdale

Bronxville

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL

ST. ANN SCHOOL

Tuckahoe

Yonkers

ST. LAWRENCE O’TOOLE EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL

ST. ANN’S PEAS & KARROTS

Scarsdale

Ossining

IONA PREP LOWER SCHOOL

ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL

New Rochelle

Yonkers

JOHN CARDINAL O’CONNOR SCHOOL–SPEC. ED

ST. AUGUSTINE SCHOOL

Irvington

Ossining

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL

ST. BARNABAS SCHOOL

Elmsford

Bronx

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SCHOOL

ST. COLUMBANUS SCHOOL

Pelham Manor

Cortlandt Manor

OUR LADY OF SORROWS SCHOOL

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON SCHOOL

White Plains

Shrub Oak

OUR LADY OF VICTORY SCHOOL

ST. EUGENE SCHOOL

Mount Vernon

Yonkers

Brewster

ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL Bedford

ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL Yorktown Heights

ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL Yonkers

ST. PETER SCHOOL Yonkers

STS. JOHN AND PAUL SCHOOL Larchmont

TRANSFIGURATION SCHOOL Tarrytown

Catholic Schools Online Admissions Now Open!

Apply at CatholicSchoolsNY.org/apply or over the phone at (646) 794-2885