Westchester Parent August 2019 by City Guide NY

Westchester

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM AUGUST 2019

Beyond the Bell Determining the right after-school programâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and when to start Plus, find the perfect activity for your kid!

Save on School Supplies 5 tips from an expert couponer

Encouraging Independence How to raise kids into self-sufficient young adults

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

WestchesterParent

Scarsdale Medical Group Welcomes OLAMIDE ODUBOGUN, MD, FAAP Board-Certified Pediatrician

Joining the Scarsdale Medical Group pediatric care team, Olamide Odubogun, MD specializes in newborn care, asthma management, ADHD, children with complex medical problems, pediatric infectious disease and pediatric nephrology.

From newborns and toddlers to tweens and teens, Dr. Odubogun is committed to assuring your little ones receive the most up-to-date, high-quality medical care.

Accepting new patients Appointments:

Whether your kids need a regular check-up, have an acute or chronic illness, or require a vaccination, Dr. Odubogun has the expertise, experience and compassion to provide the best care possible for your children.

(914) 989-1111 Now scheduling back-to-school physicals.

Learn more about Dr. Odubogun at www.scarsdalemedical.com/odubogun.

Scarsdale Medical Group Pediatrics Department 600 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 301 | Harrison, NY 10528

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WestchesterParent

contents table of

august 2019

back to school

Raising Independent Teens

Teaching your teen to be a successful, selfsufficient adult will take time and patience.

10 Shopping Smart for Supplies 12 Beyond the Bell

14 Choose the Best After-School Activity for Your Child 16 Back-to-School Directory

Where Fantasy Rules

Immerse yourself in a 16th-century Elizabethan village at the New York Renaissance Faire!

Homeowner’s Insurance Check

Experts weigh in on which life events warrant an immediate review.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 7 Discover More Online 8 New Places, New Programs 9 We Asked, You Delivered 10 Benefits of Sharing a Nanny 20 Raising Independent Teens 44 Party Central 45 Advertisers’ Index 46 Barefoot and Better for It

22 Family Fun in Manhattan

38 Plotting Your Return

23 Family Activities Calendar

40 Homeowner’s Insurance Check

34 Summer Classics

42 Staying on Budget

36 Where Fantasy Rules

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 10 Save on School Supplies 12 Beyond the Bell 20 Encouraging Independence facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

J O I N Westchester’s Theatre for Children and Teens

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Special Needs Dentistry Our dentists have specialized training to work with special needs patients Now offering General Anesthesia for our patients who need it! Voted 10 years in a row one of Westchester’s Top Pediatric Dentists by Westchester Magazine WestchesterParent

raising kids editor’s note

Summer’s Out, School’s In

t feels like the summer just started and the kids were sent to their first days of camp. Believe it or not, though, right now is when many parents start thinking about the back-to-school season. Specifically, when’s the right time to enroll your child in an after-school activity—and which one should you choose (I was a band kid, flute and piccolo)? If you’re feeling stumped, or it seems like your child has multiple intrests and not enough time, you’ll want to check out our quiz on p. 14, which will help determine the type of activity best suited to your child. There’s also plenty of advice in “Beyond the Bell” (p. 12), which outlines when your child may be ready for an after-school class and how many he can likely handle. You’ll also find a guide of back-to-school resources, including after-school classes, schools, and resources for the season. The back-to-school season was always my favorite time of year, transitioning from shorts and tanks to jeans and flannel—and stocking up on fresh school supplies (I still have a problem with buying too many Post-it Notes, pencils, and notebooks). One of my nieces seems to have the same gene; she had stocked up on all of her school supplies by the time we celebrated July 4! If the thought of spending a lot of money on school supplies makes you groan, read the saving tips from Joanie Demer, co-founder of The Krazy Coupon Lady, on p. 10. While we’re already thinking of the summer ending, there’s still plenty of time to take advantage of the last days of warm weather. The Renaissance Faire is coming back to the area in mid-August (p. 36), there are plenty of kid-friendly events going on this month (p. 23), and maybe it’s time to take a day trip into the city to explore some cool exhibits. However you’re taking advantage of the last days of summer, we hope you make the most of them.

Katelin Walling Editorial Director Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

AUGUST 2019 • Vol.18 • No.12

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes FEATURES EDITOR: Shana Liebman ASSISTANT EDITOR: Jacqueline Neber EDITORIAL INTERN: Laura D’Angelo CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Lisa Fogarty, Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke COPY EDITOR: Christina Vercelletto

ADVERTISING SALES

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, 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, Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

STATEN ISLAND PARENT

EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Roselle Farina-Hecht 718-494-1932

MOMMYBITES

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609 EDITOR: Jennifer Rojas

OPERATIONS

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

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

PRODUCTION

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

MARKETING

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Kristine Pulaski

Our Editors Find You the Best Events! When it comes to finding weekend fun with your kids, we make it easy for you! Our editors spend hours scouring the community for the best events happening. And every Thursday, you’ll receive a curated list of the best of what’s happening that weekend in Westchester—from sports and theater to festivals and petting zoos. Sign up today at nymetroparents.com/newsletter!

FINANCE

CREDIT MANAGERS: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

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

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.

Discover More Online

››

A peek at what’s happening on NYMetroParents.com! “As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you probably have some great resources. If you want to share some of them with your child’s teacher, approach him or her with an attitude of: I know my child is challenging, and you are going to have your work cut out for you. But I found this great book, and it helped me and other teachers. If you think it would help you, I am happy to give you my copy.” —Barbara Boroson, LMSW, on being a respectful advocate for your child with autism; read the 10 do’s and don’ts of mainstreaming your child with ASD at nymetroparents.com/mainstream

“Book ownership does help raise levels of intelligence in kids. It raises curiosity, it raises their ability to feel conscious, aware, and motivated to keep on learning.” —Marley Dias, a 14-year-old from West Orange, who helped launch free book vending machines across NYC; read about it at nymetroparents.com/book-vending

“I imagined cooking all day, washing all the good dishes, having to clean the entire house. And who wants to turn on the oven in the summer? Suddenly, throwing food on a grill outside and using Chinet seemed so much easier. This, of course, was idiotic. The whole business is not, in fact, easier than turning on the oven.” —Christina Vercelletto, a Long Island mom who attempted to throw a backyard barbecue; read how it turned out at nymetroparents.com/bbq

nymetroparents Congrats to John Cronin, a 23-year-old from Long Island and founder of @johnscrazysocks, who made history as the first person with Down syndrome to win an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award!

LET’S CONNECT! Want to share some good news happening in your community— kids making a difference, new businesses opening, school news? Submit it at ›› nymetroparents.com/submitnews

DRY & SECONDARY DROWNING

Did you love a story you read, have an idea for an upcoming feature, or want to write for us? Email ›› editor@nymetroparents.com

These are two similar but technically different conditions that can affect anyone, although children are especially vulnerable. As the names imply, both affect their victims after they’ve left the pool, usually with no idea anything is wrong.

—Read about the symptoms of dry and secondary drowning—and how to prevent either from happening at ›› nymetroparents.com/dry-drowning

facebook.com/nymetroparents @nymetroparents

WestchesterParent

raising kids new places, new programs

Who: Achieve Martial Arts What’s New: The Scarsdale location, which opened in January. The facility holds nearly 40 classes per week, divided by age, with approximately 10-15 students in each class. Programs are offered for children ages 3 and older. The bigger facility allows for Achieve Martial Arts to cater to its Scarsdale following. The facility is more high-tech and provides a large training area for students’ kicks and drills. It is also home to the school’s competition team, which competes in local, state, and national circuits. The team recently returned home from Nationals with three gold and two silver medals. Want More Info: 590 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale; 914-723-0777; achieve914.com

Courtesy Achieve Martial Arts

Martial Arts Studio Moves to Scarsdale

“We want all of our students to achie ve something when they train with us, even if it is a minor physical improvement or boost in confidence,” says Jason Kim, co-owner of Achieve Martial Arts.

Who: Music Conservatory of Westchester What’s New: MCW Prep, slated to begin in the fall. Advanced high school instrumentalists and singers entering ninth through 12th grades will have the opportunity to train with performers from the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and Broadway. Students will take private instrument (violin, viola, cello, clarinet, and flute) or vocal lessons with teachers from renowned musical stages, as well as train in a performing ensembles and take college-level music theory. Auditions will be scheduled by appointment this summer and held through September. Scholarships will be offered based on need. Want More Info: 216 Central Park Ave., White Plains; 914-761-3900x142; musicconservatory.org

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

hester Courtesy Music Conservatory of Westc

Music Conservatory in White Plains to Offer Precollege Training Program

ering be able to advise students who are consid “With musicians at this level, we’ll really challenges and s aspect g varyin the of all them a professional career in music. We advise Music says Jean Newton, executive director of involved in pursuing this type of career,” . hester Westc of y rvator Conse

We Asked, You Delivered!

NYMP Staff

raising kids cover contest

››

It’s official: The cutest kids live here! More than 1,000 of you, our dear readers, entered your adorable children in our annual Cover Kids Contest! Our editors had the tough job of reviewing every entry to pick nine finalists, and the 10th finalist was the Fan Favorite, the child whose picture received the most votes (699 this year!). The finalists are: • Anthony, age 3, from Suffolk • Ghianna, age 11, from Rockland • Henry, age 3, from Brooklyn • Jasper, age 2, from Manhattan • Jordan, age 13, from Nassau

• Leilani, age 9, from the Bronx • Nyla, age 5, from Brooklyn • Olivia, age 9, from Westchester • Teagan, age 7, from Suffolk • Zachary, age 4, from Queens

At the end of June, all 10 finalists were decked out in clothing from Macy’s Backstage for a photo shoot at Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company in Manhattan—and, boy, are we going to have a tough time selecting the two grand prize winners! The older than 6 winner will receive a scholarship and professional photo shoot at Barbizon, and the 6 and younger winner (in addition to the Fan Favorite) will receive a 2-night stay, plus 2 Paw Passes, at Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, PA. Keep an eye out for our September issue, which will feature all 10 kids—and announce our grand prize winners!

Photographer Sarah Merians, of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company, makes minor adjustments to Nyla’s outfit. Nyla was voted the Fan Favorite of the cover contest, securing 1 of 10 finalist spots.

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WestchesterParent

raising kids in the know

Shopping Smart for Supplies

very year the list seems to get longer: two bulk packs of Sharpies (thin points, please); Post-it Notes in assorted sizes, eight glue sticks. Parents can blow through hundreds of dollars on school supplies—and that’s before buying lunchboxes, new shoes, and backpacks. Joanie Demer, co-founder of The Krazy Coupon Lady, a leading money-saving site, shares savvy tips for back-to-school shopping. If you want to save big, she says, after school starts in the fall is the ideal time to buy for the following year. If you can’t plan a full year in advance, however, there are plenty of other ways to save on supplies. Host a Swap Send your elementary school-age kids on a scavenger hunt to find pencils, notebooks, crayons, and folders—anything that could be used at school—hiding around the house. Then invite some other parents and children over to trade unneeded supplies for the ones they can use. It’s a win-win! Watch for Penny Deals At this time of year, stores are known to sell school supplies as “loss leaders,” meaning they’re priced so low the store loses money on them. Stores do this to lure you into buying pricier items while you’re shopping. At Staples, for example, you can often get up to eight

›› By Shana Liebman

pencils for 1 cent. “The trick is to just buy the pencils and then walk away!” Demer says. Shop Around Comparison shop to find the best prices on the items you need. For instance, perhaps you “buy spiral notebooks, crayons, and glue sticks from Walmart, ballpoint pens and scissors at Target, and Dixon Ticonderoga pencils on Amazon,” Demer suggests. And don’t overlook dollar stores. They tend to be a great yearround source for name-brand supplies—think Crayola crayons, Elmer’s glue, Bic pens—at a lower cost than big box stores. Try Online Tricks There are a few online services that can help you save, Demer suggests. When you shop online through Paribus, it tracks the items you purchase and will help you get money back when the price drops. And when you shop via sites such as Ebates and RetailMeNot, you can earn up to 10 percent of your purchase in cash back from various retailers. Double Up If you see a great deal on basics from brand names, buy extra. You may need to replenish your kid’s stash mid-year. Plus, it’s likely that whatever is on this year’s list will be needed for next year too.

raising kids child care

The Benefits of Sharing a Nanny

››

Courtesy Mommybites.com

hat if we told you about a child care situation that provided more individualized attention than a day care—at a lower cost? Sound too good to be true? A nanny share, quite simply, is when two or more families share a nanny. It’s an arrangement with many benefits. Here are the top three:

Significant Savings

The cost is usually the nanny’s hourly rate, plus an extra fee, the total of which should be split between the families equally (based on the number of children from each family the nanny cares for). With this arrangement, each family pays less than they would alone, while the nanny gets a slightly higher salary.

Personalized Environment

Your child gets more individualized attention, plus a nanny share allows your little one to socialize with other kids. The smaller group size will ensure each child is well cared for. Bonus: Fewer children means less germs—and less chaos—than in your typical day care classroom.

Flexibility

A nanny share allows you much greater flexibility than a day care center or group provider. Staying late at work? Need someone to take your child to swim lessons? Having another baby? These are all things nannies are typically able (and willing) to take on—even in a share. A successful nanny share definitely takes a lot of advance planning and coordination, but it can be an excellent solution if you’re lucky enough to find the perfect nanny and a great family willing to share.

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.

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

D IT E E E M C L LI P A LAB S I VA

Children 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. www.alcottschool.org Scarsdale 27 Crane Road 914-472-4404

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FRENCH-AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NEW YORK WestchesterParent 11

Beyond the Bell

››

Choosing after-school activities for your children can make your head spin—art or theater, sports or chess, STEM or dance? Experts weigh in to help you determine which—and how many— extracurriculars to enroll your child in. By Anja Webb

ith the dizzying array of options—from academic enrichment to sports teams to special interest programs—how can you be sure you’ve found the right extracurriculars for your kid without spending a fortune going from activity to activity? Local after-school activity directors, moms, and child psychologists share their tips when it comes to finding the right program.

The Benefits

While after-school classes are often seen as a means of beefing up resumes for college, there are many other advantages. One key perk is the opportunity for kids to socialize. In between classes at Studio B Dance Center in Eastchester, for example, students “sit together in their group. We don’t let them take their phones out, and they just talk for a few minutes in between the classes. It kind of develops these friendships and making eye contact and interacting,” says Nancy Solomon, owner of the dance school. “After-school activities provide an ideal environment in which to nurture social skills and confidence,” adds Shawna Stewart, program accounts specialist at MakerState LLC, a STEM enrichment program in Manhattan. “Numerous extracurricular activities work to teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal—a skill that will benefit them in their future occupations.” Extracurriculars can also increase positive emotions and feelings of accomplishment. “By doing the recital and being part of it, they experience a lot of self-confidence and self-esteem,” Solomon says. Plus, “it teaches them listening skills and respecting adults… independence, how to make friends, how to share,” she adds. And each activity offers different benefits as well. “The benefits 12

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

of STEM enrichment specifically are fostering ingenuity and creativity, teaching problem-solving, building resilience, and encouraging experimentation, teamwork, knowledge application, tech use, and adaption,” Stewart says. The experiences kids have in their extracurricular classes can help shape their identity. “They have a story, when they say, ‘Hi, my name is Susie and I love to____.’ That’s who they are, that’s their interest, and that’s something to be celebrated once they do find that special interest,” Solomon says.

The Process

The timing is a fine line between starting her early enough that she has a chance to excel in her activity, but also ensuring she’s old enough to really get something out of the classes. “Any child who goes to school is old enough to begin after-school activities,” says Carole Lieberman, M.D., a psychiatrist and author of Lions and Tigers and Terrorists, Oh My! How to Protect Your Child in a Time of Terror. “[Kids] should begin by grades first, second, or third because the sooner you start enriching them with these activities, the better.” On the other hand, if your kid is not interested in after-school classes, rest assured there’s plenty of time for him to find what he enjoys. Maybe you have a budding cinematographer or robotics engineer—these interests will develop as your child gets older. “By middle school, if not before, students should be experimenting with a diverse set of after-school endeavors that align with any interests they express,” says Kat Cohen, Ph.D., college admissions counselor and founder of IvyWise, an educational consulting company.

The Ideal Number

The Options

When it comes to selecting an activity, Dr. Cohen says it’s important to provide a variety of options while ensuring your child is still pursuing her individual interests. For younger kids, a ranking system may prove useful in making choices. “Put together a list of possibilities in your neighborhood [including] arts and crafts, photography, dance, music, theater, Little League, and so on,” Dr. Lieberman recommends. “Then ask your child to rank them in the order they like best, so that they feel like they have chosen to do this.” If your little one isn’t interested in conventional after-school activities, find alternative ways to engage her passions, and eventually an appropriate extracurricular may develop. “I see what their interests are, and try to extrapolate from there. Do they have a sudden interest in Detective Pikachu? I’ll see if there’s some sort of sleuthing or mystery club they can do,” says Alexa DeKalb, a mother of three living in Manhattan. “I understand the Ivy League isn’t going to offer a scholarship for ‘Most Encyclopedia Brown Books Read,’ but that’s fine—if it makes my kid passionate, maybe it’ll lead to a junior internship with a police department, and that’s something they could write about!” In addition to personal interests, it’s also important to factor in logistics, such as time commitment, travel time, cost, and scheduling conflicts. Maybe your little one feels equally passionate about soccer and chess, but chess only meets once a week whereas soccer meets three days a week. Soccer will require certain, potentially costly, gear such as cleats, uniforms, and shin guards. You might have to drive out of town for games if he advances to the travel team. In this situation, your choice of extracurricular may come down to logistics.

When crafting your child’s schedule, it can be a balancing act between ensuring she can explore all of her interests without overwhelming her. It may be a case of trial and error to figure out what your kid’s individual threshold is. “Start with one afterschool activity, then gradually add more as your child seems able to handle a more intense schedule,” Dr. Lieberman suggests. During this time of testing the limits of your child’s energy and focus, it’s important to make sure he isn’t losing sight of the things that may be important to your family—academics, family dinners, religious practices, etc. “Older elementary children have great after-school options including music, theater, and sports, but also have a great risk of being over-scheduled,” says Elizabeth Malson, president of Amslee Institute, an online technical school specializing in child care. “Ideally, families should pick one or two activities at a time, ensuring plenty of time for academics and health.” Make sure activities he participates in aren’t infringing on his sleep schedule or friendships. Also, if one of your kids can balance a different activity each day of the week, it doesn’t necessarily mean her sibling will be able to do the same. “Every student is different, so there is no magic number of hours that should be devoted to after-school activities: One pre-teen might be able to balance three to four pursuits while another student might feel totally overwhelmed,” Dr. Cohen says. “At the end of the day, parents should sit down with their student, brainstorm a list of activities to pursue, and create a schedule that feels manageable for the student.” Communication and flexibility with your child are incredibly important when it comes to setting a schedule that works for both of you. After all, these activities can be the groundwork for a future degree, career, or lifelong interest.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

OPENING A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES VISIT US

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Discover German International School New York, an independent, Pre-K through Grade 12 college preparatory program. Our English-German bilingual curriculum and international community of children cultivates students of exceptional character who are open to a world of opportunity. Children entering our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes do not need to speak or understand German. We welcome families of all nationalities.

GISNY.ORG

50 Partridge Rd, White Plains, NY 10605 - (914) 948-6513 - admissions@gisny.org WestchesterParent 13

Choose the Best After-School Activity for Your Child With myriad activities available to children these days, it’s easy to get bogged down with all the options. Take this fun quiz to see which activity best suits your child. ››

Your child is a...

Social butterfly

Lone wolf

On the weekends your kid is...

Outside

Is he a picky eater?

Yes

Does he love being physical?

Yes

Sports

Your child is a ball of energy, so make sure you put it to good use. Team sports, such as basketball or soccer, are a great way to learn team work while also staying fit and active.

Your child’s dream job is...

Watching TV

Astronaut

Is she the leader of the pack?

Yes

What’s the first thing she does in the car?

Roll down window

The Arts

Turn on radio

Dance, drama, or a music class would be a great fit for your kid. She is creative and has a zest for life that just can’t be contained. You might have a potential triple-threat on your hands!

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Her favorite subject is...

Science

President

Your child’s room is...

English

Is he smarter than you?

Yes

Academic Enrichment

Clean

What’s more important?

Grades

Your smarty pants can’t get enough of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Many tutoring centers also offer enrichment classes, espeically during the summer. Get your Einstein learning all year long.

Messy

Experience

Art Class

If your child is constantly drawing or painting at home, save yourself the mess and get him into an art class. Art is a great way for your little Picasso to express himself.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

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Scarsdale’s PremierE

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WestchesterParent 15

Back To School Resources AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT/LANGUAGE

Alcott Montessori School

535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 914-693-4443 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale 914-472-4404 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale 914-725-7551 alcottschool.org/why-alcott/alcott-home-page After-school enrichment classes are provided for ages 3-5. Offerings include yoga, dance, mad science, super soccer stars, golf, karate, and Spanish. Kidz Club, a social skills group for ages 3-5 meets from 4-5pm twice a week at the Crane Road location. Call to arrange a tour.

Ann and Andy Child Care

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com annandydca@aol.com Ann and Andy, family-owned and -operated for more than 30 years, offers a wide variety of fun activities for children 2 months to 14 years. We are state licensed, with an extensive campus, and offer flexible schedules, reasonable rates, nutritious lunches, a caring staff, individualized attention, and age-appropriate field trips.

Project Explore

70 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-328-1578 easterseals.com/newyork We serve children with and without disabilities in inclusive, integrated, small classrooms. We offer high-quality fulland part-time programs, school year and year-round, for children ages 18 months to 5 years, from 8:30am-2:30pm. Beforeand after-school care, vacation clubs during school breaks, and summer camp are available options.

Sylvan Learning Centers - Westchester

Sylvan Learning Center of Bronxville 850 Bronx River Road, Bronxville 914-237-4396 sylvanlearning.com/bronxville bronxville.ny@sylvanlearning.com Sylvan Learning Center of White Plains 34 South Broadway suite 512, White Plains 914-948-4116 sylvanlearning.com/whiteplains whiteplains.ny@sylvanlearning.com Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of personal learning for kindergarten-12th grade students, offers tutoring in reading, writing, math, and study skills. Sylvan also offers Sylvan Prep SAT and ACT courses. Sylvan Learning Centers are conveniently located in Bronxville and White Plains.

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Clay Art Center

ART

40 Beech St., Port Chester 914-937-2047 Kelly O’Sullivan, youth director clayartcenter.org/youth-families-classes mail@clayartcenter.org Spin It! Youth classes for children and teens at the Clay Art Center are offered weekly from September-June. Build your inner artist while creating picture perfect pottery. Hand-building classes are offered for ages 6-9, wheel-throwing classes are offered for children ages 10-17.

Creative Corner of Larchmont

7 Addison St., Larchmont 914-833-2880 creativecornerlarchmont.com creativecornerlarchmont@gmail.com Creative Corner is an art studio that offers a creative space for all ages. Programs and walk-in hours start at age 2 for all skill levels. The studio offers art classes, workshops, walk-in hours, birthday parties, school break camps, early dismissal and school holiday workshops, in-school enrichment programs, and summer camps.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Matthews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk 203-899-0606 steppingstonesmuseum.org Keep your children’s minds and bodies active all year long at Stepping Stones! Every day you’ll find content-rich hands-on exhibits, engaging STEAM-related programs, interactive stories, and imaginative environments all developed to teach children through play. Visit our online calendar for schedule. Programs are free with museum admission unless specified.

Young at Art Studio Inc.

1088 Central Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-9229 info@youngatartworkshop.com We offer art classes for ages 1½ up to adults. We have mommy/daddy and me, after-school, and Saturday classes. We offer half-day camps, workshops, private lessons, and birthday parties. Our curriculum focuses on the exploration of materials and self-expression, helping children to build self-esteem.

Lil Chameleon

COOKING

29 Elm St., Tuckahoe 914-346-5148 lilchameleon.com Join Lil Chameleon for our popular cooking program for ages 3-6. Kids enjoy cooking and baking with Chef Jen while building fine motor, creative problem solving, math, and science skills. Students take home what they make each week. Register early!

DANCE

Studio B Dance Center

277 White Plains Road (entrance on Prospect Avenue), Eastchester 914-793-2799; studiobdance.com Voted one of the top dance studios in Westchester. Their modern facility has two waiting rooms with viewing windows into three cheerful classrooms. Knowledgeable staff make it easy to find classes for siblings to dance at the same time. Convenient, friendly, nurturing, and open seven days-a-week, ages 2-18.

FITNESS

Great Play of Scarsdale

Interactive Gym for Kids 969B Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-713-3470 greatplay.com/scarsdale Great Play is a Family Favorites Winner three years in a row, and kidsoutandabout.com’s Top Place to Take Kids in Westchester for 2016. Great Play makes it insanely fun for kids, ages 6 months-fifth grade, to develop motor and sport skills, fitness, and coordination!

The Rock Club at Pine Brook Fitness

130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-633-7625 pinebrookfitness.com/the-rock-club Whether you are new to climbing or a seasoned after-school pro, young climbers will discover adventure at The Rock Club. Our after-school programs not only teach the basics of rock climbing, they promote confidence, focus, team building, and general fitness. All ages and skill levels are welcomed.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

French-American School of New York (FASNY)

Nursery to third grade: Manor Campus, 111 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont Grades fourth-eighth: Village Campus, 145 New St., Mamaroneck Grades ninth-12th: Harbor Campus, 320 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-413-3665; fasny.org; info@fasny.org FASNY’s Extension Program offers bilingual recreation and language programs for children and adults. From sports to arts to cooking, stimulating after-school activities, where children and adults are exposed to different languages and cultures, are a hallmark of our Extension Program. Learn more and register at fasny.org/afterschool.

German International School New York (GISNY) 50 Partridge Road, White Plains 914-948-6513 gisny.org; admissions@gisny.org Bilingual education opens a world of opportunities. German International School New York is an independent, pre-K through 12th, college preparatory program. No German knowledge required for pre-K and kindergarten.

GYMNASTICS & CHEERLEADING

The Little Gym

777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-799-1225; tlgupperwestsideny.com The Little Gym is an exercise and motor development center for children, offering gymnastic classes, sports skills development, dance, cheerleading, and karate classes for children ages 4 months to 12 years, in a loving, non-competitive environment. Qualified instructors implement programs designed to build self-esteem and confidence.

Westchester Gymnastics & Cheer

5 Skyline Drive, Hawthorne 914-592-2324 westchestergymnastics.net tara@westchestergymnastics.net The most experienced program in Westchester (47 years running) for all ages and abilities. Our programs teach the fundamentals of the sport while developing coordination, flexibility, strength, and self-confidence. We have a thriving program for competitive gymnasts striving to reach their highest potential too!

MARTIAL ARTS

Great Play makes it insanely fun for kids, ages 6 months-fifth grade, to develop motor and sport skills, fitness, and coordination!

opportunities with accompaniment. This all-encompassing approach catalyzes learning, enabling students to fulfill their potential.

Kids In Sports

Musical Munchkins

Sportime USA

Starlight Starbright Music

365 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-358-9732 scarsdaleny.kidsinsports.com scarsdaleny@kidsinsports.com Our Multi-Sport Athlete classes are specifically designed for all age levels. These classes teach the fundamentals of baseball, basketball, floor hockey, football, soccer, and volleyball. Skills of each sport are taught in groups, with games eventually being played at the appropriate age levels. Schedule a free trial class! 380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2 sportimeusa.com Sportime USA is the ideal place to visit after school! With a restaurant on the premises, and activities for all ages including a Superfly Thrill Ride, four-dimensional motion theater, laser tag, rock-climbing wall, a Ballocity Arena, batting cages, bumper cars, Himalaya coaster, kiddie rides, video and prize ticket games, billiards, and soft-adventure play area.

78 Garth Road, Scarsdale 914-924-0995 slsbmusic.com; jackie@slsbmusic.com Did you know that all children are musical? Nurture your child’s musical growth in our parent-child Music Together classes for mixed ages (newborn-age 5) or babies (newborn-6 months)! We also offer parent-child ukulele classes (ages 3-6). Join us for some serious fun!

STEM

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

MUSIC

Achieve Martial Arts

167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins, Westchester’s original early childhood music program is celebrating more than 30 years of “makin’ music and memories”. We continue delighting our youngest musicians and their families with the wonderful world of mommy-n-me music. Our curriculum, filled with awesome activities, is geared for children 6 months to 4 years.

Belle School of Music

Saving1088 money onAve., Scarsdale 590 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale Central Park 914-723-0777 283 Tarrytown a New York CityRoad, White Plains achieve914.com; achieve914@gmail.com 1537 Central Park Ave., Yonkers Achieve Martial Arts is a martial arts school family914-961-5511; day is easy! belleschool.com with instructors offering more than 20 years The Belle School of Music, voted the No. 1 muof teaching experience. The facility is brand sic school in Westchester in 2015, has a unique, new, beautifully designed, clean, spacious, and effective, and fun way of teaching music to sunny, with state-of-the-art equipment. The children, (ages 3 and older), and adults. Children school provides challenging programs for chil- will learn to play and develop an appreciation for dren ages 3 and older, teens, and adults. music. Call for free lesson and consultation.

LOOKING FOR

GREAT

DEALS?

Cityguideny.com has Hoff-Barthelson Music School coupons and discounts forScarsdale 25 School Lane, Great Play of Scarsdale NYC sightseeing attractions, 914-723-1169; hbms.org; hb@hbms.org Interactive Gym for Kids restaurants, stores and more. Westchester’s premiere music school offers les969B Central Park Ave., Scarsdale sons and classes for babies, children, teens, and 914-713-3470 Great New York deals, adults, including Suzuki and summer programs. greatplay.com/scarsdale savings, special offers and Students receive not only weekly private lessons, Great Play is a Family Favorites Winner three deep discounts—for you and classes, ensemble instrucbut also musicianship years in a row, and kidsoutandabout.com’s Top your family—are yours with performance and practice tion, and numerous Place to Take Kids in Westchester for 2016. just a click of the mouse.

MULTI-SPORTS PROGRAMS

SWIMMING & WATER SPORTS

Purchase College Learn-to-Swim Program

J. Brian Hansbury, director 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-251-5938 purchasecollegeathletics.com/ sports/2011/6/14/GEN_0614112216.aspx john.hansbury@purchase.edu The Purchase College Aquatics Program continued on next page ››

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

LOOKING FOR

Saving money on a New York City family day is easy!

FALL PROGRAM

GREAT DEALS? Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more. Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse.

Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Experienced Teachers

• Serving Children 2 months–14 years • Field Trips • Stimulating Environment • Flexible Schedules • Beautiful Campus Setting

www.annandandychildcare.com 914-592-3027 • 2170 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford WestchesterParent 17

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from previous page

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 morning and afternoon option.

Sweet Blue Swim Academy

475-359-3528 sweetblueswim.com; hello@sweetblueswim Sweet Blue based in Greenwich, CT offers the finest education in swimming based on knowledge of and experience in the highest divisions of the swimming world. Sweet Blue cultivates excellence in the water to advance self-knowledge, confidence, and resilience regardless of age. Weekly lessons or intensives offered.

TENNIS

New Rochelle Racquet Club at Pine Brook Fitness

130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1003 pinebrookfitness.com/nrrc-home Keep your kids active and having fun all summer long at tennis camp at the New Rochelle Racquet Club at Pine Brook Fitness. The New Rochelle Racquet Club offers junior tennis camps for children ages 5-15 filled with age appropriate tennis, fitness, and fun.

THEATER

Artistree Performing Arts

114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com; heather@artistreearts.com Artistree Performing Arts is a performing arts studio offering classes in acting, singing, dance, music, and film for students ages 3-18. The focus of Artistree’s instruction is to enhance the techniques required in all disciplines of theater and the arts. We foster a community where students build confidence and establish friendships.

Curtain Call, Inc.

1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 203-329-8207 x16 curtaincallinc.com Curtain Call, Inc. is Stamford’s longest-running, non-profit theatre, providing year-round live performances and theatre arts classes for ages 5 through adult in acting for the stage, TV and film, comedy, improv, musical theatre, Broadway tap, and Shakespeare. Full-day vacation programs are offered for ages 6-16.

The Play Group Theatre

1 N. Broadway, suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org; info@playgroup.org The Play Group Theatre is a nonprofit, educational theatre organization dedicated to providing process-oriented theatre training and diverse performance opportunities to children and teenagers regardless of financial means. Programs include: Little Theater (ages 4-6), Mainstage for high school students, a Design and Tech program, and THEATERLAB with individually designed programs (ages 7-17).

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

FITNESS

Great Play of Scarsdale

Interactive Gym for Kids 969B Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-713-3470 greatplay.com/scarsdale Great Play is a Family Favorites Winner three years in a row, and kidsoutandabout. com’s Top Place to Take Kids in Westchester for 2016. Great Play makes it insanely fun for kids, ages 6 months-fifth grade, to develop motor and sport skills, fitness, and coordination!

The Rock Club at Pine Brook Fitness

EDUCATION

DAY CARE & CHILD CARE

Lil Chameleon

29 Elm St., Tuckahoe 914-346-5148 lilchameleon.com Lil Chameleon launches drop-off childcare starting September 2019. Book individual babysitting sessions or buy a package for discounted rates. Children ages 2-6 enjoy our play café, arts and crafts, music, cooking, and other enrichment while cared for by loving, CPR-certified childcare providers. Transportation options available. Learn more at lilchameleon.com.

PRESCHOOLS

Alcott Montessori School

535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 914-693-4443 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale 914-472-4404 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale 914-725-7551 alcottschool.org/why-alcott/alcott-home-page Alcott School provides children ages 2-6 a supportive, multicultural, learning environment where they develop independence, self-confidence, and pride in their abilities. All sites offer a developmentally appropriate curriculum with Montessori materials, music, creative movement, and nature enrichment programs.

Ann and Andy Child Care

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com annandydca@aol.com Ann and Andy, family-owned and operated since 1973, offers a variety of fun activities for children ages 2 months to 14 years. We are licensed by NYSOCFS and the health department. We offer flexible schedules,

reasonable rates, nutritious lunches, a caring staff, individualized attention, and age-appropriate field trips.

The Goddard School®

1 Jackson Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson 914-478-1390 goddardschool.com For more than 30 years, The Goddard School has been a trusted name among families. Its classrooms are safe, nurturing environments for children 6 weeks to 6 years, offering age-appropriate opportunities to explore and discover. Trained teachers lead each child to reach developmental milestones, preparing children for social and academic success.

Kids’ B.A.S.E. & The Little School

307 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale 914-472-5409 kbls.org Kids’ B.A.S.E. & The Little School encompass before- and after-school programs for school-age children, and a preschool program for ages 2-4. The Little School provides a Breakfast Club, an extended day program until 6:30pm, enrichments, and sports. The Little School is licensed by NYS OCFS and accredited by NAEYC.

The Milestone School

70 W. Broad St., Mt. Vernon 914-667-3478 themilestoneschool.com Founded in 1979 on the premise that “the first years of a child’s education are the most important,” The Milestone School is an independent, non-sectarian, nursery-fourth grade school. Celebrating 40 years of excellence, our unique, stimulating academic environment emphasizing Early Reading prepares students to continue on to top private schools.

Project Explore

70 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-328-1578 easterseals.com/newyork We serve children with and without disabilities in inclusive, integrated, small classrooms. We offer high-quality fulland part-time programs, school year and year-round, for children ages 18 months to 5 years, from 8:30am-2:30pm. Before- and after-school care, vacation clubs during school breaks, and summer camp are available options.

Robin’s Nest

3 Phelps Lane, Sleepy Hollow 914-366-3232 phelpschildcare.org The Robin’s Nest is an accredited childcare center located in Sleepy Hollow that believes children learn best in a homelike environment. We strive to create an atmosphere of safety where children are given opportunities to explore and create while learning how to communicate and interact with adults and other children.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Chapel School

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org info@thechapelschool.org The Chapel School (Est. 1947) welcomes a wonderfully diverse community, where we engage learners, encourage explorers, and empower leaders from Preschool 2s through eighth grade. Children at The Chapel School experience nurturing teachers in small class sizes, with expanding extra-curricular activities, social emotional literacy, and service learning programs.

French-American School of New York (FASNY)

Nursery to third grade: Manor Campus, 111 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont Grades fourth-eighth: Village Campus, 145 New St., Mamaroneck Grades ninth-12th: Harbor Campus, 320 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-413-3665 fasny.org; info@fasny.org Open your child to the world. FASNY is a coeducational, international, and bilingual day school for children in nursery through 12th grade. We offer the best of American, French, and international curricula, culminating in outstanding college placements and a choice of degrees: IB, French Baccalaureate, and NY High School diploma.

Project Explore

70 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-328-1578 easterseals.com/newyork We serve children with and without disabilities in inclusive, integrated, small classrooms. We offer high-quality full- and part-time programs, school year and year-round, for children ages 18 months to 5 years, from 8:30am-2:30pm. Before- and after-school care, vacation clubs during school breaks, and summer camp are available options.

SERVICES

DENTISTS & ORTHODONTISTS

Main Street Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Penny Resnick-Graulich 115 Main St., suite 302, Tuckahoe 914-633-4440 mainstreetpediatricdentistry.com drpennydds@aol.com Dr. Penny Resnick-Graulich has been practicing children’s dentistry in Westchester for more than 25 years. Dr. Penny and her staff pride themselves on making the dental experience a positive one for children and parents. They help anxious children feel secure during dental treatment and make every patient feel calm and confident.

White Plains Orthodontics: Dr. Jeffrey J. Kim

90 Bryant Ave. suite 1C-Embassy, White Plains 914-946-9098 whiteplainsorthodontics.com Dr. Jeffrey J. Kim, is a graduate of Columbia University Dental School with more than 20 years of experience. Specializing with Invisalign as a Preferred Provider, metal and clear ceramic braces. Patients benefit from a welcoming, patient-focused environment, with free consultations and flexible payment plans. “A Smile You Can Afford!”

DOCTORS

Scarsdale Medical Group – Pediatrics

600 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 301, Harrison 914-989-1111 scarsdalemedical.com/specialties-and-services/ pediatrics.html Scarsdale Medical Group is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date pediatric care from newborn through age 21. We offer well exams with screenings, same day sick visits (appointment only), newborn care, preventive medicine, care for acute and chronic

STORES & RESOURCES

Affordables

A quality children’s consignment store 10 Main St., Dobbs Ferry 914-627-9462 affordablechild.com We are a quality consignment store, offering children’s clothing, maternity clothes, baby equipment, and toys. Open Monday through Saturday 10am-5pm and Thursday 10am6pm. We accept all major credit cards.

TUTORS & TEST PREP

Sylvan Learning Centers - Westchester

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

• Licensed Program • NAEYC Accredited • Age/Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum • Qualified Teachers • Nutritious Meals served for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks

• Music, Yoga, Nature, Sports, Karate & Spanish Programs • Smart Board Activities • Summer Camp Program • Vacation Club during School Breaks & Holidays

Call today for a tour or visit our Website at: themilestoneschool.com

914-667-3478 STONE S LE

www.phelpschildcare.org

Enroll Now for infants, toddle rs and preschoolers

Age appropriate activities include: Soccer • Capoeira • Music Water Play • “Early Phonics”

OOL CH

Robin’s Nest 3 Phelps Lane, Sleepy Hollow 914-366-3232

A fun-filled day camp geared towards ages 2-8

In a Home like Atmosphere State of the Art, Full-time/Part-time Childcare Center, ages 2 months - 6 years old

THE MILESTONE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP

THE M I

Childcare & Nursery School

M ER CAM

WestchesterParent 19

raising kids teen

Raising Independent Teens

››

Teaching your teen to be a successful, self-sufficient adult will take time and patience, but it’s worth it (trust us!). By Emma Steven

ne minute you’re changing your kid’s diapers, and the next you’re arguing with her about curfew. Your baby has grown into a young person with strong opinions and a fierce desire to be independent. As a parent, it’s your job to teach him life skills. But, like everything with teenagers, it’s complicated. Raising independent teens starts in preschool, according to Julie Lythcott-Haims, former dean of freshmen at Stanford University and author of How to Raise an Adult: Break Free from the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success. “Kids don’t acquire life skills by magic at the stroke of midnight on their eighteenth birthday,” she writes. “Childhood is meant to be a training ground. Parents can assist, not by always being there to do it or to tell them how to do it via cellphone—but by getting out of the way and letting them figure it out by themselves.” Unfortunately, this isn’t happening as often as it should. We are in the midst of an overparenting era, Lythcott-Haims says, and our kids are suffering for it. The 2018 Cooperative Institutional Research Program Freshman Study by the Higher Education Research Institute reported the emotional and mental health of freshmen in 1,900 U.S. colleges has declined since 1985. While there are many factors at play, researchers have found a strong correlation between parents who are overinvolved in their kids lives and undergraduates who report poor psychological well-being, problems making friends, low self-efficacy, and anxiety. 20

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Lythcott-Haims warns that if we want our kids to be happy and successful adults, we urgently need to let them do more. “The narrative has to shift so we see that it is most loving to be interested in our children learning skills for themselves,” she writes. “It feels unloving…in the moment, but when we remember that our job is to put ourselves out of a job, that’s actually the most loving thing we can do.”

Choose Chores

Doing tasks around the house from an early age is a predictor of success in adult life, according to Marty Rossmann, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota. Yet the amount of time kids spend doing chores has been declining since the ’80s. Psychologists believe household work teaches kids how to look after themselves and develop a good work ethic. By 10 a child can take on laundry, change the bed, and mow the lawn. Highschoolers can manage most adult chores, such as shopping for and preparing meals and unclogging drains. Your kids will definitely complain, but at least they won’t be calling you asking how to vacuum after they’ve moved out.

Dollars and Sense

“It’s never too early, or too late, to begin teaching about financial literacy,” says Jennifer Myers, CFP and president of SageVest Wealth Management and SageVest Kids. “Kids can really begin to conceptualize money as tweens.”

“Budgeting is the most important thing a parent can teach their child,” Myers says. “We always recommend attaching purchase responsibilities with allowances. It forces kids to learn about the importance of budgeting and saving.” By the teen years, kids should be paying for outings with friends, makeup, clothing, and more (think things they want, not things they need), to help conceptualize real life costs, Myers suggests. Most money experts and psychologists recommend teens hold a part-time job (and not just during the summer). “It gives them the understanding that when they fill up the car tank it might cost five hours of work,” says Cary Siegel, author of Why Didn’t They Teach Me This at School: 99 Personal Money Management Lessons to Live By.

Change a Tire

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Lauren Fix, the “Car Coach,” says American teenagers should be learning basic car maintenance—as they do in other countries. Not only will it give her confidence, it also saves money. All she needs is the owner’s manual, Youtube, and the local auto parts store. Teach him to check and change the oil, check tire pressure and add air, change a tire, fill the gas tank, replace basic parts (wiper blades and air filters), and what to do when the “check engine” light comes on.

Time Management

The recent admissions scandal is an extreme example of how far some will go to get their kid into the “right” college. More common, Lythcott-Haims says, is the helicopter parent who constantly monitors their child’s academics and chooses her classes and extracurricular activities. Parents doing homework is also not unusual. The average U.S. parent spends six hours a week helping their child with academics, according to the Varkey Foundation’s Global Parent’ Survey. While well-intentioned, micromanaging stops kids from experiencing the natural consequences of their actions, such as missing deadlines and getting good or bad grades. Lythcott-Haims also warns that it can leave children feeling like their parents have no faith in them, and that they are doing their homework for their parents, not themselves. “None of this is good for the child,” she says.

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Let Them Struggle

Young adults have to be able to cope with the ups and downs of life and keep going. Learning to manage conflict, hurt feelings, and cope when things go wrong is important. If we try and solve every one of our child’s minor problems, we rob him of experiences that help to build resilience. As Mogel says: “When they come to you in distress, resist responding like a concierge, talent agent, or the secret police. Assume they are capable of figuring out—through trial and error—how to solve their own problems.” If you’re feeling a little behind, don’t worry! It’s never too late to start. Lythcott-Haims has this advice: “The first thing is to acknowledge to the kid, with a small bit of apology, ‘We realized that we are a bit behind when it comes to teaching you to be independent and it’s time for us to start teaching you a lot of things.’ A teen needs to hear that because otherwise they will view your shift with a lot of skepticism.” Let her choose which chores she’s going to take on. Then tell him you will stop asking him about school work all the time because you know he has it under control, and let him decide what skills, like money management or car care, he would like to learn first. The process will probably elicit an eye roll now, but her future self will thank you. Emma Steven is a British freelance writer living in Manhattan with her husband, two small kids, and two cats. She writes about parenting and New York City.

Now registe ring for fa ll classe s!

(914)793-2799 277 White Plains Road Eastchester, NY 10709

WestchesterParent 21

things to do

city bound

N Y C

Family Fun in Manhattan

By Melissa Wickes

The immersive, deep-sea experience provides plenty of Insta-worthy moments while educating visitors about environmentalism.

Embrace the Abyss

Courtesy Hester Street Fair

August is your last chance to explore the futuristic, undersea world that is Ocean Cube NYC. The immersive pop-up invites all ages into an oceanic, futuristic world complete with beautiful, bio-luminescent creatures. The exhibit aims to remind visitors of the beauty of our oceans through vibrant colors and light effects while teaching us how to maintain them. Through Aug. 18: daily, 10am-8pm. Ages: All. 60 Grand St., Soho; oceancubenyc.com.

Courtesy Belvedere Castle

Belvedere Castle’s name translates to “beautiful view” in Italian.

Belvedere Castle

Complete with structural and decorative upgrades along with the familiar features New Yorkers have grown to love, the Belvedere Castle in Central Park reopened in June. The historic landmark is atop the park’s second-highest point, offering views of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, the Delacorte Theater, and more. Visit it: Middle of the park at 79th Street; 212-628-2345; centralparknyc.org Can’t-miss event: The Belvedere: Beautiful View Tour; various dates and times throughout August Directions: Approximately a 50-minute drive or a 1-hour, 10-minute Metro-North and subway ride from White Plains

Courtesy National Museum of Mathematics

Courtesy Ocean Cube NYC

W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

The Hester Street Fair has a variety of theme days through October including Lobster and Beer Day, Vintage Day, and Octoberfest.

The Math Square allows you to play mathematical games, all controlled by the movement of your feet.

Kids Just Wanna Have Fun

National Museum of Mathematics

The Hester Street Fair brings fun to the Lower East side all summer long. On Aug. 10, the fair will hold Hester Street Fair Kids Day to thank neighborhood kids and their families for supporting the fair and to celebrate a successful summer. Enjoy artisanal fashion, art, design, music, food vendors, and more at this unique and family-friendly festival that will connect you to all the culture the Lower East Side has to offer. Saturday, Aug. 10, 11am-6pm. Ages: All. Free to attend; Hester and Essex streets; hesterstreetfair.com.

What better way to help prevent the summer slide than by incorporating math in your family’s summer fun? The National Museum of Mathematics highlights the role math plays in everyday life through the patterns and structures that surround us. Visit it: 11 E. 26th St., Nomad; momath.org Can’t-miss event: Solar Eclipses: Math, Science, and Spectacle; Aug. 6, 6:30pm; $15 Directions: Approximately a 55-minute drive or 1-hour, 10-minute Metro-North and subway ride from White Plains

Ideas When You Need Them:

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Turn the page for details on Hudson Valley Expo (No. 3 on our list)

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AUGUST CALENDAR

24 Editor’s Hot Tickets

29 On Screen

25 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, 30 Mini Musicians Movers & Shakers 31 Smarty Pants 26 Crafty Kids 32 Fun Fairs & Festivals 27 Animal Lovers WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar wpcal@davlermedia.com

28 The Great Outdoors

33 Little Foodies, Dance Party

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine 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!

Muddy Puddles Mess Fest 2019

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 11am-4pm WHERE: Kiwi Country Day Camp, 825 Union Valley Road, Carmel AGES: All WHAT: A day of family fun while raising money to support the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation for childhood cancer research. Family-friendly activities including swimming, paddle boats, a climbing wall, zip lines, bungee jumping, treasure hunts, a whipped cream pie toss, the Slopstacle course, splatter paint, glitter crafts, food fights, a jumbo Slip n’ Slide, raffles, and bounce houses. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will love winning prizes, jumping in giant muddy puddles, and then being hosed off by a fire truck! WANT TO GO? $35. muddypuddlesproject.org.

Random Farms Kids’ Theater Presents ‘Matilda’

WHEN: July 26-Aug. 3, see website for schedule WHERE: Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Matilda dares to take a stand against unjust forces and grasp her destiny in her own tiny hands. WHY WE LOVE IT: Based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book of the same name! WANT TO GO? $20-$25. 914-631-3390. tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org.

Hudson Valley Expo

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 1-10pm WHERE: Riverfront Green Park, 50 Hudson Ave., Peekskill AGES: All WHAT: Bring the family for a full day of music, food, art, displays, and interactive activities for all ages. WHY WE LOVE IT: The Kids Zone is tons of fun with face painting, exotic animals to hold, and the ever-popular Bubble Bus! WANT TO GO? Prices vary for goods. 914-734-7275. hvexposition.com.

Lisa Loeb: Family Show

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 10am WHERE: Wall Street Theater, 71 Wall St., Norwalk, CT AGES: All WHAT: See Lisa Loeb live as she sings all of your favorite children’s songs. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids love Lisa’s relaxed yet energetic stage presence, and parents who’ve been listening to Lisa since the ‘90s will love seeing her in person. WANT TO GO? $25. 203-831-5004. wallstreettheater.ticketfly.com.

‘Tuck Everlasting’

WHEN: Aug. 2-11, Friday-Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 2pm WHERE: White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains AGES: 5 and older WHAT: When Winnie goes looking for adventure and meets a family 24

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

9 with a fabulous secret, their chance encounter will change them all forever. This musical explores eternal love, never-ending life, and what it means to truly feel alive. WHY WE LOVE IT: The show is based upon the bestselling novel that has been a family favorite since the ‘70s. WANT TO GO? $27-$37. 914-328-1600. wppac.com.

Baseball Card and Memorabilia Show

WHEN: Aug. 16-18, Friday, 12-8pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 9am-4pm WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy free autographs, raffle prizes, and free packs of cards for kids! WHY WE LOVE IT: Ball lovers will find modern and vintage sports cards, supplies, on-site autograph authentication (JSA), and more. WANT TO GO? $10; free for children younger than 12. 914-995-4050. nyshows.org.

Colonial Games Day FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Wednesdays, 12-2pm WHERE: Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Try popular games from the 1700s, and learn about their origins and how they have transformed over the years. WHY WE LOVE IT: Have a blast snapping a selfie as you try on reproduction clothing. WANT TO GO? 914-965-4027. parks.ny.gov.

Sunset Market: Family Fun & Food Festival, Back to School Bash + Carnival!

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 29, 2-8:30pm WHERE: Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Outside of South Main Entrance, Yorktown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Have a blast with food trucks, a farmers’ market, beer garden, live music, kids fun action area, various vendors, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: This is the first year the mall is hosting Sunset Markets, and this last one of the season promises to be a great time! WANT TO GO? Prices vary for goods. 914-245-4688. jeffersonvalleymall.com.

CORNucopia

WHEN: Aug. 31-Sept. 1, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Philipsburg Manor, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow AGES: All WHAT: Bring the family to the Lower Hudson Valley’s only corn festival. Indulge in sweet corn ice cream from The Blue Pig, challenge yourself in a corn maze, and play corn-y games! You’ll work up an appetite watching live cooking demonstrations, taking a walking tour of the farm, and tapping your toes to live bluegrass and folk music. WHY WE LOVE IT: Adults and kids can quench their thirst with draft beers and root beer (respectively) from local Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. WANT TO GO? $16; $12 students 18-25 and seniors 65 and older; $8 children 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 914-366-6900. hudsonvalley.org.

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. GPL FanCon Expo FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 11am-3pm WHERE: Greenburgh Library, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford AGES: All WHAT: Dress up as your favorite character and celebrate all things anime, comics, sci-fi, gaming, and more with a cosplay contest, artist demos, gaming tournaments,snacks, and more! Registration required for free ticket. WANT TO GO? 914-721-8200. greenburghlibrary.org.

DIY Rocket Launcher FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 East Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 7-12 WHAT: Create your own rocket launcher out of cardboard. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 914-864-0130. mountkiscolibrary.org.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS Bananagrams and Boggle Bash FREE

WHEN: Aug. 8-15, Thursdays, 4pm WHERE: Keeler Library, 276 Titicus Road, North Salem AGES: 7-12 WHAT: Spend a fun, noisy hour playing classic word games. There will be prizes for all participants. WANT TO GO? 914-669-5161. ruthkeelermemoriallibrary.org.

West Point Spartan Kids Race

WHEN: Aug. 24-25, Saturday, 9am-2:30pm; Sunday, 9am-1:30pm WHERE: Anthony Wayne Recreational Area, Palisades Interstate Parkway, Exit 17, Bear Mountain AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Children of all abilities can climb, crawl, run, get muddy, and become a Spartan with family and friends. WANT TO GO? $25.99-$47.99. spartan.com.

Exploring Play: Let’s Explore The Shore!

WHEN: Through Aug. 30: Fridays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children will enjoy singing, story time, and a take-home project. 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. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Roller Skating Rink

WHEN: Aug. 17-Sept. 2, see website for schedule WHERE: Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Guests of all ages can enjoy skating with music, theme nights, and lots of fun. WANT TO GO? $10 includes skates and one hour session. crosscountycenter.com. ››

Summer Concert Series FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 8, Thursdays, 8pm WHERE: Westchester Band, Chase Park, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy free concerts this summer. WANT TO GO? 914-391-2401. westchesterband.org.

LEGO Club FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 4-6pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 East Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 7-11 WHAT: A fun building club. The library provides the LEGO bricks, you bring your imagination! WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Teen Game Night FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 29: Thursdays, 7pm WHERE: Warner Library, 121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Hang with your friends and play board games and video games on a giant screen or on laptops. Enjoy snacks, drinks, and an end-ofsummer pizza party on Aug. 29! WANT TO GO? 914-631-7734. warnerlibrary.org. WestchesterParent 25

DIY Constellation Projector FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Bring the universe down to earth with a flashlight and a cardboard tube. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 914-864-0130. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Earring Making with Joan Lloyd FREE

CRAFTY KIDS Self Portrait

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 10am-12pm WHERE: Blue Door Art Center, 13 Riverdale Ave., Yonkers AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Get a chance to look at yourself in a different way using pens, paper, and mirrors. WANT TO GO? Donation. 914-375-5100. bluedoorartcenter.org.

DIY Starry Night Collage FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Recreate Van Gogh’s famous painting by making a collage. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 914-864-0130. mountkiscolibrary.org.

KMA Summer Art Workshops

WHEN: Through Aug. 8: Thursdays, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah AGES: 6-9 WHAT: Explore new ideas, unique materials, and fun projects inspired by the artwork on view. In collaboration with Harvey Cavalier Camp. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 members. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.

Acrylic Painting

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 10am-12pm WHERE: Blue Door Art Center, 13 Riverdale Ave., Yonkers AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn the basics of acrylic painting. WANT TO GO? Donation. 914-375-5100. bluedoorartcenter.org.

Expand Your Universe FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 12: Mondays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Experiment with different surfaces and art tools to see what the results might be! WANT TO GO? 914-864-0130. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Teen Tie-Dye FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 12: Mondays, 1:30-2:30pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Create an original tie-dye shirt! Call or sign up at the front desk. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0010. peekskill.org. 26

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 4-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: All WHAT: For every pair of earrings you make, make another pair that will be donated to a battered women’s shelter. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

DIY Crayon Space Art FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 5-10 WHAT: Make your own far-out universe with crayons and paint. Registration required. WANT TO GO? 914-864-0130. mountkiscolibrary.org.

KMA Artful Afternoon

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 16, 3-5pm WHERE: Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Take part in art activities inspired by the art on view pop-up around the KMA campus. WANT TO GO? Included with admission: $10; $5 seniors and students; free for members and children younger than 12. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.

Collage

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 17, 10am-12pm WHERE: Blue Door Art Center, 13 Riverdale Ave., Yonkers AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Find images of your liking and create a new world using glue, Mod Podge, markers, and paper. WANT TO GO? Donation. 914-375-5100. bluedoorartcenter.org.

STEM Fun! FREE

WHEN: Aug. 13-20, Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: Keeler Library, 276 Titicus Road, North Salem AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Make volcanoes, bouncy balls, and spinners! WANT TO GO? 914-669-5161. ruthkeelermemoriallibrary.org.

Intro to Air-Dry Clay

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24, 10am-12pm WHERE: Blue Door Art Center, 13 Riverdale Ave., Yonkers AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn how to make a bowl, an animal, or an abstract sculpture that you can paint. WANT TO GO? Donation. 914-375-5100. bluedoorartcenter.org.

Family Studio Projects

WHEN: Aug. 3-31, Saturday-Sunday, 1-4pm WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Families participate in creative activities inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibitions. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 seniors 62 and older, veterans and students; $4 youth ages 3-8. 914-963-4550. hrm.org.

ANIMAL LOVERS Turtles

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 10-11:30am WHERE: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, 120 Muser Drive, Cornwall AGES: All WHAT: Can you imagine carrying your house everywhere you go? Meet some turtles up close and learn how they live and move. WANT TO GO? $10; $8 members; $7 children; $5 children members. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

Edible Insects! FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 4pm WHERE: Keeler Library, 276 Titicus Road, North Salem AGES: All WHAT: Meet edible insects and invertebrates. Brave kids will even get the chance to eat a bug! WANT TO GO? 914-669-5161. ruthkeelermemoriallibrary.org.

Stories from the Past: Wolves and American Indians

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 8, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Hear traditional Native American stories about animals and more. Pre-registration is required. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.

Read to Rover FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Thursdays, 5-6pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids practice their reading skills to a trained dog. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Summer Reading Finale: Two By Two Zoo FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2-3pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the end of the Summer Reading programs by meeting with animals from a traveling zoo! WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Open Wide

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 18, 1-2pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Learn all about snakes and lizards during a lively hands-on presentation. Stick around until the end and check out snack time for the snakes. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 members. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Bees and Beekeeping Information Station

WHEN: Aug. 17-18, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Try on beekeeping gear, peek inside a hive, and learn fascinating facts about honeybees. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Teddy Bear Fest

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24, 12-3pm WHERE: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT

AGES: All WHAT: This “beary” fun day will feature children’s crafts and storytelling focusing on Bear Awareness and facts about real bears. WANT TO GO? $16; $12 senior 62 and older; free for children 3-11 who bring a teddy bear with paying adult, children younger than 3, and members. 203-394-6563. beardsleyzoo.org.

Children & Families: Monarch Butterfly Tag and Release

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 25, 1pm WHERE: Storm King Art Center, Old Pleasant Hill Road, West Cornwall; for GPS, enter 1 Museum Road, New Windsor AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the lifestyle of monarch butterflies. Become a citizen scientist as you tag and release them as part of a national research project. Presented with the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. WANT TO GO? $18; $15 seniors 65 and older; $8 ages 5-18 and students with valid ID; Free for children 4 and younger and members. 845-534-3115. stormkingartcenter.org.

Pack Chat for Kids

WHEN: Aug. 3-25, select Saturdays, 2-3:30pm; select Sundays, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Kids will learn about the mythology surrounding wolves and the important role of wolves in the natural world. Pre-registration is required. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.

Summer Nights at Mystic Aquarium

WHEN: Through Aug. 26: Mondays, 6-9pm WHERE: Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT AGES: All WHAT: Encounter beluga whales, African penguins, sharks, jellies, frogs, and more at a discounted rate! WANT TO GO? $20; $12 child; free for children age 2 and younger. 860-572-5955. mysticaquarium.org/events.

Wolves of North America

WHEN: Aug. 3-31, select Saturdays, 11am-12:30pm; select Sundays, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the mythology, biology, and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Pre-registration is required. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org. ››

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Family Nature Walk

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Kids’ Summer Gardening Workshops FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 15: Thursdays, 10-11am WHERE: Ridge Hill, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids enjoy hands-on activities in the garden. WANT TO GO? 914-207-2900. ridgehill.com.

Full-Moon Nature Walk

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Family Overnight Campout

WHEN: Aug. 3-4, Saturday, 5:30pm to Sunday, 8:30am WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Everyone will enjoy this overnight complete with s’mores and a butterfly release. WANT TO GO? $75; $25 child; free for children younger than 2; membership is required for this program. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Garden Talk and Walk: Bats of the Bronx

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 8, 7:30-9:30pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 10 and older WHAT: Take a peek at the secret life of bats that live in and migrate through the Bronx. Don’t forget your flashlight! Registration required. WANT TO GO? $40; $36 members. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Seed Bomb Workshop

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 10-11am WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about and create interesting ways to plant wildflowers in your own backyard. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $10. 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Saw Mill River Audubon Second Saturday Walk at Brinton Brook Sanctuary FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 9-11am WHERE: Brinton Brook Sanctuary, 1339 Albany Post Road, Croton-on-Hudson AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Explore Brinton Brook during the monthly Second Saturday walk. WANT TO GO? 914-666-6503. sawmillriveraudubon.org.

Summer Birding

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 9:30am WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 10 and older WHAT: Observe the plants, insects, and habitats at Wave Hill that make it so appealing to a wide variety of birds. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org. 28

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 15, 8-9:30pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Experience this after-hours adventure along woodland edges and pocket meadows where fireflies, moths, and other insects rendezvous for some evening revelry. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $20; $18 members. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Stargazing in the Garden

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 22, 7:30-9:30pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 12 and older WHAT: Learn what it takes to be an amateur astronomer. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $40; $36 members. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Kids Create Like Burle Marx!

WHEN: Through Sept. 20: Monday-Friday, 1:30-5:30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Design a sculpture inspired by Burle Marx and compare plants to understand more about plant diversity. WANT TO GO? Monday-Friday: $23; $20 seniors and students; $10 children ages 2-12; free for members and children younger than 2; Saturday-Sunday: $28; $25 seniors and students; $12 children ages 2-12. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

Story Walk Launch FREE

WHEN: Through Sept. 22: Sundays, 1-2pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Go on a short walk while enjoying a nature-themed story. WANT TO GO? 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Play Days @ Jay

WHEN: Through Oct. 25: Fridays, 12-2pm WHERE: John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Visit the chickens, then enjoy a hands-on activity. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 students and seniors; $7 highlight tour; free for members and children younger than 12. 914-232-8119. johnjayhomestead.org.

Farmers’ Market FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 22: Fridays, 9am-2pm WHERE: New Rochelle’s Down to Earth Farmers Market, 20 Sicard Ave., New Rochelle AGES: All WHAT: The market showcases produce raised near the Sound Shore. WANT TO GO? 914-923-4837. downtoearthmarkets.com.

ON SCREEN

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Children’s Movie: ‘Space Buddies’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 1, 4pm WHERE: Warner Library, 121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: Relax and keep cool at Warner’s family movie matinees with Space Buddies. Rated G. WANT TO GO? 914-631-7734. warnerlibrary.org.

Screenings Under the Stars: ‘How to Train your Dragon 3: The Hidden World’ FREE WHEN: Friday, Aug. 2, 6pm WHERE: Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: See How to Train your Dragon 3: The Hidden World. Rated PG. WANT TO GO? 914-231-4033. parks.westchestergov.com.

Children’s Movie: ‘Freaky Friday’ FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 4, 4pm WHERE: Warner Library, 121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: Relax and keep cool at Warner’s family movie matinees with Freaky Friday (2018). Rated PG WANT TO GO? 914-631-7734. warnerlibrary.org.

Movie Mondays! FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 5: Mondays, 7pm WHERE: Ridge Hill, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Grab your friends, blankets, and popcorn to enjoy a film. WANT TO GO? 914-207-2900. ridgehill.com.

Movie Night: ‘Incredibles 2’

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 7, 7-10:30pm WHERE: Sprain Ridge Park, 149 Jackson Ave., Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy an evening swim and a great family movie. WANT TO GO? $5 ages 5 and older. 914-231-3450. events.westchestergov.com.

Children’s Movie: ‘The Peanuts Movie’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 15, 4pm WHERE: Warner Library, 121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: Relax and keep cool at Warner’s family movie matinees with The Peanuts Movie. Rated G. WANT TO GO? 914-631-7734. warnerlibrary.org.

‘Magic Tree House: Space Mission’

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 12:30pm WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow Jack and Annie on an exciting adventure. WANT TO GO? $12; $9 seniors, students, veterans; $7 children ages 3-18; free for members and children younger than 3. 914-963-4550. hrm.org.

The Sky Tonight

WHEN: Aug. 3-31, Friday, 7pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2pm WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn what’s going on in the sky the exact night you see this live, interactive show. WANT TO GO? $12; $9 seniors 62 and older, veterans, and students with ID; $7 ages 3-8; free for children younger than 3. 914-963-4550. hrm.org.

We Are Stars

WHEN: Aug. 3-31, Saturday-Sunday, 3:30pm WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: 8 and older WHAT: Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry on a 13.8 billion-year adventure that connects life on Earth to the evolution of the universe. WANT TO GO? $12; $9 seniors 62 and older, veterans, and students with ID; $7 ages 3-8; free for children younger than 3. 914-963-4550. hrm.org. ››

Movie Screening: ‘Ella Enchanted’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 9, 3-4:45pm WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: 8-12 WHAT: See the 2004 fantasy romantic comedy. Light refreshments served. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Movie Night at Muscoot: ‘Jurassic Park’

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 9, 7:30pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: 9 and older WHAT: See one of the greatest movies of all time at Muscoot Farm! Pre-registration is required. WANT TO GO? $6. 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Bronx Terminal Market’s 7th Annual Rooftop Films: ‘Incredibles 2’ FREE WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 7pm WHERE: Bronx Terminal Market, 610 Exterior St., Bronx AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Get there early for pre-movie activities, games, and giveaways! WANT TO GO? 718-513-7725. bronxterminalmarket.com.

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Outdoor Concerts: The NY Bee Gees FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 8, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: The series presents the most extravagant Bee Gees show a fan can experience and includes their classic ’70s disco hits. WANT TO GO? 914-968-9570. crosscountycenter.com.

Music Under The Stars Concert Series: Don’t Rain On My Parade FREE

MINI

MUSICIANS Outdoor Concerts: The Big House Band FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 1, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: The Big House Band covers everything including Sinatra, soul, funk, Motown, rock, pop, and current hits. Enjoy tasty treats and savory snacks from local and regional food trucks while you dance the night away. WANT TO GO? 914-968-9570. crosscountycenter.com.

Downtown Sounds Summer Concerts & Food Trucks

WHEN: July 19-Aug. 2, Fridays, 5-9pm WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park, 38 Canal St. E., Shelton, CT AGES: All WHAT: Arrive early for kid-friendly shows before the concerts. WANT TO GO? Prices vary for goods. 203-520-1910. celebrateshelton.homestead.com.

Music Under The Stars Concert Series: I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 7:30pm WHERE: Trophy Point Amphitheater, 117-119 Washington Road, West Point AGES: All WHAT: Trophy Point will come alive with all the power chords, epic drum fills, blistering guitar solos, and outstanding vocals of your favorite rock anthems—all set to the gorgeous backdrop of the best view in the Hudson Valley. WANT TO GO? westpointband.com.

Wednesday Nite Live Outdoor Concert Series

WHEN: Through Aug. 7: Wednesdays, 6:30-10pm WHERE: Columbus Park, Main Street at Summer Street, Stamford, CT AGES: All WHAT: See some of your favorite musicians. WANT TO GO? $20. 203-348-5285. stamford-downtown.com.

Opening Night of The Hudson Valley Jazz Festival with The HVJE FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 8, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: On the Lawn at Sugar Loaf Crossing, 1405 Kings Highway, Chester AGES: All WHAT: Kick off the Hudson Valley Jazz Festival with the Hudson Valley Jazz Ensemble. WANT TO GO? 845-469-2713. hudsonvalleyjazzfest.org.

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 7:30pm WHERE: Trophy Point Amphitheater, 117-119 Washington Road, West Point AGES: All WHAT: This captivating, family-friendly program will send you home with a song in your heart. WANT TO GO? westpointband.com.

Music & Movement FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 13: Tuesdays, 11:15-11:45am WHERE: Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main St., Mount Kisco AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Clap along in this music and movement class. WANT TO GO? 914-666-8041. mountkiscolibrary.org.

Bash The Trash Kids Musical Event FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 6-8pm WHERE: Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids create their own musical instrument using recycled and reused materials and then perform with it on stage. WANT TO GO? crosscountycenter.com.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 24: 6:30-8pm WHERE: Boyce Thompson Center, 1084 N. Broadway, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Each night’s performance will feature a different style of music, such as Brazilian, Jazz, American classics, and pop hits. WANT TO GO? 914-762-1900. yonkersny.gov.

History and Origins of The Star Spangled Banner FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 24, 1pm WHERE: St. Paul’s Church N.H.S., 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the fascinating history and origins of “The Star Spangled Banner” in 1814 and hear the song’s original version along with other tunes considered for anthem status. WANT TO GO? 914-667-4116. nps.gov/sapa.

Summer Sounds Concert Series FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Wednesdays, 7:30pm; select Fridays, 7pm WHERE: Hudson Park, 1 Hudson Park Road, New Rochelle AGES: All WHAT: Hear an eclectic lineup of musicians. WANT TO GO? 914-654-2087. newrochellearts.org.

Sunset Jazz Concerts Thursday Evenings

WHEN: Through Aug. 29: Thursdays, 6pm WHERE: Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy cool music by hot jazz artists! WANT TO GO? $5 per car parking fee. 845-331-7900. lyndhurst.org.

SMARTY PANTS Tech Tuesdays FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 6: Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30pm WHERE: White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Activities include coding, computer animation, robotics, video game design, and augmented reality. WANT TO GO? 914-422-1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.

Bring the Kids! Gilded Gold Frames

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 10, 9:30am WHERE: Boscobel House, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore the past through hands-on activities. Then, take a break with a snack and bring the memories home with a special craft. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 members. 845-265-3638. boscobel.org.

Family Tour: Signs of Summer

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 2:30pm WHERE: Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Discover the signs in Can I Get a Witness, then create your own. WANT TO GO? $7; $5 seniors 62 and older, veterans and students; $4 youth ages 3-8. 914-963-4550. hrm.org.

General Washington on the Hudson: The Battle of Stony Point WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 25, 10am-4pm WHERE: Boscobel House, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison

AGES: All WHAT: The grounds at Boscobel come alive with live military re-enactors. WANT TO GO? $55 family of four; $22 adults; $18 seniors and adult members; $15 seniors members; $13 children; $12 children members; free for children younger than 5. 845-265-3638. boscobel.org.

Young Discoverers: Let’s Explore The Shore!

WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Wednesdays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing a song, play a game, and hear the story On the Edge of the Sea. 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. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Back to School Toolkit for High School Students FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 28, 7-8pm WHERE: Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Road, Rye AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Learn how to set goals, organize time, solve problems early, get ahead, be more efficient with studying, balance academics with extracurriculars, and reimagine student success in general. WANT TO GO? 914-967-0480. ryelibrary.org.

Bring the Kids! Pressed by Nature

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 29, 9:30am and 1pm WHERE: Boscobel House, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Explore the past through hands-on activities. Then, have a snack, and bring the memories home with a special craft. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 members. 845-265-3638. boscobel.org. ››

ANDRUS EARLY LEARNING CENTER

WestchesterParent 31

Ecuadorian Heritage Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 10am-7pm WHERE: Croton Point Park, 1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Ecuadorian heritage with music, entertainment, crafts, and food vendors. WANT TO GO? 914-666-6503. events.westchestergov.com.

The 45th Annual Jewish Music and Arts Festival FREE

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS The Ulster County Fair

WHEN: July 30-Aug. 4, Wednesday-Thursday, 10am-10pm; FridaySaturday, 10am-12am; Sunday, 10am-8pm WHERE: The Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz AGES: All WHAT: Have a blast with rides, shows, concerts, animals, and more. WANT TO GO? $17; free for children 36 inches and under. 845-255-1380. ulstercountyfair.com.

Heritage of India Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 4, 12-7pm WHERE: Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the culture of India with music, dance, arts and crafts, and food vendors. WANT TO GO? 914-231-4033. parks.westchestergov.com.

South Salem Fire Department’s Carnival

WHEN: Aug. 7-10, Wednesday-Saturday, 6-10pm; Sunday, 5-10pm WHERE: South Salem Fire House, 1190 Route 35, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Families can enjoy rides, games, food, prizes, and more. WANT TO GO? Prices vary for goods. 914-763-3706. southsalemfire.com.

2019 Beacon Corn Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 12-5pm WHERE: Beacon Riverfront Park, 2 Red Flynn Drive, Beacon AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate corn with kids’ activities, environmental displays, craft vendors, hot fresh sweet corn, and more. WANT TO GO? Prices vary for goods. beaconsloopclub.org.

Summer on the Avenue Block Party

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 11, 7-10pm WHERE: Mamaroneck Avenue, Halstead Avenue and West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live music, entertainment, food, crafts, games, and fun activities. WANT TO GO? Prices vary for goods and rides. 914-777-7784. village.mamaroneck.ny.us. 32

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 18, 12-6pm WHERE: Kensico Dam Plaza, North Kensico Avenue, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a day of musical performances, singing, Israeli dancing, juggling, face-painting, food, vendor exhibitions, and more. WANT TO GO? 914-328-1542. parks.westchestergov.com.

50th Riverside Crafts Fair

WHEN: Aug. 17-18, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Garrison Art Center, 23 Garrison’s Landing, next door to MTA Hudson Line, Garrison AGES: All WHAT: Be at the premier event in the Hudson Valley for collectors of handmade traditional and alternative crafts. WANT TO GO? Prices vary for goods. 845-424-3960. garrisonartcenter.org.

Muslim Heritage Festival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 25, 12-7pm WHERE: Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a fun-filled event that will include entertainment, ethnic food, historical re-enactments, an arts and crafts showcase, and plenty of activities for adults and children. WANT TO GO? 914-231-4033. parks.westchestergov.com.

Farmers’ Market FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 18: Sundays, 9:30am-2:30pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Visit the farm and buy foods and products from more than 20 local vendors. Then check out the animals, historic buildings, and exhibits. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

TaSH Farmers’ Market FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 23: Saturdays, 8:30am-2pm WHERE: Patriots Park, Route 9, between College Avenue and Cobb Lane, Sleepy Hollow AGES: All WHAT: Expect farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal breads and baked goods, meats, poultry, fish, craft spirits, farmhouse cheeses, and more throughout upwards of 30 vendor stalls. The market also hosts chef demos, art projects, children’s activities, and live music. WANT TO GO? tashfarmersmarket.org.

Larchmont Farmers’ Market FREE

WHEN: Through Dec. 28: Saturdays, 8:30am-1pm WHERE: Down to Earth, Metro-North Parking Deck off Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont AGES: All WHAT: This market brings together small farms and artisan food makers with cooks and eaters. WANT TO GO? 914-923-4837. downtoearthmarkets.com.

DANCE PARTY Salsa Dance Party FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 8, 6:30-8pm WHERE: Bronx Terminal Market, 610 Exterior St., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Rooftop dancing at Bronx Terminal Market is back with the live Latin rhythms of Funk Salsa Urban and a free salsa lesson. WANT TO GO? 718-513-7725. bronxterminalmarket.com.

Music Under The Stars Concert Series: Dancing Under the Stars FREE

LITTLE FOODIES Make Your Own Ice Cream FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 1:30-2:30pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens will learn how to make this frozen treat. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0010. peekskill.org.

Dig! Plant! Grow! Pickle Me!

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 17, 7:30pm WHERE: Trophy Point Amphitheater, 117-119 Washington Road, West Point AGES: All WHAT: Trophy Point becomes the Hudson Valley’s most scenic dance floor as the band invites you to the stage to Dougie, Mashed Potato, or Foxtrot to the best of swing, disco, Latin, country, funk, hip-hop, Motown, and more. Bring the whole family and spend a night dancing under the stars. WANT TO GO? westpointband.com.

Fish Tales: Story Time

WHEN: Through Aug. 30: Fridays, 10:15am WHERE: The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing songs and rhymes, dance and read books, and meet an animal! WANT TO GO? $24.95; $22.95 seniors; $17.95 children ages 3-12; free for kids younger than 3. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

WHEN: Through Aug. 9: Tuesday-Saturday, 1:30-5:30pm; Sunday, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the crops and spices used to make pickles and then make a batch to take home. WANT TO GO? Weekdays: $23; $20 seniors and students; $10 children ages 2-12; free for members and children younger than 2; Weekends: $28; $25 seniors and students; $12 children ages 2-12. 718.817.8700. nybg.org.

Totally Tomatoes Weekend

WHEN: Aug. 10-11, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate all things tomato with tastings, cooking demonstrations, gardening activities, music, and more. WANT TO GO? $28; $25 seniors 65 and older and students with valid ID; $12 children 2-12; free for children younger than 2 and members. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

Honey Extraction Demonstration

WHEN: Aug. 17-18, Saturday-Sunday, 12-3pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Drop in and see the sticky process of extracting honey from the comb with resident bee experts. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Obvious fun, hidden learning. Every day at Stepping Stones Museum for Children you’ll find content-rich hands-on exhibits, engaging STEAM-related programs and environments developed to keep your children’s minds and bodies active all year long. See for yourself why everyone loves Stepping Stones.

steppingstonesmuseum.org

5off

Each general admission up to four admissions.

Not to be combined with any other offers. Coupon must be presented. Expires: 08/31/19 CODE: WP819 Norwalk, CT

WestchesterParent 33

Summer Classics things to do

where-to guide

Compiled by Melissa Wickes

Before back-to-school shopping and carpool planning become your reality, enjoy the final days of summer with your family by getting outdoors as much as you can! Ride a wave and build a sandcastle at one of the best beaches in Westchester or embrace the fun of red-stained fingers when picking strawberries, blueberries, and more at a nearby farm. Looking to go for an adventure? Spend the day riding roller coasters at a local amusement park or take a horse out for a trot at one of the many stables in our area. However you soak up the last of the summer, make sure the whole family has proper protection from UV rays!

AMUSEMENT PARKS Willson’s Waves Willson’s Woods Park, East Lincoln Avenue, Mount Vernon parks.westchester.gov/willsons-woods-park 914-813-6990 Hours: Park: Daily, 8am to dusk, year-round. Pool: Through Sept. 3: Daily, 11am-6:30pm Admission: $15; $8 park pass holder; $10 guests of park pass holders; $5 children ages 5-11 of park pass holders; free for children younger than 5 The park consists of a historic bathhouse, wave pool with 3-foot waves, 18-foot-high water slide, cascades, and fountains in a water playground, spray deck, plus areas for picnics and fishing.

BEACHES

Croton Point Park 1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson parks.westchester.gov/croton-point-park 914-862-5290 Hours: Through Labor Day: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6:30pm. Park open daily, 8am to dusk. Admission: Beach: $4; $3 children ages 5-11; free for children younger than 5. Parking: $10 ($5 with Westchester County Parks pass). This 508-acre park on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River offers a beach, kayaking, fishing, picnic grounds, hiking, a playground, a nature center, and camping. Find more>>nymetroparents.com/beaches

Find more>> nymetroparents.com/amusementparks

BERRY PICKING

Greig Farm 227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook greigfarm.com 845-758-8007 Hours: Picking: daily, 8am-8pm. Market: daily, 9am-7pm Pick your own blueberries and blackberries in August; apples and pumpkins in September. Seafood market and craft market on-site. Kids can feed goats behind the barn. The Hudson Valley Farmer’s Market offers local vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheeses, meats, fish, flowers, and more from local farms. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/berries

HORSEBACK RIDING Westchester Trail Rides 6 Croton Lake Road, Croton-on-Hudson westchestertrailrides.com 914-539-2987 The stable offers guided horseback trail riding for all ages. Trails traverse more than 7,000 acres of land surrounding the Croton reservoir and dam. English and Western riding styles are accepted. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/horseback-riding

Join us for a Free Trial Class

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Wed 1-3:30 our camps become specially-themed parties. Friday 1:30-4:00 GREAT PLAY GREAT PLAY and group. specially-themed Age 4.5-10 years ──── Age 3-6 years ──── parties. Contests, prizes and giveaways! Scarsdale, NY 10583 prizes giveaways Camp Parties Parties Contests Call in advance toand reserve summer camp dates and to save! Camp 969B CentralWed Park 1-3:30 Ave. Camp Party Everyone loves a good party! Three times a week our camps become eir age GREAT FUN. GREAT PRICING. Monday 1-3:30 Age 4.5-10 years specially-themed parties. Contests, prizes and giveaways! 914-713-3470 Scarsdale, NY 10583 Camp Party Wed 1-3:30 veryone loves good party! Three a week Call inaadvance to reserve summertimes camp dates and toour save!camps become Friday 1:30-4:00 GREAT PLAY GREAT PLAY GREAT FUN. GREAT PRICING. GREAT FUN. GREAT PRICING. pecially-themed parties. Contests, prizes and giveaways! 914-713-3470 Age 4.5-10 years 969B Central Park Ave. GREAT PLAY──── GREAT PLAY Visit: Wed 1-3:30 Central Park Ave. GREAT969BPLAY GREAT PLAY activities from our award-winning programs and parties for their age

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Fun-Filled Classes

Music, Movement & Friends Age-Specific Curriculum

969B Central Park Ave. Visit: Email: 914-713-3470

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Celebrating 30+ years of making music and memories

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Visit:

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Did you know that children under five who take regular swim lessons have more accelerated physical and mental development than their peers*? Unparalleled stroke expertise. Group lessons for ages six-months to adults. Learn-to-swim or refine your strokes. Training for swimmers at all competitive levels.

Fall registration begins August 12th SIGN UP AT: 475-359-3528 or sweetblueswim.com

visit us at Sweet Blue Swim Academy

Located in nearby Greenwich * 2009 Griffith University Study of 45 swim schools.

WestchesterParent 35

renaissance faire

wDeborah Grosmark

things to do

You can ride various manually

powered rides at the New

York Renaissance Faire.

Where Fantasy Rules Immerse yourself in a 16th-century Elizabethan village for a day

he New York Renaissance Faire is back for its 42nd season! This 65-acre Elizabethan village celebrates life in the 16th century with jousting, theater, acrobatics, magicians, music, shows, games, food, and more. Read on as Estée Pouleris shares what her first experience at the New York Renaissance Faire was like. Three years ago, I hadn’t attended this event before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. My then 4-year-old daughter Brooklyn, her dad, and I made the scenic 45-minute drive from upper Manhattan to see what the Renaissance Faire is all about. And we experienced a show you may find yourself looking forward to each and every year. Once we arrived, the faire completely blew my mind. It is set up as a 65-acre Elizabethan village, and it feels like being on a movie set. This celebration of the 16th century is filled with hundreds of costumed performers, jousting tournaments, music, festive foods, magicians, manually powered rides, and more than 100 shops selling mostly handmade wares. To add to the fun, most of the attendees dress up, too. The venue even offers rental costumes if you feel inspired to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Queens, and Knights, and Fairies, Oh My!

We began our day around 3pm, and stopped first at the Queen’s Glade, where Brooklyn participated in the Children’s Knighting Ceremony. Here we were able to spend some time with “her majesty” and her court. It was a cute ceremony led by costumed knights who taught the kids about knighthood and their job to protect the realm. Brooklyn received a certificate of knighthood for her extraordinary courage, honor, and truthfulness, and was renamed Lady Brooklyn. Our next stop was The Enchanted Forest, where Brooklyn settled in and fell in love with the fairies. Fairies don’t talk, but Brooklyn 36

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

quickly found a way to communicate with them: They made gestures back and forth and mimicked each other’s facial expressions. Some fairies even gave away treasures such as buttons and pixie dust. Several times throughout the day, this area is also turned into Kids’ Quest, where kids can participate in a 30-minute adventure in which they work together to help the fairies save their enchanted homes.

Renaissance Fare and Fun

Next, we tried the amusement rides. There are about a half dozen manually powered rides spread throughout the grounds. We rode the Dragon Swing, Bedlam Barrel, Crow’s Nest, and carousel. These are all unique, hand crafted, and pushed or spun by hard-working faire employees, all dressed in character. As much fun as these were, I think the highlight was the games, including axe throwing, a maze, ring toss, darts, strength tests, and dragon slaying. Brooklyn and her dad played four rounds of archery, both eventually hitting the bullseye! We refueled with delicious food. The faire offers a smorgasbord of treats, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. We ended up with sausage on a stick, pizza, and dragon chips. All were deliciously greasy and perfect fair food. While eating we watched dancers and performers while many attendees joined in on the fun. It was a great break in our day and gave us a moment to take in the spirit of the festival and see how much fun everyone was having.

Royal Entertainment

Our next stop was Teatro Del Sol, where we caught an act by the famous Gypsy Geoff. He’s known for juggling, fire manipulation, and other circus acts. We’ll never forget this show because he ended up inviting Brooklyn onstage to do some tricks with him.

She held sticks while a plate spun on one and a metal bin on the other. Geoff then began playing them like drums. To top it off, he poured a pitcher of water in the spinning metal bin, giving Brooklyn a little shower. Our last planned stop for the day was the Royal Joust at the Roselawn Tournament Field. This event is free and offers a lot of great seating, including a VIP option. Jousting is intense, so I had to reassure Brooklyn that the competitors were unharmed. We all enjoyed it, though, and got to meet the riders and horses afterward. As the jousting tournament ended, the faire started closing down for the day. Brooklyn asked if she could be the leader to show us the way out, when a performer by the name of Daniel Liberti stepped by her side and said, “I’ll lead!” He asked her name and if she likes to make wishes. He put a pebble in her hand, told her to squeeze her hands and eyes as tight as she could, and make a wish. She announced her wish for a unicorn. He then took his staff and touched her hands with it, and told her to open her eyes and hands—well, there was no unicorn, but there was a crystal marble. It was a fun, spontaneous experience, so much in line with the vibe of a Renaissance Faire. We made our way toward the exit around 7pm and noticed all the performers gathering along the hills and paths on our route. A band started playing live Renaissance-style music, and everyone started dancing. Performers and attendees all danced together and celebrated a wonderful day of fantasy. My daughter found her favorite fairy up on the hill and they danced together until it was time to call it a day. It’s official: I am now a Renaissance Faire fan, and I will likely visit this one every year.

Tips for Visiting •

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The Renaissance Faire hosts themed weekends all season, including Pirate Weekend, Time Travelers’ Weekend, and Celtic Weekend. Plus, various entertainers stroll the grounds all season, so you’re never without something fun to see! There is free parking about ¼ mile from the faire, and free shuttle buses take visitors back and forth. There is $10 parking closer to the faire, but the lot fills quickly. The grounds are very stroller and wheelchair friendly. Diaper changing stations are in men’s and women’s bathrooms. Wagons are available to rent if you don’t bring a stroller. Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome. You can get a stamp if you leave the park to return later that day. Outside food is not allowed, but you can return to your car for a picnic if you would prefer your own food. Many shows are not appropriate for kids. All of these are indicated on the schedule or online. However, overall, this is a very kid-friendly venue. Nearly all activities, with few exceptions (such as the shows and performances), require additional fees. Activities and food stands don’t accept credit cards. There are ATMs around the faire, but bringing cash is helpful. There is direct bus transportation provided by Shortline from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to the faire. It offers either a round-trip bus-only ticket to the faire or a day-trip package that includes round-trip bus ticket, plus faire admission and a program (shortlinebus.com; 800-631-8405).

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Want to Go?

Address: Sterling Forest, 600 Route 17A, Tuxedo, Orange County Hours: Aug. 17-Oct. 6, Saturday-Sunday and Labor Day, 10am-7pm Admission: $29.95; $25.95 seniors (62 and older) and military personnel with identification; $13 ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and younger. Check website for discounts and promotions. More info: renfair.com/ny or 845-351-5171 WestchesterParent 37

raising kids baby

Plotting Your Return ››

The transition from maternity leave to being back at work isn’t always smooth, but the good news is you can make it easier on you and your family. By Madeleine Burry

ere’s the thing about maternity leave: It’s finite. You may have several months or just a few weeks of 1-on-1 time with your new baby, but eventually, you’ll return to your workplace. That transition isn’t always easy. “New moms may feel a range of feelings when returning to work,” says Dana Dorfman, Ph.D., psychotherapist and co-host of the podcast 2 Moms on the Couch. Those feelings can include everything from guilt to sadness to excitement. Then there is the sheer volume of logistical questions to tackle: Who will care for your baby? Where and when will you pump if you’re breast-feeding? Do your professional outfits still fit? With each question that hits you, heading back to work feels more intimidating. Since countless other working moms have dealt with these same concerns, we spoke to some of them, as well as human resources professionals and psychologists, to find the best strategies for your return to work.

Securing Child Care

Don’t delay when it comes to sorting out child care. Day care spots fill up early, and interviewing potential nannies will take longer than you think. “Secure child care early in the pregnancy,” recommends Angel Montfort, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist at the Center for Maternal Mental Health in Florida. Or at least put child care on the top of your transitional to-do list, and consider these factors as you evaluate your options. Location matters. “If you are looking for a day care for your child, remember the most important factor is location, location, location!” says Eirene Heidelberger, certified parent coach and founder of GIT Mom (Get It Together, Mom!). Your time will be precious, she points out—don’t waste it adding an extra leg to your commute. Plus, you’ll appreciate a location near home (or your office), especially if you have to pick up a sick little one in the middle of your workday. Caregiver rapport is important. The best way to feel comfortable about your baby being away from you is to be able to visualize how each day is spent. “I encourage moms to spend time with caregivers prior to returning to work,” Dr. Dorfman says. That might mean 38

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shadowing a nanny or sitter for a few days or long visits to the day care. (If the day care you’re considering seems to frown on “surprise” visits as opposed to scheduled tours, keep looking!) Schedule this time a few weeks before you head back to work— that way, if need be, you will have time to find an alternative. “Ideally, this time together will enhance mom’s connection and trust with a caregiver,” Dr. Dorfman says. Open communication is key. Moms should feel comfortable speaking with caregivers about their family’s needs. “It’s advisable to have regular check-ins to discuss concerns and mitigate potential conflicts,” Dr. Dorfman says. It can be as casual as chatting with the day care staff at drop-off or as formal as a weekly meeting with your nanny. A backup plan is a must. Babies get sick. Nannies do too. And sometimes, day care is closed when your workplace is open. Along with your partner, think through how you’ll handle these moments—maybe you have family or a trusted friend who can help out, or perhaps you and your partner can alternate caretaking.

Plan Your Return

Although you began strategizing before you went on leave (setting up a return date, etc.), be open to the possibility that your notion of what makes sense for you and your family may shift during maternity leave, Dr. Montfort urges. “As much as we try to plan ahead, it’s important to be adaptable and work together to find a plan that makes sense for everyone,” says Marshall Stanton, human resources director at Aeroflow Healthcare. The following expert tips can help you navigate this process: Prepare for a mix of emotions. “It’s normal to feel excited, scared, anxious, sad, or anything else…as your first day back approaches,” Stanton says. And don’t discount the possibility that you’ll welcome going back, Dr. Dorfman adds. “Often, work can be a welcome reprieve from allconsuming child care,” she says, noting that it’s a return to interacting with adults and reconnecting with your pre-motherhood identity. Know your rights. Legally, your employer needs to provide a private space and reasonable break time for you to pump, Stanton says. If the

space is bedraggled—say, an old supply closet with a rickety folding chair—schedule a time to meet with your manager about it. “I think most people will find their companies really want to support them but often just don’t fully understand what a new mom needs,” he adds. Do a trial run. Your morning routine likely looks quite different these days. Before your first day back at work, try a test run. Wake up, do your routine with baby, put on a work outfit, and commute to the office. This might reveal aspects that need adjustment— such as waking up earlier so you have time to change your shirt after it’s covered in spit-up.

ct nt a t C o vi s i to us la s s! ac

Skip Monday your first week back. A short week will make the transition easier on you. In addition, some moms at Stanton’s company work a modified schedule for the first few weeks back in the office. If that’s financially feasible, you may want to check if a flexible work schedule is an option at your workplace. Make a schedule. If you are pumping at work, try to schedule your day around it, Stanton suggests. If you need a firm exit time in place to avoid late fees from your caregiver, make sure to put that on your calendar so you don’t get pulled into a surprise 5pm meeting. Ask for what you need. “A mom must advocate for herself because no one else will,” Heidelberger says. Seek to negotiate expectations in a way that’s mutually beneficial, she advises. For example, a workfrom-home day may help you get more work done, while also being able to accommodate your nanny’s schedule. Find peers in and out of the office. It’s hard to overestimate the value of an in-office support system. These people really get it—and can often help you navigate new HR situations. “Finding a few fellow parents in the office who understand...what you’re going through is one of the best ways to help moms transition back smoothly,” Stanton says. Moms particularly benefit from other moms’ support, Dr. Dorfman says. “Those who are in the same phase of working motherhood can commiserate and deeply understand the way a mom feels,” she adds. In addition, find like-minded friends to add to your social circle. “Build your village so you can have a reality-check when you need it,” Heidelberger recommends.

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Turn to professionals. “Seek therapy if you need help navigating the emotional transition of returning to work,” Dr. Montfort says. A therapist provides a safe space to explore your feelings, and allows you to think through your new identity, she says. Ask for help—and accept it too! If the people in your life offer help with this transition or to care for your little one, take them up on it, Dr. Montfort says. After all, it really does take a village. Prioritize yourself. Experts agree: Mom guilt is hard for any mom to avoid, frankly. But “just because a mom may feel guilt, it doesn’t mean that it’s warranted,” Dr. Dorfman points out. Caring for yourself may help alleviate some of that guilt—and keep you sane. So take the time to figure out what you need for yourself. Maybe it’s an hour to attend a weekly yoga class, watching your favorite TV show, or a coffee date with a friend. “These restorative moments help moms to be more present with baby and more productive at work,” Dr. Dorfman observes. “They do wonders for the psyche and soul.” Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents.com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and their cat.

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family life insurance

Homeowner’s Insurance Check ››

Your policy should be sized up on a yearly basis (at least), but which life events warrant an immediate review? By Melissa Wickes

hen a disaster strikes your home—flood, burglary, fire, or worse—the last thing you want to worry about is whether your homeowner’s insurance is up to date. Even if you review your coverage annually, there are several life-changing events that may require policy modification—big purchases, home renovation, or family changes. With a little help from local homeowner’s insurance experts, we explain how and when to make the necessary adjustments.

Big Purchases

Homeowner’s insurance is not just meant to protect your physical home (the bricks, walls, and roof). It should also cover what’s inside your home—everything from furniture to designer handbags. “It is extremely important to check in with your insurance agent when you make significant purchases to ensure everything is covered,” says Christina Trapani, senior branch manager at Liberty Mutual Insurance in Valley Stream. “For high-valued items, like engagement rings, artwork, consumers should look into ‘scheduling’ the property,” Trapani suggests. “Scheduling is an insurance term meaning the item is on a ‘schedule’ and insured separately—it is not covered under the general personal property limit.” A vacation might also warrant a change in policy. “Say you have a big trip coming up this summer, maybe overseas. We should talk about if you have off-premise theft (coverage). Meaning, if you’re in the airport and your luggage is stolen, where does your coverage end and begin?” offers Christina Shaw, an Allstate agent in Wantagh. Making a purchase that could be considered high-risk—such as a pool or a new trampoline—is another reason to review your policy. Another example? A pet. “Getting a dog is a good reason to call your agent because you want to make sure your liability coverage on your homeowner’s insurance policy includes if your dog bites a neighbor or something like that,” explains Kelly Qu, homeowners insurance agent for Allstate in Manhattan.

Home Renovations

A renovation should absolutely trigger a policy review—what if the construction itself damages your property or someone gets hurt on the job? Even if your neighbor trips over lumber that was left in your yard from your kitchen extension, liability coverage can help pay for the medical costs. 40

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Another policy to re-read before renovating your home is your umbrella policy—which is excess liability that sits on top of your home (and auto) insurance and will kick in if your homeowners insurance runs out before the issue is financially resolved, according to Shaw. If the neighbor who fell over some lumber in your backyard ends up needing an ambulance, an overnight stay in the ER, and additional medical care, your liability coverage might be spent before you can even think about the legal fees you’ll have to pay if he sues you for pain and suffering. “If your liability is exhausted, the umbrella policy will kick in for an additional million [dollars] or more, depending on what you purchase,” explains Shaw, noting that those with equity in their home or large incomes should be aware of it. “Really, it’s a shield between you and your assets.” Finally, if your home reno includes upgrades that will greatly increase your overall home value, you want to make sure your ‘new’ residence is not underinsured. For example, if you recently replaced your cabinets, make sure a claim will cover the new ones, not the 30-year-old cabinets that were there when you first [purchased the policy],” Qu says.

Family Changes

You should review your policy if you get married, divorced, or if your spouse passes away. “The policy should have the same names as the title of your home,” says Rosa Mejias, exclusive agent at Allstate in Yonkers. And take a look at your plan when a new baby joins the family, or even a few months before. A new baby can mean new furniture, toys, electronics, and other expenses that might put you over your current coverage limits. If this is the case, consider a rider—an optional addition to your homeowner’s policy, which can be used to cover things that aren’t covered by your standard home policy, according to Trapani. A money-saving trick? Bundle. Some insurance companies will allow you to purchase bundles for a discount on your home and auto insurance, per Shaw. No matter what is going on in your life, homeowner’s insurance does not stop at the end of your driveway. It should be reviewed on a regular basis, especially if any life-changing events have occurred. And if you’re unsure about whether changes should be made, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call your agent to discuss them.

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family life home

Staying on Budget ››

While it’s easy for home renovations to cost more than you were anticipating (old wiring, anyone?), it is possible to stay within your original budget. By Jacqueline Neber

enovating your home can be exciting—there are so many ways to make your vision come to life. Unfortunately, it can also be incredibly stressful—and one of the most challenging aspects is staying within your budget. We polled contractors and designers for tips and tricks to contain the costs from start to finish.

Start with a Realistic Budget

People often come up with an arbitrary budget number they believe makes sense for their project, says Chip Wade, a host and designer for HGTV and DIY Network and owner of WadeWorks Creative. That number, however, is usually inaccurate. “Where a lot of us go wrong is, even if we have a general scope of the project, we want what we want,” Wade says. “And we want our budget to buy what we want, but that’s just not reality.” Uzi Ovadia, president and owner of Oz General Contracting in Bellmore, agrees. “People sometimes think they’re smarter than the contractor, and that’s not necessarily the case,” he says. He has seen renovators buy materials themselves and then bring in a cheap contractor to finish the job, which never seems to cut costs. On the other hand, many homeowners sign on with contractors too early, before they’ve brought in a designer or made a finite plan. “You actually have no idea of the scope that captures the overall essence of your design,” Wade says. “And that’s because you’re not designing first. You’re just doing a rough scope pricing, which is very dangerous.” And oftentimes, people wind up busting their budgets because they can’t stick to a plan, says Ann Marie Little, who runs Little John Remodeling Inc. in Northport. “They get their numbers, and then they change the plan as they go or add things on the fly, and they don’t think things through. Sometimes it’s because they’re not waiting for the right person. They’ll take whomever is available and make their decisions hastily.”

Plan with a Pro

One of the most important steps for a renovator is to create a full design plan before they call a contractor, and before assigning their project a budget. The best way to do this is to bring in a designer who can map out all of the materials, fixtures, and the scope of work to scale so there’s no ambiguity. WadeWorks Creative pairs renovators with designers to create a “full-scale, comprehensive design and construction set” that can 42

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

be brought to multiple contractors to ensure they are comparing apples to apples when giving quotes. Wade says this is key. Renovators should also pick out all of their materials and know exactly what they are willing to pay for different aspects of their project. “The general homeowner has no idea if two-thousand dollars is going to buy the lighting fixtures that they want,” Wade says. “So go ahead and select, and have an exact number.” Some contractors, such as Oz General Contracting, source materials in-house and never use subcontractors, which allows them to provide a more accurate cost estimate. At Oz, after several design sessions, clients “will find out exactly to the penny where [their project] will be,” Ovadia says.

Stay on Track

Wade stresses that renovators should give their contractors incentives to finish the job on time. He recommends putting down only 35-40 percent of the budget for the project at first, then adding another 30 percent when the plumbing, electric, and framing are in and the project is ready for drywall. Don’t pay that last 30 percent until final walkthrough, he says, because leaving the company with only 10 percent of the money left to make before they’re finished means they might get caught up in other jobs. “Any contractor that wants fifty to sixty percent down, that puts you at a disadvantaged position,” Wade says. “Whoever controls the money, controls the job.”

Do Your Homework

It is essential that renovators do their homework, do their homework, do their homework, Ovadia stresses. One way to do this, according to Little, is to make a list of every last thing you want from your renovation—before hiring a contractor, designer, or making any product selections. She recommends using home product sites, such as Kohler.com or Moen.com, to price out the fixtures you’d like rather than going by a third-party seller’s estimates. Then take your list to a professional who knows each and every product you’ll need for your renovation. Most importantly, she says, as you move through the process, cross things off that you can’t afford—and do not deviate from the list. “If the plan is to redo the bathroom and take out a window, that’s the plan,” Little says. “Stick to the plan!”

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GIRL AGAIN

4 Martine Ave., White Plains free parking at the Seasons garage 914-358-1460 girlagain.com; girlagain@yesshecaninc.org Girl AGain is a resale boutique for gently used American Girl dolls and books which make great birthday gifts!

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PARTY PLACES A-GAME SPORTS

7 Addison St., Larchmont 914-833-2880 creativecornerlarchmont.com creativecornerlarchmont@gmail.com Creative Corner is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday! Art party options include wood toys, treasure boxes, canvas bags, ceramic piggy banks, and canvas paintings. We will help every step of the way.

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29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com FunFuzion is the only place where kids can “Fuze the Fun” for their fantastic day! Come celebrate at the home of the world’s greatest birthday party!

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Interactive Gym for Kids 969B Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-713-3470 greatplay.com/scarsdale Our award-winning, high-energy parties are spectacular events in our amazing Interactive Gym™. We customize each party based on your child’s interests, using some of our most popular Great Play games.

HOMMOCKS PARK ICE RINK

Boston Post Road and Weaver Street, Larchmont 914-834-1069 hommocksparkicerink.org Have your birthday party on ice! Host your next special party at the coolest place in town, Mamaroneck’s popular enclosed Hommocks Park Ice Skating Rink.

KIDS IN SPORTS

365 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-358-9732 scarsdaleny.kidsinsports.com; scarsdaleny@kidsinsports.com We design the party to suit your child’s sports interests and abilities. Parties are 90 minutes. You will have our entire location dedicated to only your party, hosted by our expert coaches.

LIL CHAMELEON

856 Main St., New Rochelle 914-278-9477 agamesports.net; info@agamesports.net A-Game Sports offers a variety of birthday party packages for children of all ages. Each 90-minute party includes supervised playtime with two coaches on a private section of turf.

29 Elm St.,Tuckahoe 914-346-5148 lilchameleon.com Book our Silver or Gold Package each with unique experiences: crafts with face painting or balloon sculptures, cupcake decorating, princesses, super heroes, tea party, rainbows and unicorns, or live animals.

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THE LITTLE GYM

114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com; jeanette@artistreearts.com Artistree Performing Arts creates amazing birthday parties for children ages 1-12. Have your party in our beautifully renovated studio or let us come to you with just the entertainment.

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August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!

MUSICAL MUNCHKINS

167 Scarsdale Road,Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins is the perfect birthday party activity for babies through age 5! Enjoy group drumming, funny favorite sing-along songs, and fabulous dancing scarves!

THE PLAY GROUP THEATRE

1 N. Broadway, suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org The Play Group Theatre® (PGT) is Westchester’s theater for children and teens. PGT shows make ideal birthday parties for a variety of ages. Enjoy the show, followed by a backstage tour.

QUASSY AMUSEMENT AND WATERPARK

1-800-FOR-PARK (367-7275) quassy.com info@quassy.com Quassy Amusement and Waterpark in nearby Middlebury, CT is the ideal location for your birthday party. All day rides and waterpark are included as well as food, soda, and free parking.

THE ROCK CLUB AT PINE BROOK FITNESS

130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-633-7625 pinebrookfitness.com/the-rock-club Parties at The Rock Club literally rock! Rock climbing is an incredibly social sport and a great way to bring excitement and engagement to your next birthday party!

SPORTIME USA

380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2 sportimeusa.com Birthday parties? That’s our specialty! Celebrate your birthday at Sportime USA, the coolest place to have a party in Westchester.

STUDIO B DANCE CENTER

277White Plains Road (entrance on Prospect Avenue), Eastchester 914-793-2799 studiobdance.com Each party at Studio B is uniquely designed to give the birthday child an exciting, personalized experience. Boys and girls ages 2 and older enjoy dancing and playing games to their favorite music.

WESTCHESTER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

100 Playland Parkway, Rye 914-421-5050 discoverwcm.org info@discoverwcm.org Places to build, explore, and discover, the Westchester Children’s Museum is Westchester’s newest, most creative place for birthday parties! Have the museum’s exhibits, MakerSpace, and party room to yourself-our parties offer exclusive use of the museum space when the general public has gone home.

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1-800- 433-4149 The Bronx Zoo: 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Central Park Zoo: 830 Fifth Ave., Manhattan Queens Zoo: 53-51 111th St., Corona Prospect Park Zoo: 450 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn New York Aquarium: 602 Surf Ave., Brooklyn wcs.org/birthdays Make your wildlife lover’s birthday an unforgettable experience with a party at our zoos or aquarium! Parties include park admission, a private party room with host, special animal guests, visits to our exhibits, and hands-on activities to make your party animal’s birthday a truly unforgettable experience!

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Anna Krosche TheLiceLadyofWestchester.com 914-497-5465 TheLiceLady@aol.com

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Westchester Gymnastics and Cheer .... 9

Andrus Early Learning Center............. 31 Ann & Andy.......................................... 17 Lil Chameleon ..................................... 41 Mommybites........................................ 47 Robin’s Nest of Phelps Hospital ......... 19

birthday / party services Artistree Performing Arts .................... 41 Creative Corner of Larchmont............. 41 Great Play - Scarsdale........................ 35 Kids In Sports - Westchester .............. 39 Lil Chameleon ..................................... 41 Little Gym - Westchester..................... 48 Musical Munchkins ............................. 35 Pinebrook Fitness ............................... 37 Sportime USA, Inc............................... 21 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .....33 Young At Art ........................................ 43

camps Ann & Andy.......................................... 17 Artistree Performing Arts .................... 41 Chapel School / Village Lutheran ....... 15 Creative Corner of Larchmont............. 41 Curtain Call Inc. .................................. 43 Goddard School - Hastings ................ 15 Great Play - Scarsdale........................ 35 Kids Base and The Little School ......... 15 Kids In Sports - Westchester .............. 39 Little Gym - Westchester..................... 48 Milestone School (The) ....................... 19 Pinebrook Fitness ............................... 37 Playgroup Theatre................................. 5 Purchase College - Learn-To-Swim .... 37 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .....33 Studio B Dance.................................... 21 Sweet Blue Swim Academy ................ 35

classes Alcott Montessori..................................11 Artistree Performing Arts .................... 41 Belle School of Music ........................... 9 Creative Corner of Larchmont............. 41 Curtain Call Inc. .................................. 43 Easter Seals Project Explore............... 15 FASNY .................................................11 German International School of New York ....13 Hoff-Barthelson Music School ............ 43 Kids In Sports - Westchester .............. 39 Lil Chameleon ..................................... 41 Musical Munchkins ............................. 35 Playgroup Theatre................................. 5 Purchase College - Learn - To - Swim .37 Starlight Starbright Music ................... 39 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .33 Studio B Dance.................................... 21 Sweet Blue Swim Academy ................ 35 Young At Art ........................................ 43

dance Stepping Stones Museum for Children .33 Studio B Dance.................................... 21

education Alcott Montessori..................................11

Andrus Early Learning Center............. 31 Chapel School / Village Lutheran ....... 15 FASNY .................................................11 German International School of New York ....13 Goddard School - Hastings ................ 15 Kids Base and The Little School ......... 15 Milestone School (The) ....................... 19 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .....33 Sylvan Learning Centers ...................... 3

family entertainment / events / outings

Hoff-Barthelson Music School ............ 43 Musical Munchkins ............................. 35 Starlight Starbright Music ................... 39

performing arts / acting Artistree Performing Arts..................... 41 Curtain Call Inc. .................................. 43 Playgroup Theatre................................. 5

play spaces Great Play - Scarsdale........................ 35 Kids In Sports - Westchester .............. 39

Inn at East Hill Farm (The) ................. 41 Playland Park ..................................... 35 Sportime USA, Inc............................... 21 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .....33

retail

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Inn at East Hill Farm (The) ................. 41

fitness Achieve Martial Arts............................... 3 Pinebrook Fitness ............................... 37 Stepping Stones Museum for Children .....33

health Lice Clinics of America ....................... 43 Main Street Pediatric Dentistry ............. 5 Scarsdale Medical Pediatrics ............... 2 White Plains Orthodontics................... 43

music Artistree Performing Arts .................... 41 Belle School of Music ........................... 9

Affordables ......................................... 41 Lil Chameleon ..................................... 41 Tilly...A Deer’s Tale.............................. 43 Easter Seals Project Explore............... 15 Sportime USA, Inc............................... 21

sports Achieve Martial Arts .............................. 3 Kids In Sports - Westchester .............. 39 Pinebrook Fitness ............................... 37 Purchase College - Learn-To-Swim .... 37 Sweet Blue Swim Academy ................ 35 Westchester Gymnastics and Cheer .... 9

theater Artistree Performing Arts .................... 41 Curtain Call Inc. .................................. 43

tutors Sylvan Learning Centers ...................... 3

WestchesterParent 45

raising kids voices

Barefoot and Better for It ››

How speaking the language of yoga is good for my family By Peshie Needleman

like my Nikes. I like my kettlebell. I like my sweatband, child of the ’80s that I am. I especially like my medicine ball. I do cardio, weight training, and high intensity interval training. I also have six kids, so when I do have time to go to the gym, I only sign up for very sweaty, very intense workouts. But then came a week with a weird schedule of randomly timed appointments and early school dismissals. I wasn’t able to fit in my usual classes—but I could make it to a yoga class. I had never tried yoga before. When I showed up and saw I was the only one wearing sneakers, I felt like a fish out of water. But I do like new experiences, so I removed my socks and stuffed them deep into my Nikes. I found a studio mat and took my place. I did the best I could, sometimes acing the pose, sometimes struggling through the pose, very often getting my rights and lefts mixed up until I realized I was supposed to mirror the instructor. By the end of the class, I liked yoga, but I was absolutely, totally, positively in love with the yoga language. It was a revelation—this incredibly validating and encouraging talk is soothing and positive. In my life, with kids who range in age from 4-23 and a husband, my interactions consist of me telling others what to do or others telling me what to do. “Fill out the forms and sign by the X.” “Pick up your pajamas from the bathroom floor. If they need to be washed, put them in the hamper. If not, put them on your pillow.” “Pick up my dry cleaning. Please.” “Add cottage cheese to the list.” Even my regular workout sounds like orders: “Sit ups. Starting at one, two, three. Go!” Everything is instructions and facts, black and white, statements and requests. But yoga talk is a murmuring brook of suggestions. “Perhaps you would like to join us in downward dog.” “Pedal your legs if that feels good to you.” “You’re welcome to join us in plank.” Of course, I appreciated the other parts of yoga—the reminder

to unclench my jaw and stay present in the moment. The idea of “coming to stillness” for even 2 minutes during my busy day made me feel tethered to the calm feeling I had captured in class. But more than the mindfulness and the grounded feeling yoga gave me, its language appealed to my inner being (which apparently wants to be spoken to in a gentle voice). After that class, I was easier on myself. “If it feels like the right thing to do, turn on the radio. But if you think checking the news is going to up your stress level, feel free to keep the radio turned off.” And I was easier on others. That night, when I told my 5-yearold to brush his teeth, I peppered our conversation with terms of endearment. “Get up on the stepstool, honey, and tell me if you want the Paw Patrol Bubble Yum Toothpaste or the Minion Mint?” And to my daughter: “Hey, princess, remember to put your empty lunch containers in the sink, sweetie.” With my older kids, my kids-in-law, and my husband, I sprinkled on the sweetness with a light touch, so as not to make them think an alien had somehow taken over my brain. Just a little “honey” tacked on to the beginning or end was a gentle reminder that my suggestions and instructions are coming from a place of love. As I enjoined my family to do this or that in yoga speak more often, they actually started to listen. “You might want to take the trash out as you’re leaving,” I said with a smile—and bit my lip to keep myself from adding a snarky “before our kitchen starts smelling like a landfill!” “What do you think about finally getting rid of the old car seat, so the garage looks less crowded?” “I wonder if your morning might go easier for you if you packed your Color War shirt in your backpack tonight. How does that sound to you?” It’s going to take me some time and patience to master camel pose, but I will definitely be going to a yoga again. Yes, it’s good for my core, but more importantly, it’s good for my family.

Peshie Needleman lives in Rockland County with her husband and their six children. She writes two humor columns for local magazines. In her spare time, she enjoys…wait. Actually, she doesn’t have any spare time.

August 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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