September 2019
westchesterfamily.com
Creativity & Technology
Not Every Kid is Wired to Code Pick-Your-Own
Apples! Tips for Handling
Picky Eaters Our Annual
Education Directory + Jewish Schools
+110
Sensational SEPTEMBER EVENTS
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SACRED GEOGRAPHY: ISRAEL 2020 Co-Ed • Grades K-12 100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804 | www.td.edu | 914-632-8836 September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
3
contents
September 2019 volume twenty-nine | number nine
departments
6 Editor’s Note 8 Events & Offers 10 Bits & Pieces 16 back to School
10 Safe & Stylish Backpacks
30 32
ASK THE SPECIALIST Tips for Handling Picky Eaters
Let’s Go The Apple Orchard
46 Last word
Has Your Kids’ World Gone Gray?
calendar
Family Activities for September
35 Top Pick: Fall Festival at the Orchard 38 Editor’s Pick: Dinosaur Safari
features 12
40 Editor’s Pick: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze 41
Pick-your-own-apples Everyone is heading back to school, but that doesn’t mean family outings must stop. Make a little fun for family fun this season. Yes, the top fun-for-all activity in September is apple picking. You can easily get apples in the food store or farmers’ market, but here in the Northeast pick-your-own is the perfect outdoor family activity.
22
not every kid is wired to code While programming skills will absolutely be in high demand as we move toward a future filled with automation, robots, and artificial intelligence, it’s not necessary to subscribe to the idea that every kid needs to become a coding expert. Some kids are wired to be coders and others are better suited pursuing more creative aspects of technology. Is your child one of them?
September 2019
on the cover 12
Not Every Kid is Wired to Code
12
Pick-Your-Own Apples
30
Tips for Handling Picky Eaters
24
Annual Education Directory
35
110 Sensational September Events
weStcheSterfamily.com
Creativity & Technology
not Every Kid is Wired to Code Pick-Your-Own
Apples! Tips for Handling
Picky Eaters Our AnnuAl
Education dirEctory + Jewish schools
+110
SEnSAtiOnAl SEPtEMBEr EVEntS
4
Cover Photo: Kristin Larsen, kristinlarsenphotography.com
Westchester Family | September 2019
Fairs & Festivals
42 Animal Experiences 43 #LiveShows 44 City Picks
advertising
24 Education Guide 20 Jewish EEC & Hebrew Schools
Coming Next Month Halloween Coverage – If you live in the Hudson Valley region, you know Halloween is huge. After all, author Washington Irving penned The Legend of Sleepy Hollow featuring the Headless Horseman based on what is believed to be real-life events in and around Tarrytown. Read our comprehensive Halloween event coverage in the October issue. PINK – To help support and encourage breast cancer awareness read our special section devoted to the latest technology, support services and information. Plus … Westchester Family’s awardwinning searchable calendar for families and much more! Look for it starting September 29!
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Editor’s Note
President and Publisher Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO and Co-Publisher Joshua Schneps Westchester Family WestchesterFamily.com Publisher Clifford Luster cluster@schnepsmedia.com co-Publisher/Editor Jean Sheff edit@westchesterfamily.com Calendar Editor Marissa Rodriguez calendar@westchesterfamily.com
September: A Second Chance to Reset January may be the numerical beginning of a new year, but if you are raising a family the real New Year begins in September. I think that’s good news because I like getting a second chance to reset. Every year I make some September promises. Maybe you are like me and are determined that this school year you will: get organized, pack healthy lunches, get your kids to the school bus on time, volunteer at school, make sure homework is done every night, and create quality family time for your kids on the weekend. Phew, it’s a tall order, but we’re here to help. Since education is top-of-mind this month read our feature “Not Every Kid is Wired to Code,” by Rob Kissner, the founder and president of The Digital Arts Experience. Kissner says while learning to code is great, some kids have the propensity to excel in the more creative aspects of technology. Learn if your kid is one of them and if they are how you can help them develop their skills. Also take a look at our Education Guide to learn more about the amazing educational opportunities available throughout Westchester. As for organization and health consider our tips in “Lazy Lunch Boxes” for a few, fast
outside the box tips. If you have the challenge of cooking for a picky eater check out “9 Tips for Handling Picky Eaters” by Nicole Avena, Ph.D. to get a handle on the situation. Because September also means apple picking (also healthy and fun) we have a list of the best orchards in the area as well as a parent’s review of two popular Westchester orchards in Let’s Go … to the Apple Orchard. Make a note that Sept. 8 is Grandparents Day - don’t worry we have some suggestions on how to celebrate. Plus think ahead to October and consider getting your school or organization on board to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, it can add some charitable meaning to a gimme-candy laden holiday. Quality family time is easy when you consult our Calendar of Events. There’s something fun to do every single day of the week. Be sure to visit our website too as we keep adding to the online event list all month long! Here’s to a happy new school year! Jean Sheff Co-publisher and editor
ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@schnepsmedia.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov Marcos Ramos Connie Sulsenti DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Roberto Palacios 718-260-4531
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Westchester Family (ISSN 1043-6774) is published monthly by Queens Family Media LLC. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the Publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. Editorial submissions are welcome.
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Happy. Healthy. Loved. These are the dreams we have for our children. So we cherish the moments when little giggles fill the room, imaginations take us on great adventures, and when it seems our hearts could burst with pride and love. Here and now, we’d stop time if we could. Because when kids are being kids, we all feel better.
Let’s get every child covered. If your child needs health insurance, Fidelis Care is just a call, click, or visit away.
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To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777. September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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Events & offers
Our September contests A Little Book Of Big Magical Stickers Enter to win A Little Book Of Big Magical Stickers, a book of big vinyl stickers — 20 huge designs and more than 150 mini ones — that are waterproof and perfect for sticking on laptops, water bottles, and cell phones. The book features everything magical and mysterious: a caticorn nibbles cupcakes, an adorable narwhal wears a flower crown, a rainbow starburst streaks across the sky, crystals glow with a mystical vibe. Retail value, $9.95. Contest ends Sept. 26, 2109. Enter now at WestchesterFamily.com/Stickers.
Hot Dots Jr. Enter to win Hot Dots Jr., featuring Pete the Cat. This new awardwinning Highlights and Educational Insights interactive learning set helps make learning a little groovier! Preschool and kindergartners enjoy 200+ fun, interactive lessons in reading, math, science, social studies, and more. Press Pete to an answer dot — he offers affirmative sounds and green lights for correct responses and red lights and lively tones for incorrect responses, which helps develop critical early learning skills and encourages self-paced, independent learning. Retail value, $22.99. Contest ends Sept. 26, 2019. Enter now at WestchesterFamily.com/Dots.
Tick-or-Treat for UNICEF Teach your kids to give back Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF started in 1950 when girls and boys across the United States collected coins in hand-painted milk cartons to help children affected by World War II. Since then, generations of children in the United States have gone door to door on Halloween with the signature orange collection boxes, calling out, “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF!” The funds help UNICEF with their goal of providing health care, immunizations, access to safe water and sanitation services, basic education, and emergency relief to children around the world. Over the years many schools and groups in Westchester County have participated in The Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program including Quaker Ridge Elementary School in Scarsdale, the French American School of NY in Mamaroneck, Furnace Woods Elementary School in Cortlandt Manor, and For Kids Only, Inc. in Briarcliff. Convince your school or organization to get involved this year!
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Westchester Family | September 2019
UNICEF USA
Let your children enjoy the treats of Halloween and teach them to help other kids in need by trick-or-treating for UNICEF. Visit TrickorTreatforUNICEF.org to download a DIY change box, find an event near you, learn the answers to FAQs, and find teacher support materials. And now you can submit your collected donations right online!
Just follow the Submit Donation tab. Donations can also be mailed or taken via phone. Remember 89% of your taxdeductible donation goes directly to children in need.
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Bits & Pieces
Lazy Lunch boxes School is starting and yes we all want our kiddos to eat healthy during the school day. We know it’s best for their physical and mental health. Sending a lunch box is a good way to offer healthy foods. We also know that we are all overextended, plus tired and groggy at 7 a.m. Let’s get a realistic take on the lunch box — let’s even get a wee bit lazy. Prep: Get the kids involved. Don’t fall victim to thinking doing it all yourself makes things easier. After dinner get the kids to make creative leftover lunch box choices. Let them wrap up chicken slices in a small size pita spread with mayo, hummus or guacamole. They can cut left over veggie pizza into small pieces and put them in a plastic container. Some kids love cold pizza! They can even make their own PB&J (or any version of it). Go Mini: To make it friendly. Either purchase mini containers of yogurt, guacamole, hummus, salsa and seed butters or use small fun containers to create your own. Add veggie sticks (carrot, cucumber etc.) or slices of cheese or meat. You can also opt to have the kids pack lunch in a small bento box. it’s even more fun to see what can fit in each section. Put in a few slices of meat or a wedge of cheese, some whole-wheat crackers, and add small fruit — grapes, a clementine, cut up pineapple — and voila! Snack Right: Beware Sugar Rush. Kids love something a little sweet, but don’t overdo it. A little goes a long way to keeping their blood sugar stable for the afternoon. Choose snacks low in sugar like trail mix, popcorn, or veggie sticks. It’s fine to throw in a cookie — but just send one or two small ones no need for an entire bag.
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Westchester Family | September 2019
National Grandparents Day! While not a public holiday, Grandparents Day is in fact a national holiday. President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation on Aug. 3, 1978 declaring the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. This year National Grandparents Day is celebrated on Sept. 8. Help your children acknowledge the importance of their grandparents and honor the wisdom and strength of older generations. A simple, thoughtful gesture can go a long way to making a connection
between grandparent and child. Consider sending grandparents your child’s homemade card or drawing, make a photo book of a child’s and grandparents’ fun times together, FaceTime a personal greeting, and if grandparents are close by consider spending the day together. Some families who have lost their grandparents encourage their child to name an honorary grandparent to recognize there are other people in our lives that can fill in for generations gone by.
Get Into the Zone Parenting can be stressful, and guess what, so can childhood. Margie Ferris (speech-language pathologist) and Melissa Wassil (teacher and preschool director) are looking to remedy that with their Zen Zone Sensory Gym. This mindfully designed indoor play and learning space is a haven for children of all abilities and learning styles. Co-owners Ferris and Wassil have created a multisensory environment where children can feel accepted to move and learn at their individual pace, and be properly challenged to encourage growth. The “zen” component of mindfulness helps children be in the moment and helps to improve attention, communication skills as well as relieve anxiety. There’s a lot going on at Zen Zone. You can drop-in (if space is available — call ahead) for Open Gym, which includes soft lighting, gentle sounds, and even sensory break spaces for kids who want to chill out. What’s more there are group classes in yoga, mindfulness, executive function and social speaking skill building, Music n’ Play,
courtesy photo
plus therapeutic sessions offered by speech-language, occupational, and physical therapists. Pop-up mindfulness classes have been offered for adults too! Single, five and 10-pack visiting passes are available. Birthday parties are led by professional staff and children with special needs are happily accommodated. Zen Zone Sensory Gym, 2055 Albany Post Road, Croton-on-Hudson 914-7379663. zenzonegym.com.
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Pick-Your-Own Apples! Good fun & good eats
By Jean Sheff
E
veryone is heading back to school, but that doesn’t mean family outings must stop. Make a little time for some good family fun this season. Yes, the top fun-for-all family activity in September is apple picking. You can easily get apples in the grocery store, but here in the Northeast pick-your-own is a time-honored tradition. Plus, it’s educational, shouldn’t your children see how apples grow — certainly not in a plastic bag at the supermarket. And when kids pick apples, they tend to eat them too! So be prepared, your family will to polish off these nutritious beauties in no time.
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Westchester Family | September 2019
Visit these orchards for nearby apple picking. Some locations also sell other items such as farm fresh fruits, vegetables and apple cider. And some offer freshly made donuts and apple pie. Others celebrate the season with hayrides, animals, corn mazes and kids’ activities. So, get the family together and go apple picking on a perfect September day! Heading Out to Pick-Your-Own Some farms have pick-your-own on weekends only so always call ahead to ask about activities, picking hours, crop availability, variety and prices to make sure your family has the best experience possible!
Westchester County, N.Y. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard Country store, apple cider donuts, hayrides, pony rides 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-485-1210. harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com Outhouse Orchards Farm stand, corn maze, hayrides 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188. outhouseorchardsny.com Stuart’s Farm Farm stand, hayrides, apple cider donuts 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs
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Rockland County, N.Y.
914-245-2784. stuartsfarm.com
Dr. Davies Farm Hayrides 306 Rte. 304, Congers 845-268-7020. drdaviesfarm.com
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm Bakery (apple cider donuts), country store, hayrides, winery 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111. wilkensfarm.com
The Orchards of Concklin Rte. 45 and S. Mountain Road, Pomona 845-354-0369. theorchardsofconcklin.com
Dutchess County, N.Y. Barton Orchards Hayrides, corn maze, petting zoo, and Fun Park 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag 845-227-2306. bartonorchards.com
Ulster County, N.Y. Apple Hill Farm Hayrides 124 Rte. 32 South, New Paltz 845-255-1605. applehillfarm.com
Cedar Heights Orchard Crosby Lane, Rhinebeck 845-876-3231. rhinebeckapples.com Fishkill Farms Farm store, outdoor grill 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction 845-897-4377. fishkillfarms.com
Fort Salonga Farm 30 Meadow Glen Road, Northport 631-269-9666. fortsalongafarm.com
Fraleigh’s Rose Hill Farm 19 Rose Hill Farm, off Rte. 9, Red Hook 845-758-4215. pickrosehillfarm.com
The Milk Pail 1346 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill 631-537-2565. milk-pail.com
Greig Farm 223 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook 845-758-1234. greigfarm.com
Seven Ponds Orchards 65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill 631-726-8015
Lawrence Farms Orchard 39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh 845-562-4268. lawrencefarmsorchards.com
Wickham’s Fruit Farm U-Pick yearly membership required purchase on arrival at farm, $20/family 28700 Main Road (Rte. 25), Cutchogue 631-734-6441. wickhamsfruitfarm.com
Mead Orchards 15 Scism Road, off Rte. 9, Tivoli 845-756-5641. meadorchards.com Meadowbrook Farms 29 Old Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls 845-297-3002. meadowbrookfarmmarket.com
Fairfield County, Conn. Blue Jay Orchards Hayrides start in October 125 Plumtrees Road, Bethel 203-748-0119. bluejayorchardsct.com
Orange County, N.Y. Applewood Orchard & Winery Wagon rides, puppet shows, farm animals 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick 845-986-1684. applewoodorchards.com Masker Orchards Music and horse-drawn wagon rides 45 Ball Road, off Rte. 17A, Warwick 845-986-1058. maskers.com
Apple Valley Farms 155 N. Ohioville Road, New Paltz 845-255-7077 Dressel Farms Pick-your-own weekends only, hayrides 271 Rte. 208, New Paltz 845-255-0693. dresselfarms.com Hurd’s Family Farm Hayrides and farm animals 2187 Rte. 32, Modena 845-883-7825. hurdsfamilyfarm.com Jenkins-Lueken Orchards 69 Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz 845-255-0999. jlorchards.com Locust Grove Fruit Farm Weekends only, farm stand, cider donuts and wagon rides 199 North Road, Milton 845-795-5194. locustgrovefruitfarm.com Minard Farms 250 Hurds Road, Clintondale 866-632-7753. minardfarms.com Prospect Hill Orchards Hayrides 40 Clarkes Lane, Milton 845-795-2383. prospecthillorchards.com
Ochs Orchard Farm animals, baked goods and ice cream 4 Ochs Lane, off Rte. 94, Warwick 845-986-1591. ochsorchard.net
Tantillo’s Farm Market 730 Rte. 208, Gardiner 845-256-9109. tantillosfarm.com
Long Island, N.Y.
Pennings Orchard Hayrides, farm market, farm animals 169 State Rte. 94 South, Warwick 845-986-7080. penningsorchard.com
Weed Orchards Hayrides, farm animals, cafe and bakery 43 Mt. Zion Road, Marlboro 845-236-2684. weedorchards.com
Davis Peach Farm Farm animals, apples Hulse Landing Road, Wading River 631-929-1115. davispeachfarm.com
Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery 114 Little York Road, Warwick 845-258-4858. wvwinery.com
Wilklow Orchards 341 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland 845-691-2339. wilkloworchards.com
Silverman’s Farm Open year-round, hayrides, animal farm 451 Sport Hill Road, Easton 203-261-3306. silvermansfarm.com
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Westchester Family | September 2019
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Back school momto hacks
10 Backpacks for Back to School Our top picks for your little ones are not only stylish, but comfortable, safe, and accessible By Mia SalaS
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1. State Mini Kane Backpack, Jungle Cats The Mini Kane Stae Backpack in Jungle Cats print lights up any room with its pop of rainbow colors and beautiful design. The Mini Kane is the perfect size for kids with its padded and adjustable straps. $65, statebags.com
2. Parkland Rodeo
2
The Rodeo is great if your little one needs the perfect lunch kit to go along with their back-toschool backpack. In addition, the insulated interior makes cleaning easy, and the front pocket makes snacks readily accessible. $24.99, parklandmfg.com
3. “Owl� Pack Backpack
3
This multi-compartment, padded, and water-resistant backpack deviates in shape from the classic, rounded backpack, because the patented horizontal design carries weight at waist level, making the backpack super comfortable and safe for kids. $29.99, bixbee.com
4. Pottery Barn Teen Gold Marble Metallic Backpack This water-resistant backpack has reinforced stitching, and durable zippers, which helps as the bags are carried throughout the day. With plenty of room for all their books, there is also an interior padded laptop sleeve. $89.50$99.50, pbteen.com
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5. Skip Hop Zoo - Llama Backpack
5 16
Westchester Family | September 2019
This llama designed backpack is colorful and cute, with a spacious exterior compartment for holding a pencil case, and the adjustable shoulder straps allow you to find the perfect size. $20, skiphop.com
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Back school mom to hacks
6. Parkland Franco Made of ultra lightweight material with padded straps, the Parkland Franco backpack will be light on your kids’ shoulders, even with all of the school binders and books! This backpack repurposes nine plastic water bottles and features the Nebula Electric print, fulfilling Parkland’s dedication to style and sustainability. $29.99, parklandmfg.com
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7. Cat & Jack Toddler Boys’ 3D Shark Backpack Target’s Toddler Boys’ 3D Shark Backpack, by Cat & Jack, has a decorative shark design. There are also bright yellow, adjustable straps, two compartments, and it’s reasonably priced. Parents love the practicality, and kids feel confident with their shark-style backpack! $12.99, target.com
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8. Skip Hop Zoo - Bat Backpack The friendly face of this bat with 3D wings and moon decor for zippers is tailored to young kids. Skip Hop designed the world’s first diaper bag that converts to a stroller bag, which highlights their commitment to innovation and practicality, seen in their backpacks. $20, skiphop.com
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9. Fenrici Preschool/Kindergarten Green Dinosaur Backpack The Fenrici Preschool/Kindergarten Green Dinosaur Backpack is made of both durable and waterproof 900-denier polyester with built-in, soft cushioning. The colorful, dinosaur design is a favorite for little ones, and the mesh side pockets with two, zipped compartments provide plenty of space for school supplies. $45 original, $22.99 sale, fenrici.com
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10. Pottery Barn Teen Gear-Up Rainbow Cloud Backpack
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Westchester Family | September 2019
This unique print will stand out in the sea of superheroes and villains. There is plenty of room for all the books they will be carrying, as well as room for the laptop and a port for headphones. Moms will love the bungee cord at the front of the bag that holds a coat, meaning fewer trips to the lost and found! $59.50-$79.50, pbteen.com
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www.studiobdance.com September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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XXX Directory | Special Advertising Supplement
Jewish Early Education Centers & Hebrew Schools Special Advertising Supplement
Center for Jewish Learning Community Synagogue of Rye
Best Hebrew School • Small Class Sizes and Specialized Resources
Innovative and Engaging Jewish Learning
• Holiday Celebrations and Family Programs • Community Connections are Created and Nurtured • Serving Students Pre-K Through Grade 12
200 Forest Ave., Rye 914-967-6262 comsynrye.org rs@comsynrye.org The Center for Jewish Learning at Community Synagogue of Rye believes that your job is to get your children there. Their job is to make them want to stay. The education team is committed to creating joyous, meaningful learning experiences for every child. At the CJL, learning activities are engaging, experiential, and learner-centered. They offer tuition free kindergarten in their engaging K-6 program, and their award-winning alternative Chavurah model for 5th to 7th grades.
Hebrew & Religious School at Scarsdale Synagogue 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale 914-725-5175 bit.ly/BestHebrewSchool Small class sizes, for pre-K to grade 12, in an innovative and engaging Jewish learning environment. Teachers and students are encouraged to think outside of the box. They get to know your child so they can personalize instruction. They care for and nurture students and families by ciultivating a culture of growth, friendship and community. Meet one or two days/week depending on child’s grade. Rabbi Ilyse Glisckman: rabbiglickman@ sstte.org.
Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El Hebrew School bit.ly/BestHebrewSchool | 914-725-5175
BE A PART OF THE CONVERSATION! WESTCHESTERFAMILY.COM
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Westchester Family | September 2019
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Not Every Kid is Wired to Code Some kids excel in the more creative aspects of technology By Rob Kissner
T
here are countless books, articles, and blogs perpetuating the idea that every child needs to learn to code. We’ve all heard “coding is the new literacy,” and “learning to code is essential to prepare kids for the future.” While programming skills will absolutely be in high demand as we move toward a future filled with automation, robots, and artificial intelligence, it’s not necessary to subscribe to the idea that every kid needs to become a coding expert. From seven plus years of experience teaching thousands of children and teens in all aspects of creative technology, I’ve made a simple observation: some kids are wired to be coders and others are better suited pursuing more creative aspects of technology. Observations on programming languages In my approach, coding classes for kids start with an MIT-designed programming environment called Scratch. Scratch allows young students to explore code by building games and creating animations. Its drag and drop environment requires minimal typing and is extremely visual, cartoony, and fun. In Scratch classes all students have a great time creating games and learning the logic behind real-world programming languages. It is very rare that a student does not enjoy Scratch. Once a student is ready to move on and has a proficiency with typing, the next step is Python, which is a programming language used in the real world. For instance, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, and Spotify all rely on Python in various ways. Working with Python involves typing code into a text editor, so there is nothing visual or cartoony
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Westchester Family | September 2019
Photo courtesy of Digital Arts Experience.
Some students excel in technology that utilizes more creative or visual skills, and these are also important fields of study. about it as it is literally text on a page. Once a student moves from Scratch to Python, I see one of two things, either the student is very interested and engaged, or the student is bored, overwhelmed, or not engaged. What it means for your kids The latter (bored, overwhelmed, not engaged) is an indication that this student is not really interested in learning computer science. The idea of making games may be exciting, but when it comes down to executing the
concentration-heavy, complex task of writing and debugging code, students can struggle with the contrast of working with Python versus working with Scratch. By default, Scratch involves graphics, animations, and design, so most students enjoy creating projects. However, when it comes to typing out lines of code in a mathematical, logical way many kids lose interest or don’t understand it easily. Furthermore, some people are simply not “wired” for more advanced computer science. It’s similar
Photo courtesy of Digital Arts Experience.
While programming skills will absolutely be in high demand as we move toward a future filled with automation, robots, and artificial intelligence, not every kid needs to become a coding expert. to school: some students excel with ELA (English Language Arts) and Social Studies but struggle with math. To put this in simple terms, some students naturally understand and excel at code, and others struggle. Conversely, some students excel with more creative or visual topics, while others have no interest. For students that struggle with code or are simply not interested, I always recommend trying out a class with a more visual or creative focus. I typically recommend 2D or 3D animation, CAD design, and some game design classes (those that are focused more on level design and game theory and less on code). In most cases, students who are visually and creatively focused really take to these classes. The takeaway Your kid may not be on track to become a coding expert, and that is totally OK. It is
not necessary to force a child to learn to code just because as a parent you’ve been told, “Every kid needs to learn to code.” While it’s important to expose kids to all aspects of technology, and basic literacy with code is important, it’s equally as important to recognize a child’s strengths and develop and expand on them. The world is facing a future of robotics, artificial intelligence, and other code-driven industries, but there will always be a need for designers, animators, filmmakers, CAD designers, and a mass array of other creators. For example, Tesla may need a huge team of programmers to work on their vehicles, but another team is needed to design the vehicles, another to create 3D renderings of the cars, and another to design advertisements to sell the cars. The same could be said of any other tech-focused company. Ultimately, it will prove helpful for every child to have a structural understanding of
code because creative teams need to work with programming teams, and it is important to be able to communicate effectively. But I feel strongly that kids who are not “wired” to code or are just uninterested should not be forced to take coding classes. Rather, their strengths should be recognized and nurtured. Rob Kissner is founder and president of The Digital Arts Experience, whose mission is to provide kids and teens in the community with access and exposure to the world of creative technology in a fun and safe environment. The DAE works with thousands of students a year from all over Westchester and Southern Connecticut and provides tech programs to the majority of school districts in Westchester. The DAE focus is on collaborative, hands-on, and project-based learning so that students learn through doing, side by side with their peers and a team of talented and unique instructors. thedae.com.
September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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education guide | Special Advertising Supplement
2019
Education Guide Special Advertising Supplement
A Child’s Dream, LLC 10 Mill Road, New Rochelle 914-633-4332 achildsdreamnursery.com A Child’s Dream Nursery and Preschool features a small, personalized setting that creates a secure and structured environment. This encourages children to socialize and interact while learning. Offering 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds programs two to five days a week. OPEN HOUSE: Thursday, Nov. 14th, 2019 from 9:30-11am.
Chapel School 172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org Since 1947, The Chapel School has served a wonderfully diverse community with a safe, nurturing, loving Christian environment, academic challenge, small class sizes for individualized attention, expanding extra-curricular programming and preparation for success in the area’s top high schools. The Chapel School helps today’s learners to develop into tomorrow’s leaders.
Blue Rock School 110 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack 845-627-0234 bluerockschool.org Four-and 5-year-olds and their parents are invited to the Kindergarten Information Session and Play Day on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 from 10 a.m. to noon. While children enjoy storytelling, crafts, homemade snacks and outdoor play with kindergarten staff, parents can learn about the school’s unique discovery-based, test-and-grade-free learning environment. In small class settings, their interdisciplinary
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Westchester Family | September 2019
curriculum emphasizes the arts, nature and play, making Blue Rock a great alternative for kindergarten through 8th grade. Register at admissions@bluerockschool.org.
French-American School of New York (FASNY) Nursery-grade 3: Manor Campus 111 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont Grade 4-8: Village Campus 145 New St., Mamaroneck Grade 9-12: Harbor Campus 320E Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck Marine Heraud, Director of Admissions 914-250-0401 fasny.org admissions@fasny.org A bilingual and international coeducational day school (nursery-grade 12), FASNY offers a rigorous dual curriculum in French and English. Students graduate with a FASNY high school diploma and either the French or International Baccalaureate. Children learn to read, write, conceptualize and socialize in multiple languages. Non-francophone students are encouraged to apply in preschool and to its IB track!
German International School New York (GISNY) 50 Partridge Road, White Plains 914-948-6513 gisny.org Inspiring Academic Excellence. Developing Global Citizens. Opening a World Of Opportunities. German International School New York (GISNY), an independent, pre-K through grade 12 college preparatory school, is the only school in the tri-state area where graduates earn the New York State High School Diploma and the German International Abitur. The German-English bilingual curriculum and rigorous academic
education guide | Special Advertising Supplement
Learning Together with Wonder Learning Together with Wonder
instruction with an emphasis on science and arts promotes students to become curious, analytical, and conscientious global citizens. German is not required for children entering pre-K or kindergarten.
Hudson Country Montessori School
Come visit the Lower Hudson Valley’s only progressive school from grades K-8, where Come visit the Lower Hudson Valley’scurriculum only progressive fromarts, grades K-8,and where students engage in a discovery-based infusedschool with the nature play. students engage critical in a discovery-based curriculumand infused withfor thethe arts, and–play. Encouraging thinking, collaboration creativity lastnature 30 years Encouraging critical thinking, collaboration andacreativity the last 30 years – Blue Rock prepares students for changingfor world. Blue Rock prepares students for a changing world.
Kindergarten Information Session and Play Day Kindergarten Information Session and Play Day Saturday, October 19, 10am to 12pm. Saturday, October 19, 10am to 12pm.
General Info Sessions & Campus Tours
General Info 16 Sessions Campus Tours Saturday, November & Saturday, & January 25, 10am to 12pm Saturday, November 16 & Saturday, January 25, 10am to 12pm Please register at admissions@bluerockschool.org or 845-535-3353 Please register at admissions@bluerockschool.org or 845-535-3353
Where Learning Comes Alive! Where Learning Comes Alive!
West Nyack, NY — www.bluerockschool.org West Nyack, NY — www.bluerockschool.org
340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle 914-636-6202 hudsoncountry.org Inspiring and promoting innate curiosity and love of learning through their progressive Montessori pedagogy. Striving to help children grow into respectful, socially adept and compassionate leaders. The curriculum is designed to empower students to become independent, creative thinkers and confident achievers. Private, coeducational school, toddlers (18 months) through 8th grade. Schedule a private tour today!
LAC Preschool 60 Forest Park Ave., Larchmont, 914-834-3984 lacny.com abelluzzi@lacny.org LAC Preschool has been serving the Larchmont area for more than 40 years. They are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation is the mark of high-quality early childhood education programs and reassures families that their children receive an educational experience that reflects best practices for young children. The school is licensed by New York State Office of Children and Family Services. They offer programs for children between the ages of 2 and 4. The LAC preschool program is geared to meet the individual needs of each child and help every student reach their full potential. Contact them at abelluzzi@lacny.org for more information about thier programs and availability for the 2019-2020 school year.
Thornton-Donovan School Serving the Larchmont area for 40+ years Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Licensed by New York State Office of Children and Family Services
OFFERING PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AGES 2 TO 4
100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 914-632-8836 td.edu Thornton-Donovan, Westchester’s little red schoolhouse, begins its Israeli celebration on Thursday, September 12th. More than 20 courses, all with Sacred Geography, are being taught for the entire school year. In April 2020 over 50 T-D students will visit the Holy Land in Israel and the Vatican in Rome. T-D is co-ed in all K-12 grades. T-D is individually focused and globally engaged. Seven world languages are taught. More than 40 sister schools worldwide are available for exchange.
Milestone School
For more information about the 2019-20 school year contact: abelluzzi@lacny.org Address: 60 Forest Park Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538 Phone: 914-834-3984 | Website: http://lacpreschool.com
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Westchester Family | September 2019
70 W. Broad St., Fleetwood 914-667-3478 themilestoneschool.com Founded more than 40 years ago on the premise that “good beginnings never end,” Milestone offers its students from preschool through 4th grade a strong academic foundation while leaving room for the child to explore many other disciplines from yoga to its highly acclaimed Shakespeare program. Small classroom sizes foster confidence, independence, and a desire to learn.
The Montessori School in Pelham 1415 Pelhamdale Ave., Pelham Manor 914-738-1127
Preschoolers built these jeeps for an African Safari.
At RCS, exploration
is a requirement.
Project-based learning creates a genuine desire to explore the unknown.
Each day, we inspire PreK through Grade 9 students to imagine, create, and innovate. Schedule a tour at www.rcsny.org/TourRCS or call (914) 244-1205.
J E S U I T E D U C AT I O N J E S U I T E D U C AT I O N
FORDHAM PREPARATORY FORDHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL SCHOOL
60% 60% HOUSE OPEN OPEN HOUSE 17, 6-8 pm Thursday,Thursday, OctoberOctober 17, 6-8 pm Sunday, November Sunday, November 3, 1-4 pm3, 1-4 pm Registration required
Registration required Visit fordhamprep.org/admissions for details Visit fordhamprep.org/admissions for details
GRADUATES WHOWHO ATTEND GRADUATES ATTEND COLLEGES RATED COLLEGES RATED SELECTIVE MOST MOST SELECTIVE BY BY BARRON’S BARRON’S
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Located onon the historic Located the historic Rose Campusinin Rose HillHill Campus Bronx, adjacentto to thethe Bronx, adjacent Fordham University, short Fordham University, a ashort walk from Metro North. walk from Metro North.
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September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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education guide | Special Advertising Supplement
montessorischoolpelhamny.com Upholding a “tradition of excellence” for over 35 years, this school firmly and consistently holds to the principles of child development devised by Dr. Maria Montessori. Children ages 3 to 5 work with apparatus in a prepared environment progressing at their own rate, developing the confidence and love of learning that is the hallmark of Montessori. Small class size means individual attention making it easy for their teachers to find out how to best cater to your child’s unique learning needs. The Montessori School in Pelham Manor gives your child a well-rounded education through a learning-focused environment where they learn geography, math, art, and music
Rippowam Cisqua School Upper Campus:439 Cantitoe St., Bedford Lower Campus: 325 W. Patent Road, Mt. Kisco 914-244-1205 rcsny.org/TourRCS Families are drawn to Rippowam Cisqua School because of its unique ability to stretch, challenge and lift young minds. Strong student/teacher relationships are supported by small interactive classes, flexible learning spaces, and an immersive curriculum that integrates academics, arts, athletics, and innovation. By cultivating their imagination through play, exploration, and discovery, students engage in joyful learning experiences that spark their intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Graduates emerge as independent thinkers, confident communicators, and engaged leaders. Visit rcsny.org/TourRCS.
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Westchester Family | September 2019
Give Your Child the Best in Early Childhood Education
MONTESSORI SCHOOL in PELHAM A Tradition of Excellence since 1973
MONTESSORI - AGES 3-6 • TODDLERS - AGES 2-3
Register Now for 2019/2020! Call for Open House Dates
1415 Pelhamdale Ave. (at Shore Rd.) • Pelham, NY
914.738.1127 • montessorischoolpelhamny.com
18 MONTHS - 8TH GRADE
I N S P I R I N G A LO VE O F L E ARNI NG
September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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ask the specialist
9 Tips for Handling Picky Eaters By Nicole Avena, Ph.D.
P
arenting comes with a variety of challenges. While it’s one of the most rewarding jobs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to what may be viewed as a simple task – feeding your toddler. As babies grow into toddlers, children begin to let you know how they feel about things and this is likely to include their dislike for certain foods. As they are exposed to a wider variety of foods, they may not want to eat what you’ve prepared, or they may develop preferences for certain foods. While it can feel impossible to get toddlers to eat at times, there are a few tips that can help make mealtime go more seamlessly. 1. Your toddler may not like everything they try the first time around. Don’t give up if they refuse specific foods. Wait a few days and try re-introducing that same food. Children’s taste buds are constantly changing. In fact, it can take up to 10 or more times of trying certain foods before they really decide if they like it or not. 2. Set a good example for your toddler by eating a healthy, well-rounded diet. Growing children tend to copy what they see, and research shows that babies are more likely to eat foods they see their parents eating. I also recommend serving one meal for the family rather than catering to individual preferences. When possible, serve your toddler the same meal you are eating just in smaller portions and the appropriate texture. 3. Don’t let toddlers have free reign over meals or snack time. Given the choice, most children are going to choose unhealthy options such as cookies or sugary juices. Instead, offer them a few healthy options to choose from. This way they still feel like it’s their choice, but you are giving them a framework of healthy selections. 4. Getting kids to eat vegetables can be a challenge. Try sneaking pureed steamed veggies into foods like pasta sauce, oatmeal or smoothies. Children still get the nutrients, but the flavor is masked so they won’t even know the good stuff is in there. 5. Get kids involved in cooking. If kids have an active part in making dinner or snacks, they’ll be more inclined to try new foods or choose healthy options. Depending on their age, they can crack the eggs, help measure ingredients and dump items into a bowl.
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Westchester Family | September 2019
6. Involve your older children. If your baby has older siblings, get them to help out by showing your toddler how fun it is to eat healthy foods. This can sometimes be enough to get them to try new foods. If you don’t have older kids, take advantage of when they are around (like at a party or family gathering) and offer your child new choices. 7. You might want to add a nutritional drink. If you have a really picky eater and are worried about them getting the proper nutrients they need, consider incorporating a toddler nutritional drink like Enfagrow NeuroPro. It’s made with real milk and has nutrients such as DHA, vitamin D, and iron, which helps meet daily nutritional needs. 8. Promote positive feelings and attitudes about food. Dealing with picky eating can be frustrating, but don’t “make” your toddler eat their vegetables. If they are very upset at the idea of eating a certain food consider a different approach. With older toddlers, you can emphasize that you want them to eat a particular food because it’s healthy and will help them grow big and strong.
9. Teach appropriate behavior. Even the best eaters can be picky at times. You want to be mindful of making sure your toddler learns the appropriate response to make when they don’t like a food. Teach them to say “no, thank you” as opposed to making a terrible face or spitting something out if they don’t want it. Getting toddlers to eat can be a challenge at times, but hopefully these tips can help make the experience a little easier to swallow. Nicole Avena, Ph.D., is a research neuroscientist and expert in the fields of nutrition, diet, and addiction. She is also an expert in diet during pregnancy, and childhood nutrition. Avena is Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City and a Visiting Professor in Health Psychology at Princeton University. She is the author of three books, Why Diets Fail (2014, Ten Speed Press), What to Eat When You’re Pregnant (2015, Ten Speed Press), and What to Feed Your Baby and Toddler (2018, Ten Speed Press).
Helping Special Families Plan for the Future
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Let’s Go
Let’s Go to the Apple Orchard! By Andrea Worthington
Great pumpkins Both orchards boast large pumpkin patches, which are better described as cut-pumpkin lawns. It’s difficult to find a traditional pumpkin patch in Westchester as pumpkins grow in thick vine-filled remote areas that aren’t kid-accessible. Though these patches aren’t authentic, your littlest ones won’t notice, and you’ll appreciate that the pumpkins have been cut and cleaned before you take them home.
S
ummer in Westchester can feel so … manufactured. Between splash pads, amusement parks, zoo trips, and indoor play places where the air conditioning is cranked up, come September we long for some unfiltered fresh air. There’s no better way to detox from chlorine and hot plastic play equipment than a trip to an orchard to pick apples the good old-fashioned way. Our favorite spot to get back to nature is on Hardscrabble Road in North Salem, home to Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard and its neighbor Outhouse Orchards. Choose a vibe Both spots offer apple picking and other fun farm activities seven days a week. Harvest Moon is a more sophisticated weekend destination with live entertainment, a large and busy outdoor food hall with legendary apple cider donuts, popcorn, and food truck fare. There are hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin picking, and their house brand hard cider available on tap. Outhouse Orchards has a more rustic feel. There’s a farm stand with local honey, pies, and fresh produce as well as a corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking. Parents of younger children may like the peacefulness of picking at Outhouse, followed by a stop across the street for lunch, donuts, and a few bottles of hard cider to go. Parents with older kids will enjoy the liveliness of Harvest Moon, even if it means waiting in lines. Start picking! Apple season kickoff depends on each year’s crop, but it usually begins Labor Day weekend and runs to early November. Call ahead or check the orchard’s Facebook page for the latest updates on what’s available. At Outhouse Orchards, you’ll pay $25 to fill up an apple bag. You can purchase as many or as few bags as you’d like, they do not charge per person. This is great for a family with small kids who don’t need to come home with 50 apples per person. Harvest Moon offers a half-bushel bag and admittance for five people into the orchard for $30. Come prepared These are real farms with hills, mud, tall grass, and uneven ground, so bring your
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Westchester Family | September 2019
Photo by Andrea Worthington
Celebrate autumn in Westchester with a trip to an orchard to pick apples the good oldfashioned way. jogging stroller or sturdy wagon and sneakers for all. Full bags can get heavy, so your wheels will do double-duty to transport the apples. Most of the apple trees at Outhouse are pretty tall, but you can borrow a pole to help you pick. Little kids will have fun running around the property but they may not get the chance to grab apples themselves unless you hoist them into the air. The apple trees at Harvest Moon are lower to the ground so younger kids might be able to reach apples on their own. Get lost Outhouse Orchards features a large corn maze for an extra fee. It’s self-guided, but you’ll get a map and some clues to help you escape. Both orchards offer hayrides at an additional cost. If you’re looking for more attractions, visit Harvest Moon’s Fall Festival, which takes places most Saturdays and Sundays in September and October. This very crowded event features food, drink, music, pony rides, bounce houses, and the chance to see chickens, goats, and other farm animals.
Our verdict We like to visit both spots for a perfect mix of rustic and lively. Harvest Moon’s donuts are a must, and for adults, the hard cider goes down like smooth, sweet champagne. Kids will love picking out pumpkins and visiting the farm animals. Hayrides are fun, but skip it if there’s a long line. Keep in mind the Fall Festival at Harvest Moon starts at 10 a.m., but their lunch food doesn’t roll out until closer to midday, so you may want to arrive later if you plan to try out the food stands. Andrea Worthington owns BabyGotChat.com, a website for Westchester parents featuring resources, advice, and events for young children. When You Go … Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-485-1210 harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com Hours: Daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for pickyour-own. Fall Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most weekends in September and October. Admission: Free admission and parking. $30 for a half-bushel apple bag and admittance for five into the orchard. Food and festival attractions are extra. Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188 outhouseorchardsny.com Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Free Admission. Free weekday parking; $10 parking on weekends. $25 for an apple bag, which includes admittance into the orchard. Farm shop items, corn maze, and hayrides are extra.
family favorites TO P 5 2019 September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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Make This Their Best School Year Yet. Give them the Mathnasium advantage
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Changing Lives Through Math.™ Westchester Family | September 2019
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
calendar september
By Marissa Rodriguez
Enjoy fall festivities at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, winner of Westchester Family’s Family Favorite award for Best Apple Picking Orchard.
Fall Festival at the Orchard Join in the fun at the Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard annual Fall Festival held every weekend in September. Experience hayrides, pony rides, bouncy castles, face painting, and food vendors. Many fall food favorites available include, pumpkin cheesecakes, smoked turkey legs, and spicy jams. Apple picking is offered every day this month, including festival days. Stop by the shop, which offers local honey, syrup, seasonal fruits, and veggies. Don’t forget the delicious apple cider donuts! Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm, Beginning Sept. 7. For all ages. Admission and parking are free. Additional cost for separate events. Reservations not required. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem. 914-4851210. harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com.
calendar What’s Inside Editor’s Pick: Dinosaur Safari �������������������������38 Editor’s Pick: Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze 40 Fairs & Festivals ������������������������������������������������41 Animal Experinces �������������������������������������������42 #LiveShows �������������������������������������������������������43 City Picks ���������������������������������������������������������� 44
September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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1 Sunday
9570. crosscountycenter.com.
✪ CORNucopia. See Fairs & Festivals page 41.
● ✪ ✖ Sleeping with Wolves. See Animal Encounters page 42.
2 Monday
✪ Family Art Project: Shadow Play. Catch the sun and chase your shadow. Use your body, props, paper and the sun’s rays to create art and tell stories of all things under the sun. 10am1pm. For families. $10 adults, $4 children age 6 and up. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Riverdale. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
✪ Feeding Fun. It’s mealtime for the animals. Come see what’s on the menu and learn how they keep their critters healthy. 1-2pm. For all ages. $8. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914-7233470. greenburghnaturecenter.org. ✪ The Flintstones Movie. YABBA-DABBA-DO! It’s the 25th Anniversary! See this cartoon favorite gone live action with lovingly crafted creature effects, including a stop motion Dino. 11:30am Sept. 1 & 2. For all ages. $1, $3, or $5, all tickets sales donated to the Girl Scouts. Reservations required. Alamo Drafthouse, 2548 Central Park Ave., Yonkers. 914-226-3082. drafthouse.com/theater/yonkers.
✪ Hudson Valley
Renegades. The Renegades are cleaning out the prize closet at The Dutch. Come to the game and you can go home with a Renegades related item. 2:05pm. For all ages. Check website for pricing. Reservations required. Hudson Valley Renegades, 1500 Rte. 9D, Wappingers Falls. 845-8380094. milb.com/hudsonvalley
Pleasantville Farmers Market
Find edible flowers at Pleasantville Farmers’ Market open every Saturday in September.
✪ Hudson Valley Renegades. Summer is ending but the fun doesn’t have to stop. Attend Back-to-School Night. The first 1,000 fans ages 12 and under receive a free Renegades Lunch Box! 4:35pm. For all ages. Check website for pricing. Reservations required. Hudson Valley Renegades, 1500 Rte. 9D, Wappingers Falls. 845-838-0094. milb.com/hudson-valley. ✪ New York Renaissance
Faire. See Fairs & Festivals page 41.
● ● ✪ ✖ Roller Skating Rink. Have a wheel-y fun time at this pop-up roller rink complete with music and theme nights. Check website for times. Ages 5 and up. $10. Includes skates and one-hour session. Credit or debit cards only. No cash accepted. Reservations not required. Cross County Shopping Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers. 914-968-
Look for our complete calendar of events and activities online at WestchesterFamily.com.
Calendar Submissions & Approvals: For Print: • Send to calendar@westchesterfamily.com. Include: Dates, times, location, address, event description, ages, cost, phone, website. • Information to be considered for the November 2019 calendar must reach us by September 30, 2019.
For Online Calendar: • Visit WestchesterFamily.com. Click the “Post Your Own Event” link beneath the calendar image on our home page and submit your event. Online postings appear approximately 48 hours after approval.
Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and locations of all events.
36
Westchester Family | September 2019
✪ Muscoot Farm Bird Walk. Come to the farm for an early morning bird walk. Wear sturdy shoes and take binoculars. Walk leaves from parking lot. 7:30am. For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org.
3 Tuesday
● ● Pizza Party Playdate. Every Tues. enjoy open play in the play cafe with pizzas available for munching. 12:302:30pm today; and Sept. 10, 17 & 24. Ages 1-5. $15 for 1 adult, 1 child. Registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.
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school
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We develop a personalized plan for ACT/SAT, SAT Subject tests, AP exams, and ISEE/SSAT tests. 19 East Elm Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 203-661-2483 www.brownsec.com
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For admission, fees, or other info, please call 914-834-1069 Boston Post Rd. & Weaver St. Larchmont, NY www.hommocksparkicerink.org September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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september
Editor’ s Pick
● ● Tent Tales for Tykes, Storytime at L.L.Bean. Meet in the L.L.Bean Tent for storytime at your local L.L.Bean store. During each session explore a different nature or outdoor theme, followed by related activities, games or crafts. 10:30-11:30am today and Sept. 10. For all ages. Reservations not required. Ridge Hill Shopping Center, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers. 914-207-2900. ridgehill. com.
4 Wednesday ● ● Budding Buddhas’
Yoga for Tots. Stay active with your little one and have fun doing yoga exercises. Meets at the Connect Lounge, Level 4. Wednesdays, 11-11:30am. Ages 2-5. Free. Parking fee. Reservations not required. The Westchester, 125 Westchester Ave., White Plains. 914-683-8600. simon.com/mall/the-westchester.
✪ Yorktown Grange Fair. See Fairs & Festivals page 41.
7 Saturday
Photo by Julie Larsen Maher
Take a ride back to prehistoric times at the Bronx Zoo.
Dinosaur Safari
5 Thursday
● Museum Minis. A half an hour of songs, moving and plenty of fun. Meet up in Toddler Beach for social play, tumbling, music and story time. Group size is limited, first come first serve. 10:30-11:00am. For toddlers. Free with admission, $7. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-4215050. discoverwcm.org.
38
● ● ● ● All Ages Craft. A craft simple enough for the little kids and creative enough for the big kids. 11:30amnoon today; Sept. 14, 21 & 28. For all ages. Reservations not required. Mamaroneck Public Library, 136 Prospect Ave., Mamaroneck. 914-698-1250. mamaronecklibrary.org.
✪ Take the biggest, most realistic dinosaur ride in America to see
✪ Fall Festival at the Orchard.
40 life-size animatronic dinos. Learn about species such as T-Rex and Spinosaurus and connections between animals at the zoo and their prehistoric predecessors. Weekdays, 10am-5pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5:30pm. For all ages. Included in Total Experience price. $39.95 adults, $29.95 children 3-12, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., University Heights. 718-220-5100. bronxzoo.com.
See page 35.
✪ T. rex: The Ultimate Predator. This special exhibition explores the full tyrannosaur story with lifesized reconstructions at various life stages and virtual reality experience that lets visitors work in a group to assemble a T. rex skeleton. Daily, 10am5:45pm; until Sept. 10. For all ages. $28 adults, $16.50 children 2-12, children under 2 free. Reservations not required. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at W. 79th St., Upper West Side, New York. 212-769-5200. amnh.org.
Garrison. 914-265-3638. boscobel. org.
✪ Stepping Stones Museum for Children. The museum stays open late with free admission and activities! 5-8pm. $15 adults, $15 children, free for under 1. For all ages. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203-8990606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.
✪ Summer Concert Series. Enjoy an evening of music in the heart of White Plains. See a different artist every week. Check website for schedule. In case of rain, concerts are at the 3rd floor lobby inside City Center. Thursdays, 6:308:30pm, until Sept. 12. For all ages. Reservations not required. City Center Courtyard, City Place, White Plains. 914-328-5166. wpbid.com/summer-concertseries.
6 Friday
✪ Lego Movie 2. The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part reunites the heroes of Bricksburg
Westchester Family | September 2019
in an action-packed adventure to save their beloved city. Movie shown outdoors and free popcorn served. 6-8pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. 914-2454688. jeffersonvalleymall.com.
✪ Play Days @ Jay. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at the Homestead and explore the Discovery Centers. Education staff lead a short hands-on activity at 1pm. Fridays, noon2pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah. 914-666-7004. johnjayhomestead. org.
● ● Rhyme Time by the Hudson. Spark your little one’s imagination during this interactive program of songs and storytelling. 9:30am today; Sept. 20 and 27. Recommended for ages 1-4 with caregiver. Paywhat-you-wish admission. Preregistration required. Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D,
✪ First Responder’s Day. Free admission and train rides for First Responders (with ID card or in uniform) and their families. Check website. For all ages. Reservations not required. The Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St., Danbury, Conn. 203-778-8337. danburyrailroadmuseum.org. ✪ New York Renaissance Faire. See Fair & Festivals page 41.
✪ Playland Park. Ride all day this weekend for a single fee. Parking fees apply. Noon-8pm today; Sept. 8. For all ages. $20, no spectator fee available. Reservations not required. Playland Park, 1 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-813-7010. playlandpark. org.
● ● River Explorers. See Animal Experiences page 42.
● ● ● Scarecrow Planter. Harvest the fun during a hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a scarecrow planter. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last. 9am-noon. For all ages. Reservations not required.
8 Sunday
✪ Bike the Bronx River Parkway. During Bicycle Sundays, the parkway is open exclusively for bicyclists, in-line skaters, scooters, walkers and joggers from Exit 22 at the Westchester County Center to Exit 4 at Scarsdale Rd. in Yonkers. 10am-2pm today; Sept. 15, 22 & 29. For all ages. Parking at the County Center lot in White Plains costs $8. Reservations not required. Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains. 914-995-4050. countycenter.biz.
● Fall Birding. See Animal Experiences page 42.
✪ Family Gardening Days. Let your love of gardening grow during open hours at the Ridge Hill Community Garden. Hands-on activities include watering, planting and more. Noon-4pm today. For all ages. Reservations not required. Ridge Hill Shopping Center, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers. 914-207-2900. ridgehill.com.
✪ JCC Mid-Westchester Family Fun Day. Games and Fun for the whole family, demonstrations, raffles, food, giveaways and family-friednly actiovities. 10am-2pm. For all ages. Free admission. Reservations not required. JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Rd., Scarsdale. 914-472-3300.
9 Monday
2019-20 FAMILY SEASON STARTS THIS OCT
● ● ● Mindful Mondays. Each hour-long event features deep breathing exercise, storytime, class workout, and arts & crafts project related to the topic of the day. 4:15-5:15pm today; Sept. 16; 23 & 30. For ages 3-7. $25 per class. Registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.
SAT, OCT 12, 2019 @ 11AM & 1:30PM A glorious, glow in the dark, cosmic adventure all about celebrating differences from the acclaimed Lightwire Theatre (The Ugly Duckling & Dinolight). Ages 5-10
10 Tuesday
✪ Live Animal Encounter. Live animal encounters on the new “Sea Star Stage!” 1111:15am; daily. For all ages. Free with admission, $26.95 adults, $19.95 children. Reservations not required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.
SUN, NOV 17, 2019 @ 11AM & 1:30PM Heartwarming new musical proving the awesome power of “I think I can!” An ArtsPower production. Ages 3+
TICKETS NOW ON SALE! FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO
EMELIN.ORG | 914.698.0098
11 Wednesday ✪ Kids Create Like Burle
Marx! Learn about the native plants of Brazil and become inspired like Burle Marx. Kids can pot up a fantastic plant and design a playful sculpture. Weekdays, 1:30-5:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am5:30pm, until Sept. 20. For all ages. Included in All-Garden Pass. Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; Weekends: $28 adults, $12 children 2-12. Children under 2 always free. Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.
ARTSWESTCHESTER, THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS & THE WHITE PLAINS BID
Joel Ross, September 13
Home Depot, 3051 E Main St., Mohegan Lake. 914-528-1539. homedepot.com
WHITE PLAINS
Enjoy a five-day celebration of free & affordable jazz in White Plains! FOR TICKETS & CONCERT INFO:
artsw.org/jazzfest
✪ Yorktown Feast of San ✪ New Rochelle Street Fair. Join in the fun for some good vibes, an international assortment of food, unique crafts, music, rides and other activities. 11am-5pm. For all ages. Free admission. Reservations not required. Surrounding New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Ave., New Rochelle.
Gennaro. A five-day edition of the popular Feast of San Gennaro, right here in Northern Westchester for your convenience. Join in the fun for a statue procession, rides, food, music, and more. 5-11pm today and Sept. 12 &13; noon-11pm Sept. 14; noon-10pm Sept. 15. For all ages. Free admission. Cost for certain entertainment. Reservations not required.
SEPT. 11-15, 2019
presented by
Artists Include:
Melissa Aldana • Emmet Cohen • George Coleman Jimmy Cobb • Pete Malinverni • Mwenso & the Shakes Joel Ross • Camille Thurman Sponsored by:
September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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september
Editor’ s Pick
Yorktown Firehouse, 1916 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights. 962-2148.yorktownfire.org.
100, Katonah. 914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org.
✪ Summer Saturday
12 Thursday
Adventures: Monarchs on the Move. The monarch migration is on. Scout around Teatown’s gardens for monarchs as they say good-bye before cold weather sets in. 10-11:30am. For all ages. $8. Reservations required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-762-2912 ext. 110. teatown.org.
● ● ● ✪ My Ability. This supportive program is designed to facilitate sensory-friendly discoveries for individuals with sensory processing differences and other special needs. 3:304:30pm Sept. 12 & 26. For all ages. Included in admission price. Reservations required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.
✪ Yonkers Riverfest. See Fairs & Festivals page 41.
15 Sunday
● ● ● Peppa Pig Live! Peppa’s Adventure. See #LiveShows page 43.
✪ The Feast of San Gennaro 2019. See City Pick’s page 44.
13 Friday
✪ Fall Crafts and Lyndhurst. A full-day art and shopping experience including interactive kid’s activities. 10am-5pm today & Sept. 15; 10am-6pm Sept. 14. For all ages. $12 adults, $4 children 6-16, under 6 free. Reservations required. Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914-631-4481. lyndhurst.org.
✪ Finding Nemo. A clown fish searches for his missing son in this animated adventure, the winner of an Oscar for Best Animated feature. Movie is shown outdoors and free popcorn is served. 6-8pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. 914-245-4688. jeffersonvalleymall. com. ✪ SeptemberFest 2019. See Fairs & Festivals page 41.
14 Saturday
✪ Clay Art Center’s Free Clay Day. Hands-on clay
40
Photo by Tom Nycz
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze lights up the night starting September 21.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze ✪ The tri-state area’s biggest, most electrifying fall event! Stroll through an 18th-century landscape and discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack-o’-lanterns all designed and hand-carved on-site by their team of artisans! Check website for times; Sept. 21 & 22, Sept. 26, 27, 28, & 29. For all ages. Adults: $22 (Fri-Sat $27) Children 3-17 $16 (Fri-Sat $20), children under 3: free. $2/ticket surcharge for onsite and phone purchase. Ticketed time slots. Van Cortlandt Manor, 535 S. Riverside, Croton. 914-631-8200. hudsonvalley.org/historicsites/van-cortlandt-manor.
activities for all ages. Try your hand at the potter’s wheel and learn how to sculpt in clay. Enter a raffle to win a free drop-in clay session for four people. 1pm4pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester. 914-9372047. clayartcenter.org.
✪ Family Art Project: Papermaking - Brilliance of Seeds and Weeds. Create paper pulp from used paper, then write stories on your paper. 10am1pm today & Sept. 15. For all ages. Free with admission to the grounds, $10 adults, $4 children ages 6 and up, free under 6. Reservations not required.
Westchester Family | September 2019
Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Riverdale. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
✪ Family Farm Festival. The Family Farm Festival features family-friendly activities, live music, craft beer and cider, food trucks, and more. 4-7pm. For all ages. Free admission. Reservations not required. Stuart’s Fruit Farm, 62 Granite Springs Rd., Granite Springs. 914245-2784. stuartsfarm.com.
✪ Muscoot Farm Story Craft. Come hear a story and make a craft. 1-2pm. For all ages. $5 per person. Registration required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte.
✪ Beneficial Bats. See Animal Experiences pages 42. ✪ Cider and Donut Festival and Run. This event features Jamie’s 5K Run for Love and the 2019 Byram Hills Preschool Association Fall Carnival. Carnival rides, live music, pie eating contest, kids’ activities, food, hot donuts and cider. 9:15am-2pm. For all ages. Free admission. Race registration and fees required. Wampus Brook Park, Rte. 128, Armonk. armonkchamberofcommerce.com.
✪ Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Go the Distance Walk and Family Fun Day. The Go the Distance Walk and Family Fun Day is a fundraiser for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. The morning starts with a casual one-mile walk. Activities include face painting, bounce houses, carnival games, The Bubble Bus, and much more! 8:30am-noon. For all ages. Sign up on the website to raise funds for this event. Preregistration required. Westchester Medical Center, 100 Woods Rd., Valhalla. 914-493-2575. events. westchestermedicalcenter.com/ GTD19.
✪ Muscoot Farm Fairy Walk. Visit the farm and meet their Fairy Queen Joan and search for fairies on the farm. Craft is first-
come-first-serve. Noon-3pm. For all ages. Free. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org.
✪ White Plains Jazz and Food Festival. See Fairs & Festivals page 41.
16 Monday
✪ ACCESS-ability. Have fun during this modified learning environment through light and sound adjustment, to create a supportive, sensory-friendly experience for individuals with sensory processing differences and other special needs. 2-5pm. For all ages. Included in admission price. $15 adults and children, free under 1. Reservations required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum. org. ● Mama and Baby Pilates. This class gives moms the opportunity to take care of themselves while enjoying the company of their little one. Take a blanket for your baby, mats are provided. Mondays, 11:30am-12:30pm. $23. Register at pranaprenatalyoga.com/ mamababy. Prana Prenatal Yoga, 14-20 Willett Ave., Suite 203, Port Chester. 914-575-2069. pranaprenatalyoga.com.
17 Tuesday
✪ In the Learning Center. Visit the Learning Center for picture book art, creative illustration and animal-inspired activities. Daily until Sept. 22. 10am-5pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $10 adults, children under 12 free. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.
✪ Outhouse Orchards. Pickfyour own bag and take a tour of the orchard as you find the best apples to take home.
Fairs & Festivals
september
calendar
Courtesy photo
The City of White Plains hosts an all-day Jazz and Food Festival on September 15.
✪ CORNucopia. A great excuse to be corn-y! Celebrate the importance of corn and its heritage in America at this fun festival. Featuring a corn maze, games, music, live cooking demonstrations and lots of food, including cornbread, corn on the cob and popcorn. 10am-5pm. Sept. 1. For all ages. $16 adults, $12 children 3-17, children under 3 Free. Reservations required. Philipsburg Manor, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. 914-631-8200. hudsonvalley.org. ✪ New York Renaissance Faire. Hear ye, hear ye! Enter a recreated 16th century village filled with performers, crafts, games and food! Kids can join Robin Hood’s Band, experience the magic of the Fairies in the Enchanted Forest and participate in the Maypole Dances. Check website for exact performance dates and times. Costumes welcome. Rain or shine. Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-7pm. Sept 1 to Oct. 6. For all ages. $29.95 adults, $13 children, children 4 and under Free. Reservations not required. 600 Rte. 17A, Tuxedo. 845-351-5171. renfair.com/ny. ✪ SeptemberFest 2019. Three actionpacked days of activities including: a full sized carnival, Big Top entertainment and food court. Dance the night away on Friday night, hear live music on Saturday and browse sidewalk sales on Sunday. 5-11pm Sept. 13th; 10am-11pm Sept. 14; 11am-7pm Sept. 15. For all ages. Free. Reservations not required. 104 E. Main St., Mt Kisco. 914-666-7525.
mtkiscchamber.com.
✪ White Plains Jazz and Food Festival. It’s a line up of some of Westchester County’s finest young musicians. Enjoy a full day of jazz music. Rain or shine. Festival features a selection of local restaurant vendors with food for sale. Noon-5pm. Sept. 15. For all ages. Free. Reservations not required. Mamaroneck Ave. at Main St., White Plains. artsofwestchester.org.
✪ Yonkers Riverfest. Riverfest features live music on multiple stages, street performers, kids’ zone, games and activities, arts & crafts, beer garden and more. Held rain or shine. Noon-7pm. Sept. 14. For all ages. Free. Reservations not required. 1 Larkin Plaza, Yonkers. yonkersriverfest.org. ✪ Yorktown Grange Fair. Celebrating 95 years of family, fun and agriculture. The Grange Fairgrounds burst with local farm animals, contests, carnival fare, and more. The theme “Back to the Garden” is a perfect way to acknowledge the contributions that local families make to our community and to the larger environment. 4pm-11pm Sept. 6; 10am-11pm Sept. 7 & 8. For all ages. $10 per carload; walk-ins and single occupant vehicles $5. Children under 2 are always admitted free. Additional costs for rides. Reservations not required. Grange Fair Grounds, 99 Moseman Rd., Yorktown Heights. yorktowngrangefair.org.
September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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september
Daily, 9am-5pm. For all ages. Check website. Reservations not required. Outhouse Orchards, 139 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem. 914-277-3188. outhouseorchardsny.com.
basket. Take a return wagon ride from the orchards to the Red Pavilion to check out. Daily, check website for times. For all ages. Reservations not required. Wilkens Farm, 1335 White Hill Rd., Yorktown Heights. 914-2455111. wilkensfarm.com.
18 Wednesday
20 Friday
✪ Seal-Training
● ● ● StoryTellers: Show Me A Tale. Enjoy an interactive read-aloud of a folktale, fable or fairy tale from around the world. 2-2:30pm. Free with admission. $15 adults and children, free under 1. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203-8990606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.
19 Thursday
✪ Dig! Plant! Grow! The Three Sisters: Corn, Beans and Squash. Learn more about the Native Americans who grew corn, beans and squash, the Lenape. Make your own cornhusk doll, grind corn, sort beans, and identify fun and interesting squash fruits and seeds. Tues.-Sat., 1:30-5:30pm; Sunday, 10am-5:30pm. For all ages. Included in All-Garden Pass. Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd. 718-817-8700. nybg. org.
wolf conservation center
Howl at night with the wolves starting September 1.
Animal Experiences
Demonstration. Watch as the seals are fed and exhibit entertaining behaviors, including waving, jumping, snorting and retrieving. Daily, 11:45am-noon. For all ages. Free with admission $26.95 adults, $19.95 children. Reservations not required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-8520700. maritimeaquarium.org.
✪ Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm. Pick your own apples and pumpkins. Check in is at the Red Pavilion for bags, baskets, and picking poles (available for a small rental fee with a deposit). Pick fruit and fill your bag or
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✪ Beneficial Bats. Bats are one of the most maligned creatures in the natural world, often portrayed as evil blood-sucking critters. Teatown educators discuss their special adaptations and help dispel myths. 11am-noon. Sept. 15. For all ages. $8. Pre-registration is required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-762-2912. teatown.org. ● Fall Birding. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it so appealing for such a wide variety of birds. Birders of all levels welcome! 9:30am. Sept. 8. 10 and up with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. $10 adults, $4 children ages 6 and up, free under 6. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Riverdale. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org. ● ● River Explorers. The day begins with a nature-themed lesson and craft. Families can also participate in seining (fishing with a net) in the afternoon, catching and releasing hundreds of critters. 11am-noon & 1-3pm Sept. 7; 11am-noon & 1-3pm Sept. 14 & 21. Ages 5-12. Free. Preregistration required. Center for the Urban River at Beczak, 35 Alexander St., Yonkers. 914-377-1900. centerfortheurbanriver.org.
● ✪ ✖ Sleeping with Wolves. Sleeping with Wolves gives guests a chance to camp out overnight with the 40 wolves that call the WCC home! Admission price includes: pizza party with Ambassador wolves, evening movie under the stars at the wolves enclosure, snacks and light breakfast. Tents for all participants. 5pm-8:30am Sept. 1, 7, 14, 21 & Sept. 28. For all ages. $299 per four person tent. Singles: $150 per person (must bring own tent). Pre-registration is required. Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 914-753-2373. nywolf.org.
✪ Artful Afternoon. Engage in creative afternoon fun and cool meeting spaces. Part of Creative Community Fridays. 3-5pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $10 adults, children under 12 free. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org. ✪ The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Editor’s Pick page 40.
21 Saturday
✪ 15th Annual Museum Day. This year, Museum Day celebrates the Smithsonian Year of Music. Check website for list of participating venues including Aldrich Contemporary Museum of Art in Ridgefield, Conn and Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center in Cornwall. Download your free ticket that grants one guest free access to any participating museum. Today. Check website for times. For all ages. Reservations required. smithsonian.com/museumday. ✪ Family Art Project: To Be a River. An experiential workshop with exhibiting artist Bahar Behbahani. Create a series of water monoprints. Reflect on memories and write a flow of poetries to celebrate the rivers we are. 10am-1pm today; 10am-1pm Sept. 22. Free with admission to the grounds. $10 adults, $4 children ages 6 and up, free under 6. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Riverdale. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
✪ PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens.
september
the Native Plant Meadow and join children and families as they read the story Bumblebee at Apple Tree Lane and walk among one of their short hiking trails. Stay after to explore the nature center. 1-2pm. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914-7233470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.
Art and nature exist in harmony on the grounds of PepsiCo’s headquarters. Marvel at more than three dozen works by major twentieth century artists as you walk through the carefully tended landscape. Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4pm. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens, 700 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 914253-3150. pepsico.com/sculpturegardens.
23 Monday
✪ Pleasantville Farmers’
✪ The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See Editor’s Pick page 40.
22 Sunday
✪ Muscoot Farmers’ Market. The market is open for the season! Visit the farm and buy food and other products from over 20 local vendors. Sundays, 9:30am-2:30pm, until Sept. 29. For all ages. Free. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org.
✪ Nature’s Nurturers. Have you ever wondered how birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals care for their young? Learn about maternal and paternal care in the wild! 1-2pm. For all ages. $8. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.
✪ Rain Garden Tour. Rain gardens help protect our water resources. Join Lasdon’s horticulturist on a walking tour to find out how they work and how to create one in your own
✪ Fishkill Farms. Pick-yourCourtesy photo
Join Peppa Pig and her friends live at the Westchester County Center on September 12.
#LiveShows
Market. With more than 50 vendors selling a variety of foods and other goods, you can always discover something new or find returning favorites. Plus, enjoy live music, kids’ events and more. Saturdays, 8:30am1pm. Free. Reservations not required. Memorial Plaza (near train station). 914-205-4545. pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org.
calendar
● ● ✪ ✖ Little Shop of Horrors. Feed the need
own season kick off has begun. Check website for availability. Daily, 9am-5pm (in season). For all ages. Admission: $5 adults, $5 for children 12+. Picked fruit costs an additional fee. Reservations not required. Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell Junction. 845-8974377. fishkillfarms.com.
for musical hilarity with this delicious sci-fi smash about a man-eating plant. Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatregoers for over 30 years. 7:30pm Sept 27; noon Sept. 28. Older kids and families. $12-20. Reservations required. Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St., Yorktown Heights. 914-952-0606. yorktownstage.org.
● Mama and Baby Pilates. See
● ● ● Peppa Pig Live! Peppa’s Adventure.
✪ Everett Children’s
Peppa Pig Live! is here an action-packed show featuring your favorite characters as life size puppets and costume characters in her new live show. 6-7:30pm. Sept. 12. Younger kids. $26.50 $89.50. Reservations required. Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains. 914-9954050. countycenter.biz.
● ● ✪ Sesame Street Live! Make your Magic. Join your favorite Sesame Street friends on this magical adventure when Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic comes to your neighborhood. 10:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm. Sept. 28; 10:30am & 2pm Sept. 29. For all ages. Check website for prices. Reservations required. Mid-Hudson Civic Center, 14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie. 845454-5800. midhudsonciviccenter.org. landscape. 2-3pm. For all ages. Free. Reservations not required. Lasdon Park & Arboretum, 2610 NY-35, Katonah. 914-864-7263. lasdonpark.org.
● ● Storytime in the Garden. Enjoy stories and songs perfect for little ones in the lower terrace of the Walled Garden. Blankets
are welcome only during story time. Rain cancels. Sundays, 11am-noon until Sept. 22. Ages 2-5. Free. Reservations not required. Untermeyer Park & Gardens, 945 N. Broadway, Yonkers. 914-613-4502. untermyergardens.org.
Sept. 16.
24 Tuesday Adventure Garden All-Day Exploration. Climb the boulders and view the landscape below from your high perch, dash through Beth’s Maze, and check out the cattails and lily pads at Habitat Hub. Daily, 10am-5:30pm. For all ages. Free with admission. Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd. 718-817-8700. nybg. org.
● ● ● Mutt-i-grees® : Shelter Dogs. Meet the friendly P.A.W.S. shelter dog assisting in a unique story time that helps children build social-emotional skills and become caring, calm and confident citizens. 1:30-2pm. Free with admission. $15 adults and children, under 1 free. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.
✪ Story Walk. Take a stroll to September 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com
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calendar
september
25 Wednesday
28 Saturday
Pick page 38.
put your scientist skills to the test by joining a naturalist on a search for animal evidence and meeting some of their animal collection! 1-2pm. For all ages. $5 for members. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.
✪ Dinosaur Safari. See Editor’s
✪ Animal Evidence. Come
✪ Open Ocean Feeding. Watch live feeding. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11-11:10am, thru Sept. 30. For all ages. Free with admission. $26.95 adults, $19.95 children Reservations not required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-8520700. maritimeaquarium.org.
✪ Brick or Treat! Jump inside
26 Thursday
● Mama and Baby Yoga. Mama and Baby Yoga helps to strengthen you while bonding with your baby and getting to know other new moms. Tuesdays - Thursdays, 11:30am. For babies. $23. Register at pranaprenatalyoga.com/ mamababy. Prana Prenatal Yoga, 14-20 Willett Ave., Suite 203, Port Chester. 914-575-2069. pranaprenatalyoga.com.
Photo by Deen van Meer
See Olaf in Frozen at the St. James Theatre on Broadway. There’s special pricing on selected performances!
City Picks
● ● ABC 123 with Zelda. Peppy professor Zelda helps young children expand their knowledge of the alphabet and numbers. 12:15-12:45pm. 36 months and younger. Free with admission. $15 adults and children, under 1 free. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.
27 Friday
✪ Coco. A boy journeys into the Land of the Dead to seek forgiveness from his ancestors and lift a curse. Movie is shown outside and free popcorn is served. 6-8pm. For all ages. Free. Reservations not required. Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. 914-2454688. jeffersonvalleymall.com.
● ● ✪ ✖ Little Shop Of Horrors. See #LiveShows page 43.
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Westchester Family | September 2019
✪ Disney Frozen on Broadway. You’re invited to discover that love is a force of nature at Disney’s musical, Frozen as it comes to life on Broadway in this stage production.For all ages. Special reduced cost $95 for selected performances. Check website. St. James Theatre, 246 West 44th St., New York. 877250-2929. frozenthemusical.com. ✪ Governors Island. Explore this car-free, 172acre island gem in the heart of New York Harbor. Enjoy Slide Hill, play fountains, biking, and other activities. See website for schedule. Weekdays, 10am-6pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-7pm. For all ages. Ferry$3 adults, children under 12 free. Ferry is free on Saturdays and Sundays before noon. Reservations not required. Governors Island, New York Harbor (Ferry leaves from 10 South St.) New York. govisland.com.
the world’s spookiest box of LEGO® bricks at the only Halloween Party that’s built for kids! Halloween-themed LEGO mosaic build activity Haunted MINILAND takeover Spooky, kooky scavenger hunt BOO-tacular photo ops And more! Daily, check website; today -Sept. 30. For all ages. check website. Reservations not required. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. westchester. legolanddiscoverycenter.com.
✪ Family Art Project: Forest Stories. Create your own spinning storytelling device that explores the unique stories that each forest layer tells. 10am1pm today and Sept. 29. For all ages. Free with admission to the grounds. $10 adults, $4 children ages 6 and up, free under 6. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Riverdale. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.
✪ Hudson River Park’s Marine Science Festival. Hudson River Park’s SUBMERGE festival celebrates NYC’s coastal waters and brings marine science to life. Awesome experiments, kid-approved science and entertainment, kayaking, and fishing.11am4pm Sept 28. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. Pier 84 at Hudson River Park, 555 12th Ave., New York. 212-627-2020.hudsonriverpark.org.
✪ The Feast of San Gennaro 2019. Eat at some of the best Italian restaurants, watch colorful parades, enjoy free concerts, and family activities like bouncy houses, crafting, and games. Daily, check website for hours. Sept. 12 - Sept. 22. For all ages. Free. Reservations not required. Mulberry St. between Canal and Houston St., New York. 212-768-9320.
✪ Hudson River Park’s Marine Science Festival. See #LiveShows page 43.
● ● ● MAKE-Break Bootiful Pumpkins. Color, paint and decorate your very own pumpkin. Buy the craft pumpkin, and the supplies to decorate it are provided. 1-3pm. For all ages. Free with purchase of pumpkin. Reservations not required. Michael’s Craft Store, 3131 E Main St., Mohegan Lake. 914-528-0572. michaels.com.
september
calendar
✪ Muscoot Farm Forest Exploration. Learn all about the forest habitat while getting upclose and personal looking for critters that inhabit the ground. 1-3pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org. ● ● ✪ Sesame Street Live! Make your Magic. See #LiveShows page 43.
29 Sunday
✪ 10th Annual Hudson Valley Irish Fest. The 10th Annual Hudson Valley Irish Fest features performances by several top Irish recording artists and bands. The area’s finest Irish step-dancers perform. 11am-7pm. For all ages. Cost for certain events. Reservations not required. Riverfront Green Park, 50 Hudson Ave., Peekskill. 914-734-7275. cityofpeekskill.com.
Courtesy photo
Visit the animals at the Yorktown Grange Fair, Sept. 6, 7, & 8, 2019.
✪ Fairy Homes. Using natural items found on the forest floor, construct a home for your favorite fairy or gnome to live in. 1-2pm. For all ages. $8. Registration required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining. 914-762-2912. teatown.org.
2pm-4pm. For all ages. Free with purchase of pumpkin. Reservations not required. Michael’s Craft Store, 3131 E Main Street, Mohegan Lake. 914-5280572. michaels.com.
● ● ✪ Sesame Street Live! ● ● ✪ MAKE-Break Fall Floral Pumpkin. Buy the craft pumpkin, and the supplies to decorate it are provided. Decorate your very own pumpkin Fall Floral style.
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Make Your Magic. See #LiveShows page 43.
30 Monday
in an interactive read-aloud of stories specifically curated from BooZoo’s™ Best Booklist. Storytellers increase your child’s understanding of the museum’s featured themes. 11-11:30am. Free with admission. $15 adults and children, free under 1. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.
● ● Storytime with Mr. Ben. A weekly storytime featuring songs and crafts. Reading together strengthens the parent-child bond and promotes early literacy, leading to success in school and in life. 4pm. Recommended for ages 1-5, but all are welcome. Reservations not required. Barnes & Noble, 3089 E. Main St., Mohegan Lake. 914-5286275. stores.barnesandnoble.com/ store/2897.
● ● ● Storytellers. Take part
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last word
Has Your Kids’ World Gone Gray? By Andrea Worthington
L
ike many mainstream trends, it started on TV. HGTV, to be specific. While deciding whether to Love Or List that Flip or Flopped Fixer Upper, we watched as optimistic couples and their designers tore out the wood tones and beige neutrals of their ‘90s rooms and swapped them with the latest chic color palette: cool gray in every shade. Entire homes seemed to slowly drain of color. Gray cabinets, gray tile, gray furniture, even gray hardwood floors and concrete countertops. Picking out a pattern? How about a sleek gray-and-white geometric print? We oohed and aahed over the results (so mellow!) but few of us get to actually remodel an entire room in our house and employ the latest trends … except … the one space in any expanding family’s home that always starts from scratch: the nursery! And so it was inevitable that all our TV training would get applied to baby’s room. It’s the perfect storm, a space meant to be decorated temporarily starting from a blank slate. And, thanks to ever-changing safety recommendations, is devoid of any hand-medowns or vintage furniture finds to skew the look away from the most current trends. So the all-gray palette quickly spread across the nurseries of America. It started with parents using gray as a base color with pops of pink or blue. Not sure what you’re having? Gray and green are perfect! Need more of a theme? How about elephants? But somewhere along the way in our enthusiastic search for the perfect cohesive look, our kids’ rooms have started to look downright dreary. Buy Buy Baby doesn’t care about that! It’s shocking how many kids’ items you can now get in gray, including potty seats, play yards, and high chairs. Even a simple staple like interlocking foam floor tiles are no longer solely available in rainbow colors. At first it seemed nice, even calm. But then it took a turn toward crazytown. Suddenly, you could buy pale gray toys to match your all-gray nursery. Pottery Barn Kids offers a completely gray dollhouse, gray ride-on racecar, and gray
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Westchester Family | September 2019
Somewhere along the way in our enthusiastic search for the perfect cohesive look our kids’ rooms have started to look downright dreary. doll pram. I even came across an all-gray stuffed Mickey Mouse! I swear it was sadly sitting in a crib, looking at me and asking “How am I supposed to bring joy to a child when I look like this?” Maybe this trend is getting out of hand? The limit for me was when I came across a photo posted by Rob Kardashian of his daughter, Dream, playing at home in an all-grey ball pit. You can cry silver all you want, it’s still depressing. That sad-but-shiny orb pile has nothing on a bright and happy rainbow-colored ball pit. What kid can have fun in a thunder-storm-colored pile? I understand toys are innately garish. They’re huge, noisy, and tend to come in zany circus colors. They don’t work with any rational adult decorating scheme. But that’s part of the fun of this short time we have as parents of small children. Toys are supposed to be a beacon in an otherwise drab existence. They stand proud outside the rules of chic motifs and sophisticated color palettes and they encourage our children to engage with them in new and imaginative ways. Watch kids run into any room and you’ll notice they hone in on the bright toys. Having multi-color, shiny plastic objects that beckon you to explore is part of the fun of being little.
And as much as we all want to hang on to some normalcy of our pre-parent lives and not turn our homes into an ersatz carnival, there’s a moment after the kids outgrow those alphabet foam tiles and the bright plastic baby jail, when you’ve put them away and look around, and your living room seems like it’s missing something. Like it’s less alive. And you might think to yourself, I can’t believe I miss the clashing and the crazy! So embrace your green-and-orange VTech walker. Choose the Jumparoo with the most multicolor attachments. When picking out foam floor tiles, remember this phase is fleeting and childhood is not meant to fit in to a trendy, muted color scheme. Don’t be afraid to disappoint the Property Brothers. Maybe when they have kids of their own they’ll renounce their all-gray ways and encourage us all to see the world through the rainbow-colored eyes of our children. It may be more chaotic, but it’s a pretty fun way to live. Andrea Worthington owns BabyGotChat.com, a website for Westchester parents featuring resources, advice, and events for young children.
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