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FREE AND INEXPENSIVE FAMILY FUN THIS WINTER
Just because the weather is getting colder doesn’t mean that families can’t enjoy many of the activities that New York City and the surrounding areas have to offer. The following are just some of the free and low-cost activities that parents and children can enjoy together this winter, whether they live in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, Long Island, New Jersey, or Upstate New York.
Manhattan
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Chelsea Piers
A 30-acre sports city, situated over four piers on the Hudson, that offers year-round ice skating, ice hockey, soccer, golf, batting cages, basketball and volleyball courts, dance, karate, and gymnastics classes, and 40 lanes devoted to bowling. Rollerskating, inline skating, and skateboarding are available at two outdoor rinks and there is a place to buy or rent any protective gear you've forgotten to bring along.
Location: Pier 62, 23rd St.
Phone: (212) 336-6666
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm; Sat-Sun 10am-9pm
Ages: 1 and up
Cost: Varies with activity; check web site for current pricing
Web: >http://www.chelseapiers.com/
Children's Museum of Manhattan
The first thing to do when you arrive at this oasis for little ones is: sign up for some of the day's events at the Information Desk (once you've paid your entry fee, you'll find the sign up desk across from the museum shop as you enter). Something wonderful is always on the schedule, and if you don't sign up, you'll miss out. Then, and only then, take your time and explore all five floors. Exhibits change frequently and are invariably interesting and inspiring.
Location: 212 W. 83rd St.
Phone: (212) 721-1234
Hours: Wed-Sun 10am-5pm
Ages: Infant to 9
Cost: Adults and Children ages 1 and up $8; Seniors $5; Children under 1 free
Web: >http://www.cmom.org/
The China Institute
The China Institute is a nonprofit, non-partisan, educational and cultural institution that promotes the understanding and appreciation of traditional and contemporary Chinese civilization, culture, and heritage. It offers art exhibitions and public programs, classes, and workshops for children and adults.
Location: 125 E. 65th St.
Phone: (212) 744-8181
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm; Sun 1-5pm
Cost: Call or visit the website
Web: http://www.chinainstitute.org/
El Museo del Barrio
NYC's only Latino museum dedicated to Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American art, El Museo is a place of cultural pride and self-discovery, and a wonderful place for kids.
Location: 1230 Fifth Ave.
Phone: (212) 831-7272
Hours: Wed-Sun 11am-5pm
Cost: Adults $4; Students/Seniors $2; Under 12 free
Web: http://www.elmuseo.org/
Filmmonsters: Film and Acting
Focuses on all aspects of filmmaking. Children act; create sets, costumes, props; and shoot films.
Location: 928 Broadway
Phone: (212) 726-1091
Hours: Call for times.
Ages: 6 and up
Cost: Visit website
Web: http://www.induloop.com
Freakatorium (a.k.a. El Museo Loco)
Where might a curious child go to visit the gloves of Tom Thumb, the bones of St. Matthew, and Sammy Davis Jr.'s glass eye? To The Freakatorium, which features a rotating collection of over 1,000 artifacts and curiosities. Kids can learn all about some of history's most famous hoaxes, including the infamous Feejee Mermaid and the enigmatic Furry Mink Fish, and meet some bizarre live creatures, too.
Location: 57 Clinton St.
Phone: (212) 375-0475
Hours: Wed-Sun 1-7pm
Ages: 6 and up
Cost: $5
Web: http://www.freakatorium.com/
Free Kids Workshops at the Home Depot
Kids Workshops are free "How-To Clinics" designed for children ages 5-12. The workshops are offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9am and noon at all Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits. The kits are designed to be both educational and practical. The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to the Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
Location: Multiple locations. Check the website for one near you.
Hours: First Saturday of every month, 9am-noon
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.homedepot.com
Iceskating at Bryant Park
The Pond is a new public iceskating rink and the centerpiece of Fêtes de Noël, which also includes the fourth annual Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. Open public skating is the primary feature of the 170' x 100' state-of-the-art rink, in addition to a range of special events and activities. Skaters of all levels are welcome. There are two small outside cafes on the lawn, which are enclosed in tents. The park itself is surrounded by a huge flea market selling Christmas goodies.
Location: Behind the New York Public Library in Midtown Manhattan, between 40th and 42nd Sts & Fifth and Sixth Aves.
Phone: (212) 768-4242
Hours: 8am-10:30pm
Cost: Admission is free. Skate rentals are $7.50 per session. Locker rentals are $4-5. Helmets and safety equipment are also available for rent.
Web: http://www.bryantpark.org/amenities/thepond.php
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Is there any child, anywhere, not fascinated by mummies and tombs? Just to the right of the Main Entrance is a sure-fire kid pleaser: The Egyptian Wing. The Met is the perfect place to while away a rainy morning or afternoon, gaping at the sphinx, dropping coins in the pools around the Temple of Dendur, eying the suits of armor and the Greek and Roman sculptures, and snacking in the museum's lovely cafeteria.
Location: 1000 Fifth Ave.
Phone: (212) 535-7710
Hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 9:30am-5:15pm; Fri-Sat 9:30am-8:45pm
Ages: 3 and up
Cost: Adults $15; Seniors $10; Students $7; Children (under 12) free
Web: http://www.metmuseum.org/
Museum of the City of New York
This museum just about covers the entire history of New York, from Yankee Stadium to the old fire bucket brigades, and, when museum sights have been sighted enough, the Central Park Conservatory Garden and all the other wonders of Central Park are right across the street. The Toy Collection contains over 100,000 toys and amusements used by New Yorkers from the Colonial period to the present. Don't forget to check out the real city vehicles: two great hand-pumper fire trucks and a hose carriage. MCNY Kids, a new museum program, runs Saturdays from 12-1:30pm and visits different exhibitions for age-appropriate gallery talks and related hands-on activities. MCNY Kids receive a bi-monthly newsletter and a discount at the Museum Shop. Activities are free with suggested Museum admission contribution. Pre-registration is suggested. Children must be accompanied by parents or adult caregivers.
Location: 1220 Fifth Ave.
Phone: (212) 534-1672
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
Ages: 3 and up
Cost: Family $15; Adults $7; Students & Seniors $5
Web: http://www.mcny.org/
Riverbank State Park
One of NYC's nicest parks covers 28 acres on top of a wastewater treatment plant way up on the upper west side. The pedestrian esplanade, which rises high above the Hudson River, offers strollers breathtaking views of the New Jersey Palisades and lower Manhattan. The park features lovely grassy picnic areas, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, artificial turf playing fields, tennis and basketball courts, and an outdoor ice-skating rink (Adults $4; Children under 12 $2; Skate Rental $3). Iceskating, in season, is available Friday until 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday 12n-3pm and 4pm-7pm.
Location: 145th St. at the Hudson River
Phone: (212) 694-3600
Hours: Daily, 6am-11pm
Cost: Free to very inexpensive; check web site for current pricing.
Web: http://www.nysparks.com
Rose Center for Earth and Space
Located within the American Museum of Natural History, the Rose Center is currently showing two Space Show features, ”The Search for Life: Are We Alone?” narrated by Harrison Ford and “Passport to the Universe” narrated by Tom Hanks.
Location: 81st St. between Central Park West & Columbus
Phone: (212) 769-5100
Hours: Daily 10am-5:45pm
Ages: 6 and up
Cost: Adults $14; Students & Seniors $10.50; Children (under 13) $8
Web: http://www.amnh.org/rose
Seaport Children's Center
The best thing about the Children's Center is its core staff of cheerful young people who love everything about The South Street Seaport. Call for information on free programs.
Location: 19 Fulton St.
Phone: (212) 748-8786
Hours: Weekends 1-4pm
Ages: 4 to 12
Cost: Free. Materials are sometimes extra.
Web: http://www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org/
United Nations
This small (well, relatively small) patch of Manhattan is the only tract of land in New York that is not part of the United States. But you don't need a passport to visit, and a trip here might help kids think a bit more globally. Just contemplating the 191 flags flying in front, which represent the member countries, is enough to set the mind spinning.
Tours operate Mon-Fri. during January and February. Children must be five years or older.
Location: First Ave. & 46th St.
Phone: (212) 963-8687
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:45pm; Sat-Sun 10am-4:30pm
Ages: 5 and up
Cost: Tours: Adults $10; Children $5.50
Web: http://www.un.org/tours
Yeshiva University Museum
Yeshiva University Museum occupies 15,000 square feet at the Center for Jewish History, including four galleries, a children's art discovery room, and an outdoor sculpture garden. With its other Center partners, YUM has access to a 250-seat auditorium, classrooms, an A/V Center and a Kosher cafe.
Location: 2520 Amsterdam Ave.
Phone: (212) 960-5390
Hours: Sun. 12-6pm, Tues-Thurs. 10:30am-5pm. Closed on all Jewish holidays.
Cost: Adults $3, Children ages 4 to 16 and seniors $2, Children under 4 free
Web: http://www.yumuseum.org
Brooklyn
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826NY
826NY is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Its services are structured around the belief that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. With this in mind, 826NY provides drop-in tutoring, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications.
Location: 372 Fifth Ave.
Phone: (718) 499-9884
Hours: Tutoring is available Sun-Thu 2:30pm-5:30pm
Ages: 6 and up
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.826NYC.org/
Abe Stark Skating Rink
Open only on the weekends. Bundle up to brave the wind off the Atlantic!
Location: Coney Island Boardwalk & West 19th St.
Phone: (718) 946-3135
Hours: Sat-Sun 1:30-4pm
Ages: 3 and up
Cost: $7.50; Skate Rental $4
Web: http://www.gocitykids.com/browse/attraction.jsp?id=22792
ArtsCetera
ArtsCetera is a family-oriented arts organization serving the neighborhoods of Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, and Park Slope. Music for Aardvarks, Music Together, Art Playgroup, Art Adventures, Baby Om yoga classes, Musica Para Mi, Art Adventures, and more are among the offerings at this location and other branches around the borough. In addition to its music and art classes for children, ArtsCetera serves as an alternative space to view contemporary art and boasts an expansive roster of performances and other arts-related events.
Location: 212 Smith St.
Phone: (718) 643-6817
Hours: Class schedules vary.
Ages: Infant to 6
Cost: Moderate; varies by class.
Web: http://www.artscetera.com/
Brooklyn Children's Museum
The world's first museum for children, the BCM has been up and running since 1899! It offers innovative hands-on exhibitions, daily workshops and programs, and weekend multicultural performances.
Location: 145 Brooklyn Ave.
Phone: (718) 735-4400 or (718) 735-4402
Hours: Wed-Fri 1pm-6pm; Sat-Sun 11am-6pm
Ages: 2 to 12
Cost: $4; Membership $50
Web: http://www.brooklynkids.org/
Families First
A wonderful support center for parents and caregivers, Families First offers all kinds of classes and workshops. Drop-in provides a regular opportunity for children to play together for in well-equipped playrooms. Facilities include a toy area, library, art room, and plenty of safe, roomy play space with riding toys, mats, and lots of running room! Child care staff is available to help with supervision of your children. Classes for babies, toddlers, and school age children are offered in music & creative movement, pre-play groups, science, cooking, tumbling, art, Spanish & French language, adult-baby play, and adult-baby exercise. Individual parent/caregiver workshops are planned throughout the year with expert guest speakers on specific topics related to family life and child development. Small support groups of women, men, and couples meet weekly to discuss their common concerns about their children, parenting, careers, or whatever is on their minds. Ongoing groups and special groups for new mothers are led by professional staff members.
Location: 250 Baltic St.
Phone: (718) 237-1862
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-1pm; Tue & Thu 2-4pm
Cost: Basic membership $275
Web: http://www.familiesfirstbrooklyn.org
Free Kids Workshops at the Home Depot
Kids Workshops are free "How-To Clinics" designed for children ages 5-12. The workshops are offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9am and noon at all the Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits. The kits are designed to be both educational and practical. The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to the Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
Location: Multiple locations. Check the website for one near you.
Hours: First Saturday of every month, 9am-noon
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.homedepot.com
Group Guitar Lessons/Ulysses S. Dee
Ulysses S. Dee, guitarist for the Deedle Deedle Dees, offers group guitar lessons for beginning and intermediate students. A parent or caregiver attends with each child, learns all the techniques, and then helps the student practice at home. Registration for each group is limited to five adult-child duos. Children must be at least four years old.
Required materials include a child- or 3/4-size guitar, a digital tuner, guitar strap, picks, and Smart Start by Jessica Baron Turner. The Dees also offer individual private lessons with Innocent Dee (Anand Mukherjee) or Ulysses S. Dee (Lloyd Miller).
Location: Old Stone House in Park Slope
Phone: (917) 873-0685
Hours: Call for schedule.
Ages: 4-12
Cost: $15/Adult-Child Pair/Group Lesson. First lesson is free.
Web: http://www.thedeedledeedledees.com
Kate Wollman Center and Rink
Kate Wollman Rink is located near the Lincoln Road entrance of Prospect Park and is open for iceskating from late November through March. Free lockers are available at the Rink; bring your own lock or purchase one at the Gift Shop.
Location: Lincoln Rd. off Ocean Ave.
Phone: (718) 287-6431
Hours: Mon 8:30am-2pm; Tue 8:30am-5pm; Wed 8:30am-3pm; Thu 8:30am-6pm; Fri 8:30am-9pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am-6pm
Cost: Adults $5; Children and Seniors $3; Skate Rental $5
Web: http://www.prospectpark.org/
Neighborhood Theatre for Kids
A theatre group with a real sense of community spirit, Neighborhood Theatre for Kids performs family-friendly shows on a seasonal basis.
Location: 467 Court St.
Phone: (917) 494-7540
Ages: 3 and up
Cost: Usually $7/Ticket
Web: http://www.gocitykids.com/browse/attraction.jsp?id=65694
New York Aquarium
Located next door to the Coney Island Amusement Park, the beluga whales, sharks, and walrus are the biggest hits, but the whole family can enjoy standing under a curved pane of glass as a waterfall cascades overhead and splashes past. The seahorse exhibit is amazing, including yellow horses, and dragon horses, and detailed information about how baby horses are born. The octopus will wow kids of all ages as he ripples his tentacles past the glass. The Sea Lion shows are wonderful and are included in the price of admission. Call in advance to check times.
Location: Surf Ave. & West 8th St.
Phone: (718) 265-FISH
Hours: Opens daily 10am; Closing times vary seasonally.
Cost: Adults $12; Children 2-12/Seniors $8; (under 2) free
Web: http://www.nyaquarium.com
NY Transit Museum
Home to 100 years of transit lore and memorabilia, the Museum is housed in an authentic 1930s subway station containing vintage subway and elevated cars, antique turnstiles, a working signal tower, and much more. The Museum also operates a gallery annex at Grand Central Terminal and three unique museum stores.
Location: Court & Schermerhorn Sts.
Phone: (718) 694-1600
Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-4pm; Sat-Sun 12n-5pm
Cost: Adults $5; Seniors and Children $3; Family Membership $55
Web: http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mta/museum/
Puppetworks
Puppetworks was founded to preserve and present Classic Puppet Theater entertainment, with special emphasis on the hand-carved wooden Marionette. Its plays are as faithful as possible, in language and situations, to source material; primarily Children's Literature and International Folk and Fairytales. Reservations are required.
Location: 338 Sixth Ave.
Phone: (718) 965-3391
Hours: Sat-Sun 12:30pm and 2:30pm
Cost: Adults $8; Children $7
Web: http://www.puppetworks.org/
Triple Z Recording Workshops
Budding musicians, beat-makers, and music fans can get their first recording experience by spending a day in the Triple Z Recording Studio with producer/musician Paul Guzzone. The learn-by-doing workshop includes demonstrations and hands-on experience: Kids learn to use both the recording booth and the recording console, and everyone gets to step into the booth to play, sing, or just keep time. Instruments available – or participants can bring their own. Children leave with some basic sound know-how, a CD they helped create, and a handy reference booklet of tips and terms.
It's a great party idea for a small group of teens as well.
Location: Right off the Manhattan Bridge
Phone: (718) 624-6300
Hours: Available daily 10am-3pm. Call to schedule.
Ages: 12 and up
Cost: $195/Lunch provided.
Web: http://www.triplezmusic.com
Queens
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Bridgeview School of Fine Arts
At Bridgeview, fine arts classes for children are available for kids ages six and up, usually on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Location: 42-26 28th St., 2nd floor, Long Island City
Phone: (718) 937-1300
Hours: See website for class schedule
Ages: 6 and up
Cost: Fees vary with class.
Web: http://www.academicart.com/
Colden Center for the Performing Arts
Colden Center for the Performing Arts is a self-supporting, not-for-profit organization located on the campus of Queens College. In continuous operation since 1961, Colden Center provides an accessible and affordable facility to enrich the cultural environment of the region with classical and pop performances for general audiences, schooltime concerts, arts education programming for children, and family events.
Location: 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing
Phone: (718) 793-8080
Hours: Box Office Hours, Mon 10am-4pm; Wed 12n-8pm; Fri 12n-4pm; Sat 10am-2pm
Web: http://www.coldencenter.org/
Dixie Dew Stables
Dixie Dew offers trail rides, English and western riding lessons, and total care boarding for your horse. The expert staff can see to your horse's health needs with an onsite veterinary pro. Kids can enjoy guided trail rides in Forest Park led by Dixie Dew's professional staff. Safety equipment is provided.
Location: 88-11 70th Rd., Flushing
Phone: (718) 263-3500
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 8am-5pm; Tue, Thu, Sat-Sun 8am-7pm
Ages: 8 and up
Cost: $30/hour trail rides; $60/hour private lessons; $275 five-lesson package.
Web: http://www.gocitykids.com/browse/attraction.jsp?id=12799
Flushing Town Hall
Flushing Town Hall hosts family-oriented Saturday morning art programs, classical music concerts, cutting-edge Asian American art, gallery exhibits, a truly remarkable jazz series, and more.
Location: 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
Phone: (718) 463-7700
Cost: Varies with programming.
Web: http://www.flushingtownhall.org/
Forest Park
Forest Park offers some 536 acres of wilderness, with miles of walkways lined with iron lampposts, making this the optimal spot for urban hikers. Cyclists jam park roadways on weekends, while meandering bridlepaths invite the equine-inclined to explore. The Audubon Society conducts regular bird-watching tours of the more than 50 species of birds sighted here. The carefully restored 1903 carousel and pony cart rides are wonderful diversions for the small and young at heart. The park also contains a golf course, dog run, handball and basketball courts, a 440 yard cinder track, soccer field, enclosed baseball diamond and stands, two regulation asphalt softball fields, clay and asphalt tennis courts, a children's outdoor shower, and an ice skating rink.
Location: Myrtle Ave., Park Lane South, Union Tpke, Woodhaven Blvd., Jamaica
Phone: (718) 235-4100
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.nyforestpark.org
Free Kids Workshops at the Home Depot
Kids Workshops are free "How-To Clinics" designed for children ages 5-12. The workshops are offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9am and noon at all the Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits. The kits are designed to be both educational and practical. The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to the Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
Location: Multiple locations. Check the website for one near you.
Hours: First Saturday of every month, 9am-noon
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.homedepot.com
Louis Armstrong House
The home of Jazz Legend Louis Armstrong, preserved as it was when he lived there. Affordable tours are available, complete with recordings of Satchmo at home.
Location: 34-56 107th St. Flushing
Phone: (718) 478-8274
Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat & Sun 12-5pm
Ages: 6 and up
Cost: Adults $8; Students & Seniors $6
Web: http://www.louisarmstronghouse.org
Lynne's Riding School
Lynne's Riding School offers lessons for beginners and expert riders, and features an indoor riding ring and trail rides in Forest Park. Guided Trail Rides are available at $25/hour. Pony rides for little ones are $5.
Location: 88-03 70th Rd., Flushing
Phone: (718) 261-7679
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Cost: Private $35/half-hour, $55/hour; Group $35/hour
Web: http://www.gocitykids.com/browse/attraction.jsp?id=20930
The Museum for African Art
The Museum for African Art is all set up in temporary Long Island City digs while waiting for its final move to a brand new facility in Harlem. The museum is dedicated to increasing the public's understanding and appreciation of African art and culture. It is the only institution in the United States devoted to originating and traveling exhibitions of African art and is the world's pre-eminent publisher of books on African art.
Location: 36-01 43rd Ave., 3rd floor, Long Island City
Phone: (718) 784-7700
Hours: Mon, Thu, Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
Cost: Adults $6; Children $3
Web: http://www.africanart.org/
Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is dedicated to educating the public about the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media, and to examining their impact on culture and society. The Museum's core exhibition, Behind the Screen, illuminates the many processes involved in producing, marketing, and exhibiting the moving image, with more than a thousand film and television artifacts, computer-based interactive experiences, commissioned installations, audio-visual materials, and demonstrations of professional equipment and techniques. The Museum Shop features an extensive selection of books (including screenplays and rare and out of print titles), toys, gifts, jewelry, postcards, and souvenirs. The Shop is open during Museum hours
Location: 35th Ave. at 36th Street, Long Island City
Phone: (718) 784-0077
Hours: Wed-Thu 12n-5pm; Fri 12n-8pm; Sat-Sun 11am-6:30pm.
Ages: 5 and up
Cost: Adults $10; Seniors $7.50; Children (5-18) $5
Web: http://www.movingimage.us/
New York Hall of Science
This is one of America's very best Science museums, and worth a visit from almost anywhere. Everywhere you look, there's something kids are longing to get their hands on, and here, they can!
Location: 47-01 111th St., Flushing Meadow Corona Park, Flushing
Phone: (718) 699-0005
Hours: Mon-Thu 9:30am-2pm; Fri 9:30am-5pm (free 2pm-5pm); Sat-Sun 10am-6pm (free Sun 10am-11am).
Ages: 4 and up
Cost: Adults $11; Children and Seniors $8; Science Playground $3
Web: http://www.nyscience.org/
Queens Botanical Garden
The Queens Botanical Garden got its start as a spectacular five-acre horticultural exhibit at the 1939-40 New York World's Fair, and was relocated to its present site in the early 1960's to accommodate plans for the 1964-65 New York World's Fair. Today, the Unisphere and towers of the New York State Pavilion can still be seen from atop the sloping hills of the Garden's 21-acre arboretum. The Children's Garden is a hands-on teaching garden cultivated by children, ages five to 14, who learn to plant, maintain, and harvest their own vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Children learn basic "good gardening" techniques and learn about food plants of many nations and cultures while exploring the history of the plants they grow! Children plant in and tend to their own individual plots and learn the values of team work while planting, together, in the Bird Garden, Water Garden, Shade Garden, Herb Garden and the new International Garden. Gardening privileges and educational programs for children and families are offered seasonally.
Location: 43-50 Main St., Flushing
Phone: (718) 886-3800
Hours: Tue-Sun 8am-4:30pm; Apr-Oct, Tue-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat-Sun 8am-7pm
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.queensbotanical.org/
Queens County Farm Museum
The Queens County Farm Museum is the only working historical farm in New York City. The 47-acre site includes the 18th century Dutch-flavored Adriance farmhouse, a greenhouse complex, barns, and various outbuildings. The planting fields, orchard, herb garden, and livestock give kids a real taste of what the farm experience might have been like, and the Museum hosts a variety of public events throughout the year.
Location: 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Glen Oaks
Phone: (718) 347-3276
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.queensfarm.org/
World's Fair Ice Skating Rink
Built for the 1938 World's Fair, this rink is rather elderly, but has a certain nostalgic appeal. Lessons are available on weekends
Location: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing
Phone: (718) 271-1996
Hours: Sat 12:30pm-4pm & 8:15pm-10:15pm; Sun 12:30pm-4pm & 6:30pm-9pm; Wed 3pm-5:30pm; Fri 2pm-4:30pm & 8:15pm-10:15pm
Cost: Off-peak $4; Peak $7.50
Web: http://www.gocitykids.com/browse/attraction.jsp?id=22793
Staten Island
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Blue Heron Park
The 222-acre Blue Heron Park is home to wetland ponds, swamps, and streams which drain into the Raritan Bay. A naturalist is available to give guided walks at 12pm and 4pm, Saturday and Sunday throughout the year.
Location: 267 Poillon Ave.
Phone: (718) 967-3542
Hours: Tue-Sun 11am-4pm
Web: http://www.preserve2.org/blueheron/
Clove Lakes Park
Covering a beautiful 191-acre expanse, Clove Lakes Park is home to four lakes and connecting streams where families can enjoy rowboating, peddle boating, and freshwater fishing, as well as an outdoor ice skating rink. Clove Lakes also offers picnic grounds, playgrounds, a baseball field, nature trails, bridle paths, a cross-country course, and a restaurant.
Location: Clove Rd. & Victory Blvd.
Phone: (718) 390-8000 or (718) 442-3600
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.c21safari.com/StatenIsland/CloveLakesPark.html
CSI Center
The CSI Center for the Arts is located on the mid-island campus of the College of Staten Island. The Center hosts a first-class performance series featuring famous and emerging young talent in music, comedy, theater, dance, and children's theater matinees.
Location: 2800 Victory Blvd.
Phone: (718) 982-ARTS
Hours: Box Office Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm; Sat 12n-3pm
Web: http://www.csi.cuny.edu
Free Kids Workshops at the Home Depot
Kids Workshops are free "How-To Clinics" designed for children ages 5-12. The workshops are offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9am and noon at all the Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits. The kits are designed to be both educational and practical. The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to the Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
Location: Multiple locations. Check the website for one near you.
Hours: First Saturday of every month, 9am-noon
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.homedepot.com
Greenbelt/ Greenbelt Nature Center
Most of the Greenbelt is New York City park land, featuring natural areas as well as traditional parks. LaTourette, Willowbrook, and High Rock parks dot the Greenbelt's perimeter. Visitors can enjoy golf, archery, baseball, hiking, birdwatching in the W.T. Davis Wildlife Refuge, and carousel rides in Willowbrook. The Greenbelt also hosts environmental education programs, summer camp sessions, and special events and concerts throughout the year.
Location: 700 Rockland Ave.
Phone: (718) 351-3450
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk; the Nature Center is closed on Mon.
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.sigreenbelt.org
High Rock Park
Part of Staten Island's Greenbelt Conservancy, High Rock Park offers short hiking trails (and access to the Greenbelt's longer trails), comfort stations, the Greenbelt's administration and education centers, and headquarters for the Urban Park Rangers.
A paved, relatively flat Nature Path, where visitors of all abilities can explore the park's flora and fauna, with the aid of illustrated signs, is accessible from the parking lot.
Location: 200 Nevada Ave.
Phone: (718) 667-2165
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk.
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.sigreenbelt.org
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Snug Harbor is a cultural center set within an 83-acre National Historic Landmark district containing the finest collection of Greek Revival buildings in the United States. The Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art holds exhibitions in 15,000 feet of gallery space, plus outdoor and off-site projects, educational programs, 30 artists’ studios on site and an international artist residency program. Throughout the year, the Performing Arts Program offers music, dance, and theater, indoors and outdoors, for audiences of all ages. Whether you prefer classical or cutting edge, there's something to see at The Harbor. The Harbor Education Department develops workshops that capitalize on current art exhibitions and performing arts programming, as well as Snug Harbor's storied past. The Art Lab offers classes in the visual arts for children and adults. Seasonal mini-camps are also available. Many of Snug Harbor's artists and musicians offer lessons on an individual basis.
Location: 1000 Richmond Terr.
Phone: (718) 448-2500 or (718) 447-8667
Web: http://www.snug-harbor.org/
St. George Library Center
The largest library on Staten Island, St. George features an impressive beamed ceiling of massive timbers, stained glass windows (which reveal a spectacular view of the New York harbor through the clear lower panes), air conditioning and wheel chair accessibility. A spruce-up building project in 2001 provided more PC's for public use, a computer lab in the Center for Reading and Writing, and new carpeting and paint throughout the building. Each Tuesday at 4:00 there is a read aloud time for children of all ages during the Picture Book Hour.
Location: 5 Central Ave.
Phone: (718) 442-8560
Hours: Mon, Thu 12n-8pm; Tue, Wed, Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm
Web: http://www.nypl.org/branch/si/sgc.html
Staten Island Botanical Garden
Founded in 1977, the Staten Island Botanical Garden runs the plant gamut from its English perennial border to its newest addition, the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden. Modeled after Frances Hodgson Burnett's children's classic, and specifically designed for children, the Secret Garden's design challenges little minds as they try to weave through a maze to find where the secret garden lies. The garden itself is overlooked by a 38-foot castle, complete with drawbridge and moat!
Location: 1000 Richmond Terr.
Phone: (718) 273-8200
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
Cost: Secret Garden: Adults $2; Children $1. Chinese Scholar Garden: Adults $5; Children $4
Web: http://www.sibg.org/
Staten Island Children's Museum
SI Children's Museum is home to eight interactive exhibits designed to engage the minds and funny bones of little ones, including Bugs and Other Insects, Block Harbor, Great Explorations Portia's Playhouse, Ladder 11, Sea of Boats, and It's a Dog's Life. Walk-in workshops are offered weekdays from 12:30pm-4:30pm.
Location: 1000 Richmond Terr.
Phone: (718) 273-2060
Hours: Tue-Fri 12n-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Ages: Infant to 10
Cost: $5/person (ages one and up)
Web: http://www.statenislandkids.org/
Staten Island YMCA - Broadway Center
The Staten Island Y offers an Early Childhood Center with a fenced-in playground and classes for children as young as 1 year, including Mommy and Me, pre-school soccer, music, drama, sports and martial arts, in addition to a nursery school program accredited by the Department of Health. The nursery program includes half day, full day and extended day options. Swim classes for kids begin as early as 6 months. Children 5-14 can choose classes ranging from gymnastics to Tae Kwon Do, dance, arts and crafts, writing, computer training, basketball, floor hockey, soccer and golf. The Y's volunteer-organized Baseball League can accommodate 960 children. The Y also has a theater workshop, which meets twice a week, and a virtual Y after school program for elementary school kids which runs from 3pm-6pm weekdays. For teens (11-15), the Y offers Friday evening get-togethers (pre-registration required, but the program is free for Staten Islanders), Basketball leagues, step and fitness classes and weight training. Make sure your older kids check out the New York State Youth & Government Program, and get your adolescent daughters hooked up with Girls Inc.
Location: 651 Broadway
Phone: (718) 981-4933
Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30am-10:30pm; Fri 5:30am-6:45pm (7pm-10pm teens only); Sat-Sun 6am-9:30pm; closes 6pm one Saturday monthly for family night.
Cost: Annual Membership.
Web: http://www.ymcanyc.org/sub.php?p=about&sp=si/bdwy_main
Staten Island Zoo
This small, mostly indoor zoo offers programs such as the African Savannah at Twilight, a state-of-the-art facility that highlights a number of exotic animals - all native to the vast grasslands of central and southern Africa. Leopards, baboons, lizards, and antelope join several lesser-known species in a amazingly realistic representation of the African plains. The Ralph J. Lamberti Tropical Forest is a multi-million dollar representation of an endangered South American tropical forest, including both flora and fauna. And the Serpentarium houses an internationally acclaimed display of reptiles, including one of the most extensive collections of North American rattlesnakes. The N.Y. State Senator John J. Marchi Aquarium is a wrap-around aquatic experience with marine life, from shrimp to sharks, from all over the world. The mostly outdoor Children's Center, with its New England farm setting, overlooks a newly renovated duck pond. A pony ring and a visit with domestic farm animals are an integral part of the zoo experience, especially for younger children.
Location: 614 Broadway
Phone: (718) 442-3100
Hours: Daily 10am-4:45pm. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day.
Cost: Adults $5; Children $3
Web: http://www.statenislandzoo.org/
Bronx
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Bronx Equestrian Center
The Bronx Equestrian Center is a full service equestrian facility located in Pelham Bay Park. Western and English styles of riding are available for all levels of experience and interest. The Center offers trail rides, lessons, and pony rides. Ponies are available for hire, and can be transported to other city locations for birthday parties and fundraisers.
The Center has a year-round Saturday morning program (weather permitting) from 9:30am to 12:30pm for kids ages 7-16. The program includes a riding lesson and/or trail ride and a grooming class, and kids learn basic horse care.
Location: 9 Shore Rd.
Phone: (718) 885-0551
Hours: Daily, 9am-dusk
Cost: Lessons $35/half hour; Trail rides $25/hour; Trail ride lessons $35/hour; Pony rides $2
Web: http://www.nychorse.com
Bronx House School of Performing Arts
The Bronx House, established in 1911, offers an extensive array of programs in the 7,000 square foot School of Performing Arts. The state-of-the-art facility features soundproof and sound-enhanced group and private music rooms and professional dance and theater studios. The school offers partial scholarships for students who qualify for financial assistance as well as free loaner instruments available for use during lessons at Bronx House and practice at home.
Location: 990 Pelham Parkway South
Phone: (718) 792-1800, ex 235 or 236
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-9pm; Fri & Sat 9am-6pm
Ages: 2 and up
Cost: Fees vary; inexpensive to moderate
Web: http://www.gocitykids.com/browse/attraction.jsp?id=95342
Bronx River Art Center
The center is located in a 16,000-sq. ft. four-story warehouse building bordering the picturesque Bronx River. It is a few blocks from the Bronx Zoo in the West Farms Community of the South Central Bronx. The Center was founded in 1980 as part of the Bronx River Restoration project, and was incorporated in 1987 as an independent non-profit, multi-arts organization dedicated to providing art and environmental programming for residents of the Bronx. Free after school art classes for youths ages 9-21 are offered Monday-Friday from 4-6pm and Saturday 10-5pm. The classes are taught by professional artists in the areas of Painting, Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Ceramics and Special Teen Project Studios. Evening and weekend classes for adults and parent/child teams are also offered free through a grant from Congressman José E. Serrano's WCS/NOAA Lower Bronx River Partnership to teach the Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning through the Arts. Also, for over ten years BRAC has offered performing arts productions in conjunction with our exhibitions through our "High/Low" series of music, dance and theatre. Performances range from classical to contemporary including: Modern Jazz, Blues, Salsa and Electronic music, avant-garde theatre dance, and poetry. Performances take place in various spaces throughout our four-story building and during warm weather months in our riverside community garden. BRAC also offers a speaker series of lecturers and round-table discussions for artists, arts professionals and the community. This program is designed to establish common ground on challenging subjects in the arts and community development.
Location: 1087 East Tremont Ave.
Phone: (718) 589-5819
Hours: Gallery: Mon-Fri 3-6pm, Sat. 12-5pm
Cost: Classes are free.
Web: http://www.bronxriverart.org/about/background.php4
Bronx Walk of Fame
Every Year, famous Bronxites come back home to receive the highest honor their borough bestows – induction to the Bronx Walk of Fame. At the ceremony, which is held during the Bronx Week Celebration, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión, Jr. unveils permanent street plaques on the famous Grand Concourse bearing the individuals’ names. The Walk of Fame begins at 161st Street. Here are the Bronxites inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame.
Location: 161st St.
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.ilovethebronx.com/walk_of_fame.asp
Bronx Zoo
One of the biggest zoos in the world, The Bronx Zoo has something for everyone, from butterflies to crocodiles, and it's a great way to spend the day with children. Must-sees include the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit, which brings you face to face with gorillas and other African wildlife (you're inside, they're out), Jungle World, which takes you through a tropical rain forest (yes, it is hot and humid, and there are real waterfalls). Note that additional fees ($3/person) and ticketing are required. World of Reptiles is always a crowd pleaser, showcasing some of the world's most poisonous snakes, toads, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. And then there are all the outside environments to walk by and marvel at, including the expected lions, giraffes, bison, birds, snow leopards, bears, etc. You can also join one of the free walking tours offered by Friends of Wildlife Conservation, by reservation only. Call (718) 220-5141. The Bronx Zoo's Education Department also offers programs for children, families, and adults. Call (718) 220-6854 or check our Calendar for upcoming events. Pre-registration required for all programs!
Location: Fordham Rd. & the Bronx River Pkwy.
Phone: (718) 367-1010
Hours: 10am-4:30pm. Holiday Lights: Dec 7-11 5:30-9pm. Fri-Sat 5:30-9:30pm.
Cost: Winter Rates: Adults $8; Children $6
Web: http://www.bronxzoo.com/
Free Kids Workshops at the Home Depot
Kids Workshops are free "How-To Clinics" designed for children ages 5-12. The workshops are offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9am and noon at all the Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits. The kits are designed to be both educational and practical. The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to the Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
Location: Multiple locations. Check the website for one near you.
Hours: First Saturday of every month, 9am-noon
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.homedepot.com
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts
Part of the City University of New York, Lehman offers family-friendly fare and concerts.
Location: 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West
Phone: (718) 960-8833; (718) 960-8232
Hours: Box Office Mon-Fri 10am-5pm
Web: http://www.lehman.cuny.edu/lehmancenter/
Maritime Industry Museum
A walk through the Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler brings with it a vivid presence of seafaring in both bygone years as well as today's present era. The exquisitely fashioned ship models, historic artifacts, nautical photographs and prints, and the host of corporate banners identifying exhibits of the respective steamship companies they represent gives the visitor a true sense of being at sea with those individuals who experienced life in the merchant marine or passenger cruise line industry
Location: SUNY Maritime College Campus, 6 Pennyfield Ave.
Phone: (718) 409-7218
Hours: Mon-Sat. 9am-4pm
Cost: Free
Web: http://maritimeindustrymuseum.org/index.htm
New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden makes the extra effort to get city kids interested in flora and fauna. Families can delve into the mysteries of the plant kingdom at the Everett Children's Adventure Garden and the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, where you're allowed (actually, encouraged!) to play in the dirt. The Garden offers a slew of seasonal activities just right for little green thumbs, from daily hands-on activities to the Children's Gardening Program. Narrated tram tours offer highlights of the gardens, collections, and grounds, every 20 minutes year-round. Seven stops along the way allow passengers to explore areas of interest before re-boarding.
Location: 200th St. & Kazimiroff Blvd.
Phone: (718) 817-8700
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm
Cost: Adults $13; Seniors $11; Children (2-12) $5
Web: http://www.nybg.org/
The Point
The Point offers a plethora of programs for teens, including after school arts, summer camps, and more.
Location: 940 Garrison Ave.
Phone: 718.542.4139
Hours: Daily, 9am-6pm
Web: http://www.thepoint.org/
Riverdale Equestrian Centre
Riverside has four outdoor rings and one large indoor riding arena. Lessons are offered year-round to riders of all ages and levels of ability. Other programs include therapeutic riding for the disabled and after-school riding groups. Lessons are offered in English technique weekdays and weekends; call in advance. Younger children can drop in for weekend pony rides on Saturdays and Sundays, from 1pm-3pm. The cost is $5/child.
Location: Broadway & W. 254th St.
Phone: (718) 548-4848
Hours: Tue-Fri 8am-9pm; Sat-Sun 9am-5pm
Ages: 2 and up
Cost: Half-hour lesson $36; Hour lesson $67
Web: http://www.RiverdaleRiding.com
Someplace Special
Someplace Special takes the anxiety out of first (and subsequent) haircuts. The salon offers first haircut certificates, kosher lollipops, and balloons, and has a Thomas the Tank Engine play table kids can play with anytime, even if they're not getting a haircut!
Someplace special also hosts after school programs, and can provide birthday party entertainment.
Location: 492 West 238th St.
Phone: (718) 432-6622
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 11an-5pm
Web: http://www.someplacespecialforkids.com/
Wave Hill
Wave Hill maintains award-winning gardens and greenhouses, manages an urban woodland, provides environmental education for City children, teachers, and over 100,000 visitors annually, offers arts activities for children that strengthen environmental awareness, conducts projects in landscape history and design, and presents exhibitions, readings, concerts, lectures, and workshops that examine the aesthetic response to nature. In short, it's paradise for city kids. Check our calendar for upcoming events.
In addition to the weekend family programs, and the nature walks you can take as a family anytime, Wave Hill offers a summer outdoor Dance Series which sets music and movement into the landscape. These site-inspired works, presented without traditional theatrical apparatus, offer audiences an experience that heightens their awareness of both the dance and the natural terrain in which it takes place. A Concert Series, which runs from fall through spring, brings audiences to Wave Hill for a variety of classical music and jazz performances. Wave Hill Greenhouses: Located in the heart of the Wave Hill property, the Greenhouses are open Tue-Sun 10am-12n, and 2pm-4pm.
Location: 675 West 252nd St.
Phone: (718) 549-3200
Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-4:30pm
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.wavehill.org/
Long Island
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Bethpage State Park
The park is best known for its five world-class golf courses, but visitors flock to the park in winter to go cross-country skiing and sledding.
Location: Bethpage Parkway, Farmingdale
Phone: (516) 249-0701
Hours: Year-round
Ages: All
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=67
Cantiague Park
The park has been part of the county park system since 1961 and is centrally located in Hicksville, just off the Northern State Parkway and east of the Wantagh State Parkway. This 127-acre park offers an indoor ice skating rink that is used by recreational skaters and hockey teams. The rink has also played host to Olympic gold medalists such as Nancy Kerrigan, who performed there in 2004, and was the New York Islanders (National Hockey League) practice facility from 1979 to 1992. Skating lessons are available, as is a skate rental. The rink also has a snack bar and bleacher seating. A fee is charged at the rink.
Location: West John St. east of Rock Rd., Hicksville
Phone: (516) 571-7056
Hours: Call for details
Ages: All
Cost: Call for details
Web: http://www.licvb.com/vendor_detail.cfm?ID=1052
Cedar Creek Park
The park has been part of the county park system since 1975 and is located in the southeast part of Nassau County, in Seaford. This 259-acre park offers a playground, which was judged by News12 Long Island viewers as the best on Long Island, an aerodrome field designed for radio-controlled model airplane hobbyists, a model-car race track, and sled hills which are open during January and February, weather permitting.
Location: Merrick Rd. east of Wantagh Ave., Seaford
Phone: (516) 571-7472
Hours: Year-round
Ages: All
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/official/county/agencies/Parks/Home/Where+To+Go/Active+Parks/Parks_Cedar_Creek
Christopher Morley Park
The park is set on 98 acres and is centrally located in the northern part of Nassau County. Christopher Morley’s outdoor ice skating rink was named by News12 Long Island viewers as the best outdoor skating rink on Long Island. The facility is used by recreational skaters and hockey teams. Group and private lessons are available; skate rentals are also available. Open from early December through mid-March, including night hours from Thursday through Sunday. Call for skating information.
Location: Searingtown Rd. north of Long Island Expressway, Roslyn
Phone: (516) 571-8123
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 2-hour sessions at 10:30am, 1:15pm, & 4pm. Fri. & Sat. 8:30-10:30pm. Thurs. & Sun. 6:45-8:45pm.
Ages: All
Cost: Adults with Leisure Pass, $5.50 ($12 without LP); children (residents), $3.50; children ages 13-17 without LP and non-residents, $8.
Web: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/official/county/agencies/Parks/Home/Where+To+Go/Active+Parks/Parks_Christopher_Morley
Collectors Cars Auto Museum
This museum displays classic and antique cars including Mustangs, Thunderbirds and other vintage classics. Here you can find cars all the way back from ones powered by steam to modern Italian sports cars. It is great to see how cars progressed and the older ones are simply beautiful. Some of the cars you can get into and the rest you can only go up to the windows and look in, but it is nonetheless very cool.
Location: 56 West Merrick Rd., Freeport
Phone: (516) 378-6666.
Hours: Call for details
Ages: Call for details
Cost: Call for details
Web: http://www.longisland.com/museums/print_museum.php?TID=16
Cradle of Aviation Museum
The history of aviation, the history of Long Island, and the history of the United States became intimately entwined with the dawn of flight. From the early days of kites and ballooning to the race to the moon, Long Island has played a very important role in the development and growth of aviation and aerospace. The many record-setting and historic flights that transpired here, and the many aviation companies that developed here made aviation the integral part of our world that it is today. Although no more aircraft are being built here in their entirety, today approximately 240 companies remain on Long Island producing a wide variety of parts for virtually every American aircraft that flies. The Museum also houses the Leroy R. & Rose W. Grumman IMAX® Dome Theater which provides a unique sense of visitor involvement through a sensory experience of motion, sound and sight.
Location: Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City
Phone: (516) 572-4111
Hours: Open Tues.-Sun. 9:30am-5pm. Closed Monday, except on holidays and school breaks
Ages: All
Cost: Adult – museum only $9, IMAX only $8.50, both $16.50. Children 2-12 yrs. - museum only $8, IMAX only $6.50, both $13
Web: http://www.cradleofaviation.org/index.html
Dix Hills Ice Rink
This is an indoor, full-sized rink. The inside of the building is similar to that of a ski lodge with sloped ceilings and a rustic wooden look. The skate shop stocks items ranging from laces to dresses. They also sharpen skates while you wait. Skate rental (of both figure and hockey skates) is available. They have learn-to-skate and hockey programs. Coin lockers cost 50 cents. Parking is free.
Location: 575 Vanderbilt Pkwy., Dix Hills
Phone: (631) 462-5883 or (631) 499-1202 (ice rink schedule)
Hours: Call for details
Ages: All
Cost: Call for details
Web: http://www.skateny.com/dixhills/
DNA Learning Center
The center is the educational arm of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the world's first biotechnology museum. It presents exhibits on the history of genetics and the molecular basis of hereditary diseases and cancer. Saturday DNA! classes make use of DNALC resources to provide fun learning experiences for the public. The Gene Almanac Internet Portal and the family of educational Internet sites are accessed world-wide and cover broad topics, including basic heredity, genetic disorders, eugenics, the discovery of the structure of DNA, DNA sequencing, cancer, and plant genetics. They have also extended the reach of two of their Internet sites by making content available on off-line media (CD-ROM or DVD).
Location: 334 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor
Phone:
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am-4pm, Sat. 12-4pm. Please call for holiday hours.
Ages: Call for details
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.dnalc.org/home.html
Free Kids Workshops at the Home Depot
Kids Workshops are free "How-To Clinics" designed for children ages 5-12. The workshops are offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9am and noon at all the Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits. The kits are designed to be both educational and practical. The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to the Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
Location: Multiple locations. Check the website for one near you.
Hours: First Saturday of every month, 9am-noon
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.homedepot.com
Grant Park
Grant Park, part of the Nassau County park system since 1955, is located in the southwest part of the county. The 35-acre park offers a skating rink with public and charter sessions. Lessons are also available, along with a skate rental. A sled hill is open in the winter, when weather conditions cooperate.
Location: Broadway & Sheridan Ave., Hewlett
Phone: (516) 571-7821
Hours: Mon.-Sun 2-hour sessions at 10 am, 12:45pm, & 3:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat 8:30-10:30pm. Friday "Puck Shoot" with goalie: 6-7:30pm.
Ages: All
Cost: Adults with Leisure Pass, $5.50 ($12 without LP); children (residents), $3.50; children ages 13-17 without LP and non-residents, $8.
Web: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/official/county/agencies/Parks/Home/Where+To+Go/Active+Parks/Parks_Grant_Park
Long Island Children's Museum
Long Island Children's Museum is a learning laboratory where hands-on exhibits invite visitors to experiment, examine, and play.
Location: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
Phone: (516) 224-5800
Hours: Wed-Sun 10am-5pm
Ages: 2 to 12
Cost: Adults & Children $8
Web: http://www.licm.org/
Newbridge Road Park Indoor Ice Rink Arena
Features a full-sized rink, skate rental, snack bar and coin-operated lockers. A central fireplace adds a cozy ski lodge ambiance to the facility. Private and class lessons are offered at all figure skating levels, power skating and beginner hockey.
Location: 2600 S. Newbridge Rd., Bellmore
Phone: Rink Office: (516) 783-6181. Skating School: (516) 783-6630. Pro Shop: (516) 783-0215
Hours: Call for details
Ages: All
Cost: Call for details
Web: www.newbridgearena.com
Walt Whitman Birthplace-State Historic Site
The house was built circa1816 by the poet's father and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is Long Island's only New York State Historic Site. The house contains 19th-century furnishings, Whitman's schoolmaster's desk, and changing exhibits of Whitman material, including photographs, books, and excerpts from his writings and letters. Guided tours feature an audio-visual presentation and Walt Whitman's recorded voice on a wax cylinder. Maps are available for a combined auto-hiking tour of Whitman-related sites in historic and beautiful West Hills, including Jayne's Hill, the highest point on Long Island. There is also a research library, and poetry workshops, readings, and concerts are offered.
Location: 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station
Phone: (631) 427-5240
Hours: Wed.-Fri. 1-4pm. Sat. & Sun. 11am-4pm. Closed holidays.
Ages: All
Cost: $3 Adults; $2 Seniors (over 62) and Students; $1 Children 7-12; Children 6 & under free
Web: http://www.waltwhitman.org/
New Jersey
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Afro-American Historical Society Museum
The Museum has galleries for lectures, special exhibits, and a permanent collection of material culture of New Jersey's African Americans as well as African artifacts. The collection includes memorabilia and documents of the Pullman Porters (a black labor union), the Civil Rights Movement, the NAACP in New Jersey, slave trade in Jersey City and New Jersey, the underground railroad, a replica of an urban 1930s kitchen, photographs of New Jersey's historic African American churches, and genealogical records for the preparation of family histories. It conducts tours of historic sites in Hudson County and schedules special events, such as Kwanzaa, celebrating the contributions of African Americans.
Location: 1841 Kennedy Blvd. (2nd floor, Greenville Public Library), Jersey City
Phone: (201) 547-5262
Hours: Call
Cost: Call
Web: http://www.njcu.edu/programs/jchistory/Pages/A_Pages/Afro_American_Historical_and_Cultural_Society_Museum.htm
Aviation Hall of Fame
This museum is dedicated to the preservation of the Garden State's distinguished, two-century aviation and space heritage. The men and women whose outstanding aeronautical achievements have brought world-wide recognition to the state are enshrined in the Hall of Fame. At opposite sides of the airport, the dual locations of this exciting museum offer visitors an opportunity to both learn the role of New Jersey's aviators in our nation's history and view the Museum's fine collection of artifacts, as well as letting them experience a busy modern airport in action. Exhibits include displays about such famous aviators as Lindbergh, Earhart, Chamberlin, Aldrin, Schirra, and others. An aircraft piston, jet and rocket engines, and other equipment are exhibited. Visitors can walk around a Martin 202 airliner.
Location: Teterboro Airport, Teterboro
Phone: (201) 288 6344
Hours: Tues.-Sun. 10am-4pm. Closed Mondays.
Cost: Adults $3, Seniors & Children under age 12 $2.
Web: http://www.njahof.org/pages/1/index.htm
Bergen Museum of Art and Science
The Bergen Museum ushers in the holiday season with a miniature dollhouse and model train exhibit beginning November 26th and running through January 12th 2006.
Location: Bergen Mall, Route 4 East, Paramus
Phone: (201) 291-8848
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm
Cost: $5 for non-members, seniors free on Wed., students with ID $3
Web: http://www.thebergenmuseum.com
Camden Children's Garden
Did you ever see a 60-foot high sunflower? If you don't think it's possible, then you haven't been to the Camden Children's Garden. A large flowerpot greets visitors to the Camden Children’s Garden with a HUGE sunflower on a 60-foot pole as they approach the entry gate. It's taller than a five-story building! People can even see the sunflower from Philadelphia and from the Ben Franklin Bridge. The 4-acre interactive Garden includes two indoor exhibits, the Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House and the Tropical Exhibit, Plaza de Aibonito. The Garden has amusement rides, such as the Commerce Carousel, and the Arrow River Train Ride surrounded by the Railroad Garden. Other exhibits include a Dinosaur Garden, Maze, Picnic Garden, Tree House, Amphitheater and Storybook Gardens. Storybook Gardens include: 3 Little Pigs Garden, the Giants Garden from Jack in the Beanstalk, Secret Garden, Frog Prince Grotto and Alice in Wonderland's Garden. The Holiday Festival of Lights runs Friday and Saturday evenings through December (excluding Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve). It lights the Garden with over 100,000 lights including animated light sculptures and an Enchanted Indoor Wonderland featuring magical holiday scenes including Santa's Toy Shop and Bakery. Admission begins at 5:30pm and costs $2.50. The event finale takes place December 30 from 5:30-8pm.
Location: 3 Riverside Dr., Camden
Phone: 1-856-365-8733
Hours: Call for details
Cost: $5 adults, $3 children. Additional fees may apply for some activities
Web: http://www.camdenchildrensgarden.org/garden.html
Free Kids Workshops at the Home Depot
Kids Workshops are free "How-To Clinics" designed for children ages 5-12. The workshops are offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9am and noon at all the Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits. The kits are designed to be both educational and practical. The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to the Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
Location: Multiple locations. Check the website for one near you.
Hours: First Saturday of every month, 9am-noon
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.homedepot.com
Garden State Discovery Museum
This museum showcases various Southern New Jersey features in child-size, interactive exhibits that youngsters from two to ten years old can explore, play with, and learn from. The one-story, 15,000 square foot building contains eleven exhibit areas that are designed to challenge a child's imagination and natural curiosity. Down the Shore explores life by the sea, including activities that simulate fishing, diving, or hanging out at the beach. The Farm Stand features New Jersey produce; kids shop for pretend fruits and vegetables, weight them, and take them to the register. The Nature Center is a multi-level treehouse with puppet-animals in the branches. Children can also wear animal costumes and crawl through a giant spider web. Children can enter a giant bubble in Bubble Trouble, which includes a variety of activities that illustrate surface tension and the science behind the suds. Arts and Imagination is a children's studio including a giant spirograph and sand art. Vet and Pet is an interactive veterinary office, including real animal X-rays. Children build their own sailboats and sail them through fast moving currents in the Stream Table. Under Construction is a great area with a workbench for taking things apart or putting them back together, a buildable two-story house, and large sets of giant Legos and Lincoln Logs. Kids can "grab a bite" at the friendly Discovery Diner. Junior chefs can "cook" and use an array of standard diner apparatus. The basics of rock climbing can be learned on the Rock Climbing Wall. And children can develop and direct their own theatrical productions at the Backstage Theater. The Museum also maintains a very full calendar of special events and activities, such as cultural activities, performances, storytelling, crafts, and more.
Location: 2040 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill
Phone: (856) 424-1233
Hours: Tues.-Sun. 9:30am-5:30pm
Cost: Children & adults $7.95, Seniors $6.95, children under one free
Web: http://www.fieldtrip.com/nj/94241233.htm
Imagine That!
This wonderful museum for 3- to 10-year olds features more than thirty-five interactive exhibits that are there for kids to use as well as see. The brightly colored exhibits let children enjoy: a Dance Studio; science exhibits; creating their own art masterpieces in a well-equipped studio; toys from many different countries; computers with programs on math, music, spelling, language arts, or creative arts; role-playing in the 911 Emergency Area or shopping at the Grocery Store; a TV Newsroom where they can write, produce and direct their own news programs and watch them. The Museum even offers a new drop-off service. Children can spend supervised time having fun at the Museum while parents get their chores done. Groups are welcome, and will be treated not only to the exhibits, but to a Puppet Show, Storytelling, or some other supervised activity. Supervision requirements: at least one adult for every four children, whether with an organized group or a family.
Location: 4 Vreeland Rd., Florham Park
Phone: (973) 966-8000
Hours: Daily, 10am-5:30pm
Cost: Children $7.99, adults $4.99, babies under 1 free
Web: http://www.fieldtrip.com/nj/87069000.htm
Liberty Science Center
Divided into "floor" sections, the renowned Liberty Science Center is an incredibly fun spot where kids will learn without meaning to. The Invention Floor is the place to explore all the various mechanical objects people have invented that create music, light, and motion. Kids are invited to bring broken appliances (small calculators, phones, radios) in to the Swap Shop and, by figuring out how to repair the items, earn points, redeemable for fixed items. The Health Floor is dedicated to the study of the human body and its senses. Kids are drawn immediately to the Touch Tunnel, which is one hundred feet long and completely dark. Once inside, you really get an insight into how acute the human sense of touch can be. Perception Alley shows us how our eyes see accurately and how they play tricks on us too. The Ambulance offers a sobering look at what happens inside emergency vehicles, and how they are so well equipped to save lives.
The panoramic views from the museum's top floor (the Environment Floor) that sweep across the Hudson River to New York City and to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are alone worth the price of admission on a clear, warm day. This floor houses a mini-estuary with Hudson River fish, a working solar telescope, a bug zoo, and a rock climbing wall. An Imax movie theater is also onsite.
Location: Liberty State Park, Jersey City
Phone: (201) 200-1000
Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm
Cost: Adults $10 and up; Children $8 and up
Web: http://www.lsc.org/
New Jersey Historical Society
This a state-wide, private, non profit historical museum, library, and archives dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the rich and intricate political, social, cultural and economic history of New Jersey to the broadest possible audiences. Founded in 1845, we are the oldest cultural institution in the state. Through exhibitions, publications, and programming, we examine who and what we are, what it means to live and work in New Jersey, what contributes to New Jersey's distinct identity, and what are the unique contributions New Jerseyans make to the region and the country.
Location: 52 Park Place, Newark
Phone: (973) 596-8500
Hours: Museum, Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm. Library, Tues.-Sat. 12-5pm. Administrative Offices, Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm. Call for holiday hours.
Cost: Admission is free to Exhibition Galleries and most programs.
Web: http://www.jerseyhistory.org/index.html
Tom’s River Seaport Society and Maritime Museum
This is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the rich maritime history of the Barnegat Bay in New Jersey.
Location: 78 East Water St., Toms River
Phone: (732) 349-9209
Hours: Tues., Thurs., and Sat. 10am-2pm
Cost: Call for details
Web: http://www.tomsriverseaport.com
New Jersey Naval Museum
Military buffs are an obvious audience for the New Jersey Naval Museum. However, anyone interested in history or the sea will have a great time here, and many children love it. Operated by the Submarine Memorial Association, The New Jersey Naval Museum (NJNM) introduces state residents and visitors to New Jersey's Navy heritage and naval history in general. The star attraction here is the USS Ling 297, a 312-foot long Balao Class World War II submarine. The new addition to the museum is a Vietnam era PBR (Patrol Boat, River), which has been seen in movies such as Apocolypse Now. Visit the New Jersey Naval Museum for an exciting glimpse into the past. And visit its official website for a comprehensive virtual tour.
Location: Court & River Sts., Hackensack
Phone: (201) 342-3268
Hours: Wed.-Sun. 10am-5pm. Last tour begins at 4pm. Closed Christmas and New Years.
Cost: Adults $4; Children under 12 $2.50
Web: http://www.njnm.com/
New Jersey State Police Museum
A tour begins with an introductory video, followed by a view of the exhibit, Honor, Duty, Fidelity. A following exhibit details tough Trooper Training with artifacts, photos, and another video. The Lindbergh Kidnapping can be examined here through actual ransom notes, the ladder used by the kidnapper, and a variety of other material including a video of the Fox Movietone News with Trial Footage. The Museum also houses an extensive research library on the Lindbergh Case (can be used by appointment). An exhibit on Police Protection illustrates early police facilities, transportation, and weaponry and features highlights on the Police Marine Bureau and more. A video on Emergency Response demonstrates the techniques used to handle situations quickly and efficiently. One fascinating exhibit on Criminal Investigation shows the equipment used by the Crime Scene Identification Unit. Surveillance equipment can be seen here, as well as forensic lab gear, fingerprint-lifting tools, and much more. Visitors may use the interactive microscopes to view their fingerprints, gaining a better understanding of the techniques used to investigate crime scenes. An exhibit from the Ballistics Unit displays more than 100 firearms seized during the course of a criminal investigation.
Location: River Rd., West Trenton
Phone: (609) 882 2000, ext. 6400
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am - 4pm. Closed Sundays and state holidays.
Cost: Free, including group tours
Web: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/NJTREpolice.html
Robert J. Novins Planetarium
Using state-of-the-art equipment, the planetarium offers a variety of wonderful star and sky shows to the public. Each month visitors may choose from a selection of Main Features and other programs, including a concert and children's show. A few of the Main Features include: “The End of the World,” a trek through history that investigates peoples' ideas about the ultimate fate of our Earth; “Through the Eyes of Hubble,” narrated by Star Trek's Gates McFadden; and “Star of Bethlehem,” which recreates the sky as it appeared 2,000 years ago and uses the latest historical evidence to examine a number of events which might have been the Christmas Star. Other programs include A Sky for All Seasons, featuring the stars, constellations and sky lore of the current season; and a Young Children's Show, introducing the planetarium and the current season's sky to children 3 to 6 years old. Adults can take credit and non-credit courses in astronomy and related subjects.
Location: Ocean County College, Toms River
Phone: (732) 255-0342 (recording), (732) 255-0343 (office)
Hours: Call for details
Cost: Adults $5; Children & Seniors $3.50
Web: http://www.ocean.cc.nj.us/rjnp/rjnp.htm
Westchester, Orange, and Rockland Counties
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Bear Mountain's Ice Rink
Each year Bear Mountain welcomes more visitors than Yellowstone National Park. During the winter, it offers cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating as well as a zoo and trailside museums.
Location: Bear Mountain State Park, Palisades Parkway or Route 9W North
Phone: (845) 786-2701
Hours: Public skates of 1½ hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10am and 12pm; Fridays at 7:30pm; and Saturdays/Sundays at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm. (There are no 8pm sessions on Sundays.) Please call for holiday sessions and times.
Ages: Call for details
Cost: $4 per adult/spectator and $3 per child/spectator ages 5-12. Ages 4 and under free. Skate rentals are $5 per pair, which includes a refundable $1 deposit.. Lockers can be rented. Hot and cold refreshments are available. Parking on weekends and holidays is $6 per car.
Web: http://www.hudsonriver.com/bearmtn.htm
Children's Park
This is an ice skating rink in Rockland County.
Location: Grotke Rd., Chestnut Ridge
Phone: (845) 357-6100
Hours: Call for details.
Ages: Call for details
Cost: Call for details
Web: http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/Arts/skating.html
Eugene Levy Memorial Park
This is an ice skating rink and children’s park.
Location: Rte. 45 & Joys Rd., Pomona
Phone: (845) 357-6100
Hours: Call for details.
Ages: Call for details
Cost: Call for details
Web: http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/Arts/skating.html
Free Kids Workshops at the Home Depot
Kids Workshops are free "How-To Clinics" designed for children ages 5-12. The workshops are offered on the first Saturday of each month between 9am and noon at all the Home Depot stores. Children accompanied by an adult construct projects from pre-fabricated kits. The kits are designed to be both educational and practical. The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit. The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to the Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.
Location: Multiple locations. Check the website for one near you.
Hours: First Saturday of every month, 9am-noon
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.homedepot.com
Holocaust Museum & Study Center
The Holocaust Museum & Study Center, formerly known as the Rockland Center for Holocaust Studies, is unique in the Lower Hudson Valley Region. It is an important museum, cultural and educational center for the region. Permanent exhibit combines graphics, montages, artifacts, and audiovisual displays to detail every phase of the Holocaust. There are changing art exhibits.
Location: 17 South Madison Ave., Spring Valley
Phone: (845) 356-2700
Hours: Call for details.
Ages: Call for details
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.holocauststudies.org
Hopper House Art Center
This birthplace and boyhood home of the eminent realist painter Edward Hopper was built in 1858. The restored house is a NYS Historic Site. One of its rooms is devoted to materials about Hopper's work and life in Nyack. Today's Hopper House is a community cultural center and a gallery space for artists. The ground floor is a vibrant and exciting gallery space that features monthly exhibits. In addition to a busy gallery schedule, there are life drawing lessons, lectures, and musical presentations - all made possible by an active and devoted membership.
Location: 82 North Broadway, Nyack
Phone: (845) 358-0774
Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 1-5pm
Cost: Free
Web: http://www.edwardhopperhouseartcenter.org
Hudson River Museum (Glenview Mansion & The Andrus Planetarium)
The Museum curates original exhibitions, which embrace art, history and science and brings nationally acclaimed traveling exhibitions to the region.
The galleries and restored period rooms of Glenview, a vintage Hudson River home, feature exhibitions of 19th and 20th century American art, history and science, plus many programs for families. Hudson Riverama, a permanent teaching gallery about the Hudson River, simulates the river's habitats and geographic areas with realistic scenic designs, interactive experiences, multimedia technology, aquariums and a scale model of the river. Explore the reaches of outer space at the museum's Andrus Planetarium shows. Weekend Family Workshops are also offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-3 pm, free with museum admission.
Location: 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers
Phone: (914) 963-4550
Hours: Museum: Wed.-Sun. 12-5pm, Fri. 12-8pm. Planetarium: Sat. & Sun. shows 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, & 3:30pm (Fri show at 7pm is free.)
Cost: Museum: Adults $5, seniors & children $3. Planetarium: Adults $2, seniors & children $1.
Web: http://http://www.hrm.org
Playland Ice Casino
The Casino, completed in 1930, is the largest of Playland's buildings in the Art Deco style. When built it contained a restaurant, games area and dance floor. The ice skating rink, part of the original Casino design, attracted the public and ice hockey teams. Major renovations in 1937 added two more skating areas and improved facilities. Today Playland's ice is used by the Mahattanville Valiants College Hockey Team as well as by many towns and school ice hockey teams.
Location: Rye Playland, Rye
Phone: (914) 813-7059
Hours: Call for details
Ages: Call for details
Cost: Call for details
Web: http://www.ryeplayland.org/IceCasino/default.htm
Purchase Performing Arts Center
The Performing Arts Center offers wonderful shows for kids and families, including two series (organized by appropriate age). Series 1 is for kids ages four to nine. Package of five performances is $55-$80. Series 2 is for kids ages nine and up. Package price is the same. World Stage performance series runs for three shows (tickets $90-$108), and Marvels from Around the Globe runs four shows (tickets $88-$116). Single price tickets for all shows are also an option.
Location: SUNY Purchase, Purchase
Phone: (914) 251-6200
Hours: Box Office Mon-Fri 10am-5pm
Ages: 4 and up
Cost: $10-$45
Web: http://www.artscenter.org
Sterling Forest Ski Area – Snow Tubing
There are four lanes of thrilling tubing fun and a dedicated tubing lift. There is also night tubing under the lights. Wed-Fri nights, 2 hour sessions. Sat & Sun, day and night 1 hour sessions.
Location: 581 Route 17A West, Tuxedo
Phone: 1-800-843-4414 (NY & NJ, in season) or 845-351-2163
Hours: Call for details
Ages: Call for details
Cost: Call for details
Web: http://www.orangetourism.org/grea_outd_snow_tubi.htm
Thomas Bull Memorial Park – Snow Tubing
There are five groomed lanes with rope tow, specially designed tubes, and stadium lights for evening sessions. There is also a lodge with a restaurant, stone fireplace, and scenic views of the Shawangunk Mountains. Adjacent to the park are facilities for cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating.
Location: 211 Route 416, Montgomery
Phone: (845) 457-4949
Hours: Fri, Sat & Sun. Call for details.
Ages: Call for details
Cost: Call for details
Web: http://www.orangetourism.org/grea_outd_snow_tubi.htm
West Point Museum
The museum displays military uniforms, flags, weapons and military art of both American and European derivation. Museum galleries include History of the Academy and the Corps of Cadets, US Army History, and History of Warfare from Egyptian times to Desert Storm. The extensive fine art collection includes the Hudson River School of artists.
Location: Main Street at USMA Visitor Center, Highland Falls
Phone: (845) 938-3590
Hours: Daily 10:30am-4:15pm
Cost: Call for details
Web: http://http://www.usma.edu/
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