Tag: family fun

In the Dark at the Bruce Museum

The dark is a place of mystery. Sometimes scary, always intriguing, the darkness inspires the imagination and encourages exploration.

994_MsZKr3NVDueCoedA89pGDJRAhl4tgezNOKqgjrU,SgUJil9tmIwLnwdxykRbqZVqGKFVHkMJvsAARROe9Bk

Darkness is also a natural evolutionary selective pressure that has caused plants and animals to adapt to dark ecosystems like caves, the forest and desert at night, and underneath the ground.

In the Dark: Animal Survival Strategies, on view through April 13 at the Bruce Museum, located on One Museum Drive in Greenwich invites visitors to explore different environments of darkness and the unique life forms that inhabit them through a combination of hands-on and whole-body interactives, specimens and walk-through dioramas.

bruce museum

Since prehistoric times, humans have sought to understand the function of darkness and have invented ways to change it. With this immersive, entertaining and family-friendly exhibition that explores four environments – fragile caves, deep soil, and the forest and desert at night – people of all ages will discover how animals adapt to living in the dark and learn how we can help preserve fragile worlds without light.

March Programs

Look & See: In the Dark!
Wednesday, March 12; 12:30 – 1:15 pm
A program especially designed for children ages 3-5 years and their adult caregivers, who will explore the Museum’s exhibition through hands-on experiences, stories and more. Children will explore the exhibition and then make their own animal of the dark! $5 for members and $7 for non-members per child, per class. Parents/guardians are free. Please make reservations by calling the Museum at 203 869-0376.

Animals of the Dark Family Day
Sunday, March 30; 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Explore the exhibition to find out which animals survive best at nighttime! Make your own night-creature crafts in the workshop! At 2:00 pm and again at 4:00 pm, Live Night Creatures with animal specialist Rob Mies from the Organization for Bat Conservation, who will teach us all about some animals that live in the dark such as owls, bats and sloths. All activities are suitable for students of all abilities ages 5 years and up. Free with Museum admission.

tQzL-IyTLqg1RTWCd_1dsAdsIt-JHeGoOSjZU5iXQ5E

About the Bruce Museum: Explore Art and Science at the Bruce Museum, located at One Museum Drive in Greenwich, Connecticut. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm; closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students up to 22 years, $6 for seniors and free for members and children under 5 years. Individual admission is free on Tuesday. Free on-site parking is available and the Museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities. For additional information, call the Bruce Museum at (203) 869-0376 or visit the website at http://www.brucemuseum.org.

JanetLeave a comment

Playtime at the Palace – Stamford Center for the Arts

A brand new series featuring bubbles, puppets, slapstick, and more, Playtime at the Palace will continue to delight children of all ages in March and April at Stamford’s Palace Theatre. From Puppet Playground to Story Pirates, entertainers will charm families with up-close-and-personal performances on Sunday afternoons. All shows start at 3 PM and last approximately one hour.

pirates_newsletter

On March 9, for example the program is Story Pirates (Adults: $20; Children under 12: $15) Stories by kids, for kids! Story Pirates will delight and surprise with puppets, catchy songs and outrageous sketches, all the while motivating kids to pick up a pencil and write down their own fantastic adventures. Story topics run the gamut, from kung fu ninja babies fighting crime to cats flying and tickle-monsters who rule the world.

silentfilm_newsletter.1-1

The Silent Slapstick (All tickets: $10) program is scheduled for March 30 and is sure to have your kids laughing themselves silly! This program features uproarious ’20s comedy films, presented with a live pianist! Lincoln Center’s famous silent film accompanist/historian Ben Model will present 3 short slapstick silent comedies making this an ideal opportunity to introduce youngsters to inventive visual humor. This program will be presented in the Palace Cinema.

puppets_in_edu_newsletter

The P.i.E. Puppets in Education (All tickets: $15) will perform on April 6. This program will show your children how to put on their very own puppet show! The Monkey Boys team will teach them how to create a show with their own stuffed animals and learn how to create puppets through simple construction techniques! Some of these will be used in a short show at the end of the class.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.scalive.org or charged by phone with major credit cards by calling The Palace Box Office at 203-325-4466. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Palace Theatre box office in downtown Stamford, open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The 2013-2014 season is made possible by Palace Theatre’s Season Sponsors Seaboard Properties, Inc. and the Whittingham Family.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

About the Palace Theatre

The vision of the Palace Theatre is to be the regional arts center for exciting entertainment that enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic, and social life of the community. The Palace strives to achieve this vision by demonstrating integrity in all work and relationships, providing service and quality in all activities, fostering and promoting diversity of thought, ideas and culture, providing stewardship for the Stamford Arts community, emphasizing outreach in our community, and offering creativity in all endeavors.

JanetLeave a comment

Louisiana-Styled Fun at the Carousel Museum Mardi Gras Celebration

Mardi Gras seems has never been more popular with events to fete the carnival season popping up all over. Mardi Gras refers to Kings Day and culminates in Ash Wednesday. In French it means “fat Tuesday” referring to the practice of the last night of eating rich foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season. This year, the New England Carousel Museum will be in full carnival mode during its 24th Anniversary Mardi Gras celebration that is taking place on Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 7-11 PM.

The Museum has organized a Louisiana-styled evening that will feature dancing to the music of the acclaimed Billy Cofrances Jazz Quartet in the museum ballroom. In addition to dancing, there will be with a silent auction with many exciting prizes up for grabs, a wine and bourbon tasting, and food a plenty!

Mardi_Gras_2012_168

Attendees are encouraged to wear a mask or come in full costume and to BOYB. The evening festivities will culminate in the crowning of a king and queen of the ball. “This party is sure to pull you out of your winter doldrums while helping to support the Museum’s educational programs.

Tickets are on sale at the Carousel Museum. RSVP by February 24, 2014 by calling (860) 585-5411. The cost is $50 per person pre-paid tables of 8 may be reserved. The proceeds will support educational programming and general operating costs. The event will be held on site at the New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact The New England Carousel Museum at (860) 585-5411 or email info@the carouselmuseum.org. For more information about the museum visit www.thecarouselmuseum.org. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

JanetLeave a comment

Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball February 22

Calling all little princes and princesses! Stepping Stones is rolling out the red carpet as the museum transforms into a snow-kissed wonderland for its sixth annual Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball on Saturday, February 22 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm.

Winter wonderland ball. Photo credit: Thomas McGovern
Winter wonderland ball. Photo credit: Thomas McGovern

Children are invited to dress up in their party best for a memorable evening of fun and entertainment. Moms and Dads, sons and daughters will be treated like the princes and princesses that they are as they enjoy a magical wintry celebration featuring dancing and full access to all the exhibits in the museum. Families will enjoy posing for the paparazzi as they arrive, learning ballroom moves from the experts and making wonderful winter crafts.

Winter Ball Photo credit Thomas McGovern
Winter Ball Photo credit Thomas McGovern

Be sure you bring your camera. Photo opportunities abound as we celebrate the magic and wonder of the season amidst a whimsical winter backdrop of a lighted courtyard, a play-sized igloo, a life-sized snow globe, spectacular winter murals, snowflake-adorned galleries and a myriad of snow people. Bring your appetite as well. The Stepping Stones Cafe will be open for purchases of their healthy fare.

Photo Miguel Cruz
Photo Miguel Cruz

Tickets for this unforgettable evening for the whole family cost $10 per person for museum members and $15 per person for non-members. Children under the age of one will be admitted for free. Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Registration is required. Space is limited, so register early. Call 203 899 0606, ext. 264 or visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/wonderland. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

About Stepping Stones Museum for Children
Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Conn., is an award-winning, private, non-profit 501(c)(3) children’s museum committed to broadening and enriching the lives of children and families. Located on five acres in Mathews Park, the LEED Gold certified museum encompasses five hands-on galleries, state-of-the-art Multimedia Gallery, Family and Teacher Resource Center, cafe and retail store. Stepping Stones is located at 303 West Avenue, exit 14N or 15S off I-95 in Norwalk. Museum hours are Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults and children. Children under 1 are free. To learn more, call 203 899 0606 or visit http://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org.

JanetLeave a comment

Evening Hike Connecticut Audubon Society’s Center at Fairfield

The Connecticut Audubon at Fairfield, located on 2325 Burr Street in Fairfield is offering an evening hike on Feb. 7 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Audubon asks participants to arrive 15 minutes prior to check-in. Wear layers and appropriate footwear. A small light and water are recommended.

Center_at_Fairfield_and_Larsen_Wildlife_Sanctuary_under_snow_cover_Feb_2009_by_John_Laiacone_(7)

This very special evening hike will take you on an adventure in the brisk winter night air so remember to bundle up! This program offers a rare opportunity to experience the Larsen Sanctuary during a winter night of beauty. As you walk through the woods by moonlight, your knowledgeable guide will discuss how migrating birds navigate in the night sky. You will also study the constellations and learn fascinating facts about star related topics. This winter hike includes a stop along the way to take in the beautiful views and enjoy hot cocoa under the stars.

In the event that there is snow, snowshoeing is a welcome mode of transportation! Bring your own pair or rent a pair from EMS in Fairfield at a discounted rate for this program. Be sure to mention this program to obtain your rental discount.

Pre-registration is required for adults and children ages 13 and up. The fee is $10.00 per person. For more information or to register, call 203-259-6305 ext. 109. Visit Connecticut Audubon Society’s website at www.ctaudubon.org for a complete listing of programs and special events.

For information on Fairfield County, www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

JanetLeave a comment

Silo Kid’s and Teens Vacation Day and Valentine’s Day Classes

If you’re looking for an activity for your child on school vacation days – or for Valentine’s Day, The Silo, located in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills has cooking classes for you. Located at historic Hunt Hill Farm, 44 Upland Road, New Milford, The Silo Cooking School will hold vacation day classes on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 20 and Presidents’ Day, Monday February 17.

silo kids cooking copy

On January 20, two classes will be held. The first, “Young Chefs Winter Warm Up” for children ages 6 to 10, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by “Teens and Tweens Winter Warm Up” from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

On February 17, President’s Day, “Young Chefs Cook Presidential” will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for ages 6 to 10, and “Tweens and Teens: Hail to the Chief” will run from 2:3 to 5:30 p.m.

In addition, “Valentine’s Sweets for the Sweet,” a three-hour class for children ages 5 to 11 will cover the basics from homemade cookies to candies, coming up hearts! Classes are taught by Nancy Stuart, Silo Cooking School assistant director and are full-participation. Students will learn basic skills such as kitchen safety, proper food handling, food preparation, cooking and baking techniques.

silo kids cooking 2

Class cost is $45 or $50 per student, depending on class chosen.

The Cooking School is part of the Smithsonian Institution affiliated Hunt Hill Farm Trust, a non-profit organization. Hunt Hill Farm Trust is a vibrant and unique regional resource, offering the public the opportunity to explore music, art, cuisine, crafts and literature in a setting of historic farm buildings and permanently protected open space. Hunt Hill Farm also includes The Silo Gallery, The Skitch Henderson Museum, and The Silo Store, which sells cookbooks, giftware, tabletop, foods and kitchen items. For more information and to register for classes and events, call (860) 355-0300 or visit www.hunthillfarmtrust.org. Registration is also available at The Silo during regular business hours. The Silo Gallery and store are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information on Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills www.litchfieldhills.com

JanetLeave a comment