Category — Museums

Phew!  Everyone exhausted from the weekend?  Weather’s looking great for much of this week–still sunny, not so hot.  Yay.  Here are some things going on:

Monday, June 7th:

• The local Sling Babies group is meeting at North Bethlehem Playground at 10:30 am.
• From 6:30-8 pm, the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library will have a training session for teen volunteers.  Participants must pre-register and be in grades 6-12.
• The Colonie Town Band will play at 7 pm at Canal Square in Cohoes.

Tuesday, June 8th:

• NYSTI is presenting Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. on the 8th, 9th, & 10th at 10 am.  One of our readers went and commented that it was “fabulous”.
• The Town of Schodack has Music in the Park from 6-8 pm.
• At 6 pm, it’s the Geronimo Stilton Book Club at the Saratoga Springs Barnes & Noble.

Wednesday, June 9th:

• NYSTI is presenting Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. on the 8th, 9th, & 10th at 10 am.  One of our readers went and commented that it was “fabulous”.
• Take a Teddy Bear Picnic:  Beachside! at 10 am at Bethlehem Public Library.  Sign-up is required.
• It’s Beads! Beads! Beads! from 1-3 pm at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.  Free with admission.
• From 7-8 pm at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library there’s an Introduction to Geocaching. It’s designed for teens and adults, and you can register online.

Thursday, June 10th:

• Starting today and through the weekend it’s the Saratoga Arts Fest.  The serious family good times are on the weekend, but beginning today you can purchase an Art Rally for Kids kit at the Children’s Museum to take an artistic walking tour through Saratoga.  Here’s where I’d love to hear from a reader who tries this out early so that all of the rest of us folks know if it’s worth doing!
• At 9:45 am, there’s a group of parents & young children hiking Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary. See the Capital District Hikes page for more information.
• NYSTI is presenting Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. on the 8th, 9th, & 10th at 10 am.  One of our readers went and commented that it was “fabulous”.
• Drop in to the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library for Preschool Movies from 10:15-11 am.
• There’s free Jazz on Jay Street in Schenectady from noon to 1:30 pm.
• Chubby Checker’s performing at Alive at Five at the Albany Riverfront Park.
• Staging Youths’ Future presents Seussical the Musical as dinner theater.  At 6 pm there’s spaghetti dinner, and the show is at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are $15 for dinner and the show.  This is for 6/10, 6/11, 6/17, & 6/18.
• At 6:30 pm, it’s American Girl Book Club at the Mohawk Commons Barnes & Noble.
• At 7 pm, there’s a Teen Reading Group at the Colonie Center Barnes & Noble.
• At 7 pm, there’s The Children’s Circle Storytime, designed for families with kids with special needs, at the Bethlehem Public Library.  Sign-up is required.

Friday, June 11th:

• Wiggle and Giggle from 10-11:30 am at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.
• At 2 pm, they’ll be doing Soil Prep for the garden project at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.
• At 3:30 pm it’s Teen Time at the Bethlehem Public Library.
• Staging Youths’ Future presents Seussical the Musical as dinner theater.  At 6 pm there’s spaghetti dinner, and the show is at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are $15 for dinner and the show.  This is for 6/10, 6/11, 6/17, & 6/18.
• At 7 pm, the Guilderland Public Library will be showing Mary Poppins. With popcorn.

Okay, really?  This weekend is ridiculous.  There’s so much going on.  About ten different fair/festival-type events, along with so much more.  This is when I wish that organizers would get together somehow and coordinate a little bit better, because there’s just way too much to choose from.   Anyone have recommendations about what’s worth doing?  Here’s what I’ve collected:

All Weekend:

• Steamer 10 Theatre will be showing The Good (& Bad) Faeries of Nottingham.
• Okay, it’s about an hour northeast of us, but perhaps worth the trip?  The Cambridge Balloon Festival is all weekend, starting Friday with its first balloon launch and fireworks.  Anyone ever gone to this?
• It’s Charlton Founders’ Weekend.  Celebrated on Saturday and Sunday with a variety of events including a run, a parade, and free ice cream.
• NYSTI is presenting Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. beginning on Saturday through June 18th.
• Kingston is holding Timefest, its city-wide celebration of history, from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturday & Sunday.  This is about an hour south of here, so not necessarily convenient unless you happen to be down there picking organic strawberries.
• St. Basil’s in Troy has a Greek Festival all weekend.
• Saturday’s National Learn to Row Day (yeah, who knew, right?).  Celebrate in Niskayuna from 10 am to 2 pm, or on Sunday with Schenectady-Guilderland-Scotia-Glenville Crew.   This is an activity for middle-school-aged kids and up.

Friday evening, June 4th:

• It’s First Friday in Albany from 5-9 pm.
• It’s Ballston Spa First Friday from 6-9 pm.  During the summer, this will include a family-oriented film at 9 pm in Wiswall Park.  Tonight’s is Coraline.  Personally, those crazy button-eyes creeped me out way too much in the preview, but maybe  some of you can handle it. . . .
• At 7 pm, the Guilderland Public Library will be showing Swiss Family Robinson.  I’ve got to say:  I love the Guilderland Public Library.  It’s one of my favorites, and since I’ve been to programs at at least 6 or 8 different local libraries (because I am a wanton library whore), that’s saying something.  But when I first heard that they were doing Friday night Disney movies, I kind of rolled my eyes.  Like, we don’t have enough of the freakin’ Disney movies, right?  So I was ever so pleased that they are kickin’ it old school with this one, Mary Poppins, Bedknobs & Broomsticks, and Treasure Island.  Yeah, baby!  And there will be popcorn.
• There’s an Alternative Prom from 7-11 pm for LGBT youth aged 13 to 19 at Revolution Hall in Troy.  It’s  $10.

Saturday, June 5th

• Celebrate National Trails Day by spending the morning doing trail work at Grafton Lakes State Park or Thacher State Park or Dyken Pond.  Sorry–if I had processed this sooner I would have told y’all to register a few days ago to get some free barbecue out of the deal, but maybe you can pack a lunch?
• It’s Art Gone Wild at Five Rivers from 9 am to 4 pm.  Some art, some nature, with music thrown in.  Some projects might include a nominal fee.
• It’s the Freihofer’s Run for Women at 10 in downtown Albany.  This is a big deal–world-class runners and regular folks.  There’s a kids’ run at 11 am, and Andy the Music Man will be playing at 10 am by the kids’ registration table in the concourse.
• From 10 am to 2 pm, the Schenectady County Historical Society is celebrating Heritage Weekend with walking tours of the Stockade, crafts, and tours of the museum.  Check out the Schenectady County site for a list of various activities.   They’ll also be teaching how to use a drop spindle from 9 am to noon at Mabee Farm.
• There’s a Town of Niskayuna Arts Fair from 10 am to 4 pm.  Free.
• There’s a Sheep and Wool Gathering from 10 am to 4 pm at the Thacher Nature Center.  Learn about traditional wool crafts like spinning, felting, and knitting. They’ve canceled this due to a bad weather forecast–hoping to reschedule later this summer.
• It’s the Lupine Festival from 10 am to 4 pm at the Albany Pine Bush.  Two random handy facts about lupines:  Miss Rumphius is a lovely picture book about lupines and it’s pronounced loo-pin, not loo-pine, which is the adjective meaning wolf-like.  I don’t know why, but I always get those confused.  Or not, you know, always, but when I’m thinking about blue wildflowers native to this area.  Which is more often than you’d expect.  Free.
• At 10:30 am, there’s a Family History Walk by the Rensselaer County Historical Society leaving from the market table at the Troy Waterfront Farmer’s Market.  Free for members, $10/non-member family.  Suggested for families with kids ages 5 and up–find clues about Troy’s history.
• Take Time Out for Tales at the Bethlehem Public Library at 11 am.
• Friendly’s is serving free ice cream from noon to 5 pm.  Don’t ask why.  Just say, “yes, please.”
• From 12-6 pm, the Albany Riverfront Park will have a Say It Loud!  Black and Latino Gay Pride celebration.  There are free activities for kids 5-12, music & performances, and free food.
• Schenectady is having its annual Kids Art Festival from noon to 4 pm.  This event is geared toward preschool and young school-aged children.  We’ve gone and had fun.  Come to think of it, I believe that it was at this festival that we took the now-famous (sort of) business card photo of J.
• From 1-2:30 pm, Peter McCarty will be signing two of his recent picture books at the Open Door Bookstore.
• At 1 pm at the Children’s Museum of Science & Technology, there’s a program for the 5-and-over crowd called Up in the Air in which, among other things, they’ll make mini hot-air balloons to take home.  $2/non-member and pre-registration is required.  A perfect complement to the Cambridge Balloon Festival, right?
• Join Clifford the Big Red Dog at the Lansingburgh Branch Library to explore the new Raising Readers Library Corner from 1-3 pm.
• It’s the NY Shout Out:  Youth Media Festival:  there’s a workshop for teenagers starting at 1 pm, and a showcase of youth media from 7-10 pm.  Suggested donation for the evening event is $10/person, the workshop is a sliding scale, $20 to $40.
• At 3 pm, the gates open at Schaghticoke Fairgrounds for the Western Festival and Championship Rodeo, which will start at 7 pm.  Bouncy-bounce and pony rides.  $12/adult, $7/kids 6 and over, and kids 5 and under free.

Sunday, June 6th

• At 9 am in Saratoga Springs, it’s the Cantina Fun Run for families.
• From 11 am to 12:30 pm, Shannon Hayes, author of Radical Homemakers:  Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture, will be signing books at the Open Door Bookstore in Schenectady.
• At 1 pm, the Town of Clifton Park is hosting their annual Family Bike Ride–it’s a casual bike ride with commentary and stops for refreshments.  Free, and no pre-registration required.
• In Saratoga Springs, the Caroline Street Arts & Blues Fest and Chili Cookoff will be from 1-7 pm.  The Children’s Museum will be running kids’ activities.
• At 3:30 pm, there’s a Community Concert at Algonquin Middle School.  It’s free, but donations are accepted.

Man, oh man, was that a gorgeous holiday weekend or what?   We went to Moreau Lake State Park today, which I’ll tell you about tomorrow.  But here are some things going on this week:

Tuesday, June 1st:

• At 11 am, there’s a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Jerry Burrell Park in Schenectady.  The playground was designed by community members and Union College Students–it’s called Project Skip.
• At 6 pm, there’s Music in the Park in the town of Schodack.
• It’s a 39 Clues Summer Reading Kick-off Party at 7 pm at the  Colonie Center or 6 pm at the Saratoga Springs Barnes & Noble.
• Curious George Live is at the Glens Falls Civic Center at 7 pm.  Tickets range from $15 to $55.
• It’s Pajamarama at 7 pm at the Bethlehem Public Library.

Wednesday, June 2nd:

• Curious George Live is at the Glens Falls Civic Center at 10:30 am and 7 pm.  Tickets range from $15 to $55.
• From 3:30-5 pm, 4th- through 8th-graders can participate in Books on Stage with staff from NYSTI at the Troy Public Library.

Thursday, June 3rd:

• The hiking group will be meeting at Christman Sanctuary in Duanesburg at 9:45 am.  See the local hikes list for more information.
• At 5 pm, it’s Alive at Five at the Albany Waterfront Park.
• It’s the 2nd Annual Taste of the Y at the Greenbush Area YMCA from 6-8 pm.  Restaurant samples, music, bounce house and other kids’ activities.  Free.
• Students from Schenectady’s John Sayles School of Fine Arts will be doing a Pops Concert at the Music Haven Stage in Central Park at 7 pm.   I’ve seen it listed elsewhere as 6:30 pm.  Free.
• It’s Lego Night at 7 pm at the Mohawk Commons Barnes & Noble.

Friday, June 4th:

• There’s Stretching with Stuffee at 10 am at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.
• At noon there’s a Spring Wildflower Hike at the Albany Pine Bush.
• At 1 pm, you can watch the Squeeze Play Accordian Band at Bethlehem Public Library.
• It’s First Friday in Albany from 5-9 pm.
• St. Basil’s in Troy is kicking off its Greek Festival at 5 pm tonight–it will last all weekend.
• It’s Ballston Spa First Friday from 6-9 pm.  During the summer, this will include a family-oriented film at 9 pm in Wiswall Park.  Tonight’s is Coraline.  Personally, those crazy button-eyes creeped me out way too much in the preview, but maybe  some of you can handle it. . . .
• At 7 pm, the Guilderland Public Library will be showing Swiss Family Robinson.  I’ve got to say:  I love the Guilderland Public Library.  It’s one of my favorites, and since I’ve been to programs at at least 6 or 8 different local libraries (because I am a wanton library whore), that’s saying something.  But when I first heard that they were doing Friday night Disney movies, I kind of rolled my eyes.  Like, we don’t have enough of the freakin’ Disney movies, right?  So I was ever so pleased that they are kickin’ it old school with this one, Mary Poppins, Bedknobs & Broomsticks, and Treasure Island.  Yeah, baby!  And there will be popcorn.
• Steamer 10 Theatre opens The Good (& Bad) Faeries of Nottingham tonight at 7 pm.
• There’s an Alternative Prom from 7-11 pm for LGBT youth aged 13 to 19 at Revolution Hall in Troy.  It’s  $10.
• Okay, it’s about an hour northeast of us, but perhaps worth the trip?  The Cambridge Balloon Festival kicks off tonight with its first balloon launch and fireworks.  Anyone ever gone to this?

Weekend’s over!  After ranting on Friday and fretting on Saturday, we’re back to the weekly line up.  There are also plenty of regularly scheduled events, and the weather’s looking pretty good, too.  Yay.

All Week

• From 3-4 pm each day, kids can help make a commercial for the Rensselaer Public Library‘s summer reading programs.

Monday, May 17th

• At 11 am, the Bethlehem Public Library is having a Fancy Nancy Party.  Sign-up is required, and it’s for pre-K kids with a parent.
• Have a Beaver Adventure at Moreau Lake State Park at 11 am.
• At 4:30 pm the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library will be showing AI: Artificial Intelligence as part of their free drop-in Teen Screen for kids in 6th grade and up.

Tuesday, May 18th

• It’s Music Morning at 10 am at the Bethlehem Public Library.  It’s for all ages.
• At 10:30 there’s  Shore Fishing at Moreau Lake State Park.  Learn the basics of fishing–call for details.
• At noon, there’s a free Cello Concert at St. Paul’s Church in Troy.
• From 6 to 7:30 pm, there’s a Healthy Eating Workshop designed for girls 7 and older at the East Greenbush Library hosted by girl scouts.  Albany Kid tells us all about it.
• Plant Sunflowers at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library garden as part of Family Storytime, and bring one home, too.  It’s from 6-7 pm.

Wednesday, May 19th

• There’s a Luzerne Mountain Trail Hike at Moreau Lake State Park from 9 am to noon.  It’s a new trail.
• It’s Katie’s Kitchen at 11 am OR 1 pm at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.  Ages 3-6, $15 for non-members includes admission for one child and one parent.  This is on their calendar, but it’s no longer on their home page, so I’m wondering if they’re both full already?
• There’s a Teen Movie at 6:30 pm at the Bethlehem Public Library.

Thursday, May 20th

• At 7 pm, there’s a Sling Babies meeting at Bethlehem Public Library.  Sign-up is required.
• The Mohawk Commons Barnes & Noble is hosting a Ranger’s Apprentice Book Club at 7 pm.  It’s designed for 8- to 12-year-olds.

Friday, May 21st

• At 9 am at the Colonie Library, there’s a program about helping parents and students work effectively together with special education issues.  Registration is required.
• There’s Stretching with Stuffee at 10 am at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.  Included with admission.
• The Bethlehem Public Library is hosting Kids on Bikes from 3-5 pm at the Green.  Sign-up is required.  They’ll discuss proper fit of helmets and bikes as well as other safety issues.
• At 5 pm, it’s the Acoustic Sidewalk Series at the New Scotland Branch Library.
• At the Saratoga Springs Barnes & Noble at 6:30 pm, there’s a gathering of the American Girls Club.
• Emma Willard School in Troy is hosting a free dance performance at 8 pm.

Another big weekend, and it’s finally going to get warmer again–wooo, hooo!   I made the mistake of telling J that we’re going to the playground later to play with her friend, whom I’ll call Streppy McStrepGirl, and now she’s asking me approximately every 3 minutes if it’s time to go yet.  Which is making me nutty because if I could only focus on this for ten minutes, I would be done already.  Instead, I am getting up to give J an underdog or to check & see if the ladybug who appears to be dead still is, in fact, dead (yup) or to play a few minutes of tickle tag.  Seriously, if it were not so fabulous out I would have suggested a tv show by now, but I simply couldn’t it in good conscience with this weather.

Bouquet, Tree Swing, & J's Fabulous Poncho

So, here’s the new early (for me)  edition of the weekend:

All Weekend

• St. Sophia’s Greek Festival has food, entertainment, children’s rides. $3/grown up, kids 12 and under free.  We’re talking carnival rides, here.  Hey if anyone goes on Friday or early Saturday, will you let us know how it is so we can decide if we should go, too?  And if you notice what the carnival company is, I’d love to hear, in case they’ll be traveling to other local spots.
• RPI Young Actors Guild presents Once on this Island Friday & Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
• Saratoga City Ballet will be presenting Hansel and Gretel on Friday & Saturday at Skidmore College.  $18/adult, $12/kids 10 and under.
• It’s Family Fun Weekend at the New York State Museum from 1-4 pm.  The theme is dance, including performances by the Ellen Sinopoli Dancer Company, which I’ve recommended before.
• There’s a Monster Trucks Show at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Friday & Saturday nights.  $51 for a family four pack of tickets.  Just, you know, nobody try to make me go.
• The Saratoga Automobile Museum is having its Spring Auto Show this weekend.  $10/person.
• At Columbia High School, there’s free admission to Parade.  But this isn’t a jolly kids’ fest–it’s the story of Leo Frank and the beginning of the Anti-Defamation League.

Friday, May 14th

• From 4-7 pm, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga is having a Parents’ Night Out for kids 3 and older.  $15/child, and pre-registration and pre-payment are required.  The kids will get pizza and you. . . will not have to eat pizza.  You’ll go someplace more exciting for dinner.
• Author Emily Arnold McCully will be at the Guilderland Public Library with a program for families at 6:30 pm.  I was just saying the other day how much I love Mirette!
• At 7:30 pm, the Empire State Youth Orchestra is presenting a Jazz Ensemble Recital at the College of St. Rose.  $6/adult, $3/kid.
• They’re doing a Star Watch at 8:30 pm at Grafton Lakes State Park.

Saturday, May 15th

• In Troy, there’s a Striped Bass Tournament and Block Party.  It’s $60 to actually register for the tournament,  but might be fun to stop by and see the sights.
• At 8 am, take a Spring Bird Walk leaving from the Thacher Nature Center.  Please pre-register.  It’s a good idea to bring binoculars and keep in mind that there may be grown-ups who will be irritated if your children scare the birds away with their loud kid-ness.  I’ll always let you know if it’s a bird thing designed for kids.
• It’s the Albany Children’s Book Festival at The Albany Academies.  It’s free and it runs from 10 am to 3 pm, including a Storybook Parade at 10:15 am.
• From 10:30-11:30 am, there’s Little Wonders of Science program about zippers for 3- to 5-year-olds at the Schenectady Museum.  It’s free with admission, but you’re supposed to pre-register.    I should say that there are tons of kids’ projects on display right now as part of their Invention Convention.
• Any Arthur fans out there?  The real DW is visiting the Malta Branch of Round Lake Library at 11 am.  You must pre-register.
• Take a Wildflower Walk at 11 am at Thacher Park.  Call for meeting place.
• There are Star Shows at the Henry Hudson Planetarium in Albany at 11 am and 1 pm.
• From 11:30 am to 1:30 pm there’s a Sherman Island Kayak Trip at Moreau Lake State Park.  Call for details.
• The Albany Institute of History & Art is trying their First Annual Tulip Tea with seatings at 1 & 2:30 pm.  $22/non-member.
• At 2 pm, it’s Violin at the Young Musicians Forum at the Niskayuna Public Library.
• See the Real Story of Little Red Riding Hood at 3 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in Albany.  $10/adult, $8/kids 10 and under.  You can also stay for dinner.

Sunday, May 16th

• Phil from Cooper’s Ark Farm will be bringing baby emus to the Schenectady Greenmarket today.  The farm offers educational family fun tours in the summer, so kids are welcome to interact and pet the emus–it’ll get them acclimated for the summer season.  The Greenmarket  runs from 10 am to 2 pm.
• At 1 pm, there’s a Kids’ Ballroom Competition at Schenectady High School run by Dance Crazy.  It’s a suggested donation of $10/adult.  This is why I love doing this blog!! I had no idea that we have our very own local Mad Hot Ballroom!
• From 1-4 pm, there’s a Teddy Bear Hospital at Albany Medical Center in the Choices Cafeteria.  Bring a stuffed friend for a check up along with plenty of kid-friendly activities, and health information for parents.  Their website isn’t updated, but I’ve seen fliers around as well as listings on various calendars.
• At 1 pm, there’s Nest Box Monitor Training at Thacher Nature Center.  This might be a good project for your older kid/budding naturalist.  You can train for your own backyard or to volunteer over the summer at Thacher.  Call for details/to register.
• Capital District Youth Chorale will hold a free concert at Union College at 3 pm.
• At 4 pm, see Fuego! Fuego at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs.  A world dance show designed for families.  $15/adult, $10/13 and under, 3 and under free.
• The Northeast String Orchestra will have a free concert at 6 pm in Clifton Park.

If you make it to a playground that we haven’t put on the playground list, I’d love to hear about it.  If you’re new to the blog, I’ll remind you that you can also check regularly scheduled events at What about TODAY?? and you can “like” me on Facebook–apparently the Facebook folks decided that “becoming a fan” was too much of a commitment for many people.  I have to admit–and I’m not proud of this–that I put way too much stock in the FB page.  Occasionally I’ll notice that I’ve gone down a number, and it’s hard not to take it personally when someone’s decided that they don’t like you, after all.  Or, at least it’s hard for me.  Not that you need to pretend to like me if you don’t, out of pity.  I mean, that would be pathetic.  Right?  On the other hand, I wouldn’t know that it was completely out of pity, would I? So maybe you should, and that could be your good deed for the day. . . . Shameless!!  We’d better move on!

I wanted to throw in a quick plug for the Youth Arts Blog at the Times Union because I found a few different events on this one today.  If you like to frequent kid culture, you should follow it.  They list many more items that I do–I tend to cherry pick only those items by older students (because, let’s face it, the high schoolers are going to perform better than the elementary school kids, generally) doing performing arts that seem to either have wide appeal for children’s entertainment or educational value.

Enjoy the weather, everybody!  Going to put J out of her “misery” and take her to the playground!

Once again, plenty to do for kids and families in the beautiful, sunshiny, tulip-strewn Capital District!
Here’s the weekend list, but as always, you can also check the Big Ol’ List for regularly scheduled events.  Headed outside?  Don’t forget that the farmers’ markets are all outside now; or take a hike or visit a playground (and then tell me about it, pretty please).
All Weekend:

• Tulip Festival in Albany
• Baby Animal Daze begin at Indian Ladder Farm from on May 8th.  Do you think that there’s any chance that if you go on the first day, you’ll beat the rush?  Alas, probably not.  $5/child, adults are free.

Friday evening, May 7:

• It’s First Friday Albany from 5-9 pm.  The Albany Art Room will be open late, too.
• It’s First Friday in Ballston Spa from 6-9 pm.
• From 6-8:30 pm tonight, Globally Minded Teens and Tweens are invited to the Ballston Spa Location of the Capital Region Language Center to meet representatives of various fair trade & social justice activists as well as exchange students and other youth.
• There’s a parade tonight in honor of Ballston Spa native and Olympian Trevor Marsicano.  It steps off at 6:30 pm–see the TU’s Ballston Spa Blog for details.
• It’s Tween Night Out from 7-9 pm at William K. Sanford Library.  Snacks, videogames, pizza–plan to bring $2.  For kids in grades 5-8.
• Go on a Frog Watch at Five Rivers at 7 pm.
• The Brown School is performing Singin’ in the Rain at 7:30 tonight and Saturday night, $5/person.
• At 7:30 pm, there’s a free Trumpet and Organ Concert at the Saratoga Spring United Methodist Church.  It’s free.
• The movie Babies premieres tonight!  I so want to see this–anybody else?  I think that the only place locally that it’s showing is at the Spectrum.

Saturday, May 8:

• From 7:30 to 9:30 am, take a Bird Walk at Albany Pine Bush.  $2/person, $5/family; please pre-register.
• They’re planning a free bird walk at Wilton Wildlife Preserve for today, but the time hadn’t been set.  Follow the link for a phone number to call (I didn’t call, this time, out of a paranoid fear that it was the cell phone of a volunteer–it’s late).  Pre-registration is required.
• From 9 am to 4 pm there’s a Car and Truck Show at Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta.  $10 per carload, and it goes to charity.  Rain date’s Sunday.
• There are two Birding outings at Five Rivers today–one at 9 am, and a more kid-friendly version at 2 pm.  Call to register.
• The Town of Sand Lake will have a morning parade of Things That Go. . . It didn’t list the time, but vehicles will be meeting at Butler Park at 9 am.
• It’s March for Parks starting at 9 amat Grafton Lakes State Park.  5k or 10k walk and a picnic.
• Starting at 9:30 am, it’s the Waterford Riverspark Canal Festival.  It’s free, and Malta Mama’s got more information.
• At 10:30 am at the Bethlehem Public Library, there’s a session of Bring your Mom to Balletone.  Bring your child in grade 2-12 with you and get a workout.
• At 11 am, there’s a Scents Sense activity for kids 3 and up to do with an adult’s help at the Children’s Museum of Science & Technology.  You’ll learn about smells and make Mom some perfume.  $2/non-member, and you need to pre-register.  Also, moms and grandmas get into the museum for free today.
• From 11 am to 2 pm, it’s the Busy Bone 500 at the Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa.  Dog walk, pet tricks, and more.  See the TU’s Ballston Spa Blog (wow!  twice in one post) for more information.
• At 1 pm, the Puppet People will be presenting a puppet show followed by a puppet-making craft at the Lansingburgh Branch Library.  For ages 3 and over; call to register; space is limited.
• Learn about Pond Life at Up Yonda Farm at 1 pm.  $4/person.
• At 2 pm, there’s a Sitar and Vocal Concert at William K. Sanford (Colonie) Library.
• Members of the Empire State Youth Orchestra will present a concert at 3 pm at SUNY Albany.  It’s $10/adult, $6/student.
• At 6 pm at The Linda, there’s a Youth FX Benefit Screening of teen filmakers’ works.  Suggested donation is $5-10.

Sunday, May 9:

• Starting today and continuing for one week, Clifton Park-Halfmoon parents or grandparent of a newborn up to 6 months can stop into the library for a special Books for Babies gift.
• From 10 am to 4 pm, Scoharie Valley Farms will have a Mother’s Day Celebration.
• From 1-4 pm, there’s Art for All at the Albany Institute of History & Art–they’ll be making Fabric Collage Tulips.  Speaking of the museum, they’re selling tickets to a special Tulip Tea for next weekend–tickets might be a nice Mother’s Day gift for someone.
• At the Arts Center of the Capital District in Troy, it’s Family Day Sunday from 1-2:30 pm.  Today’s is Mother’s Day Story Play.  It’s $5/child.
• Go For a Walk with Mom at the Albany Pine Bush at 1 pm. $2/person, $5/family; please pre-register.

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone!  And let me know about other weekend events via email or comments!

So, there’s plenty to do, plus some more nice weather later this week.  Currently I’m staying cool by sitting around with wet hair and eating yummy frozen mangoes.  I’m ready for the thunder storm already!  Oh–if you refresh a few times you might see a new picture of the girls and me at the Schenectady’s Central Park Rose garden–no roses yet, but the girls still love the fountains and the bridge and all.  Did I already mention that Tiny Tots has reopened?  It has.

If you are new to the blog, let me alert you to What About TODAY?, which has lots of regularly-scheduled events.  Usually, if it’s listed there, I don’t add it to a blog post as well–only if it’s, say, just a once-a-month thing.  Also, I would truly appreciate it if you’d send my link to your friends and/or let them know about me via Facebook.  Hey, they might even appreciate it, too!

So, here’s what I’ve found:

At William K. Sanford Library this week, kids can ask for supplies to make a Mother’s Day Craft at the Youth Services Desk.

Monday, May 3rd

• It’s Hooray for Mom! at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library at 6:30 pm.  A drop-in program for kids 3-8.  They’ll make a craft for Mom.
• At 7 pm it’s Pajamarama at the Bethlehem Public Library.  For kids 6 and under and their families.

Tuesday, May 4th

• Take a Spring Overlook Hike at Moreau Lake State Park at 1 pm.
• At 1:30 pm, there’s a Mother’s Day Drop-in Storytime at William K. Sanford Library (there’s one for each day, Tuesday to Thursday, at different times).
• May the 4th Be With You at 7 pm at the Bethlehem Public Library.   Celebrate Star Wars Day (uhhhh Star Wars Day?  Really?  Apparently.) by watching a movie and making a light saber.  Sign up is required.

Wednesday, May 5th

• Can you manage to get yourself out of the house and to the Albany Pine Bush by 7:30 am?  If so, there’s a program on Migratory Birds. $2/person, $5/family, and you can register online.
• The Children’s Museum at Saratoga is hosting a Picnic Party in Congress Park.  It’s $15/non-member, and pre-registration and pre-payment are required.
• There’s a Spring Open House at the Schenectady County Horticulture Education Center in Central Park from 3-7 pm.
• At 4 pm, there’s an American Girl: Molly event at Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library.  You have to pre-register, but at the moment there are still openings.  You must be in grade 2 or 3.
• At 6 pm, there’s a Mother’s Day Drop-in Storytime at William K. Sanford Library (there’s one for each day, Tuesday to Thursday, at different times).
• At 7 pm, there’s a free Choir Concert at the RPI Chapel and Cultural Center.

Thursday, May 6th

• Tom Chapin is performing at Proctors Theatre at 10 am and 7 pm today.  I’ve actually been to one of his concerts. . . lots of audience participation.
• At 10 am, there’s a Mother’s Day Drop-in Storytime at William K. Sanford Library (there’s one for each day, Tuesday to Thursday, at different times).
• There’s a drop-in Family Storytime at 11 am at the East Greenbush Public Library.
• At 6:30 pm there’s a meeting of Tweens and Parents Together Book Discussion Group at Guilderland Public Library.  They’re open to new members.
• It’s Lego Night at the Niskayuna Barnes & Noble at 7 pm.
• There’s a Yoga Storytime at 7 pm at the Bethlehem Public Library.
• The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be at the Times Union starting tonight and continuing through the weekend.

Friday, May 7th

• They’re kicking off the Tulip Festival in downtown Albany with a guided tulip tour at 11 am, carillon concert at 11:30 am, and the street-scrubbing at noon.
• It’ a first Friday hike at noon at the Albany Pine Bush.  Free.
• From 1-3 pm, there’s a program called Whistling Teakettle:  Songs from our History by folksinger/educator Cathy McGrath at the Bethlehem Public Library.
• It’s First Friday Albany from 5-9 pm.
• It’s First Friday in Ballston Spa from 6-9 pm.
• It’s Tween Night Out from 7-9 pm at William K. Sanford Library.  Snacks, videogames, pizza–plan to bring $2.  For kids in grades 5-8.
• Go on a Frog Watch at Five Rivers at 7 pm.
• The Brown School is performing Singin’ in the Rain at 7:30 tonight and Saturday night, $5/person.
• At 7:30 pm, there’s a free Trumpet and Organ Concert at the Saratoga Spring United Methodist Church.  It’s free.
• The movie Babies premieres tonight!  I so want to see this–anybody else?  I think that the only place locally that it’s showing is at the Spectrum.

Have a good week, everybody!

Phew!  Tons of stuff to do this weekend again!  And beautiful weather!  Woo, hoo!

If you like to use the Tulip Festival for photo ops with your adorable children, All Over Albany says to go now.  The tulips are ready early.  Maybe I’ll get a new header photo?

It’s also Pottery Fest at the Shaker Heritage Society on Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.  Lots of art, pottery demonstrations, tours, and music.  $5/person, kids 12 and under free.

And don’t forget that the farmers’ markets are moving outside this weekend!

Saturday, May 1st

• It’s Free Comic Day!
• There’s a free Children’s Fishing Tournament in Ballston Spa from 7-11 am.  There’s also a 4H breakfast.  Check out the TU Blog for details.
• If you’re up for a drive, admission is free to the Hudson Children’s Book Festival in Hudson, NY.  It’s from 10 am to 4 pm.  The website’s got a list of authors scheduled to appear, including Emily Arnold McCully, author of one of my favorites:  Mirette on the High Wire.
• At Cook Park in Colonie, there’s an American Cancer Society Bark for Life dog-and-their-humans walk.  Even if you don’t register for an event, if you’ve got a dog-lovin’ little kid, what a beautiful day to check out the dogs and play at the playground there.
• Kmart‘s doing a Family Fun Fair including games and a bounce house from 10 am to 4 pm.  It’s at the Clifton Park Kmart today.
• At 11 am, take Time Out for Tales at the Bethlehem Public Library.  It’s for kids under 6 with their families.
• From noon to 4 pm, it’s Living History Day, the annual season-opening  event at Ten Broeck Mansion.  Tours, music, food, pony rides, petting zoo, and, they say, MORE!  Cost isn’t stated, but admission is generally $5/adult, $3/kid 12 and under.
• Do some flower crafts between 1 and 2:30 pm at the Albany Pine Bush.  $2/person, $5/family, children under 5 free.  Pre-registration required.
• Take a Tree Hike from 1-3 pm at Moreau Lake State Park.
• It’s Art for All at the Albany Institute of History & Art.  From 1-4 pm, free with admission.
• One of our readers suggested a May Day political rally at the State Capitol from 1-4 pm.  It’s for those who lean left, but you can check the link for details.  Hey, it’s an easy walk over from the art museum, right?
• Elementary-school kids and their families are invited to a Poetry Slam at the Bethlehem Public Library that starts at 2:30 pm.
• Clinton’s Ditch is still playing at Steamer 10 Theatre at 3 and 7 pm today.
• There’s a Teen Anime Convention from 5-10 pm at William K. Sanford (Colonie) Library.  It’s free, but you must have a ticket.  There’s also a Japanese meal for $12.
• At 7 pm, it’s Jammie Time with Cookie Mouse at the Saratoga Springs Barnes & Noble.  That’s right:  a costumed character who will share some cookies and milk with you.  The rational part of me realizes that this is a pleasant, easy little event for you if you’re nearby and have little kids.  Yet somehow I think that if I actually attended this event I might feel like throwing myself off a bridge because it’s such a world away from a hip, fun, pre-kids Saturday night I used to enjoy.  Maybe the solution is to bring a flask of something to mix into your Starbucks?

Sunday, May 2nd

• Kmart‘s doing a Family Fun Fair including games and a bounce house from 10 am to 4 pm.  It’s at the Albany  Kmart today.
• EMPAC at RPI is having a weekend-long animation festival called onedotzero. They particularly recommend the noon screening of sprites, and it’s free for kids and their adult escorts.  Maybe you could stick around for the concert at 2 (see below)?
• From 12-4 pm, there’s an Albany History Fair at Historic Cherry Hill (yeah, I know that their website doesn’t mention it, but I’ve got my sources).  In addition to tours and an historic game, there will be music and Paul Rosenberg of Homespun will be calling dances when there are willing dancers.
• It’s Sheep to Shawl Family Day at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa.  $2/person or $5/family.
• It’s India Day from 1-3:30 pm at the National Museum of Dance.  Food, music, sari-wrapping demonstrations, and dancing, including a Bollywood demonstration.  They want you to RSVP via internet, and it’s $5/grown-up, kids free.  Have I mentioned that J and I love-love-love to do the Bollywood Dance Workout together?  So fun!
• At 2 pm, the Albany Institute of History & Art has a family program called Point of Contact: An Interactive Look at Native American Culture.  Historical re-enactors will explain about all sorts of artifacts, which kids will be able to touch stuff, including weapons.  Which, they helpfully explain, will be “rendered inert for safety”.  Umm, good!
• At 2 pm, there’s a free Symphonic Band and Percussion Ensemble Concert at EMPAC at RPI 2 pm.  (Maybe go to the movie at noon first, listed above?)
• At 2 pm, there’s a Spring Nature Walk at Landis Arboretum.  It’s $25/non-member families.
• From 2-4:30 pm, it’s Fair Trade Chocolate Day at Delmar Reformed Church.  Free and designed for families, it will have samples as well as games and hands-on activities.
• The Spencers Theatre of Illusion is performing at 3 pm at The Palace Theatre in Albany as part of its International Family Series.
• The Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra will be performing at the Troy Savings Bank at 3 pm.  $10/adult and $5/student.  There’s more information on the Youth Arts TU blog.

Another week, another bunch of things to do.  Don’t forget all those regularly scheduled events on What about TODAY?

Monday, April 26th

• Get a free pretzel at Philly Soft Pretzel Factory in Clifton Park to celebrate National Pretzel Day (you know, before you go to your special pretzel party and exchange gifts and all.  Hey, does anyone else feel a Laurie Berkner song coming on?)
• At 3:30 pm it’s Teen Fun at the Mont Pleasant Branch Library.
• There’s a free Klezmer Music Concert at 7 pm at the Colonie Public Library.
• It’s Pajamarama at the Bethlehem Public Library at 7 pm.  For kids up to 6 and families.

Tuesday, April 27th

• Take a Potter’s Point Hike at Moreau Lake State Park at 1 pm.  Call for details.
• It’s Family Story Time at 6:30 pm at the Niskayuna Branch Library.

Wednesday, April 28th

• It’s Katie’s Kitchen at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga at 11 am.  $15/non-member.
• At 6:30 pm there’s a Teen Movie for grades 6 and up at Bethlehem Public Library.
• At 7 pm take a Sounds Sensation Full Moon Hike at Dyken Pond. It’s free.
• Take a Full Moon Hike at Moreau Lake State Park at 7 pm.
• At 7 pm at the Guilderland Public Library, there’s a program on the College Application Process.

Thursday, April 29th

• At 10 am, take a Red Oak Ridge hike at Moreau Lake State Park.
• At 4 pm, there’s Kitchen Chemistry for kids in grades 3 to 5 at Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library.  Pre-registration is required.
• At the Duane Branch Library, there’s Teen Fun at 3:30 pm, and After School Fun at 4:15 pm.
• It’s Teen Book Group at 4 pm at East Greenbush Library.
• There’s a Baby Massage class at 6 pm at the Bethlehem Public Library.  Prior sign-up is required.
• At 6:30 pm at the Rensselaer Public Library, learn how to help feral cats at Every Kitty, Every City.
• Albany High School students will be performing Into the Woods at 7 pm tonight and through the weekend.  $15/adult, $5/student.

Friday, April 30th

• Wiggle and Giggle at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga from 10-11:30 am.  Free with admission.
• From 2-3:30 pm, drop in and do a self-guided Arbor Day Tree Exploration at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.
• Go on a Snipe Hunt at 7 pm at Five Rivers.
• At 7 pm, Clinton’s Ditch: the Saga of the Erie Canal will be shown at Steamer 10 Theatre.  It’s part of their Kids’ Fare series, and it continues on Saturday.
• It’s Troy Night Out.

Hey!  I’m having a splendid day!  Check out this weather, you guys!  Awesome!

I woke up and noticed that my five-year-old had once again made her own bed and tidied up her room.  Then I walked downstairs to find the two girls cuddling and giggling together on the couch.  And then I laughed out loud when I saw how W was preparing for our nursery school’s Silent Auction.   When I was packing lunch, M decided that she’d rather have two carrots instead of Easter candy for the last compartment in her lunch box.  Driving J to school, I spotted a nice, sturdy table at a yard sale, perfect for my screened porch area, and on the way home I nabbed that baby for $5!  Yes! I was going to show you a picture of the newly adorable-ized porch, but it really needs flowers in the window first, so we’ll get to that later.  Then I took a run without getting lost and went 5K.  So, I’m ready to go!  And then, I discovered a way to enjoy a new vegetable which almost rivaled my Roasted Cauliflower Revelation.  I mean, this is like the Day of Awesome.

Pickled Daikons & Carrots

Except, that I am shivering and starving at this moment, because I wanted to get this post done so that I could have a relaxing and enjoyable lunch.  So, as soon as I click publish, it’s right back to Awesome.  Okay, are you ready?

All Weekend

• Don’t forget that the Riverway Storytelling Festival continues through the weekend.  There are plenty of opportunities to hear some great stories at a variety of different locations.  Click the link for the schedule–it’s all free.
• New York State Theatre Institute is still showing Orphan Train.
• Washington County has its annual Farm & Fiber Tour.  There are a variety of locations, so check the link for details.

Friday, April 23rd

• There’s another Wild, Wacky Woodcock Watch at 6:30 pm at the Albany Pine Bush.  Pre-registration required, and it’s $2/person, $5/person.
• Do a Spring Peeper (frogs)  Survey at Five Rivers at 7 pm.  Bring a flashlight and wear your galoshes!
• They’re showing The Princess and the Frog at Schuylerville Public Library at 7 pm.

Saturday, April 24th

• Downtown Troy has an Earth Day Clean Up.  Folks are meeting at 8:30 am at the municipal parking lot on 1st Street between State & Broadway.
• Take a Woods Walk with children’s activities at Dyken Pond from 8:30 am to noon.  $15 fee to support the programs.  Or volunteer to help clear the trails between 1:30 and 4 pm.
• Or take a Spring Overlook Hike at Moreau Lake State Park at 9 am.  Short but sometimes steep hike.  Call for details.
• At Thacher Nature Center at 10 am, they’ll have two short films, a craft, and a snack suitable for ages 8 and up. Please pre-register, and it’s $3/person.
• There’s a Mardi Gras Festival from 11 am to 4 pm in Saratoga.  There’s a parade at noon, a street fair, and plenty of food, including Cajun food from the folks who will be opening   Cafe Nola in the next month or so on lower Union Street in Schenectady.
• The New York State Museum’s celebrating Earth Day from 11 am to 4 pm, plus it’s Creative Art Day from 1-3 pm.  Free.
• Learn about cryptology at Crypto-Clue Finders at the Troy Public Library at 11 am.  For ages 8 and up.
• The Saratoga Springs Barnes & Noble has a storytime devoted to Fancy Nancy: Poet Extraordinaire at 11 am.
• Take Time Out for Tales at the Bethlehem Public Library at 11 am.  For preschoolers and family.
• There’s a Guided Kayak Trip at Moreau Lake.  It’s from 1-3 pm.  BYOB or rent a kayak for $15.  Call to pre-register.
• Learn about Turtles at the Albany Pine Bush at 1 pm.  Pre-register.  It’s $2/person, $5/family.
• It’s Astronomy Day from 1-4 pm at the Schenectady Museum.  $4 + admission.
• There’s a Family History Hunt at Historic Cherry Hill at 1 pm.  $2/adult, $1/child aged 6-11.  Okay, can I say, I just went for more information on their Facebook page, and they’re having a fabulous time there?  They have a Curatorial Curiosities Series–they post pictures of various doo-hickeys from the collection and people try to guess what they are.
• Wilton Wildlife Preserve is hosting a free Earth Field Day from 1-4 pm.  Compare your talents and abilities to those of local wildlife.
• The Albany Institute of History & Art has Art for All from 1-4 pm.  Free with museum admission.
• They’re having an Earth Day Festival from 1-4 pm at Five Rivers.
• At 2 pm, there’s a lecture about Clothing through the Dutch and then English colonial periods at Crailo State Historic Site in Rensselaer.  Free.
• Park Playhouse Kidz presents Cupcakes and Cabaret, favorite Disney songs performed by 10- to 13-year-old kids at 4:30 pm at the Delmar Reformed Church  It’s $4/adult, $2/kid, pre-order tickets via email: delmardesignsquad@gmail.com
• 518Fever.com is putting on United4Thacher in support of Thacher Park at Proctors.  Kids activities include clowns, puppets, face painting, and more.Free entry, but of course you’ll want to donate to the cause.
• Smuckers Stars on Ice is at the Times Union Center at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, April 25th

• Downtown Albany Restaurant Week begins today.
• The Baby Expo is at The Desmond Hotel today from 11 am to 4 pm.
• It’s Doggie Earth Day at Saratoga Spa State Park.  Bring your dog along to a park clean up from 11 am to 1 pm.
• There’s the 2nd Annual Clearwater Fundraiser from noon to 7 pm at 28 Stone House Hill Road in Coeymans, NY.   There will be barn dancing from 1-2:30 pm, barbecue for dinner, music jams, and a silent auction.  There’s no cover for this event, but of course you’d want to donate.  It’s being advertised as child-friendly.  I couldn’t find a good link for further info. on the event, but I’ve got it in my email if anyone wants more details.
• The Albany Institute of History & Art has a special Art for All from 1-4 pm.  It’s an Iroquois Beadworking Workshop. Free with museum admission.
• If you still haven’t managed to Discover it yet, go to the Albany Pine Bush at 1 pm.  Pre-register.  It’s $2/person, $5/family.
• Schenectady Theater for Children presents The Mermaid of Edam at Stillwater Community Center at 2 pm.  Neither organization lists it on their website, but I swear I’ve seen it listed in muliple places!
• At the National Museum of Dance’s School, there’s a New York City Ballet audition for girls 8 to 13.
• There’s a classical concert at Schuyler Mansion at 3 pm.  It’s $25/adult, $15/student.
• From 5-7 pm at Proctors, there’s dinner and a music program put together by the Empty Bowls Project of Schenectady.  This is a fundraiser to alleviate hunger, and it’s $20/person at the door or $15/person ahead of time.