This July, find free/low-cost kids events and fun things to do with your family in Westchester County, including fireworks displays, outdoor concerts, and a Renaissance festival.
July 4
The Rockets’ Red Glare
Grab a blanket or folding chair, a sweatshirt, some snacks, and a bottle of mosquito repellent, and get ready to celebrate our nation’s birthday under the stars! We’ve mapped out this year’s schedule of Fourth of July fireworks and festivities (many are FREE!) around the county, so you have one go-to guide come Independence Day: nymetroparents.com/westchester-fireworks.
July 14-15
Mow-Down Hoedown
Wave Hill spends a full two days paying homage to the humble, hardworking grass family during its celebratory Mow-Down Garden Hoedown Weekend. The festival will include numerous grass-themed arts and crafts projects, such as hat- and mat-making, plus garden walks, interactive basket-making demonstrations, and live music (bluegrass, of course!). FREE!
July 15
Abracadabra!
Magician Benjamin Levy has awed audiences around the world with his dazzling shows, even performing for President Obama’s 50th birthday party at the White House. In Méliès and Company: Sleight-of-Hand from Stage to Screen, at Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, Levy guides his audience through an exciting exploration of magic and the movies, explaining how stage magicians of the late Victorian era paved the way for the beginnings of movie magic with their special effects. He’ll introduce some early short films created by magicians (including the extraordinary innovator George Méliès—remember him from last year’s Hugo?), then demonstrate some jaw-dropping magic of his own—and maybe even explain the “magic” behind a few of his tricks.
July 21
Once Upon a Time…
A jester, villagers, wizards, a queen, a king, knights, and a band of busy little bees are among the characters families will encounter in the Missoula Children’s Theatre’s original adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin, playing at the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck.
July 21
Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Kids can bring a kite—or make a new one for a $10 workshop fee—and send it sailing at the Katonah Museum of Art/Harvey School Kite Festival (FREE admission). The day also includes kite-flying demonstrations, games, and some delicious dumplings.
July 22
Huzzah!
From the Picnic Lawns to the Spanish Courtyard to the Venetian Theater, the beauty of the Caramoor Center in Katonah is the setting for A Day in the Renaissance. Take the family back to 16th-century Italy and England with songs and dances, street theater, music, falcons, masks and banners, and even a few words from Will Shakespeare himself. Wear a costume, bring a picnic, and join in the fun for all ages.
July 26
Music Fills the Open Air
RUNA, a contemporary Celtic quartet, will perform at the Greenburgh Nature Center as part of the center’s 2012 Open Air Family Music Series: Music from Around the Globe.
Search for even more fun family activities in Westchester and the NYC area in our full calendar of events!
