Mostly Free & Fun Things To Do This Weekend With Westchester Kids: Crafts, Animal Tracking, Family Fun Days & More, Jan. 4 & 5

1/1/14 - By Jill Muller

It’s that time again--the start of a new year and new beginnings. The first weekend of 2014 offers lots of family fun around Westchester. Welcome in the new year (and the close of the holiday season) by taking a New Year’s hike or learning about winter animal tracking at Westmoreland Sanctuary. Or explore Stone Barns on a Family Farm Tour.

There are plenty of places to enjoy crafts this weekend. Create unique handmade bowls as a fundraiser in Port Chester or design your own “wild” mosaic at Greenburgh Nature Center. Kids can also make a fun desk calendar at Home Depot, a knickknack key chain at Michael’s Crafts or a party mask at Lakeshore Learning. New Era Creative Space is hosting Family Fun Day with art, music, crafts and performances. 

Read on for our top weekend picks. If you see something that piques your interest, click through to the event listing to view full details. Looking for more options? Be sure to check our Event Calendar for more fun happening this weekend and beyond in Westchester. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND

All Aboard with Thomas & Friends Bronx
Join Thomas and driver Sam on a new, fun filled, sing along mini performance adventure by helping them decorate the station in time for the big Sodor surprise party before the guest of honor arrives. Free with All Garden Pass $20-$25 adults, $10-$15 children ages 2–12.

Family Farm Tour Pocantico Hills
On this family friendly tour for ages 4 and up, explore the farm and some of their favorite seasonal highlights. $10.

SATURDAY

Family Fun Day Peekskill
New Era Creative Space is hosting a family fun day to help get to know the community. Enjoy art, music, crafts, performances, snacks and learn about program space and events. FREE.

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop Various Westchester Locations
A hands-on workshop for kids ages 5–12. Make a Fun Desk Calendar this Saturday. FREE.

Michael’s Crafts Kids’ Club Hartsdale
Let your kids explore their creativity while you shop at Michael’s Crafts. Make knickknack key chains. All supplies included. $2.

Craft Saturdays Scarsdale
Children ages 3+ can make a party mask at Lakeshore Learning. FREE.

Empty Bowls Clay Workshop Port Chester
Join the Clay Art Center to create unique handmade bowls for the Empty Bowls Fundraiser. All proceeds from donated bowls will be given to soup kitchens and food pantries in Port Chester. FREE.

New Year’s Hike Mount Kisco
Adults and kids ages 7+ can come out to Westmoreland for a New Year’s hike through the sanctuary. Come dressed for the weather. $5.

Wild Mosaics - Scarsdale
Make your own wild mosaic using natural materials. Let nature be your guide and see what type of masterpiece you can create at the Greenburgh Nature Center. $8.

SUNDAY

New York Metro Reptile Show White Plains
Thousands of live pet reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates on display and for sale. Books, supplies, cages, and more than 200 vendor tables. $10 adults, $5 ages 7–12; FREE for children 6 and under.

Children’s Art Class Scarsdale
This class focuses on several kid-friendly, nature inspired techniques ranging from cartoons to portraits for kids ages 7–10. $25.

Winter Animal Tracking Mount Kisco
Join a Westmoreland staff member and venture into the outdoors to see what animals have been moving around. You’ll look for signs of animals passing through the trails, and discover what stories they tell us. $5.

BEYOND WESTCHESTER

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is host to an exhibit of Lego landscapes of epic proportions. Check out a recreation of the subterranean world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a prehistoric park.

If you are in New Jersey this weekend, head to the Morris Museum for Super Science Saturdays: Pennies. Families are invited to stop by and participate in hands-on science workshops. Children will explore the scientific method as they conduct experiments and observe the results.

Don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more fun happening throughout Westchester!