Our roundup of fun and free/low-cost things to do with kids in Westchester County, NY this September features Children’s Book Day in Tarrytown, a 3D exhibit in Katonah, a pow wow in Yorktown Heights, and fall fairs and festivals throughout the county.
Throughout September
It’s Fall Festival Time
Although it’s not quite sweater weather yet, we don’t have to wait for Mother Nature’s approval to start celebrating the harvest. These local festivals offer country fun with apple cidering, honey gathering, pumpkin rolling, hayrides, corn mazes, and other autumnal activities.
Sept. 9
Te-Kee-Ya!
Chabad of the Rivertowns in Dobbs Ferry presents The Shofar Factory, a hands-on workshop for all ages where experienced craftsmen guide participants through the step-by-step process of crafting a shofar (a horn used for Jewish religious puposes). Children—with adult supervision—will help to cure, measure, saw, drill, and polish a real ram’s horn to transform it into a working shofar instrument. When the horns are complete, participants will learn how to perform the traditional sequence of notes sounded on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which begins the evening of Sept. 16. All participants will bring home their own shofar.
Sept. 15
A Special Day for Young Readers
Most parents—not to mention their kids—harbor a special place in their hearts for children’s books. Once again this year, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown will be the storybook setting for Children’s Book Day. Young readers, along with their families and friends, can meet more than 50 of their favorite authors and illustrators at this all-day festival. New and classic children’s storybook characters will be on hand for photo ops. There will be break-out story times, talks, and demonstrations by some of the authors and illustrators, including Susanna Reich, author of Minette’s Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat.
Opens Sept. 16
The Magic of 3D
Scrat and other favorite characters will be featured in the interactive exhibit “Ice Age” to the Digital Age: The 3D Animation Art of Blue Sky Studios, which opens at the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah on Sept. 16.
Sept. 22-23
Native Heritage and Traditions
The Redhawk Native American Arts Council hosts its annual Native American Pow Wow in FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights. This contest attracts more than 500 Native American artists, educators, singers, dancers, storytellers, and performing groups from across the Americas. Stroll more than 40 artist booths selling crafts, jewelry, food, and more; visit a live bird of prey exhibit; enjoy pony rides and a tipi raising; and don’t miss the grand entry of dancers at 1pm and 4pm daily.
Sept. 29
Take a Bite Out of Hunger
Many members of the Chappaqua community will come together to host the third annual Great Chappaqua Bake Sale to raise money to help feed hungry children. Take a bite out of childhood hunger while enjoying delicious baked goods and trying your luck in a community raffle and at the guessing jar table. All proceeds from the bake sale will fund programs in New York state that feed hungry children. Last year’s sale raised almost $12,000, and the individuals who put it together were named the number-two fundraising team for this cause by Share Our Strength.
Sept. 30
Grab a Leash and Go!
The whole family will enjoy a leisurely 1.5-mile stroll on a path bordering the Long Island Sound at the 4th annual Hounds on the Sound Dog Walk-a-thon & Festival in Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. After the walk, enjoy a fun afternoon with vendors, refreshments, activities for kids, demonstrations, games, contests, and more. Phil Reisman from The Journal News will cut the ribbon. Dogs and cats will be available for adoption. Proceeds benefit Larchmont Pet Rescue and New Rochelle Humane Society.
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For even more upcoming family activities in Westchester and the NYC area, search our full calendar of events!
