Blinking Beauty
July 16: Flash Mob at Olana We’ve all seen lightning bugs, or fireflies, lighting up the night skies. But did you know that fireflies are not really flies at all, but beetles? See if you can figure out the flashing patterns they use to recognize each other. Bring your own Mason jar with holes cut out of the lid to catch some of these insects — but be sure to release them before you go home. Pre-registration required by July 15. 8 p.m. $5. Olana State Historic Site. 5720 Rte. 9G, Hudson; 518-808-1872. www.olana.org
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Ruling the Radio
July 7-11: Podcast Theatre Radio dramas used to be a prime form of American entertainment; now the art is nearly lost. Why not revive it with a modern twist? At this weeklong camp, kids in grades three through five write, direct, and act in their own radio production — which is then broadcast as a podcast on the Internet. Theater lovers learn the art of storytelling, how to produce sound effects, and voice acting techniques. 9 a.m. $250, $20 materials fee. The Arts Center of the Capital Region. 265 River St., Troy; 518-273-0552. www.artscenteronline.org
Put Me In, Coach
July 9-11: Classic Camp Our beloved ’Gades take to the field with future superstars in tow. Current Renegades coaches and players teach kids the ins and outs of baseball by offering tips and instruction on how to throw a killer cutter, and knock one out of the park. 9 a.m. $125. July 14-18: Full Day Camp Learn to play ball like the pros, with the help of the pros. Former Major League pitcher Rob Bell — a Newburgh native who spent much of his career with the Reds, Rangers, and Devil Rays — runs drills with kids in every position to improve all aspects of their game. 9 a.m. $250. Dutchess Stadium. 500 Rte. 9D, Wappingers Falls; 845-838-0094. www.renegadesbaseballcamps.com
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The Rockets’ Red Glare
July 4: Fireworks Get a prime seat at the Poughkeepsie fireworks display by heading to the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum. Set up a picnic at the site’s riverfront property before the show, or head inside and play with the museum’s many interactive exhibits. Climb on a dinosaur skeleton, or test your architectural skills with some giant blue blocks. Just be sure to head outside at 9 p.m. to watch the night sky light up. 6 p.m. $25 per car. 75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie; 845-471-0589. www.mhcm.org
