Fan favorites
Apr. 17: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle The Very Hungry Caterpillar — who has been touring with the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia since 1999 — is crawling his way onto the Bardavon stage. And he’s not alone! He and friends from other stories embark on musical adventures adapted from Eric Carle’s beloved books. 10 a.m. & 12 p.m. Call for ticket information. • 35 Market St., Poughkeepsie. 845-473-2072 or www.bardavon.org
Take a hike
Apr. 17-June 12: Nature Strollers Tired of sitting inside? Gather your little ones and join other outdoorsy families for some great morning exercise at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Explore the toddler- and stroller-accessible paths through the nearby forest, fields, and ponds. Tues. 10 a.m. Preregistration suggested. $5 per adult/child pair. • 100 Muser Dr., Cornwall. 845-534-5506 or www.hhnaturemuseum.org
Bring your bookworms
Apr. 11: Author Reading Susanna Leonard Hill reads from her popular picture books like Can’t Sleep Without Sheep and others. Kids can sing along and bring home special treats at the end of the program. Recommended for ages 4-8. 6:30 p.m. • Adriance Memorial Library. 93 Market St., Poughkeepsie. 845-485-3445 or http://poklib.org
April showers
Apr. 5 & 22: The Incredible Journey Ever wonder what happens to a raindrop once it falls? Find out in the new program at the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum. During the “Incredible Journey,” kids pretend to be a water droplet traveling all over the Valley, and create a bracelet displaying each place they visit. Apr. 5 at 11 a.m., Apr. 22 at 2 p.m. $4 plus $7.50 admission. • 75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie. 845-471-0589 or http://mhcm.org
Nature adventures
Apr. 21: Earth Day Quest Celebrate Earth Day with a nature treasure hunt. Uncover hidden clues that lead you through thick forests and marshy swamps. Bring your hiking boots to race through the trails and clamber over big boulders while discovering the secrets of the great outdoors. 10 a.m. $5 per person or $20 per family. • Teatown Lake Reservation. 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-762-2921, ext. 110 or www.teatown.org
Pleasing puppets
Apr. 21: The Three Billy Goats Gruff Forget fairy tales retold on the big screen. The Hudson Vagabond Puppets animate the classic tales “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and “Caps for Sale.” The life-sized, dancing marionettes are built with puppetry styles and techniques from around the world. Recommended for ages 3 and up. 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. $18, $13 children. • The Emelin Theatre. 153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098 or http://emelin.org