Apr 1 – 2: Trout Weekend Two days of fishy fun to welcome in spring. “Meet the Trout” presentation includes feeding time for the brook trout, fun activities, and stories. Children can create a brook trout craft to take home. Two presentations: 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Museum open 12–4 p.m., $3/person, under 3 years free. Free to museum members. • Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Wildlife Education Center, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson, 845.534.7781; www.hhnaturemuseum.org
Apr 1: Pete the Cat This lively children’s show is based on the popular children’s book series by James Dean and Kimberly Dean. When Pete the Cat gets caught rocking out after bedtime, the cat-catcher sends him to live with the Biddle family to learn his manners! Life is an adventure for this groovy blue cat and he gets the whole family rocking. 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., $15. • Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck, 914.698.0098; www.emelin.org
Apr 10–14: Spring Vacation Adventures Kids aged 6 -12 can keep busy over their spring break with fun explorations of our natural world. Topics and activities differ by day for ages 6 to 8, who can sign up for one, some, or all five. Ages 9 to 12 do a weeklong “Behind-the-Scenes Science” program. Call to register. 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m., costs vary. • Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St, Norwalk, 203.852.0700; www.maritimeaquarium.org
Apr 18: Disney’s A Little Mermaid: A Palace Family Fun Day Featuring pre-film games and activities, both children and parents are sure to enjoy. 1 p.m., $5. • Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave, Albany, 518.465.4663; www.palacealbany.org
Apr 18–21: Spring Art Camp This four-day program features a variety of daily activities such as art projects, special artist workshops, exploration of The Fields Sculpture Park, storytelling, and play. Ages 5–12 years. 9 a.m.–3 p.m., $280/child. • OMI International Art Center, Benenson Visitors Center & Gallery, 1405 County Route 22, Ghent, 518.392.4747; www.artomi.org
Apr 29: Happy Dreamer Author Peter H. Reynolds presents an interactive multimedia experience built around his new book, Happy Dreamer. This enchanting story, about a child’s unforgettable journey of inspiration, reminds us to follow our dreams and our own path to happiness. Ages 4+. 1 p.m., $8 members, $13 non-members, $7.50 children age 13 and under. Apr 15, 16, 20: Ponyo Dazzling visuals and quirky characters make this hand-drawn animated adventure captivating for young viewers. Legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki created this story of a spirited goldfish who lives a mundane life with her father and many siblings under the sea. She’s not supposed to leave home, but one day her curiosity gets the best of her and she embarks on an adventure. Ages 5 and up. Sat/Sun 12 p.m., Thur. 5 p.m. • Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd, Pleasantville, 914.773.7663; www.burnsfilmcenter.org
Apr 30: Sunday Family Day Exhibition Inspired hands-on activities for children and their families with Museum Educator Zachary Bowman. Register online. 2 p.m. • Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, SUNY New Paltz, 1 Hawk Dr, New Paltz, 845.257.3844; www.newpaltz.edu/dorskymuseum
Our Pick
Sunday Family Day this month at the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art features a family-friendly tour and scavenger hunt of the art exhibition, Tex/tures of Iraq: Contemporary Art from the Collection of Oded Halahmy. The tour will focus on the use of text and calligraphy in art. After the tour, Arabic Calligrapher and SUNY New Paltz Professor, Amera Abdalhafez, will teach everyone how to write and paint their names in Arabic calligraphy. Through May, 2–4:30 p.m. Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, SUNY New Paltz, 1 Hawk Dr, New Paltz, 845.257.3844; www.newpaltz.edu/dorskymuseum
