Family-friendly Fun

People friendly, that’s what most people want from their summer leisure destinations. With that in mind, I took off with grandkids Astrid and Nadia for what I hoped would be a people-friendly weekend at Mystic Seaport this summer. Not only was it people friendly, but it was dog friendly, too.  And both kids and dogs (on leash, of course) were well behaved. Now, I am not suggesting that museums open their doors to the canine set. But it sure helps build audiences when there’s something for both parents and kids. My favorite activity of the day at Mystic was a boat building drop-in workshop in which kids could choose from an array of wood pieces in all shapes and sizes to create their own sloop.

Westchester attractions are right on target when it comes to people-friendly programming. On a trip to the Katonah Museum, for example, I learned you could drop off your kids at the Children’s Learning Center (http://www.katonahmuseum.org/for-families/learning-center) and tour the exhibition. Or, tour the exhibit with the kids and then watch them do an arts project related to the exhibition. While you’re there, check out the Joseph Wheelright funky tree sculptures in the outdoor sculpture court.  On July 30^th, head for the Neuberger Museum where Betsabeé Romera’s work is on view (http://www.neuberger.org/exhibitions/current/view1/211.html?width=660&height=500). This artist carves patterns in tire treads and uses them as a printing wheel. Tour the exhibit and then stay for a printmaking workshop with the kids. Another option is to set out with some kids in tow for Yonkers and the Hudson River Museum for a Science Sunday (http://www.hrm.org/planetarium.html#science). If you live in NYC, don’t let the borders bother you. There are many MTA Outbound Getaways for cliffhangers to enjoy at Westchester destinations (http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_hudsonrivermuseum.htm).  Westchester’s got it all.