Play Dates: Featured Kids Events in February 2016

Spend time outdoors, celebrate Clifford the Big Red dog’s birthday, or make some quality music

Share a Story

Feb 1, 8, 22, 29: Young Explorers Storytime Each Monday this month, the Greenburgh Nature Center offers a nature-themed story that teaches kids about the world around them. After the story, children have the opportunity to interact with the center’s resident animals. And be sure to dress warm — a portion of each session is spent in the great outdoors. Recommended ages 3-5. 1 p.m. $12, $9 members. 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914-723-3470; www.greenburghnaturecenter.org

Family Fun

Feb. 7: Family Concert People say exposing children to classical music helps their development. The Symphony of Westchester offers an annual family concert for just this purpose. Some of the pieces in the repertoire are written by students of the Composers of the Future program, a 15-year-old collaboration with New Rochelle’s Songcatchers. Noted radio host Robert Sherman narrates the story “Three Riddles in the Ancient Tradition” by Seymour Barab. The Symphony is also expected to announce the winner of its young artist competition who will perform a movement from either he Baroque or Classical music period. Recommended ages 4 and up. 3 p.m. $15, $5 students. Iona College, Christopher J. Murphy Auditorium. 715 North Ave., New Rochelle. 914-654-4926; www.thesymphonyofwestchester.org

Happily Ever After?

Feb. 13: Stinky Cheese Man We all know the classic fairy tales of Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, and Goldilocks — but what if there is more to the tales than we thought? Bet you never imagined Cinderella giving Rumpelstiltskin a tongue-lashing — or that Goldilocks met three elephants instead of three bears. Full of funny twists like these, the show, performed by the Russel Sage Theater Institute, gives audiences a fresh look at some old stories. 11 a.m. $9, $7 children. Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. 661 Rte. 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080; www.centerforperformingarts.org

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dan zanes
Acclaimed children’s musician Dan Zanes heads to The Emelin Theatre

BIG Birthday Bash

Feb. 14: Clifford the Big Red Dog America’s favorite giant red dog celebrates his birthday on Valentine’s Day! Kids who attend the party have the chance to snap their picture with the oversized pooch. After the cameras stop flashing, children are able to demonstrate Clifford’s BIG ideas — like sharing and kindness — by making crafts that reflect those themes.1 p.m. Free admission. New York State Museum Cultural Education Center. 260 Madison Ave., Albany. 518-474-5877; www.nysm.nysed.gov

Making Music

Feb. 27: Gusto Hour Acclaimed children’s musician Dan Zanes (he’s been called the “crown prince” of contemporary kids music by People magazine) heads to the Valley for a show packed with musical mayhem. Kids are invited to bring their own instruments so they can strum, drum, and toot along to the tunes Zanes plays on stage. If your little one doesn’t have an instrument, never fear! Everyone is encouraged to sing along — at the top of their lungs. Recommended ages 2 and up. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. $15. Emelin Theatre. 153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098; www.emelin.org

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