Kids

By Bill Landon

The Mt. Sinai Fire Department held its 15th annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Company 1 on Mt. Sinai Coram Road on April 13.  It was a robust turnout with raffles silent auctions and plenty of food where the kids had their picture taken with the Easter Bunny. No one left hungry.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Benner's Farm hosts their Easter Egg Hunt Weekend on April 18, 19 and 20 this year. File photo by Rita J. Egan/ TBR News Media
PROGRAMS

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature for children ages 2 to 4 on April 18 and April 25 at 9:30 a.m. Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, crafts, stories, play and more. $20 per child per class. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Dragon Egg Workshop

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for at a Dragon Egg Workshop on April 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. From fire-breathing dragons to galloping unicorns, did you know the stories of many mythical animals were originally inspired by sea creatures? Explore the legends surrounding ​these fantastical beasts then create your own dragon egg with gilded sea shells! No registration required. Admission fee plus $10 per participant, $5 members. 631-367-3418

Family Game Night

Families with children through 6th grade are invited to stop by Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket on April 18 from  6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for Chicken vs. Hot Dog, The Keepy Uppy Game, Twist, & more! No registration required. Open to all. Questions? Email [email protected]

Little Artists Workshop

Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents a Little Artists Workshop on April 19 at 11:30 a.m. Artist Robert Stenzel will guide students in transforming recycled materials into unique owl designs. For children in Pre-K through 4th grade. Cost is $20 per child. To register, visit www.waltwhitman.org.

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on April 21 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Spring Break at the Hatchery

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor celebrates Spring Break on April 21 with a hatchery tour at 11 a.m., fish feeding demonstrations at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and live animal encounters at 2 p.m. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Flower Power

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Flower Power, on April 24 at 10:30 p.m. Children ages 3 to 5 with a parent/caregiver will enjoy short walks, stories, dances, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. Register at ww.eventbrite.com.

EGG HUNTS

Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold an Egg Hunt for children ages 0 to 6 on April 17, 18 and 19 with 20 minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. Fee is $12 per participating child, $5 helper siblings ages 7 to 12, $7 adults, $6 seniors. Children must be accompanied by a parent. By reservation only at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

East Northport

Island Christian Church, 400 Elwood Road, East Northport will host a free Easter Egg Hunt on April 19  from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Activities will include face painting, crafts, games, bounce houses, photo-ops, and of course, hunting for eggs! You may even see the Easter Bunny! Held rain or shine. Free. Visit islandchristian.com/easter to register. 631-822-3000

East Setauket

— Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt celebration on April 18, 19 and 20 with craft vendors, barnyard animals to see and hold, an egg hunt in the fields (at your purchased time slot), pictures with the Spring Bunny and more! This is a ticketed event only. Tickets are sold online only for $13.50 per person. To register, visit www.bennersfarm.com. 631-689-8172

— Three Village Church, 322 Main St., East Setauket invites children up to 5th grade to an Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. with games, story time, crafts, face painting and more. No tickets needed. Free. 631-941-3670

Farmingville

Farmingville Historical Society will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Arboretum Park, 10 Maple Lane, Farmingville on April 19 at various times from noon to 3 p.m. Embark on an Easter Egg Adventure into the historic firehouse for fun activities, meet a real life bunny and take a photo with the Easter Bunny. $15 per child. Register at FHSLI.org.

Flanders

Children ages 2 to 9 are invited to join an  Easter egg hunt for “duck” eggs at The Big Duck Ranch, 1012 Flanders Road, Flanders on April 19 at noon. Prizes will be given out for the winners in each age group. Bring your camera for photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Free. Rain date is April 26. 631-284-3737.

Huntington

Children ages 1 to 8 can enjoy a spring celebration and egg hunt at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington on April 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Activities including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, a meet and greet with Mr. Bunny and a special concert by FunikiJam. $20 per child. Register at www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs.

Port Jefferson

Children ages 2 to 8 are invited to join the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce for an Easter Egg Hunt following the annual Easter Parade in the Village of Port Jefferson along Main Street on April 19 at 12:45 p.m. Line up in front of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson at 1 p.m. after the parade. Photo ops with the Easter Bunny will be from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Free. 631-473-1414

St. James

Rescheduled from April 12. St. James Chamber of Commerce will host a Spring Egg Hunt for children ages 1 to 10 at Deepwells Farm, 2 Tayor Lane, St. James on April 19 at 1 p.m. with a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny. Free. 631-584-5810

Setauket

Caroline Episcopal Church, 18 Caroline Ave., Setauket hosts a community Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy games, prizes, snacks, a live magic show, face painting, an Easter hat contest, hat parade and a special long-eared guest. Free. Register online at carolinechurch.net/egghunt2025. 631-941-4245

Wading River

Rescheduled from April 12. Bakewicz Farms, 291 Route 25A, Wading River will hold an Easter egg hunt on April 19 at 1:30 p.m. Every child will leave with eggs filled with candy, stickers, and toys. Enjoy face painting and take pictures with the Easter bunny. $15 per child. For tickets, visit www.bakewiczfarmsny.com.

FILM

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids series with a screening of Sonic the Hedgehog on April 20 at noon. Powered with incredible speed, Sonic The Hedgehog embraces his new home on Earth. That is, until he accidentally knocks out the power grid and sparks the attention of super-uncool evil genius Dr. Robotnik. Now it’s super-villain vs. super-sonic in an all-out race across the globe to stop Robotnik from using Sonic’s unique power for world domination. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Diary of  a Wimpy Kid The Musical from March 22 to April 27. Read the books? Watched the movies? Now experience the musical! Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

A Royal Princess Party

Tickets are now on sale for A Royal Princess Party: A Villainous Tale of Magic! at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smithtown from April 12 to May 4. Just in time for Spring Break, the princesses return to the Royal Kingdom of Smithtown to get together and explore some magical artifacts. Special surprises and magical touches make this show a royal treat! Tickets are $17.50 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson celebrates Spring Break with the return of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 10 with a sensory friendly performance on April 27 at 11 a.m. With the help of his sisters—Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail—and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny, Peter Rabbit learns the power of sharing and caring in this adorable musical. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

 

On April 5, Councilwoman Jane Bonner attended the North Shore Little League (NSLL) Opening Day ceremonies. The NSLL, which was established in 1963, offers boys and girls, ages six through sixteen, the opportunity to play organized baseball and softball with their peers at fields on Route 25A in Rocky Point.

Also at the Opening Day ceremony was 2nd District State Assemblywoman Jodie Giglio and Quentin Palifka  representing Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon.

Councilwoman Bonner said “The North Shore Little League is great for kids to have fun and enjoy spending hours playing America’s pastime. I always know that summer is just around the corner when I hear the words ‘play ball!’ on opening day.”

For more information about the North Shore Little League, to volunteer or join their e-mail list, go to www.nsllrp.org or call 631-744-3355.

Starting on April 1, Dogwood Elementary School in Smithtown celebrated Autism Acceptance Week. Children have been learning about autism and seeking ways to make school even more inclusive. Mrs. Nielsen’s students wrote and shared about the different things that make them special.

Mrs. Braun and Mrs. Diemer’s class learned about autism acceptance. After listening to a story, students brainstormed ways they can be kind and include others and worked on this project together.

On April 2, students were encouraged to wear red, gold, rainbow or blue to show support and acceptance of individuals with autism.

One characteristic of autism is to show incredibly focused passion for topics of interest. On April 3, students shared their passions and interests.

On April 4, students dressed in cozy pajamas in recognition of the fact that individuals with autism often have a variety of sensory sensitivities.

Photo courtesy of StatePoint

Ongoing measles outbreaks across the country have many families, pediatricians and public health experts concerned. Most of the people who have gotten sick, including a child who died in Texas, were not vaccinated against measles.

The best way to protect your family is by choosing to have your child immunized against measles. The MMR vaccine—which protects against measles, mumps and rubella—is the only way to prevent measles. Vitamin A, cod liver oil and other alternatives have been discussed as ways to lessen the severity of measles. However, none of these alternatives will prevent measles. Too much vitamin A can also cause severe illness. Always talk with your pediatrician first.

“The reason many parents in the United States have not had to worry about measles in decades is because of widespread immunization with this safe and effective vaccine,” said AAP president and pediatrician, Susan Kressly. “However, when immunization rates drop in a community, the disease can spread, putting everyone—especially young children—at risk.”

Before the measles vaccine was available in the United States, an average of 450 people died from measles every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of them were previously healthy children. Children who contract measles are at higher risk for developing more serious conditions such as pneumonia or a brain infection called encephalitis.

These complications can become deadly. Additionally, a rare but universally fatal form of brain swelling called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can occur in healthy children years after they have recovered from measles infection.

Measles is highly contagious. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where infected people have coughed or sneezed. Nine out of 10 people exposed to the virus who don’t have immunity from the vaccine will also become infected, according to the CDC. To prevent the virus from spreading and potentially causing an outbreak, creating community immunity by reaching a high level of vaccination rate is crucial to protect those who cannot be vaccinated.

The vast majority of parents get their children vaccinated. But because measles is so infectious, if a community’s rate of vaccination dips below 95% of the population, the disease can easily spread, impacting individuals and groups of people. Check with your pediatrician today if you’re unsure about your child’s protection. Learn more at HealthyChildren.org.

“No parent should have to experience the loss of a child to a preventable disease. Vaccines save lives,” said Dr. Kressly. “Pediatricians are here to talk with families about their children’s health, including how they can access vaccines. We must support immunization programs so that children in every community get the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.” (StatePoint)

Photo courtesy of TMB Model Train Club

Train Masters of Babylon Model Train Club at the Upper Room Church, 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills hosts a Model Train Show Open House on Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come see their new 6500 square foot Come check our progress and enjoy  multiple trains from prewar to the most modern O gauge trains running at all times. Fun for the whole family. Free admission. For more information, visit www.tmbmodeltrainclub.com

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By Heidi Sutton

What’s more fun than an Easter egg hunt? Here is a list of egg hunts on the North Shore for this weekend and next weekend so grab your baskets and a camera and hippity hop over to these fun springtime celebrations. 

Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor will hold an Egg Hunt for children ages 0 to 6 on April 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19 with 20 minute sessions scheduled throughout the day. Fee is $12 per participating child, $5 helper siblings ages 7 to 12, $7 adults, $6 seniors. Children must be accompanied by a parent. By reservation only at www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Commack

Burr Intermediate School, 202 Burr Road, Commack hosts a free egg hunt with over 4,000 eggs on April 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games, prizes, special golden eggs and a free photo of your child with the Easter Bunny. Register at www.commackegghunt.com. 631-486-3811

East Northport

Island Christian Church, 400 Elwood Road, East Northport will host a free Easter Egg Hunt on April 19  from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Activities will include face painting, crafts, games, bounce houses, photo-ops, and of course, hunting for eggs! You may even see the Easter Bunny! Held rain or shine. Free. Visit islandchristian.com/easter to register. 631-822-3000

East Setauket

Benner’s Farm hosts their Easter Egg Hunt Weekend on April 18, 19 and 20 this year. File photo by Rita J. Egan/ TBR News Media

— Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt celebration on April 18, 19 and 20 with craft vendors, barnyard animals to see and hold, an egg hunt in the fields (at your purchased time slot), pictures with the Spring Bunny and more! This is a ticketed event only. Tickets are sold online only for $13.50 per person. To register, visit www.bennersfarm.com. 631-689-8172

— Three Village Church, 322 Main St., East Setauket invites children up to 5th grade to an Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. with games, story time, crafts, face painting and more. No tickets needed. Free. 631-941-3670

Farmingdale

— The American Airpower Museum, Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. along with an Easter Tram Rides, photos with the Easter Bunny and visit their  “Bunny Patch” to adopt your very own plush toy bunny or chick!  No pre-registration or tickets required. Admission for adults $20, seniors/vets $15, kids ages 3-12 $10. 631-293-6398

— Village of Farmingdale hosts its annual Easter Egg Hunt for children up to 11 years old on April 12 on the Village Green, 361 Main St., Farmingdale at 11 a.m. followed by photos with the Easter Bunny. Free. Rain date is April 13 at 2 p.m. 516-249-0093

— Stew Leonard’s, 261 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale hosts an Easter egg hunt on April 15 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Take photos with the bunny and collect eggs filled with candy and other prizes from costumed characters. Free for ages 8 and younger. Get tickets at eventbrite.com. 516-962-8210

Farmingville

Farmingville Historical Society will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Arboretum Park, 10 Maple Lane, Farmingville on April 19 at various times from noon to 3 p.m. Embark on an Easter Egg Adventure into the historic firehouse for fun activities, meet a real life bunny and take a photo with the Easter Bunny. $15 per child. Register at FHSLI.org.

Flanders

Children ages 2 to 9 are invited to join an  Easter egg hunt for “duck” eggs at The Big Duck Ranch, 1012 Flanders Road, Flanders on April 19 at noon. Prizes will be given out for the winners in each age group. Bring your camera for photo ops with the Easter Bunny. The Long Island Duck Farming exhibit will also be open to the public. Free. Rain date is April 26. 631-284-3737.

Huntington

Children ages 1 to 8 can enjoy a spring celebration and egg hunt at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington on April 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Activities including a petting zoo, arts and crafts, a meet and greet with Mr. Bunny and a special concert by FunikiJam. $20 per child. Held rain or shine. Register at www.caumsettfoundation.org/programs.

Melville

Take part in an Easter Egg Hunt at White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville  on April 12 to 13 and April 14 to 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meet the Easter Bunny, visit the bunny holding station, see a magic show and much more. Admission is $29.95. 631-351-9373

Port Jefferson

Meet the Easter Bunny at the annual Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce sponsored Easter event on April 19. Photo by Kyle Barr

Children ages 2 to 8 are invited to join the Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce for an Easter Egg Hunt following the annual Easter Parade in the Village of Port Jefferson along Main Street on April 19 at 12:45 p.m. Line up in front of the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson at 1 p.m. after the parade. Photo ops with the Easter Bunny will be from 1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Free. 631-473-1414

Port Jefferson Station

Brightview Senior Living, 1175 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station will host an Easter egg hunt, storytime fun with local children’s authors, photos with the Easter Bunny and a special Easter basket raffle on April 13 from noon to 4 p.m. Reserve your spot at www.eventbrite.com.

Rocky Point – just added!

The Rocky Point annual Easter egg hunt for ages infant to 5th grade will be held at Robert Miner Park, aka Rocketship Park, Hallock Landing Road, Rocky Point on April 15 at 11 a.m. (egg hunt at noon) with face painting and tattoos. Photos with the Easter Bunny are $5.

St. James – rescheduled to April 19

Children can hunt for Easter eggs at Deepwells Farm in St. James on April 19. Photo by Greg Catalano

St. James Chamber of Commerce will host a Spring Egg Hunt for children ages 1 to 10 at Deepwells Farm, 2 Tayor Lane, St. James on April 19 at 1 p.m. with a surprise visit from the Easter Bunny. Free. No rain date. 631-584-5810

Selden – This event has been canceled due to the weather.

Join Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Manzella and the Middle Country Youth Civic Association for a community Easter egg hunt at Veterans Park, Boyle Road, Selden on April 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Free. 631-451-6647

Setauket

Caroline Episcopal Church, 18 Caroline Ave., Setauket hosts a community Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy games, prizes, snacks, a live magic show, face painting, an Easter hat contest, hat parade and a special long-eared guest. Free. Register online at carolinechurch.net/egghunt2025 631-941-4245

Smithtown – rescheduled to rain date of April 13

Join Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown for a Spring Festival and Egg Hunt on April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with musical entertainment by Lena and the Happy Clam Band, games, animal presentations, crafts, face painting, pony rides, egg hunts, and a visit by the Easter Bunny. $25 children, $5 adults.  Register at www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Wading River – rescheduled to April 13 and April 19

Bakewicz Farms, 291 Route 25A, Wading River will hold an Easter egg hunt on April 13 and April 19 at 1:30 p.m. Every child will leave with eggs filled with candy, stickers, and toys. Enjoy face painting and take pictures with the Easter bunny. $15 per child. For tickets, visit www.bakewiczfarmsny.com.

METRO photo

By Heidi Sutton

Easter is right around the corner! Celebrate early at one of the following pancake breakfasts with a visit from the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget your camera!

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Selden Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary & Jr. Company will be hosting their annual breakfast with the Easter Bunny, at Engine #1, 44 Woodmere Place, Selden from 8 a.m. to noon with pancakes, raffles to win some Easter Basket goodies, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. $12 per person at the door. Children under the age of 3 are free. 631-732-1234

Pancakes with the Easter Bunny

Mt. Sinai Fire Department Company 1, 746 Mt. Sinai Coram Road, Mt. Sinai hosts its 15th annual Pancakes with the Easter Bunny from 8 a.m. to noon. Come out and eat some pancakes, see the Easter Bunny and take a chance on a raffle. Admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children, children under age 4 are free at the door. For more information, call 631-530-3820.

Pancake Breakfast w/Easter Bunny

The Polish American Independent Ladies Auxiliary presents a Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Polish American Independent Club, 35 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station with seatings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Enjoy pancakes, sausage and fruit served with orange juice, coffee and tea, free photo booth and a chance to meet the Easter Bunny! Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children ages 6 to 17, $2 ages 5 and under at the door. Call 516-383-3456 for more information.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! Time for 'The Adventures of Peter Rabbit' at Theatre Three. The show opens on April 16. Photo courtesy of Theatre Three
*Please note Easter egg hunts are posted separately.
PROGRAMS

First Steps Into Nature 

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown presents First Steps Into Nature for children ages 2 to 4 on April 11, April 18 and April 25 at 9:30 a.m. Little ones will learn about nature through hands on interaction, music, crafts, stories, play and more. $20 per child per class. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. 631-979-6344

Art Explorers Club

Start your weekend with art, in both English and Spanish! Join bilingual Museum Educator Kim Zambrano at The Heckscher Museum, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington for an Art Explorers Club for ages 5 to 10 on April 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Children will learn about Robert Graham Carter’s works on view and then have the opportunity to create their own wooden 3-D Creative Critter, using natural materials to craft their piece, while enjoying a memorable hands-on experience at the museum. $5 per family. To register, visit www.heckscher.org. 631-380-3230

Growing Up Wild

Town of Brookhaven continues its free nature programs with Growing Up Wild at Cedar Beach Nature Center, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai on April 12 at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Children ages 3 to 6 with a caregiver will explore a nature topic with a story and activity. Registration required by emailing [email protected].

Pond Exploration

Join the staff at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, 25 Lloyd Harbor Road, Huntington for a Pond Exploration on April 12 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Discover what makes a pond, and the life that is in it! Through activities and some supplied pondlife children ages 6 to 10 will search for critters that live in a pond. $4 per child. Reservations on Eventbrite.com.

Second Saturdays in the Studio

The Long Island Museum, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook continues its Second Saturdays in the Studio series on April 12 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Families are welcome to join educators in the LIM studio and participate in a hands-on activity or art project inspired by exhibitions on view. Included with museum admission. All supplies provided. Children under 16 must have an adult with them. No registration necessary. 631-751-0066

Story & Craft with Nana Carol

The Next Chapter bookstore, 204 New York Ave., Huntington hosts a Story and Craft event with Nana Carol on April 14 at 10:30 a.m. Free. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Spring Break at the Hatchery

Join Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for Spring Break with Animal Tracks on April 14, Bird Buffet on April 15, Nature Detectives on April 16 all from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Earth Day Workshops

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport presents fun Earth Day Workshops for children in grades K-3 during Spring Recess on April 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to noon and for preschoolers with an adult on April 16 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. $20 per child. For further details and to register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Spring Break at the Whaling Museum

Join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for Spring Break from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Ultimate Animals on April 15; Mythic Monsters on April 16; Superheroes of the Sea on April 17; and a Dragon Egg Workshop on April 18.  No registration required. Admission fee plus $10 per participant, $5 members. 631-367-3418

Spring Spectacular

Hop on over to Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for a Spring Spectacular on April 16 between 10 a.m. and noon.  Enjoy spring crafts, games, and contests indoors, plus the Suffolk Libraries’ Bus, music, and more waiting for you outside (weather permitting). Families with babies through 6th graders welcome. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]. 631-941-4080

FILM

‘Hop’

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a screening of Hop at the Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on April 10, 11, 15 and 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and April 12 at noon and again at 3 p.m. $20 per person includes popcorn , a cookie and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. To RSVP, call 631-821-1313 or visit www.pjstchamber.com.

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

As part of its Cinema for Kids series, the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington presents a screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on April 13 at noon. In New York, mysterious radioactive ooze has mutated four sewer turtles into talking, upright-walking, crime-fighting ninjas. The intrepid heroes – Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Leonardo – are trained in the Ninjutsu arts by their rat sensei, Splinter. When a villainous rogue ninja, who is a former pupil of Splinter, arrives and spreads lawlessness throughout the city, it’s up to the plucky turtles to stop him. Rated PG. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 kids. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Musical’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport presents Diary of  a Wimpy Kid The Musical from March 22 to April 27. Read the books? Watched the movies? Now experience the musical! Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg…no way. All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com. 

A Royal Princess Party

Tickets are now on sale for A Royal Princess Party: A Villainous Tale of Magic! at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East Main St., Smithtown from April 12 to May 4. Just in time for Spring Break, the princesses return to the Royal Kingdom of Smithtown to get together and explore some magical artifacts. Special surprises and magical touches make this show a royal treat! Tickets are $17.50 per person. To order, call 1-800-595-4849 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson celebrates Spring Break with the return of The Adventures of Peter Rabbit from April 16 to May 10 with a sensory friendly performance on April 27 at 11 a.m. With the help of his sisters—Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail—and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny, Peter Rabbit learns the power of sharing and caring in this adorable musical. All seats are $10. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com.

Send your calendar events to [email protected]

Kings Park Central School District's Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall on April 2. Photo from Town of Smithtown

On April 2nd, student leaders from RJO Intermediate School, in the Kings Park Central School District’s Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall for a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how local government serves the community.

Accompanied by Superintendent Dr. Timothy Eagan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Cartisano, the students were welcomed by Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and representatives from several Town departments for a special presentation on the inner workings of municipal government.

The Superintendent’s Council is composed of student leaders in grades 4 through 12 from R.J.O. Intermediate School, William T. Rogers Middle School, and Kings Park High School. Throughout the school year, the council meets monthly to explore leadership, service, and civic engagement. This year, the students focused on gaining a deeper understanding of local government functions and community service.

Kings Park Central School District’s Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall on April 2. Photo from Town of Smithtown

“It was an absolute pleasure to welcome such a fantastic group of students from Kings Park to Town Hall. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and thoughtful questions truly impressed all of us. This is a remarkable group of young leaders, and it was inspiring to see their genuine interest in how local government works and serves the community. I want to sincerely thank Superintendent Dr. Timothy Eagan and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ralph Cartisano for encouraging these future leaders to engage in public service and civic education. We’re proud to support programs like this that help shape tomorrow’s community leaders,” said Supervisor Wehrheim.

The students participated in presentations from five Town of Smithtown departments, each offering a detailed look at the services they provide and their impact on the community. Presenters included: Simone Freeman, Assistant Town Attorney; David Barnes, Director, Department of Environment and Waterways (DEW);  Peter Hans, Director, Planning and Engineering; Liam Trotta, Environmental Planner; Bill White, Director, Building Department; Leigh Wixson, Director, Smithtown Animal Shelter; and Denise Vibal, Animal Control Officer.

Each speaker offered valuable insight into their department’s role and responsibilities, shared advice for students interested in public service careers, and discussed academic pathways, internships, and volunteer opportunities within the Town.

Kings Park Central School District’s Superintendent’s Council visited Smithtown Town Hall on April 2. Photo from Town of Smithtown

“Our instructional theme this year in Kings Park is, ‘Learning and Preparing for My Future.’ I was both delighted and thankful that our student-leaders had the opportunity to learn about the functions of various town departments and future employment and/or volunteer opportunities. It is my hope that Kings Park’s best and brightest youth remain informed and committed to our town’s future. A special thank you to Supervisor Wehrheim and his staff for making this special event happen!” said Dr. Tim Eagan, Superintendent, Kings Park Central School District

Students who participated are members of the Superintendent’s Council, a group of student leaders in grades 4-12 who meet monthly over the school year. Every fall, two students are nominated to join the council by their peers in 4th grade, and they continue their participation through graduation. The students provide essential insight and a perspective on a wide range of topics. This year, the group focused on learning about local government, specifically the various town departments and their functions. In preparation for their visit to Town Hall, the students performed some internet research on specific departments and then shared what they found with the rest of the group.

The Town of Smithtown looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Kings Park Central School District and encourages students to remain active participants in their community’s future.