Kids

Community members cleaned up at Stony Brook train station for Earth Day in 2023. Photo by Rita J. Egan

By Heidi Sutton

Get involved with your community by taking part in one of the following Earth Day events this weekend.

Train Station Beautification Project

The Three Village Community Trust invites the community to join them in The Stony Brook Train Station Beautification Project on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for Earth Day. The group will be weeding, clearing fallen branches, removing litter, de-vining trees, and other tasks to beautify the Station. Bring your gloves and garden tools and enjoy refreshments music and more. For more information, call 631-942-4558.

Greenway Trail Cleanup

Volunteers are wanted for a Friends of the Greenway trail clean-up at the Port Jefferson Station trailhead (parking lot by Rte. 112/Hallock Avenue) on Saturday, April 27 starting at 9 a.m. If you can not make the Saturday event, any time during that week if you can stop by your favorite Greenway spot and do a quick clean-up is appreciated, 

Community Beach Cleanup

Gallery North in Setauket hosts a Community Beach Clean-Up at Flax Pond Tidal Wetland Area (15 Shore Drive, Old Field) on Saturday, April 27 and Smith Point Beach (1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley) on Sunday, April 28. Each cleanup will be conducted in two shifts starting at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. each day.  Held rain or shine. Pre-registration is encouraged by visiting www.gallerynorth.org. 631-751-2676

SWR 2024 Earth Day Cleanup

The Wading River Shoreham Chamber of Commerce invites the community to  participate in an Earth Day Clean-up event on Sunday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at The Shoppes at East Wind, 5768 Route 25A, Wading River for a day of environmental stewardship. Supplies will be provided or feel free to bring you own. Community service credits available. This event is rain or shine. Sign up www.wadingrivershorehamchamber.com.

Volunteer Open House

Hallockville Museum Farm, 6038 Sound Ave., Riverhead will hold a Volunteer Recruitment and Orientation Day on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteer roles include gardening, helping to organize and staff special events, maintaining the buildings and grounds, serving as tour docents, arranging and leading educational and children’s activities and adult workshops and assisting with marketing and fundraising. To register, email [email protected].

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Child Safety Seat Check, Bicycle Rodeo and Teen Driver Safety Program

 

 

Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro is announcing several free safety programs being offered to Town of Brookhaven residents this spring. 

The Traffic Safety Department is hosting several Child Safety Seat Checks at Safety Town, 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville. Upcoming events will be held on Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to noon, and Saturday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to noon. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, along with certified technicians from the Brookhaven Highway Department, will be on hand to inspect car seats and make sure children are riding in the right car seats for their age and size as they grow. 

The Brookhaven Highway Department will offer a Teen Driver Safety Program at Safety Town on Thursday, May 16, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Teenagers 15 and older and their parents are invited to participate in an interactive experience exhibiting the dangers of texting or drinking and driving. During this intense, real-life program, certified instructors with many years of defensive driving and accident investigation experience will talk with participants about the importance of developing safe habits when traveling the roadways. Teens will then use electric cars to complete obstacle courses designed to simulate driving while texting and impaired.

On Saturday, May 11, and again on Saturday, June 15, the Brookhaven Highway Department will host a Bicycle Rodeo at Safety Town between 8 a.m. and noon. These events encourage children to learn how to safely ride their bikes in a mock-roadway, kid-sized setting. Participants of all ages will be evaluated and given feedback on their own bicycle-handling abilities, after proper bicycle safety skills are demonstrated. Participants are required to bring their own helmets and bicycles; both will be inspected for safety. 

All events are by appointment only; call 631-451-5335 to reserve your spot. 

All programs are funded in part by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the New York State Governors Traffic Safety Committee.

 

EARTH DAY FUN Become a Water Warrior at the Whaling Museum in Cold Spring Harbor on April 25. Photo courtesy of Whaling Museum
PROGRAMS

Invisible Ink Workshop

Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket will host a STEM workshop for kids in grades 2 to 5 on April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. The formula to create invisible ink has been lost! Seeking brave young spies, scientists, and historians to discover a new recipe for writing with invisible ink. Choose from top secret ingredients to find the combination for cracking the coded messages. Each session is $5 per child, adults are free. Children get a full year complimentary museum membership following the program. To register, visit www.tvhs.org. 631-751-3730

Spring Break at the Hatchery

Enjoy spring break at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor with various craft programs, hatchery tours, live animal encounters and more on April 25, 26 and 29. Admission fee is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. For a full schedule of events, visit www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Water Warriors

In honor of Earth Day, join the Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor for Water Warriors on April 25 at noon or 2 p.m. Explore the dangerous side effects of water run-off through a hands-on, educator-led watershed model activity. Then, bring the water cycle to life as you construct your very own terrarium to grow plants at home. Admission free + $10 participant, $5 members. ​No registration needed. 631-367-3418

Spring Festival

Join the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor for a Spring Festival on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy kid’s fishing, food, music, games, environmental exhibitors and live animal encounters. Admission fee is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. 516-692-6768

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents Art in the Barn, storytime and hands-on art projects for pre-schoolers on April 27, May 4, 18, 25 and June 1 at 11 a.m. $15 per child, $13 members. To register, visit waltwhitman.org/events.

Visit with a School Marm

Step back in time with a visit with a School Marm at the Long Island Museum’s 19th-century one-room Nassakeag Schoolhouse, 1200 Route 25A, Stony Brook on April 27 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Learn about this historic building and try some school activities from long ago. Free with Museum admission. www.longislandmuseum.org

Storytime Under the Stars

Suffolk County Vanderbilt Planetarium, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport continues its Storytime Under the Stars series on April  28 at 6 p.m. Your favorite bedtime storybooks come to life in the planetarium theater! Children are invited to wear their most comfy pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. Tickets are $8 per persons, $6 for members at www.vanderbiltmuseum.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 22 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Kids Yoga on the Farm

New! Benner’s Farm,56 Gnarled Hollow Road, E. Setauket now offers Kids Yoga classes for ages 5 to 10. First session will be from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. on April 29, May 6, 13 and 20. Classes will focus on easy yoga poses that improve strength and flexibility, breathing exercises, self-awareness, and kindness. Please bring a yoga mat with you to class. $80 per child for 4-week session. Pre-registration is required by calling 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

FILM

‘Song of the Sea’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of Song of the Sea on April 28 at noon. The film tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse — the last Seal-child — who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

THEATER

‘Alice in Wonderland’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport present’s Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland from March 23 to May 12. Alice takes a tumble down an enchanted rabbit hole to an off-kilter world of mock turtles, dancing flora, punctual rabbits, and mad tea parties. Playing cards hold court, and nothing is as it seems in this land where whimsy and wordplay are the order of the day. Will Alice be able to find her footing in this bizarre place? More importantly, will she ever figure out how to get home?All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a perennial favorite, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, from April 13 to 27. “Over the hill and through the garden …” That mischievous rabbit Peter just can’t stay out of the McGregors’ garden! But with help from  his sisters—Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail—and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny, Peter learns the power of sharing and caring. Tickets are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

Disney’s ‘Finding Nemo Jr.’

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Disney’s Finding Nemo daily from April 20 to 28. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. Tickets are $25 per person. Tickets are $25 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

‘Willy Wonka’

Community Playhouse of Northport presents Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at The Brosnan Theater, 158 Laurel Ave., Northport on May 3, 4 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 5 and 12 at 3 p.m. Character meet and greets will be from 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. at Sunday performances. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 students and seniors. To order, visit www.communityplayhousenorthport.org. 631-683-8444

‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’

Simple Gifts Productions presents You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at 7:30 p.m. on May 3 and 4 at First United Methodist Church, 603 Main Street, Port Jefferson. This revised version is a fresh approach to the all-time 1967 classic, based on the beloved comic strip by Charles Schultz. Featuring all your favorite Peanuts characters, this charming revue of vignettes and songs is fun for the whole family (ages 4 and older). Tickets are $15 at the door or at www.simplegiftsproductions.com.

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) celebrated their Annual Spring Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 20, drawing families together to celebrate Spring’s arrival.

Held at Stony Brook Village Center, the event offered an array of activities. Highlights included a car show presented by the Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island, representing over 60 Mustangs to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Mustang, an antique firetruck provided by the Stony Brook Fire Department, a petting zoo for children to enjoy, live music performances, a free scavenger hunt, and educational tours of the historic Stony Brook Grist Mill.
This event was sponsored by News 12 Long Island, Long Island Speech, New York Life Insurance Company Agent Ryan D. DeCicco, RJG Consulting Group and First National Bank of LI.

Looking for something to do with the kids for Spring Break? The Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown will present Disney’s Finding Nemo daily from April 21 to 28.

Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo Jr. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. Tickets are $25 per person.

To purchase tickets, click on a performance date below:

Sunday April 21 at 11 AM

Sunday April 21 at 2 PM

Monday April 22 at 1 PM

Tuesday April 23 at 1 PM

Wednesday April 24 at 1 PM

Thursday April 25 at 1 PM

Friday April 26 at 1 PM

Saturday April 27 at 11 AM

Saturday April 27 at 2 PM

Sunday April 28 at 2 PM

For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

More than 100 Suffolk County kids bowled with officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s 6th and 7th Precincts at Coram Country Lanes in Coram. The inaugural event, entitled “Bowling with a Cop” and hosted by the two precincts, was free for kids and took place on Saturday, April 6.

The event gave kids an opportunity to get to know their local police officers in a fun, casual setting. While the event welcomed kids from kindergarten up through high school, the majority of attendees were in the 9-14 age range.

“We are working on building the relationships between police and our youth,” said Officer Stacie Pollio, who is a School Resource Officer with the 7th Precinct. “By hosting these types of events, we are making memories and impacting lives in a positive way.”

The precincts reached out to neighboring school districts and quickly reached capacity for the event. Officers went around from lane to lane to spend time with the kids. In addition to two games of bowling, the kids were also treated to pizza and soft drinks.

“We were thrilled to work with the men and women in blue on this wonderful inaugural community event,” said Joe LaSpina, Vice President of Maple Family Lanes, which owns Coram Country Lanes. “Bowling is a fun activity that brings people together, and there were a lot of smiles at our bowling center that day as the kids and officers bonded over bowling and pizza. I am sure it will be a memorable experience for all in attendance.”

Coram Country Lanes is located at 615 Middle Country Road in Coram.

For more information or to set up an interview, contact Ron Gold at 516-297-1637 or [email protected].

 

About Maple Family Centers

Providing fun for friends and families since 1960, Maple Family Centers consists of five family-owned bowling centers including Coram Country Lanes in Coram, N.Y.; Maple Lanes RVC in Rockville Centre, N.Y.; Jib Lanes in Flushing, N.Y.; Maple Lanes Countryside in Clearwater, Fla; and Orange Bowl Lanes in Lakeland, Fla. A third-generation family-owned and operated company, Maple Family Centers is all about entertaining the community and building relationships. President John LaSpina and Vice President Joe LaSpina share their joy of bowling with families and sports enthusiasts and lead MFC in supporting the needs of the community by creating fundraising opportunities for not-for-profit agencies.

A scene from the Earth Day festivities at Manor Farm Park in 2022. Photo by Media Origin

By Heidi Sutton

Whether you choose to participate in a park cleanup, nature walk or a fun festival, there are plenty of ways to show your love for the planet for Earth Day. 

Centerport

Earth Day Celebration

Join the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport for an Earth Day Celebration on Monday, April 22. Enjoy special guided tours, hikes, crafts, and activities appropriate for all ages – all free with general admission. Advance registration is required to participate in a free guided hike or tour. To register, visit www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Cold Spring Harbor

Water Warriors

The Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor presents a kids program, Water Warriors on Thursday, April 25 at noon and again at 2 p.m. In Honor of Earth Day, join the fight against ocean pollution! Explore the dangerous side effects of water run-off through a hands-on, educator-led watershed model activity. Then, bring the water cycle to life as you construct your very own terrarium to grow plants at home. Admission + $10 participant, $5 Members. No registration needed. 631-367-3418

Huntington

Family Fun Earth Day Celebration

Town of Huntington hosts a family-friendly Earth Day celebration at Manor Farm Park, 210 Manor Road, Huntington on Sunday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a marine touch tank; a farm animals exhibit; composting, beekeeping, and English ivy removal demonstrations; face painting, story time, and arts & crafts booths for kids to enjoy; and more. 631-351-3177.

Port Jefferson Station

Train Car Park Cleanup

The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce will hold an Earth Day  Community & Train Car Park Cleanup at the corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. along with a free bike inspection and tree sapling giveaway. Lend a helping hand to beautify the park. Community service hours given. 631-821-1313.

Ronkonkoma

Bird Walk and Trash Cleanup

Join the Four Harbors Audubon Society for a Bird Walk and Trash Cleanup at Lily Pond County Park, Smithtown Blvd., Lake Ronkonkoma on Monday, April 22 at 8 a.m.  in celebration of Earth Day and in memory of Diane Spitz, who spent many years as unofficial caretaker of the Park. Please bring gloves and bags. Email [email protected] to register.

St. James

Earth Day at Celebrate Park

Celebrate St. James presents a free Kids Community Earth Day Event at Celebrate Park on Lake Ave. in St. James on Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  featuring a garden tour with Paul LI Landscaping, animals from Sweetbriar Nature Center, crafts, henna art, storytelling, plant sale, live music and more.  To register, visit www.celebratestjames.org.

Setauket

Community Beach Clean-Up

Gallery North in Setauket hosts a Community Beach Clean-Up, on April 27 and April 28. The Beach Clean-Up will take place at two locations – Flax Pond Tidal Wetland Area (15 Shore Drive, Old Field) on Saturday, April 27 and Smith Point Beach (1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley) on Sunday, April 28. Each Clean-Up will be conducted in two shifts starting at 9 am and 10:30 am each day.  The Clean-Up will be free and open to the public and will be a rain or shine event. Pre-registration is encouraged by clicking here. All ages are welcome. Please dress appropriately. 631-751-2676

Shoreham

Metal for Tesla

Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, 5 Randall Road, Shoreham hosts a Metal for Tesla event on Saturday, April 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Recycle your scrap metal and contribute to the preservation of the planet and a historical treasure: Wardenclyffe, the site of Nikola last remaining laboratory. On this special day, every ounce of metal you recycle supports our mission to develop the site into a transformative global science center. 631-886-2632

Smithtown

Earth Day at Sweetbriar

Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown invites the community to an Earth Day is Every Day celebration on Sunday, April 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Celebrate the wonders of the natural world and living things that share the planet with us.   Children will meet resident animals, enjoy the natural world through their senses, and go on a scavenger hunt to find out some of the things they can do to help the natural world. Come away with a craft to help reduce your impact on the Earth. Best for families with children over 4 years old. $15 per child, $5 per adults. To register, visit www.sweetbriarnc.org. For more info, call 631-979-6344.

Stony Brook

Earthstock Festival at SBU

The signature Earthstock Festival returns to Stony Brook University’s West campus, 100 Nicolls Road, Stony Brook on Friday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with vendors, presenters and tables from various departments on the SAC Plaza, with the Green Pledge and other speakers taking the main stage at the Mall fountain at noon. Student performances will be held on a second stage by the SAC at 11:30 a.m. The annual Duck Race will take place at 2 p.m. Free and open to all. Visit www.stonybrook.edu/earthstock.

Train Station Beautification Project

The Three Village Community Trust invites the community to join them in The Stony Brook Train Station Beautification Project on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for Earth Day. The group will be weeding, clearing fallen branches, removing litter, de-vining trees, and other tasks to beautify the Station.
Bring your gloves, garden tools, and energy to this very special morning that will bring the community together in transforming this historic train station! Stay a few minutes, or a few hours and enjoy refreshments music and more. For more information, call 631-942-4558

Yaphank

Earth Day Celebration

Suffolk County Farm, 350 Yaphank Road, Yaphank hosts an Earth Day Celebration event on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Master Gardener Plant Sale (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.), family fun, eco-friendly demonstrations, pollinator treasure hunt, face painting, rain barrel demonstration and wagon rides (fee). Free admission to the event. 631-852-4600

By Heidi Sutton

Spring has sprung in Port Jefferson and that means the return of one of Theatre Three’s most popular children shows, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit. Written by Jeffrey Sanzel and Brent Erlanson with music by Kevin F. Story, the original musical is based on the characters and stories created by Beatrix Potter and is too cute for words.

When the lights dimmed at last Saturday’s show, all the children in the audience shouted “It’s starting!” and settled in to watch eight uber talented actors — Sean Amato (Peter Rabbit), Kyle Breitenbach (Benjamin Bunny), Elizabeth Ladd (Mrs. Rabbit), Cassidy Rose O’Brien (Flopsy), Julia Albino (Mopsy), Courtney Gilmore (Cotton-Tail), Gina Lardi (Mrs. McGregor) and Liam Marsigliano (Mr. McGregor) — bring the mischievous adventures of Peter Rabbit and his cousin Benjamin Bunny to life just in time for Spring Break.

The audience is whisked away to the countryside home of Mrs. Rabbit and her four bunnies who live next to Mr. and Mrs. McGregor who spend the day tending to their pride and joy — their garden. 

While Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail listen to their mother by staying inside and doing their chores, Peter Rabbit and his cousin Benjamin Bunny sneak out to steal from their neighbor’s garden again and again to satisfy their insatiable appetite for carrots, lettuce, peas, parsley and string beans.

When his patience grows thin, the farmer, who’s “a meanie with a temper like a bear,” makes it his mission to stop these bunnies once and for all. At first, Peter is caught but manages to wiggle out his socks and shoes and jacket and hat to escape. The second time Peter is not so lucky. Will he become rabbit stew or will his family come to the rescue?

Directed by Steven Uihlein, the show has so many wonderful moments. When Peter sneaks off to the garden, his sisters go searching for him and ask the audience members if they’ve seen him. (“He’s right behind you!”) When Peter returns home after losing his clothes, he recounts the story and the entire scene is retold in slow motion as Mrs. Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail watch from the sidelines.

The wonderful song and dance numbers, choreographed by Sari Feldman and accompanied on piano by Douglas Quattrock, are terrific with special mention to “One More Time Around,” “Run, Peter, Run” and the fun hip-hop number, “Peter’s Socks.” The final number incorporates all of the songs in a super mega-mix extravaganza. Costumes by Jason Allyn, from the bunnies’ spring dresses in pink, purple, green and red to their white bunny tails, pull it all together perfectly.

Don’t miss this show — you and your kids are guaranteed to love it. Meet the entire cast in the lobby after the show for photos.

Sponsored by Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson presents The Adventures of Peter Rabbit through April 27.

Saturday Apr. 20 & 27 @ 11:00 am
Wednesday Apr. 24 @ 11:00am
Thursday Apr. 25 @ 11:00am
Friday Apr. 26 @ 11:00am

Duration: One Hour

Children’s theater continues with a brand new production, The Mystery of the Missing Ever After, from May 25 to June 15 followed by Raggedy Ann & Andy from July 5 to 27 and Pinocchio from Aug. 2 to 10. All seats are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

A PARISIAN CLASSIC Catch a screening of 'The Red Balloon' at the Cinema Art Centre on April 21.

PROGRAMS

Fairy Garden Workshop

Benner’s Farm, 56 Gnarled Hollow Road, East Setauket will present a Fairy Garden Workshop for children ages 4 to 10 on April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. Take a tour around the farm to find all the natural materials and build your very own fairy garden to take home. $45 per child. Advance registration is required by calling 631-689-8172 or visit www.bennersfarm.com.

Art in the Barn

Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station presents Art in the Barn, storytime and hands-on art projects for pre-schoolers on April 20, 27, May 4, 18, 25 and June 1 at 11 a.m. $15 per child, $13 members. To register, visit waltwhitman.org/events.

Growing Up Wild

Town of Brookhaven presents a free nature program, Growing Up Wild, at the Cedar Beach Nature Center, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mt. Sinai for ages 3 to 6 on April 20 at 2 p.m. Explore nature with your little ones with a story and activity. Free but registration is required by emailing [email protected].

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 22 at 10:30 a.m. No registration required. Appropriate for ages 0-4. 631-482-5008

Spring Break at the Hatchery

Enjoy spring break at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor with various craft programs, hatchery tours, live animal encounters and more from April 22 to 29. Admission fee is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 3 to 12. For a full schedule of events, visit www.cshfishhatchery.org. 516-692-6768

Giant Game & Big Voice Day

Join Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St., Setauket for an afternoon of fun & games on April 22 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Try your hand at games such as Giant versions of Connect 4, Scrabble, and Checkers. Move and balance with Twister. Sing your heart out with karaoke. Or spin the prize wheel! There will also be a craft/activity in honor of Earth Day. Fun for families with babies through 6th grade. Open to all. No registration required. Questions? Email [email protected]

Springtime STEM Workshop – just added!

Three Village Historical Society, 93 North Country Road, Setauket will host a STEM Workshop for kids in grades 2 to 5 during Spring Break on April 23, 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. The formula to create invisible ink has been lost! Seeking brave young spies, scientists, and historians to discover a new recipe for writing with invisible ink. Choose from top secret ingredients to find the combination for cracking the coded messages. Each session is $5 per child, adults are free. Includes admission to the museum exhibits & a self guided tour. Children get a full year complimentary museum membership following the program. To register, visit www.tvhs.org. For more info, call 631-751-3730.

Who’s Hatching?

Sunken Meadow State Park, Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park presents a Tiny Tots program, Who’s Hatching?’ on April 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 along with a parent or caregiver will enjoy short walks, stories, dances, animal visitors, and crafts. $4 per child. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com. 631-269-4333. 

THEATER

‘Alice in Wonderland’

John W. Engeman Theater, 250 Main St., Northport present’s Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland from March 23 to May 12. Alice takes a tumble down an enchanted rabbit hole to an off-kilter world of mock turtles, dancing flora, punctual rabbits, and mad tea parties. Playing cards hold court, and nothing is as it seems in this land where whimsy and wordplay are the order of the day. Will Alice be able to find her footing in this bizarre place? More importantly, will she ever figure out how to get home?All seats are $20. To order, call 631-261-2900 or visit www.engemantheater.com.

‘The Adventures of Peter Rabbit’

Join Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson for a perennial favorite, The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, from April 13 to 27. “Over the hill and through the garden …” That mischievous rabbit Peter just can’t stay out of the McGregors’ garden! But with help from  his sisters—Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-Tail—and his cousin, Benjamin Bunny, Peter learns the power of sharing and caring. Tickets are $12. To order, call 631-928-9100 or visit www.theatrethree.com. 

Disney’s ‘Finding Nemo Jr.’

Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown presents Disney’s Finding Nemo daily from April 20 to 28. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow.” Tickets are $25 per person. To order, visit www.smithtownpac.org.

FILM

‘The Red Balloon’/ ‘White Mane’

Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington continues its Cinema for Kids! series with a screening of The Red Balloon and White Mane on April 21 at noon. One of the most internationally beloved films of all time, The Red Balloon tells the transportive tale of a young boy whose grey Parisian world is enlivened when he finds an unexpected playmate in a bright red balloon. Another boy discovers a world of freedom and adventure through his relationship with an untamed stallion in White Mane. Tickets are $13 adults, $5 children 12 and under. www.cinemaartscentre.org.

The event will feature a car show. Photo from WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Spring Appreciation Day returns to the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main Street, Stony Brook on April 20 with live music, a car show, a petting zoo, the fire department will be on site, and a scavenger hunt with prizes from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Throughout Stony Brook Village there will be something for everyone:

The day includes

Stony Brook Grist Mill. Image from WMHO

History: The Stony Brook Grist Mill (c. 1751) will be open for tours ($10 for adults, $5 for children, cash only) from noon to 4 p.m. and shopping in the Country Store. The history of the Grist Mill tour showcases highlights from WMHO’s brandnew program. It interprets the mill as both a place of mechanical ingenuity as well as a site of historic social networking from the early colonial period through the mid-20th century. A live Gypsy Romani music performance will take place from 1:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. in honor of the 19th century Miller, Alois Kopriva.

Technology: The Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island car show will take place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and will be located in the parking lot behind the Post Office. They will display over 65 cars with classic Mustangs and the latest cars that Ford has to offer. Automobiles from 1964 – 2023 will be on display, including some special edition Mustangs like the classic Shelby GT500, GT350 and the iconic Boss 302.

Nature: Steppin’ Out Petting Zoo will be set up in the Inner Court with a variety of animals for children to pet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The event will feature live music by Brenda and Burke. Photo from WMHO

Music: Brenda and Burke will be performing original and cover songs in the genres of R&B, Roots, Blues and Contemporary Acoustic in the inner court by the waterfall from 1:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m.

And Discovery: The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s Youth Corps will be offering a scavenger hunt around Stony Brook Village from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Each person who returns a completed scavenger hunt will be entered into a raffle to win Discovery Wetlands Cruise tickets.

Lastly, the Stony Brook Fire Department will be sharing how you can join as a volunteer, and they will have a vintage firetruck on display during the event.

Spring Appreciation Day is sponsored by News 12, Long Island Speech, First National Bank of Long Island, RJG Consulting Group, and NYLife Insurance Company Agent, Ryan D. DeCicco.

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The Ward Melville Heritage Organization is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation founded in 1939 by businessman and philanthropist Ward Melville. Inspired by his legacy to preserve historic and environmentally sensitive properties, the WMHO continues to protect and interpret these Long Island treasures. The organization creates interdisciplinary educational and cultural experiences that integrate history, art, theater, music, science, and technology for all ages. The organization owns and manages properties deeded to it by Ward Melville, including the Brewster House (c. 1665), the Thompson House (c. 1705), the Stony Brook Grist Mill (c. 1751), which are listed on the state and national register for historic places, the Dr. Erwin Ernst Marine Conservation Center, the pristine 88-acre wetlands preserve at West Meadow, the 11-acre T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond and adjacent park, two-acre Upper Pond, and the two-acre Jennie Melville Village Green. To learn more about the WMHO, visit www.wmho.org or call (631)-751-2244.