Weekend Fun for Westchester Kids: Earth Day, Film Festival, Sound of Music April 18-19

4/16/15 - By Susan Miele

Westchester is teeming with family-friendly events and activities this weekend, including an array of Earth Day celebrations, a children’s film festival and the return of the beloved Sheep-to-Shawl Festival.

Since Earth Day falls midweek (April 22), there are lots of activities this weekend and next. This weekend we have White Plains Earth Week, Earth Day Nyack and an Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration to choose from.

Cinema fans rejoice as the New York International Children’s Film Festival: Westchester kicks off this weekend, with screenings for all ages. And, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the movie that made the von Trapps famous, your family is invited to a Sing-a Long-a Sound of Music.

If you’re looking for live performances, there's Disney’s Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve and a stage adaptation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites.

We’ve highlighted our top weekend picks below. Remember, these are just a few of the many fun family activities in our Event Calendar. You can also use our April GoList to plan out the rest of your month!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND

New York International Children’s Film Festival: Westchester - Pelham
Various films for all age groups are on the agenda Friday through Sunday, including short- and long-form movies from around the world.

Sheep-to-Shawl - Sleepy Hollow
Join in yarn-dying and weaving workshops in this homage to all things wool. Learn about how important textiles were in the 18th century, try on clothes from that period and watch as sheep and ducks are herded by Scottish border collies—and that's just the start!

Sing-a Long-a Sound of Music - Purchase
It’s been 50 years since the hills first came alive with the sound of music, so to celebrate the golden anniversary of the release of the classic film, bring your family to a sing-along showing where the audience is encouraged to join in on “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi” and the other memorable numbers.

Family Fun Day - Tarrytown
Lego exhibitions and more are in store for kids of all ages, and all are invited to enter their own Lego creation in the contest.

SATURDAY

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites - Mamaroneck
Eric Carle stories are told with puppets and black light in this stage adaptation of children’s tales.

Disney’s Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve - Peekskill
Get up and go at this live performance by the popular stars of this children’s TV show. Consult our recently posted guide of other things to do while in Peekskill, too.

White Plains Earth Week - White Plains
Celebrate Earth Day with a family film, folk-music performance, art projects, stories, education and more. FREE

Earth Day Nyack - Nyack
Go green at this annual event, with informative environmental groups, organic food, live music and kids’ activities. FREE

See all Saturday events.

SUNDAY

Suffern Street Fair - Suffern
More than a typical street fair, this also includes a rock-climbing wall, classic car show, face painting and more. FREE

Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration - Scarsdale
You’ll get two holidays for the price of one at this inspiring event featuring seed planting, instruction on solar-powered cooking, tree planting, solar-powered live music and more. FREE

See all Sunday events.

BEYOND WESTCHESTER

Lincoln Center Kids: Sleeping Beauty with David Gonzalez presents the classic fairy tale with a few twists. This version is told in rhymed verse with live music and multimedia projections.

Getting to see a performance at Carnegie Hall of any kind is a treat enough, but if the typical adult fare hasn’t presented the right opportunity, definitely take advantage of Carnegie Hall Family Concert: Take the Stage with Broadway Stars. Intended for children, this showcase of class Broadway excerpts will surely have your kids riveted.

Don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more fun happening throughout Westchester!

Photo courtesy of The Greenburgh Nature Center.