Looking for fun and affordable family events in Rockland? We've put together a list of the best things to do with kids in the county (and nearby) this February, from family shows to maple sugaring events, a geology fair, a public mission to space, and the best Valentine's Day activities for little ones.
For even more upcoming family events in Rockland and the NYC area, check out our full, searchable calendar of events.
More Than Mere Rocks
Can you dig it? The Orange County Mineral Society will show off unusual rock and gem specimens as well as New York State fossils at a Geology Fair. February 4. 10am. $7; $5 children.
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, Cornwall. 845-534-5506. www.hhnaturemuseum.org.
Start Up the Syrup Season
A warm breakfast on a cold winter day seems especially welcome. Enjoy your pancakes a little more-with maple syrup your family has made from scratch-at one of several maple sugaring events this month at the Tenafly Nature Center. The season starts with a Pancake Brunch, where you will learn about the history of maple sugaring, tap local trees, and make syrup over a campfire griddle. Coffee, hot cocoa, and of course, pancakes will be served. February 5. 10:30am. (See the full calendar for more maple sugaring events.) $15.
Tenafly Nature Center, 313 Hudson Avenue, Tenafly, NJ. 201-568-6093. www.tenaflynaturecenter.org.
That Loveable Lab
Young readers will love meeting Clifford the Big Red Dog at a special storytime followed by an art activity. February 10. 7pm. FREE.
Barnes and Noble at Palisades Center, 4416 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack. 845-348-4701. www.bn.com.
Share the Love
Every day is a good day to tell those we love how much we care, but Valentine's Day makes it a bit more fun. Look through this month's calendar for kid-friendly suggestions on celebrating the holiday, and don't miss these highlights:
Jill's Ceramics offers Toddler Workshops on February 3, 6, 10, and 13 at 12pm, and artists of all ages are welcome to roll up their sleeves on February 3 and 10 at 3pm. Choose from heart-shaped boxes or a variety of other gift ideas. $15. Jill's Ceramics, 180 Germonds Road, West Nyack. 845-623-4975. www.jillsceramics.com.
Glaze Art Studio invites young artists to stop by and create a personalized set of 10 handmade Valentine's Day cards. February 3. 5pm. $25. Glaze, 34 Orangetown Shopping Center, Orangeburg. 845-359-9020. www.glazeartstudio.com.
Teens can make Valentine's Day lollipops at the Haverstraw King's Daughter's Public Library. February 7. 5:30pm. FREE. Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library, 10 West Ramapo Road, Garnerville. 845-786-3800. www.hkdpl.org.
Big-Time Fun
Little kids can have some big-time fun learning about dinosaurs when Hudson Vagabond Puppets presents Mammoth Follies. Giant puppets sing, dance, and entertain the audience in this unusual musical revue. February 18. 2:30pm. $10 in advance, $12 at the door; $8 in advance for children and seniors, $10 at the door.
SUNY Rockland Community College, Cultural Arts Theatre. 145 College Road, Suffern. 845-359-1006. www.hvpuppets.org.
3...2...1...Blast Off!
Kids can act like real astronauts at Public Mission: Rendezvous with a Comet where they'll attend a briefing session then select tasks to perform on the group mission. You can choose from navigation, medical, communication, and life support. Tasks are detailed and challenging enough to feel real yet simple enough for kids to do. February 19. 2pm. $10; $5 seniors and children ages 8 and younger with an adult.
Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center, 225 Route 59, Airmont. 845-357-3416. www.lhvcc.com.
