If you're looking for fun and free or low-cost family events happening in Rockland County, NY this June, check out our roundup, which includes a historical festival at Stony Point Battlefield, a Father's Day workshop in West Nyack, and Summer Solstice Day at Bear Mountain.
June 1-15
Something Special For Dad
Stores are full of gift ideas for “the father who has everything,” but why not make your dad something really unique for Father’s Day? Artists of almost any age can stop by Jill’s Ceramics in West Nyack to choose from a large selection of mugs, plates, plaques, and more, then get creative with paints and brushes at a Father’s Day Gift Workshop. Toddlers can drop by June 4, 5, 11, or 12 at 12pm. Older artists can stop in June 1, 8, or 15 at 3pm.
June 2
Of Kings and Cannons
While we Americans honor “the king of our castle” this month on Father’s Day, Britons honor their (real) monarchs in June with royal birthdays—no matter what month said monarchs were actually born. In honor of this overseas tradition, stop by the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site for The Grand Illumination, a celebration of King George III, who led Britain during the American Revolution. Daytime festivities include military demonstrations and cannon firings. In the evening, a soldier’s camp and tavern will be illuminated with fires and torches. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy games and light refreshments along with cannon and musket salutes to good old King George.
June 2
Totally Turtles
The site of turtles sunbathing on logs is one of my favorite “feel good” images of summer. Ever wonder where they go every winter or what makes a turtle a turtle and not a tortoise? At Totally Turtles, you can meet some live turtles and learn about their amazing adaptations, then take a walk in the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s wetlands to search for these cool creatures.
June 9
Relay for Hope
The American Cancer Society invites families to help raise money and awareness for cancer when it hosts Relay For Life at SUNY Rockland. Special kids’ activities will take place from 2-4pm, including face painting, games, a bounce house, and a performance by The Bossy Frog Band.
June 9
Beading and Bonding
From granddaughters to grandmothers, we all know a girl is never too young or too old to enjoy jewelry. Artists ages 6 and older are invited to bring a favorite female relative to Strawtown Jewelry in New City for a Mother/Daughter/Granddaughter Jewelry Workshop. Make a bracelet, anklet, or necklace with help from the creative staff at the store.
June 16
Sunshine Celebration
Besides Father’s Day, June brings us the summer solstice (June 20), aka the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. Take advantage of the extended hours of sunshine leading up to it at the Bear Mountain Zoo’s Summer Solstice Day, when you can stroll on the winding, wooded pathways and enjoy beautiful vistas of the Hudson River. Plus, kids can get their faces painted, say hello to the animals, and learn what a solstice really is by checking out informative displays.
For even more fun family events in Rockland and the NYC area, search our full calendar of events
