Groundhog Day events for kids in the Hudson Valley

Thursday January 31, 2013 2:00 PM By Kristin Taveira

Photo credit: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum | See a furry, four-legged meteorologist make his annual prediction at a Groundhog Day celebration Saturday.

Groundhog Day is Saturday, Feb. 2, and there are quite a few family-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday in the Hudson Valley. Kids can hear groundhog tales, learn the history of the holiday, make groundhog crafts, and, of course, witness the main event: A live groundhog emerging to look for his shadow. Find the details here.

Friday and Saturday: “Gregory’s Shadow” story time in West Nyack

Shy Gregory the groundhog can always find his courage, knowing that his ever-present buddy – his shadow -- has his back. That is, until they accidentally lose track of each other on the day before Groundhog Day. Can they find one another in time? Find out what happens at a reading of “Gregory’s Shadow,” written and illustrated by “Corduroy” author Don Freeman.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 or 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2

Info: Barnes & Noble, The Palisades Center, 4416 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack; 845-348-4701; store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2905; free

Saturday: Meet a live groundhog in Cornwall

Will there be six more weeks of winter chill -- or are warmer days headed this way? Find out when the star of the show, Chuckie the groundhog, comes out to seek his shadow. But why should the groundhog have all the fun? Kids can learn how the tradition began, join in a shadow-hunting activity of their own, make a groundhog craft and play games at this all-ages event. Prepaid registration is required.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2

Info: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, 100 Muser Dr., Cornwall; 845-534-5506; hhnaturemuseum.org; $8 for adults, $5 for children; members pay $6 for adults, $4 for children

Saturday: See Trailside Jack at Bear Mountain

Gather for family-friendly games, groundhog-themed paper crafts and hot cocoa at the Bear Mountain Merry-Go-Round, and see Trailside Museum & Zoo’s resident groundhog, Trailside Jack, make his appearance. Jack’s shadow – or lack of one – will provide a sneak peek at what the future holds. While there, take advantage of all the winter fun the park has to offer: Skate at the ice rink, take a ride on the carousel and visit the zoo animals – they’re native to the area, so most remain visible throughout the winter months.

When: Festivities begin at 11 a.m.; groundhog appears at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2

Info: Trailside Museum & Zoo at Bear Mountain State Park, Seven Lake Drive, Bear Mountain; 845-786-2701; www.trailsidezoo.org; $8 parking fee; $1 suggested donation for admission

Sunday: Animal Adventures: Groundhog Day in Ossining

Families with children ages 4 and up are invited to learn facts and folklore about the famous furry friend who appears each February, during a kid-friendly presentation by a Teatown educator. Story time and a groundhog craft are also on the agenda for the one-hour program. Spaces fill quickly, so be sure to preregister.

When: 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3

Info: Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining; 914-762-2912 x110; www.teatown.org; $5, free for members 

Tags: Ossining , Cornwall , West Nyack , Bear Mountain , Groundhog Day , kids , events