Polar Plunge, winter hike top kids' weekend events in the Hudson Valley
Photo credit: Xavier Mascarenas | Participants walk away from the shore after jumping in the water at Oakland Beach in Rye during the 10th annual Ray's Plunge. There will be another Polar Plunge, indoors in Somers, to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation on Saturday, Jan. 5. (Jan. 1, 2013)
30 things to do this winter in the Hudson Valley
Looking for family-friendly fun in the Hudson Valley? This weekend, young lovers of literature can listen to a story – or read one to a therapy dog. Wild about wildlife? Visit a nature center for a winter hike or a close encounter with live snakes. Crafty kids can try their hands at pottery painting. And little athletes can get active for a cause. Find the details here.
Saturday: Winter exploration in Mount Kisco
Westmoreland Sanctuary invites families with kids ages 5 and up to bundle up and take a guided winter hike together. Explore the wooded trails of the 640-acre nature preserve and search for signs of winter wildlife. Dress for the outdoors. Reserve a spot by Jan. 4.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5
Info: Westmoreland Sanctuary, 260 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Mount Kisco; 914-242-1175; www.westmorelandsanctuary.org; $5 suggested donation
Saturday: Polar Bear Run and Plunge in Somers
Tuff Kids invites young athletes ages 4-13 to get active for a good cause. The fun indoor challenges will feature obstacles and relays on land and in the pool to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Celebrate afterward at the Polar Bear Party, which will offer refreshments, games and prizes. Some swimming experience is necessary; life vests will be available.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5; pre-registration begins at 1 p.m.
Info: New York Sports Clubs, 80 Route 6, Somers Commons, Somers; www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1160984; $35; visit the website for additional locations and times
Saturday: Read to a therapy dog in Garnerville
Little bookworms can share their love of literature with a four-legged friend during the PAWS for Reading program. Friendly, certified therapy dogs Lola, Shayna and Star will be all ears as local kids take turns reading to them in 10-minute sessions. Parents must sign a consent form.
When: 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 5
Info: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library, 10 W. Ramapo Rd., Garnerville; 845-786-3800; hkdpl.org
Sunday: Meet live snakes in Cornwall
Everyone age 5 and up is invited for an up-close encounter with some scaly, slithering snakes. Snakes Alive!, a presentation by environmental educator Carl Heitmuller, will delve into the facts and fiction about these beneficial reptiles. Learn about the types of snakes that are native to the Hudson Valley, observe live snakes and even do some hands-on exploring of snake artifacts. Pre-paid registration is required.
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 6
Info: Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall; 845-534-5506, ext. 204; www.hhnaturemuseum.org; $7, $5 for children (members pay $5, $3 for children)
