Seth & The Moody Melix in Congress Park

Come out to Congress Park for a morning with Seth Warden, Brian Melick, and Doug Moody of Seth and the Moody Melix presented by the Saratoga Springs Public Library on Thursday, August 9 at 10 AM - 11 AM. This dynamic, trio entertains children with songs and rhythms in a fun, creative environment. For all ages. No registration required.

In the event that the program cannot be held in the park due to excessive heat or rain, the program will be held in the H. Dutcher Community Room in the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

Family Concert with Uncle Rock Aug 16

Head to the Saratoga Springs Public Library on August 16th from 11 AM - 12 PM for a concert with Uncle Rock! His music blends kid-friendly lyrics with a rock and roll sound that adults will also enjoy. For all ages. No registration required. 

For more on Uncle Rock, visit https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/UncleRock

Tumble Science Event at Northshire Bookstore 8/8

Join Northshire Bookstore for an afternoon of science storytelling and fun, with the creators of the popular Tumble Science podcast! On Wednesday, August 8th at 2pm, Podcast hosts Lindsay and Marshall will ask questions; share games, songs, and mysteries; and talk about what science is all about. Free and open to the public. no registration required. Northshire Bookstore is located at 424 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.  

Open House at Jumper Bean Preschool August 11th

 Have you been wanting to check out the new Jumper Bean Preschool? Well here is your chance! They are hosting open house on Saturday July 21st from 12-4pm and everyone is welcome to come check out this preschool and see what it's all about. Can't make this one? They are having a second Open House on August 11th from 12-4pm!

Located at 441 Geyser Road in Ballston Spa, Jumper Bean Preschool is a full day program which incorporates learning with a certified teacher along with their Healthy, Active and Organic approach!

At Jumper Bean they have created an environment where children feel safe, eat well balanced organic meals, are encouraged to play, stay active, and learn about the environment. Jumper Bean Preschool is a place where parents can feel confident that their child is safe, and learning both developmental and fundamental skills for life. Encouragement, staying positive, learning to play with others and creativeness are all aspects of the Jumper Bean program. Their goals are to provoke learning and healthy living at all stages of your child’s development.

To find out more, visit Jumper Bean Preschool online by clicking the button below and mark your calendars for the Open House!

Turtle Time at Saratoga Spa State Park

Meet the turtles that live in the Creekside Classroom at Saratoga Spa State Park on Tuesday August 7th from 11am to 12pm and get to know more about them! All ages welcome. No registration required. This program is free with vehicle entry fee.

The Creekside Classroom is at Geyser Loop Road in Saratoga Spa State Park. The Classroom sits on the bank of Geyser Creek and provides a central location to explore the park's unique resources, including naturally spouting mineral springs, twelve miles of forested trails, playgrounds and a large picnic area. Park staff offer environmental education programs year-round, including school field trips, hikes, tours and snowshoe walks. For more info call (518) 584-2000 Ext. 116.

Mom Camp :: Scrapbook

Last weekend two Mini City moms had the chance to spend the weekend at Wiawaka Holiday House in Lake George at Mom Camp, a summer camp inspired weekend retreat just for moms. On the schedule? Lakeside yoga, a flower crown, plenty of time for naps/reading/whatever you want to do, and more. There were smores, a salt bowl ceremony on the night of the full moon, impromptu tarot readings, and just a general feeling of taking a deep breath and getting to just sit, and chat, and get to know the other moms. Did I mention the napping? And the sleeping late?! A full review is coming up in the August issue of Mini City Magazine, but for now check out these great photos of this totally unique, one of a kind retreat experience. 

To stay in the loop for future Mom Camps, follow them on facebook by clicking the button below:

Save the Date: Fairy House Exhibit and Sunflower Contest at Pitney Meadows 9/22

Pitney Meadows Community Farm is hosting an enchanting event with dozens of fairy houses on display and judges measuring the sunflowers in the contest for the tallest and largest flower head on Saturday, September 22 at 12 PM - 3 PM. Prizes will be awarded. Food trucks. Additional children's activities are planned. Rain date: Sept. 23. Click the button below for more info:

Pitney Meadows Community Farm Children's Time

Head to Pitney Meadows Community Farm Saturday mornings from June 9-August 4 for children's time! There will be an old-fashioned story time, followed by a hands-on garden related activity. The program begins at 9:30 a.m., with Faye Mihuta reading picture books on garden topics to children, and is followed by a garden activity at 10 a.m. with Jess Clauser.

The Philadelphia Orchestra The Planets -- An HD Odyssey at SPAC

In this unprecedented multimedia event led by conductor Kensho Watanabe, The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform The Planets from the HD Odyssey film series, featuring images of NASA’s exploration of the solar system brought to life in vivid form with the orchestra’s performance of Holst’s exciting, cosmic score.

According to The New York Times, “The images in the movie, produced and directed by Duncan Copp, were often astonishing. Photographs from rovers and satellites, radar images and computer-generated graphics were combined to give the audience the impression of circling individual planets and sometimes flying over their awesomely barren landscapes…There is, of course, a film-score-like quality to the music, and combining it with imagery has been done before, though not to my mind with such sophistication.”

WHEN: Friday, August 3rd at 8pm, CDPHP Family Night starts at 6pm (see below for more details)

PROGRAM NOTES

• CDPHP Family Night, 6pm – learn more
• Out of This World Festival: Pre-Show Festival on the SPAC Lawn, 6pm – learn more
• The Philadelphia Orchestra, 8pm
• Star Party with Guided Telescope Viewings around the reflecting pool, Post-concert – 

Click the button for tickets:

Family Saturday: Outdoor Rubbing Art

Head to the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College on Saturday, August 4th for Family Saturday: Outdoor Rubbing Art. Kids will look at and talk about Dona Nelson’s work that uses rubbings in the exhibition Stand Alone Paintings then will venture outside with white paper and crayons to create their own artistic rubbings by using the bark on trees, the surfaces of sidewalks, and much more.

Family Saturdays foster multigenerational creative cooperation through looking at artwork, discussing it, and engaging in a hands-on art activity. Most programs run from 2:00 – 3:30 pm and include a tour of a specific exhibition.

All programs are free and open to the public, and suitable for children ages 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions. Materials are provided. Reservations are required and can be made starting one week before the program. For more information and reservations, call the Tang’s Visitor Service Desk at 518-580-8080.

Share your Family Saturday photos on social media by including #tangfamsat.

Tang Event Page: https://tang.skidmore.edu/calendar/841-family-saturday-outdoor-rubbing-art

Breastfeeding Basics at Saratoga Hospital 8/6

Check out Saratoga Hospital's upcoming Breastfeeding Basics course on August 6th from 6-9pm. Expectant mothers are invited to attend the class to learn about different techniques, benefits, what to expect in the early days, how your baby's feeding needs may change and much more.

For more info and to register click the button below:

Mini City Magazine is 1!

The upcoming August issue will celebrate one year of Mini City Magazine! What started out as Mamatoga Magazine in March of 2012 has continued and grown into the hyper local online magazine known as Mini City, bringing you local stories, info, stuff to do, features and so much more. 

Mini City Magazine is a mom run business, created and produced by Jenny O'Keefe, Mini City's founder and a stay at home/work at home mom of five kids. It's a labor of love that started off as a way to connect other parents and the community, and now all these years later Jenny produces the magazine entirely on her own, with the help of some amazing local contributing moms. 

Mini City is always looking for moms who would love to contribute a story, and we pride ourselves on being the most affordable advertising solution for small, local businesses who want to reach local families. If you would like to contribute or explore our advertising and sponsorship opportunities, click the button below.

contact mini city

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Summer Fun Drop In Programs :: Thursdays at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Join the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame for family-friendly, weekly drop-in programs on Thursday this summer. Each program will be hands-on and engaging; recommended for children ages 3 through 8 years old. 

Time: Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
Location: National Museum of Racing (191 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs)
Cost: Free with paid adult admission. 

o August 2 – Trivia Game
o August 9 – Hall of Fame Bingo – make your own induction plaque
o August 16 – Anatomy, Them Bones – clothespin horse
o August 23 – I Won the Race, the Travers Stakes
o August 30 – Horseshoes, Horsehoe photo frame
...more details on each program below!

Thursday, August 2 — “Horse-Themed Trivia Game:” Join us to play some fun racing-themed games. Recommended for children ages 3 through 8. 

Thursday, August 9 — “Hall of Fame Bingo – Make Your Own Induction Plaque:” Learn about the 2018 Hall of Fame inductees by playing a round of bingo. View some plaques of famous horses, trainers and jockeys then design and take home your own. Recommended for children ages 3 through 8. 

Thursday, August 16 — “Anatomy, Them Bones:” Join us to learn about the anatomy of horses then build your own clothespin horse. Recommended for children ages 3 through 8.

Thursday, August 23 — “I Won the Race: the Travers Stakes:” Prepare for Saratoga’s oldest race by viewing Travers Stakes trophies at the Museum then decorate a smaller model of your own. Recommended for children ages 3 through 8. 

Thursday, August 30 — “Make a Horseshoe Photo Frame:” Learn about the different types of shoes horses can wear then decorate your own horseshoe photo frame. Recommended for children ages 3 through 8.

Nature Arts Hour Day at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park

Wednesday is Nature Arts Hour Day at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. This week kids will be decorating mini bird houses and making pine cone bird feeders. Stop in between 10:00 and 11:00 am at Camp Saratoga at the pavilion by the pond.

It is a free, drop in activity but please call or email to register so they can plan - info@wiltonpreserve.org or 518-450-0321. Click the button below for more info:

Hampstead Stage Company Presents "Treasure Island" at the Saratoga Springs Public Library‎

On Thursday, August 2nd at 11 AM - 12 PM head to the Saratoga Springs Public Library for the Hampstead Stage Company presentation of "Treasure Island", a tale of pirates, adventure and buried treasure! For ages 5 and up. No registration required. Admission is free.

Mini Guide: Breakfast at the Track

Breakfast at the track is a great option for when you want to get a feel of a day at the races but don't want to brave the crowds with little kids. When we do breakfast at the track, we usually get there early (around 7:30, that's also when the first tram leaves, see below) and bring our own breakfast because the kids are too excited to sit down and eat. 

There are two options for having breakfast at the track. First, you can bring your own breakfast and hang out at the rail to watch the horses warm up, or you can sit and have the breakfast that is served on The Porch of the Clubhouse. Admission is free with breakfast pricing $18.50 for adults and $10.25 for kids 12 and under.

Mini Tip: keep in mind that admission must be paid to re-enter the track once live racing has begun. Also, if you pay for parking at the race course it will be refunded if you leave before 10am.

Don't miss out on the free walking tour of the famous and historic stable area (weather permitting) while you're there. The first tram that takes you to the stable area leaves the main Clubhouse entrance at 7:30am with additional trams leaving approximately every 15 minutes. The last tour departs at around 9:00am (The Tour is available every race day except Travers Day and Labor Day). The tour is roughly 45 minutes from start to finish, and the last tour (and the most popular/busy tour time) leaves at approximately 9:00am or when the last tram is full to capacity.

Mini Tip: There are no reservations for the tours, and trams tend to fill up way before departure, so get there early.

Berkshire Bank Family Mondays at Saratoga Race Course

Every Monday at the Saratoga Race Course check out The Berkshire Bank Family Mondays series which features a wide variety of family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Monday of the meet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. All games and activities are free with the exception of one each week designated to support a local school or PTA. Admission is free.

Family Concert with Uncle Rock Aug 16

Head to the Saratoga Springs Public Library on August 16th from 11 AM - 12 PM for a concert with Uncle Rock! His music blends kid-friendly lyrics with a rock and roll sound that adults will also enjoy. For all ages. No registration required. 

For more on Uncle Rock, visit https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/UncleRock

Breastfeeding Support Group at Saratoga Hospital

Join Kelly Duheme, IBCLC, in collaboration with Myrtle Street Obstetrics & Gynecology, Saratoga Midwifery, and Saratoga WIC, for a FREE monthly support group to connect with other breastfeeding mothers. We will celebrate our successes, share our struggles, and offer guidance and support to help both mom and baby throughout their breastfeeding journey.

Expectant mothers are encouraged to attend, and the group is open to all mothers regardless of delivery location. Grandmothers and siblings (up to age 5) are also welcome.

Please bring a blanket/floor mat. No registration required and free to attend. For more information, please call 518-580-2049.

This support group will take place on the fourth Monday of each month from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Saratoga Hospital First Floor Classroom, 211 Church Street, Saratoga Springs.

the Saratoga Springs Public Library

The Puppet People Present "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" Weds Aug 15th

Enjoy this thrilling, comic rendition of Washington Irving's classic story on Wednesday, August 15 at 1 PM - 2 PM at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. This show features handcrafted marionettes, two life-sized puppets, special lighting, and smoke effects accompanied by both classical and traditional folk music. Recommended for children age six and up. Free tickets will be available in the Children's Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Librarybeginning July 1.