Little Ones Yoga at the World Awareness Children's Museum 2/15

Introduce your children to Yoga at this fun program Friday, Feb. 15th!

Our "Little Ones Yoga" program, led by guest teacher Neha Golwala, aims to develop proper posture, better balance, and self-awareness in this fun, child-friendly practice. This yoga workshop is best suited for children 5 years old and younger, but all ages are welcome to attend! This program is free with admission, though donations are gladly accepted. Event runs 11:00am - 11:30am.

The World Awareness Children's Museum is located at 89 Warren St, Glens Falls. Visit them online at www.worldchildrensmuseum.org for more information.

Family Saturday: Let's have Dessert! at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery 2/16

Join us on Saturday, February 16, at 2:00 pm for Family Saturday: Let’s Have Dessert! Inspired by the work of Sharon Core in the exhibition Like Sugar, we will create our own desserts using felt, cupcake liners, pom poms, tissue paper, sequins and gelato spoons.

Family Saturdays at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery foster multigenerational creative collaboration through looking at artwork in our galleries, discussing and sharing ideas, and engaging in a hands-on art activity inspired by those conversations.

All programs run from 2:00 to 3:30 PM and are free and open to the public, and suitable for children ages 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions.

Tang event page: https://tang.skidmore.edu/calendar/968-family-saturday

Registration is required. You can register beginning one week before each program. For more information and to register, call our Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080. We welcome visitors of all abilities! Be prepared to get messy and have fun! Share your Family Saturday photos on social media by including #tangfamsat.

The Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery is located at Skidmore College, 815 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Project Cameron's Story Bookraiser Party at Northshire Bookstore 2/18

Enjoy craft projects, face painting, and a visit with Elmo on Monday, February 18th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m at Northshire Bookstore at the Project Cameron's Story Bookraiser Party.  Presented by Project Cameron's Story, join the party to celebrate their goal of giving books to every parent of a premature baby upon admission to the NICU's at Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Hospital Bellevue Women’s Center, Stony Brook University Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital, UHS Wilson Hospital, Crouse Hospital, NY Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Hospital, Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, NY Presbyterian Weil Cornell Hospital, and the special care unit at Glens Falls Hospital.

From February 16th to the 20th you can buy books at Northshire Bookstore to donate to Project Cameron's Story,  Northshire Bookstore will also donate a percentage of purchases made to the organization.

The goal of Project Cameron's Story is to support the bonding of parents with their premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), through the use of children's literature and storytelling. We strive to empower parents to form unique and profound connections with their babies within an environment that is often uncertain and intimidating. Our mission is to place a brand new, quality, children's book in the hands of every parent of a premature baby upon admission to the NICU's at Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Hospital Bellevue Women’s Center, Stony Brook University Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital, UHS Wilson Hospital, Crouse Hospital, NY Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Hospital, Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, Millard a rollicking adventure story about growing up and the things we share that make us human.

Fillmore Suburban Hospital, NY Presbyterian Weil Cornell Hospital, and the special care unit at Glens Falls Hospital. Project Cameron's Story is committed to providing information regarding the benefits of this type of bonding and continues to seek ways to encourage parents to utilize this as one important way to interact with their new little one.

Northshire Bookstore is located at 424 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. For more events during school break click the image below to see the Mini City School Break Guide!

Rock and Fossil Fun Fair at the New York State Museum 2/16 and 2/17

Children can mine for minerals, forage for fossils, experiment with a river replica, and more at the 3rd Annual Rock and Fossil Fun Fair at the New York State Museum.

Be sure to bring your rocks and fossils from home for identification. With 10 science activities, face painting, balloon animals, and prizes to take home, don't miss this opportunity to have fun with science.

Free admission; donations are appreciated. Two dates: Feb 16 - Feb 17 from 10am to 1pm.

The New York State Museum is located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany.

Family Fun Night at the Saratoga Regional YMCA 2/15

Join the Saratoga Regional YMCA at their Saratoga Springs Branch for Family Fun Night this Friday, Friday, February 15: 6:30-8:00 PM!

This is a FREE event for the entire COMMUNITY! Each night will include different activities and crafts.

Friday, February 15: 6:30-8:00 PM
Craft: Love Bug Stick
Gym: Bowling and Obstacle Course

Parent supervision required.
Registration is not necessary, come to have fun!

The Saratoga Regional YMCA Saratoga Springs Branch is located at 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

Northeast Ballet Company Auditions: 2019 Young Artists Festival (grades 5-12)

This Saturday, February 9th, Northeast Ballet Company will be holding auditions for children in grades 5-12 for the 2019 Young Artists Festival. We spoke to Darlene Myers, the Director and Founder Northeast Ballet and Myers Studio about the auditions and the Young Artists Festival.

Darlene Myers: We were asked to participate in the first annual YAF last season , in part due to our close, long term ongoing relationship with both organizations. Northeast Ballet has worked with Empire State Youth Orchestra and SPAC for over 2 decades in this region.  I enjoy working with SPAC mostly because of the people. Elizabeth Sobol has taken the arts in our region to another level of professionalism and attention to detail, with an eye on our youth. This is the reason why Northeast Ballet chose to honor her at our annual gala this season.

Dennis Moench is also of note, he was the driving force behind YAF last season and did an outstanding job . I cannot praise him and his staff enough, he is fabulous!

The Young Artists Festival fits into all our of mission statements and is such a creative seed that Elizabeth Sobol is able to nourish and watch grow for many years to come.

Our Junior Company for this year for the YAF will consist of dancers chosen from the open auditions we are holding on Saturday February 9th for dancers in grades 5-12, the style of dance pieces will be from modern to jazz to Pointe work so we encourage dancers who are adept in any or all of these styles to audition, and there is an opportunity to perform in more than one piece. 

There is no audition fee !

For the YAF performance this year, the audience can expect to view a group of very talented committed young dancers who are passionate about dance and wish to share their passionate .

Northeast Ballet is known for their talent of gathering dancers and producing a creative and unique  production, getting the best from their dancers and sharing it with the audience. This, I hope, will be one thing we will bring to SPAC on June 2nd.

New York City Ballet principal dancer and ground-breaking choreographer Lauren Lovette to set piece on local youth as guest choreographer for Northeast Ballet Company. Open auditions to be held in Schenectady February 9th.

New York City Ballet principal dancer Lauren Lovette

Lauren Lovette has graced the Capital District with her performing for nearly a decade. Performing both with New York City Ballet at their summer home at the Saratoga Performing arts Center as well as the leading Role of Sugar Plum Fairy in Northeast Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. It is with great excitement that we announce her further involvement in our community and the artistic development of the youth.

Open auditions are being held for youth grades 5-12 on February 9th, 2019 form 12:00- 2:30PM at Northeast Ballet Company Studios, located at 418 Liberty St. Schenectady, NY. This presents local youth with the opportunity to work with a world-renowned choreographer as well as collaborate with local youth musicians and artists as part of Young Artist Festival at SPAC on Sunday, June 2nd, 2019.

Local youth interested in this unique opportunity to work with world-class dancer/choreographer, Lauren Lovette, and perform on the SPAC mainstage surrounded by other local youth should attend auditions on February 9th, 2019 form 12:00- 2:30PM at Northeast Ballet Company Studios, located at 418 Liberty St. Schenectady, NY. There is no audition fee. Visit the event page here for more information.

Harry Potter Book Night at Northshire Bookstore 2/10

Wizards and muggles alike are invited to join in Northshire's fifth annual celebration of Harry Potter Book Night on Sunday, February 10th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Join us for (mostly spoiler-free) activities, crafts, and games inspired by the Harry Potter series.
--Compete for great prizes in our costume contest.
--Try your hand at Harry Potter trivia for more prizes.
--Create a special themed craft to take home.
--And so much more!

https://www.northshire.com/event/harry-potter-book-night-0

Baby Signing Time at The Children's Museum at Saratoga 2/9

Winterfest at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park 2/9

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be hosting a day of fun activities to celebrate getting outdoors in winter. The events will all take place at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road in Wilton on Saturday, February 9th from 10am to 3pm.

The day kicks off with an 8k Snowshoe race. There will be a bonfire at the Fire Circle by the Winter Lodge where participants can warm up by the bonfire with hot cocoa and s’mores. Snowshoes and Cross Country Skis will be available for rental from the Information Cabin in Parking Lot #1.

Rentals are $5.  No registration is necessary.

Special Story Time with a Craft at Northshire Bookstore 2/8

Join in for a Special Story Time with a Craft on Friday, February 8th at 10:30 at Northshire Bookstore (424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs). Northshire has partnered with Katrina Trask Nursery School for a special story time once a month.  One of the teachers will read a story then make a simple craft with the children.  We hope you can join us for this special event!

Northeast Ballet Company Auditions: 2019 Young Artists Festival (grades 5-12)

This Saturday, February 9th, Northeast Ballet Company will be holding auditions for children in grades 5-12 for the 2019 Young Artists Festival. We spoke to Darlene Myers, the Director and Founder Northeast Ballet and Myers Studio about the auditions and the Young Artists Festival.

Darlene Myers: We were asked to participate in the first annual YAF last season , in part due to our close, long term ongoing relationship with both organizations. Northeast Ballet has worked with Empire State Youth Orchestra and SPAC for over 2 decades in this region.  I enjoy working with SPAC mostly because of the people. Elizabeth Sobol has taken the arts in our region to another level of professionalism and attention to detail, with an eye on our youth. This is the reason why Northeast Ballet chose to honor her at our annual gala this season.

Dennis Moench is also of note, he was the driving force behind YAF last season and did an outstanding job . I cannot praise him and his staff enough, he is fabulous!

The Young Artists Festival fits into all our of mission statements and is such a creative seed that Elizabeth Sobol is able to nourish and watch grow for many years to come.

Our Junior Company for this year for the YAF will consist of dancers chosen from the open auditions we are holding on Saturday February 9th for dancers in grades 5-12, the style of dance pieces will be from modern to jazz to Pointe work so we encourage dancers who are adept in any or all of these styles to audition, and there is an opportunity to perform in more than one piece. 

There is no audition fee !

For the YAF performance this year, the audience can expect to view a group of very talented committed young dancers who are passionate about dance and wish to share their passionate .

Northeast Ballet is known for their talent of gathering dancers and producing a creative and unique  production, getting the best from their dancers and sharing it with the audience. This, I hope, will be one thing we will bring to SPAC on June 2nd.

New York City Ballet principal dancer and ground-breaking choreographer Lauren Lovette to set piece on local youth as guest choreographer for Northeast Ballet Company. Open auditions to be held in Schenectady February 9th.

New York City Ballet principal dancer Lauren Lovette

Lauren Lovette has graced the Capital District with her performing for nearly a decade. Performing both with New York City Ballet at their summer home at the Saratoga Performing arts Center as well as the leading Role of Sugar Plum Fairy in Northeast Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. It is with great excitement that we announce her further involvement in our community and the artistic development of the youth.

Open auditions are being held for youth grades 5-12 on February 9th, 2019 form 12:00- 2:30PM at Northeast Ballet Company Studios, located at 418 Liberty St. Schenectady, NY. This presents local youth with the opportunity to work with a world-renowned choreographer as well as collaborate with local youth musicians and artists as part of Young Artist Festival at SPAC on Sunday, June 2nd, 2019.

Local youth interested in this unique opportunity to work with world-class dancer/choreographer, Lauren Lovette, and perform on the SPAC mainstage surrounded by other local youth should attend auditions on February 9th, 2019 form 12:00- 2:30PM at Northeast Ballet Company Studios, located at 418 Liberty St. Schenectady, NY. There is no audition fee. Visit the event page here for more information.

The 3rd Annual BIG Bubble Party Drawing Contest

New this year we have a special drawing contest just for kids up to age 10! Simply right click and save the image above and print it out, have your child draw whatever bubbles make them feel, do they make them feel happy? Feel like dancing? Like laughing? Have them be as creative and colorful as they can be (text can also be used but is not necessary). One winner will be chosen on March 29th and will win a $50 Gift Card to Healthy Living Market and Cafe in Saratoga Springs! All entries must be scanned and either uploaded to our event page here or emailed to Jenny at jcwokeefe @ gmail.com by noon on March 29th. This artwork will also be used on our promotional flyers and social media! One entry per child, please include child’s first name (or last initial/last name if you would like that included as well as age) and please include an email address that we can reach you at if you are chosen as the winner!

Summer Camp Guide & Magazine 2019

Find out how your awesome summer camp can be included in our area’s only online Summer Camp Guide! Click the button below for all the info!

Farmers' Market Story Time at the Saratoga Farmers' Market Every Saturday, Feb 9 - Apr 27

Introducing Farmers' Market Story Time every Saturday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market on the second floor of the Lincoln Baths. Children and families are invited to explore a new theme each week with stories read aloud, songs, all-ages crafts and activities, and food samplings (nut free). This weekly, 1-hour program is free and open to all ages so please bring friends! No registration is required. Weekly updates will be posted on their facebook page here! The Saratoga Farmers’ Winter Market is located at the Lincoln Baths building, 65 S. Broadway, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs. Market hours are 9 am-1 pm. Story Times will run every Saturday from Feb 9 - Apr 27.

Horse Explorers Children's Program 2/7

The Horse Explorers Children’s Program is at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on Thursday, Feb 7th from 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM. Recommended for ages 3-6, “Horse Explorers” is a hands-on series intended to creatively educate children about horses by developing age-appropriate skills in disciplines including art, literacy, science and math. The program will be staffed by the Museum’s professional educators. This program runs every Thursday through April 18th. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is located at 191 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs.



Harry Potter Book Night at Northshire Bookstore 2/10

Wizards and muggles alike are invited to join in Northshire's fifth annual celebration of Harry Potter Book Night on Sunday, February 10th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Join us for (mostly spoiler-free) activities, crafts, and games inspired by the Harry Potter series.
--Compete for great prizes in our costume contest.
--Try your hand at Harry Potter trivia for more prizes.
--Create a special themed craft to take home.
--And so much more!

https://www.northshire.com/event/harry-potter-book-night-0

Albany - Meet a Sloth and more! Natural History Exhibition 2/9 and 2/10

ALBANY - MEET A SLOTH and so much more! Come to our first annual Natural History Exhibition, coming to you February 9th and 10th!

The Foundation for Animal Rescue and Education is combining forces with Little Ray’s Nature Centers and ZooAmerica to bring you this fun, educational event for all ages. This 12,000 square foot exhibit features a Sloth, Armadillo, Owls, Falcon, Alligator, Hawk, Snakes, Tarantulas, Tortoises, Bunnies, Ferrets, and much, more!

This amazing interactive, educational exhibit will feature over 30 LIVE ANIMAL EXHIBITS for people to enjoy at their leisure, 2 highly interactive 30-minute educational programs that will rotate 15 minutes apart each day and boat loads of staff with animals out for people to interact with in a family-friendly, hands-on environment. In addition to being fun and educational, it also supports many amazing causes!

Give yourself a good 1.5 to 2 hours to see and do everything.

SHARE TO WIN A VIP MEET AND GREET - If you are interested in a VIP meet and greet with our incredible sloth simply 'Share' this post. All shares will be entered into a draw and 2 families will be selected to come in Sunday morning before we open for an amazing intimate encounter with one of nature's coolest and most mysterious animals.

DATES:
Saturday February 9th - 10am - 5pm
Sunday February 10th - 10am - 5pm

PRESENTATION TIMES:
Little Ray's Nature Centres - 10:15/11:45/1:15/2:45/4:15
Birds of Prey by ZooAmerica - 11:00/12:30/2:00/3:30
**Please note the sloth only comes out during the Little Ray’s presentations**

LOCATION:
Empire State Plaza Convention Center
Room 130, Concourse Level
Albany, NY 12242

ADMISSION:
Tickets available at the door or online: https://fare.whitelabeltickets.com/en/pages/albany

Single Admission: $14.00
Admission with Facebook Share $12 ***
After 4 people in a group, each person is: $10
Kids 2 and under are FREE

SAVE: Buy tickets in advance (available up to 7 days before the event):
Regular admission: $12
Admission with Facebook share: $10***
Kids 2 and under are FREE

BUY TICKETS ONLY HERE: https://fare.whitelabeltickets.com/en/pages/albany

*** Use code SHARE to get the discount. Please take a screen shot or photo of your 'share' and show us at the door along with your ticket ***

*** ACCESSIBILITY $$$ - We are certain people appreciate the expense of putting on these events but we do not want to be cost prohibitive. If you know anyone who would like to attend but for one reason or another this is not possible for financial reasons, please email info@raysreptiles.com and we will gladly arrange entrance that works for them/you ***

*** SPECIAL TIMES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES - We recognize that many families have children with special needs who could benefit greatly from these events however, may not be able to attend as they may not do well in crowds. We will be opening at 9:00 am on SATURDAY for special needs families to attend as our guests. This first hour will be for you and of course siblings are welcome.

LEGO® Americana Roadshow Pres. by MVP Health Care at Crossgates Mall

Building Excitement: Crossgates and MVP Health Care
Present the LEGO® Americana Roadshow

Famous American landmarks made completely out of LEGO bricks are brought to life in this free, hands-on exhibit from February 9th through February 24, 2019.

Some of America’s most famous landmarks are temporarily moving to Crossgates – or at least, their LEGO replicas are. The LEGO Americana Roadshow, presented by MVP Health Care, is a free traveling roadshow stopping at Crossgates on February 9-24, 2019, marking its first Upstate New York appearance for the 17-day interactive exhibit.

The all-ages event will be open to the public, taking place throughout the upper level and lower level of the mall, with a LEGO Play Area, from 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Anchoring the festivities are ten large-scale replicas of iconic American buildings, including The White House, U.S. Capitol, The Statue of Liberty, The Liberty Bell, and The Lincoln Memorial.

Additional show activities include:
• LEGO Brickscapes will be placed throughout Crossgates and will feature an intricate level of detail and creativity in these six themed landscapes, such as Mount Rushmore and Duplo Castle.
• A LEGO Play Area, presented by MVP Health Care, where people of all ages can build whatever their heart desires.
• A scavenger hunt and activity map, where guests can answer questions while visiting each landmark and receive a free LEGO Americana collective card pack.

“We are bringing a piece of Americana to Crossgates – except these are built by LEGO Master Builders over thousands of hours using over half a million standard LEGO bricks,” says Michael Gately, General Manager of Crossgates. “The show is a fun way for families to learn about and admire our country’s landmarks, while also getting to roll up their sleeves and make their own creations.”

“MVP Health Care is proud to sponsor The LEGO Americana Roadshow as it makes its first visit to the Capital Region. MVP will be at Crossgates each day of the roadshow with contests, giveaways, and much more. We’re happy to be a part of this fun experience for families,” said Ted Herman, MVP’s senior leader of marketing and communications.

24th Annual Frost Faire at Saratoga Battlefield 2/9

The 24th Annual Frost Faire at Saratoga Battlefield is on Saturday, February 9th at 11 AM – 3 PM at Saratoga National Historical Park (648 Route 32, Stillwater). Frost Faires were hugely popular in the 1700s—help us carry on the tradition at the 24th annual Frost Faire at the Battlefield!

- With snow, bring your snow tube or plastic sled and enjoy the sledding area behind the visitor center!
- Participate in some arts and crafts or learn about 18th century dancing inside the visitor center.
- Enjoy a fire and light refreshments provided by the Town of Stillwater.

The Summer Camp Issue is Coming!

It might be freezing out (like, really really freezing) but we are ready to think S U M M E R with the upcoming Summer Camp Issue of Mini City Magazine! That’s right, it’s already time to start registering for summer camp and these camps fill up fast! Have a summer camp you’d like to see in the upcoming issue? Fill out the form below!