Wildlife Festival at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park June 2nd

On Sunday, June 2nd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be hosting a Wildlife Festival at Historic Camp Saratoga on Scout Road in Gansevoort. The event will feature Karner blue butterfly walks, live animal programs, nature crafts, pond exploration, and hands-on fun. Activities will take place throughout the Camp Saratoga to encourage people to get out and explore the wonderful trail system since the Wildlife Festival is a registered National Trails Day event. All activities are offered free to the public.

Ongoing beginning at 11:00 am there will be numerous craft activities taking place in locations around Camp Saratoga. These will include coffee filter butterflies, clay printing, watercolor painting, and fish printing. There will be information tables about the Preserve & Park, its trail system, and the Blanding’s Turtle. Other local organizations will also be tabling at the festival and will include the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Adirondack Mountain Club Saratoga/Glens Falls Chapter, Friends of Moreau Lake State Park, Hudson Crossing Park, Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue, the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and Sustainable Saratoga.

Festival goers will be able to purchase hamburgers, veggie burgers, dogs, and cold drinks at the BBQ pit. There will also be Stewart’s Ice Cream for sale and a bake sale of homemade goods.

The Festival will take place Rain or Shine with many of the activities moving under cover of Camp Saratoga’s many Pavilions, the dining hall and the International Paper Winter Lodge.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is a non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve ecological systems and natural settings while providing opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation. For more information please call the Preserve & Park office at 450-0321 or visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org.

The Cantina Kids Fun Run Sunday, June 2nd

The Cantina Kids Fun Run is held each year on the first Sunday in June and this year is taking place on Sunday, June 2nd with registration starting at 8am. Since its founding in 2008, the event has raised more than $409,000 and made a difference for every pediatric patient treated at Saratoga Hospital.

Registration and activities open at 8am. Races begin at 9am.

• Choose from two courses: 1/4-mile or 1-mile

• Run as a family - strollers welcome

• Kids activities, including challenge course, face painting, and more

• Healthy snacks and warm up exercises

• Medals for all runners up to age 12

• Trophies for top three boys and three girls for each course

• School with highest participation wins Healthiest School Contest

Race Day entry fee is $20. There is day-of registration from 8am to 8:45am in Congress Park near the Carousel.

Over the past decade, the annual Cantina Kids Fun Run has brought families together to support emergency medical services at Saratoga Hospital and increase awareness of the importance of pediatric patients at Saratoga Hospital's Saratoga Community Health Center. 

For More Information visit saratogahospital.org/about-us/events/cantina-kids-fun-run/ for more details.

Kids Night Out at the Children's Museum at Saratoga 5/31

Life can be hectic between school, sports, recitals, and piles upon piles of laundry. Practice a little self-care and drop the kids off at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga on Friday, May 31st from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM for a fun-filled night of exploration, pizza, music, and play through art. Your child will get their imagination flowing as they discover different art mediums and create a 3-dimensional masterpiece.

Ages 4 & up
Children must be potty trained

Pre-registration required by 5/29/2019, call (518) 584-5540 to register
$20.00 per child ($15 for each additional)

Making Garden Stakes at the Saratoga Farmers' Market 5/29

This Wednesday, May 29, come to the Saratoga Farmers' Market to get all your local goodies, listen to some live music, and enjoy a free craft for your little ones with Saratoga Springs Public Library: making garden stakes! Teach kids about growing healthy food while surrounded by all the freshest local produce in town. Rain or shine, find them at High Rock Park from 3-6pm (craft will be under the tent by the market shed).

The 3rd Annual BIG Bubble Party June 28th 2019

The 3rd Annual BIG Bubble Party is just a month away! On Friday, June 28th come to Congress Park in Saratoga Springs for this FREE kids event from 1-3pm. Today we are going to share a few of the FAQs we have about the BIG Bubble Party so keep reading to get the scoop on this free and fun way to kick off the beginning of summer vacation!

Joe Putrock/Special To The Times Union

What is the BIG Bubble Party?

The BIG Bubble Party is a free event in Congress Park in Saratoga Springs for kids of all ages to celebrate the end of the school year and the unofficial start to summer. There will be face painting, free bubbles, activities from our sponsors and much more. Kiss 102.3 will be on site to provide music and giveaways and there are lots of fun surprises. Free carousel rides will be available (while the free tokens last!) and everyone is welcome to bring their own bubbles and outdoor park activities as well (frisbees, kites, etc). Feel free to bring your own picnic or snacks!

Joe Putrock/Special To The Times Union

Joe Putrock/Special To The Times Union

Is the BIG Bubble Party free?

The BIG Bubble Party is totally free, we will have giveaway bubbles and carousel tokens while supplies last, and the entire event is free to attend and open for kids of all ages.

What is a “Bubble Flash Mob”?

The Bubble Flash Mob will happen at 2pm and everyone will gather in the middle of the park with their bubbles and we will all blow bubbles at the same time to create the biggest bubble fest that we can! Feel free to bring your own bubbles, bubble machines, bubble wands, etc to add to the fun!

Joe Putrock/Special To The Times Union

Joe Putrock/Special To The Times Union

Is this event rain or shine?

The BIG Bubble Party is rain or shine, and will only be canceled in case of thunder/lightning, any cancellation will be shared on our event facebook page which you can find here the morning of the event. We have held this event in the rain and in the sunshine and both times were a blast! This event is a one day only event however, so if it is canceled due to thunder/lightning it will not have a rain date.

Have questions? Fill out the contact form below, and be sure to check out the event page here! We’ll see you soon at the 3rd Annual BIG Bubble Party! A HUGE thank you to all of the local sponsors for making this event happen for our community!

Open Form

Dino Roar Valley Mini City Review!

We got to visit the brand new Dino Roar Valley in Lake George, opening THIS weekend and the kids and I had a BLAST! It’s a really easy (and beautifully tree lined walk) through the Dino Roar Valley where you come up on life sized dinosaurs that move and roar just like the real thing!

Dino Roar Valley features 20 life-size dinosaurs along a half-mile paved walking trail – an experience that will transport explorers to a prehistoric time when these legendary beasts once roamed. Visitors encounter a variety of dinosaurs from the past, including: Anchisaurus (Early Jurassic), Argentinosaurus (Late Cretaceous Period) and possibly the world’s largest dinosaur ever discovered -- Titanosaurus! These dinosaurs are just a few that explorers encounter on their expedition. Plus, park explorers can also check out Magic Forest, which has been delighting people of all ages with its unique and whimsical collection of rides and attractions since 1963.

Kids get to learn all about the different dinosaurs in Dino Roar Valley, play on the Dino Nest, and even dig for fossils! It was an easy enough walk for my two year old to easily keep up, and strollers would be able to navigate the walk easily as well. My kids couldn’t wait to see each new dinosaur along the walk and loved hearing them roar and move, it was really incredible to watch, I’ve never seen anything else like it! We give a big two thumbs up to Dino Roar Valley and can’t wait to go back over the summer. Get your tickets online now to save money and be one of the first to experience Dino Roar Valley! Click the button below to get tickets now! Visit us on instagram at @minicityonline for some great videos of the dinosaurs in action in our stories!

Tickets can also be purchased for various additional on-site activities, including the Diggin’ Up Dinos Workshop; Fossil Fixers Build & Play Workshop; Dino-riffic Breakfasts, and VIP Experience Tours. Season passes are available for purchase with and without blackout dates for $69.99 and $85.00 respectively. Dino Roar Valley will also feature an array of onsite amenities, including a food and beverage area with snacks and other grab-n-go items, and a multi-functional special events space equipped for birthday parties or other private events.

HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS

• Online at www.LakeGeorgeExpeditionPark.com (Best Value)

• At the box office: Open 10:00am – 6:00pm during operating days; last entry at 5:15pm.

  GENERAL ADMISSION: BUY TICKETS ONLINE AND SAVE UP TO $3 ON ADMISSION

• Dino Roar Valley Standard Admission:
  o $24.99+tax at the box office
  o $21.99+tax when you buy online

• Magic Forest Standard Admission:
  o $19.99+tax at the box office
  o $17.99+tax when you buy online

• 2-Park Combination Tickets:o $35+tax

ADD ON A WORKSHOP! CHOOSE FROM TWO ACTIVITIES AT THE PALEONTOLOGIST WORKSHOP

FOSSIL FIXERS BUILD & PLAY WORKSHOP: Bring your fascination with dinosaurs alive! Learn, make and build your very own take-home fossil. Expedition explorers will participate in this playful, hands-on activity. Activities and fossil kits may vary. Additional fee; space is limited. Duration: 30 min. Must have a ticket to enter.

DIGGIN' UP DINOS: Chisel, chip and excavate your very own take-home fossil. Expedition explorers will participate in this playful, hands-on activity. Activities and fossil kits may vary. Additional fee; space is limited. Duration: 30 min. Must have a ticket to enter.

WORKSHOP PACKAGES

• Dino Roar Valley Fossil Fixers (Admission + Workshop):o $41.99+taxattheboxoffice
  o $38.99+taxwhenyoubuyonline

• Dino Roar Valley Diggin’ Up Dinos (Admission + Workshop):o $41.99+taxattheboxoffice
  o $38.99+taxwhenyoubuyonline

  SCHOOLS, CAMPS, PRIVATE GROUPS AND MORE!

  GROUPS

  Discounted group tickets available for groups of 20 or more. Book today! For more information or to reserve your group, email groups@LakeGeorgeExpeditionPark.com.

  BIRTHDAY PARTIES & SPECIAL EVENTS AT DINO ROAR VALLEY

  BOOK YOUR EVENT: Dino Roar Valley’s Dino Outpost is a multi-functional special events space equipped for birthday parties or other private events. Call (518) 668-7627 or email events@LakeGeorgeExpeditionPark.com.

  BIRTHDAY PARTIES: A celebration that all kids will dig! Dino Roar Valley promises adventure, discovery, and a ROARING good time! From Cretaceous Chomps to Dino Dance Parties, our party planning experts have you covered. Explorers will be able to let their growl out, party like a dinosaur, and create dino- mite memories that will be historic. Email events@LakeGeorgeExpeditionPark.com.

  DINO-RIFFIC BREAKFASTS: Explore the park and have breakfast with Roary the Raptor! Space is limited.

Lake George Expedition Park is located at 1912 US Route 9 at the corner of Bloody Pond Road – just off the Adirondack Northway (Interstate 87) between Exits 20 and 21, Lake George, NY 12845
The location is centrally located between major cities and regions: Montreal, Boston, New York City and Western New York.

Lake George Expedition Park will be open seven days a week, 10:00am – 6:00pm, last entry at 5:15pm. The park will operate Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and weekends only in September and October.

ABOUT LAKE GEORGE EXPEDITION PARK

Lake George Expedition Park promises adventure, discovery, and excitement to attendees of all ages. Each of its attractions will offer a quality, experiences that will spark imagination and creativity. The mission and promise of the park is for visitors to explore and immerse themselves in to unique outdoor environments that transport them to other places through experiential design and themed engagement. In a world where people often race against time, Lake George Expedition Park will allow people to pause and imagine; engage rather than observe and spend time with family and friends while creating memories. It is the park’s vision for visitors to enjoy a one-of-a- kind opportunity that leaves them with a lasting impression and a desire to return.

www.LakeGeorgeExpeditionPark.com

www.DinoRoarValley.com

Dino Roar Valley Opens THIS WEEKEND!

Dino Roar Valley is opening this weekend! Enter a world of dinosaurs where imagination meets history. Be transported to a prehistoric time when these legendary beasts once roamed. At Dino Roar Valley, you’ll embark on an expedition of discovery - climb into a dinosaur nest, dig for hidden fossils, stand next to a roaring-replica of possibly the world’s largest dinosaur ever discovered: The Titanosaurus!

This all-new attraction will feature life-sized dinosaurs positioned along a 1/2-mile long nature trail. Visiting explorers will enter through the Dino Roar Valley basecamp where they will be briefed on their expedition’s mission. As explorers approach the main gate into the park, they’ll be met by a roaring Dilophosaurus – the first of many dinosaur encounters to come! Follow along the meandering path through this lush dinosaur forest; hear their roars, step into their tracks and find out what they eat.

Be the first to experience Lake George's newest attraction! Embark on an expedition of discovery this Memorial Day weekend and celebrate amongst 20 life-size dinosaurs! Make sure to buy your tickets online and save, click the button below to get your tickets now!

to read more about Dino Roar Valley in this month’s Mini City Magazine, click the pages above

Kids Day at the Saratoga Automobile Museum 5/24

On Friday, May 24th the Saratoga Automobile Museum will be hosting another exciting Kids Day at the museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with fun activities planned!

For this Kids Day, they'll be welcoming the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Mad Science, and local author Shaundra Lerman.

Kids under 12 will get FREE admission and adults pay regular museum admission!

They will also have their distracted driving simulators set up for teens (16 years and older) and adults. The simulators demonstrate the dangers and consequences of driving while distracted.

Visit their website for more information: http://www.saratogaautomuseum.org/new-events/2019/2/22/kids-day-zs4sc

2019 Saratoga Springs Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 5/23

Come honor those who have given their lives for our country. The City of Saratoga Springs invites you to the 2019 Memorial Day Parade and Commemorative Ceremony in downtown Saratoga on May 23.

The Saratoga Springs Memorial Day parade is a long-standing tradition which signals the unofficial start of the weekend for remembrance. The 2019 parade will travel through downtown starting at the north end of Broadway at 6:30 and end with a ceremony in Congress Park.

Mini City Magazine :: May 2019

The May issue is here! Read it below today for free!

Kiddie Carnival & Kids Secondhand Sale 5/18

Bring your kiddos to the Carnival at Small Wonders Christian Preschool on Saturday May 18th from 10am-2pm for bounce house, games, prizes, crafts, and face painting all for free. You can explore their silent auction and shop for clothes, toys, gear, & more in their Kids Secondhand Sale. Small Wonder Christian Preschool is located at 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

Home Made Theater Presents Frozen Jr. 5/17 & 5/18

Home Made Theater's Youth Musical Theater Conservatory presents FROZEN, JR.
Music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, book by Jennifer Lee.
This production is presented by a cast of students between the ages of 8 and 18.

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, FROZEN JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa.

Performances:
Friday, May 17th at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 18th at 1:00pm

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.
Seating is by general admission. Tickets on sale now.

Box Office Hours:
Friday, May 17th: 4:00 - 7:30pm show
Saturday, May 18th: 11:00am - 1:00pm show

For further information or to purchase tickets, visit www.homemadetheater.org or call Home Made Theater at 518-587-4427.

Saratoga Independent School's Kite and Flight Festival 5/18

Join Saratoga Independent School for their annual Kite & Flight Festival on Saturday, May 18th from 10am-2pm. Free and open to the public. Weather permitting.

Featuring:
- Kites & Planes: Bring your own or purchase on site
- Rockets: Make your own rocket workshop with SIS Rocketry Club Instructor (limited availability)
- Birds: Meet and learn about some fantastic birds of prey with Silent Wings Raptor Presentation
- Face-Painting
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Bubble Creation Station
- Mr. Ding-A-Ling Ice Cream Truck
- 9 Miles East Pizza

Saratoga Independent School is located at 459 Lake Avenue Saratoga Springs. Contact SIS for more information: 518.583.0841, info@siskids.org

Mother's Day Giveaway with The Bundle Store and Two Birds Marketplace

We have another great Mother’s Day giveaway for you guys! So excited for this one!

Giveaway is $35 value 
-$15 gift card to Two Birds Marketplace in Ballston Spa
-Live Beautifully Natural deodorant in Geranium Clove (baking soda free)
-Rescue Remedy Rescue Pastilles Natural Stress Relief in Orange and Elderflower 

This giveaway can be picked up in person at The Bundle Store at 40 Front Street in Ballston Spa, one winner will be chosen and notified via email on Friday, May 10th. Good luck mamas and thank you to The Bundle Store for this lovely Mother’s Day giveaway!

Have you entered our Piper Boutique Giveaway yet? What are you waiting for?! Click the image below to enter that one now too!

National Train Day at the Schuylerville Public Library 5/11

Join the Schuylerville Public Library (52 Ferry St, Schuylerville) on Saturday, May 11th from 11am to 1pm for a family fun event with crafts, snacks, and trains! The President of the local Division of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) will be bringing HO scale trains for the children and parents to run, train tracks to build across the library, snacks, and crafts celebrating trains!! ALL ABOARD!

https://schuylervillelibrary.sals.edu/

Plant Night - DIY Haworthia & Amethyst Stone Garden Dish 5/8

On Wednesday, May 8th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM head to Saratoga Paint and Sip Studio (80 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs) for Plant Night! Living Accents will be joining for this special DIY Succulent Garden Dish.

Not artistically inclined? That's ok! A local artist will instruct you step by step, making it easy to complete this piece of art! At the end of the night, you'll take home a one-of-a-kind painting and hopefully a new found talent! Click the button below to register now!

Llamas in the Library at the Saratoga Springs Public Library 5/12

Enjoy an up-close and personal encounter with live llamas from Katrina and Gary Capasso’s Dakota Ridge Farm. Owners will introduce their llamas and share some llama facts. We will celebrate Mother’s Day with a reading of "Is Your Mama a Llama?" Children will have an opportunity to pet the llamas as well. This program is for all ages, and registration is not required. Sunday, May 12th at 2pm at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

Healthy Kids Day at the Saratoga Regional YMCA 5/11

Are the kids in your life already dreaming of summer? When kids are inspired, they can do anything. Awaken their imagination so they can explore new activities and healthy habits at Healthy Kids Day at the Saratoga Regional YMCA (290 West Avenue Saratoga Springs) on Saturday, May 11th from 11am to 3pm. This is a free community event with activities that include:

Bounce Houses • Obstacle Course • Soccer Bullseye • Outdoor Tennis
Bike Rodeo • Bouldering Wall • Ga-Ga • Adventure Course
Wibit (pool fun) • Lego Pit Challenge • And More!

Plan your Healthy Kids Day ahead of time! 
(Space is limited for certain activities.) 

Please Pre-Register for the following activities:

• Basketball Challenge
• Fun & Color Runs
• Adventure Course Climbs
• Bike Safety Rodeo
• Fun Pool Activities​

Pre-Register here: https://bit.ly/2Wajunk

The Ryan's 5K Run/Walk 5/18

The Ryan’s 5K Run/Walk 2019 is taking place on Saturday, May 18th at Saratoga Spa State Park and there is still time to register!

Ryan’s Run helps raise money for the Ryan Wersten MIOP Foundation, which works to support families affected byMalignant Infantile Osteopetrosis (MIOP) and finding an improved cure. To read more about the Ryan Wersten MIOP Foundation and the local family that created it, click the image below. To register for the Ryan’s 5K Run/Walk, click here.

Piper Boutique Mother's Day Giveaway

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Mini City has teamed up with Piper Boutique for this lovely Mother’s Day giveaway! One winner will receive these gorgeous Daphne Lo floral drop pave center earrings, perfect for spring and summer! I actually just saw these beauties in person the other day in the shop, and they are so lightweight and easy to wear! Entering the contest is so easy, just comment below and one winner will be chosen on Thursday, May 23rd and notified via email. The earrings can be picked up right in the store on 441 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, just in time for Mother’s Day gifting (and yes, gifting yourself counts!). Good luck and thank you to Piper Boutique for this giveaway for all of our Mini City readers!