It's showtime! This winter we have a lot of family-friendly shows coming up for Westchester kids. The Royal Hanneford Circus, Peter Pan & Cinderella on Ice and Pout-Pout Fish, to name a new. Book your tickets in advance before they are sold out.

Did we miss one? As always, you can find a full listing of things to do this weekend, recurring events and other upcoming events on our Community Calendar. Events are free to add so we encourage our readers and local businesses to post great family events.

​Rosie Revere, Engineer
Sat Jan 18th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Pete The Cat
Sat Feb 29th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

The Spinning Tales of Peter Pan and Cinderella on Ice
Sat Feb 29th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT​

The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites
 Sun Mar 1st 
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

The Pout-Pout Fish 
Sat Mar 28th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Seussical the Musical​
Sat Jan 18th - Sun 26th 
Play Group Theatre, 1 N Broadway #111, White Plains, NY

Peekskill Middle School Drama Club's Disney's Frozen Jr. Sneak Peek
Sat Jan 18th 2:30pm - 3:30pm
The Field Library Children's Room, 4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill, NY

Legally Blonde, The Musical
Fri Jan 24th - Sat 25th 
Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main St, Irvington

Random Farms Kids' Theater presents Urinetown
Fri Jan 24th - Sun 26th 
Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY

1 2 3 Andres
Sat Mar 14th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Treehouse Shakers: The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Sun Mar 22nd 3:00pm
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

​The Amazing Max
Sun Jan 26th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

Garry Krinsky Toying with Science
Sat Feb 1st 
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

Flip Flop Circus
Sun Feb 9th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

The Royal Hanneford Circus
Sat Feb 15th - Mon 17th 
Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY

Playtime at The Palace Mr. Fish "Fabulous Forces"
Sun Feb 16th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

MUMMENSCHANZ: you & me
Sun Feb 23rd 
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, NY

Air Play
Feb 28th 
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

The Peking Acrobats
Sun Mar 29th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Dinosaurs, planets, trains, masterpieces, sharks, illusions, ice cream, water experimentation... these are just a few things your child can experience and learn about at nearby museums and aquariums in Westchester County, NY.

When the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities, museums and aquariums are a hands-on, real-life way to engage your child in learning and fun. Museums are always changing exhibits so there is always something new to see. With some of the best museums in the world in our backyard, we are very fortunate. Kids can enjoy playrooms, maker labs, world-renown art and science exhibits, touch tanks, planetariums and so much more.

One concern parents have about museums is that they can get expensive. Here are some ideas to keep costs low, while keeping your child's spirits high!

Here are some tips to enjoy museums without breaking the bank:

• Become a Museum Member- Museums offer memberships which can be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple times in a year. This can be huge if there is a museum nearby that your child enjoys again and again. There are typically other perks to memberships like special exhibit access, food & parking discounts and guest passes.
• Invest in a Reciprocal Membership- Reciprocal memberships give you free or discounted admission to a number of attractions, which is a great way to see a lot on a budget. For example, The Association of Children's Museums Reciprocal Network gives discounted admissions to a vast list of member museums across the US and Canada- a great way to see a lot, especially when traveling. Learn more about  reciprocal programs and see a comprehensive list here.
• Visit your library- Did you know that local Westchester County libraries offer museum passes that provide free or discounted admissions to local museums in Westchester, Connecticut and New York City? Offers vary by library so contact yours and find out what's available.
• Museums for All- Through Museums for All, people receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 400 museums throughout the US.
• Do Your Research to Find Freebies- Many museums offer free admission to young children. Must Read: Keep Your Money: How to Get in Free at 20 NYC Museums. And even better, here is a list of 19 Awesome Museums in NYC That Are Totally Free.

Hot off the press!

The only borough in New York City without a children’s museum will be getting one this year. The Bronx Chidren's Museum will be geared toward young children, especially those children and families who are not typically able to visit a museum.

The Museum of Ice Cream opened in late fall 2019 and features imaginative, multi-sensory installations that bring to life guests’ delightful dreams: savor the sweetest treats on a floating table, slide down an epic three-story slide, see a spectacular hall of giant scoops, and follow the sound of a buzz that will lead you to a giant “Queen Bee hive. Tickets include ice cream tastings and signature treats.

Open until April 2020, the Sloomoo Institute is a sensory playground centered around slime. The unique museum provides an engaging slime experience with a variety of textures, colors and consistencies that evoke joy and excitement. From a slime step-and-repeat to a slime waterfall, and everything in between, this is worth checking out before it is gone!
​

Experience under the sea attractions at these aquatic-centered destinations.

​The Hudson River Museum is small, but offers weekend programming for children including art & science projects as well as planetarium shows. Children can learn about the Hudson River with a beautiful view.

Not To Miss: Kids Week Feb 15-22 at the Intrepid! Attractions will include live animal shows, pop-up planetarium shows, maker spaces, live performances and so much more! Children of all ages and interests will learn more about STEAM through activities and demonstrations designed to educate and inspire.

Moms in the community love the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, featuring  75 live exhibits featuring more than 2,700 marine animals of 300 species. Plus plenty of room for young children to play and explore.

If you have not been to Coney Island to the New York Aquarium, it is worth the trip! The aquarium was completely rebuilt after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and offers an incredible experience-- see the sharks!

According to the Association of Children's Museums, "Children’s museums are places where children learn through play and exploration in environments designed just for them. Reflecting their diverse communities, children’s museums create playful, interactive learning experiences. In an increasingly complex world, children’s museums provide a place where all kids can learn through play with the caring adults in their lives."

​Opened just a few years ago, the nearby Westchester Children's Museum is small but a great destination  to spend a couple of hours. They offer offer drop-in science, engineering, arts, and crafts programs throughout the week. Coming soon: a bunch of brand new exhibits, including a whole Makerspace dedicated to older children ages 7 and up that will feature woodwork and other more complex STEAM activities, as well as a Shadow Puppet Theater, a Sound Room, and a new Gift Shop, to name a few.

Moms in our community love Stepping Stones in Norwalk, CT. There is so much to touch and explore for young children including the energy lab, tot town and color coaster. Just outside is a beautiful playground with a lighthouse and small spray area, if you visit on a beautiful day.

Children's museums in general offer a lot of drop-in and scheduled programming so it is worthwhile to check their websites and plan your visits accordingly. Which is your favorite?

If you are looking for a local science museum that is not too far, we recommend checking out the Hall of Science in Queens. There are 450 exhibits, events, and workshops.

​If you are willing to venture into Manhattan, then you will want to go to the Museum of Natural History, the largest natural history museum in the world. Dinosaur and space-loving youngsters will be in heaven!

If you are interested in local history, you could visit on the of historic sites in the river towns. They are open seasonally and offer child-friendly events and programming, it's best to check their websites in advance for the optimal time to visit.

Budding artists and creative minds can get inspired at these art museums. Offering camps, events, special programming and more, these destinations are more than just spectator experiences.

If you have a child who is curious about firefighting, trains or math, these museums are for you!

Did we miss any? Please tell us in the comments below!
​

Imagine a futuristic wonderland designed just for kids. A world full of endless possibilities and adventure, where kids can explore and experiment with advanced, cutting-edge technology. A place where today’s kids invent tomorrow. 

Introducing Codeverse, the world’s first fully interactive coding studio for kids ages 6-13. Opening at The Westchester this summer, Codeverse will be offering weeklong summer camps, weekday coding classes, and weekend parties. 
​
Codeverse's ~3,000 sq ft space at The Westchester will boast a wide range of high-tech features contributing to a completely immersive and collaborative learning environment. The studio will be riddled with cutting-edge gadgets, including a 20ft TV wall and professional-grade lights and speakers, which can be programmed by kids using real code! 

Codeverse teaches kids how to code using KidScript - a proprietary language that enables children to build mobile games, projects and apps, as well as program dozens of objects within the state-of-the-art studio. KidScript draws inspiration from, and acts as a gateway to, many other languages, including JavaScript, Ruby, Python and Visual Basic.

Who teaches kids how to code at Codeverse?
All Codeverse camps and classes are led by Guides. 

Guides are a collective of K-12 certified teachers, improv comedians, seasoned designers, engineers and game developers. This diverse mix of backgrounds, skill-sets, and experiences creates a dynamic, fun, and engaging learning environment for the children. 

Guides are equipped with iPads that display real stats on how every student is progressing through the curriculum. Tracking every interactive, milestone, and mistake gives Codeverse Guides an unprecedented amount of rich data that is then used to craft a personalized approach to learning to code.

2020 Summer Camps at Codeverse Westchester
From video game creation and robotics, to 3D printing and circuitry, Codeverse camps are packed with hands-on STEM activities designed for beginner and pro coders, alike.

Each day of camp is assigned a theme and is comprised of fun, engaging, and educational adventures, including:

• Studio programming - Learn how to program cutting-edge gadgets (such as lights and speakers) using real code.
• Robotics - Build a real robot. Compete in high-speed robot races on obstacle courses designed by fellow campers.
• Coding - Learn all the core fundamentals universal to any programming language.
• 3D Printing - Create jaw-dropping 3D printed designs.
• Circuitry - Learn all about circuits and sensors.
• Game Development - Design multi-level, multi-player video games.

To cap it off, kids show off their coding creations to family and friends during Demo Day, a fun celebration that is held every Friday afternoon during camp.

Summer camps run Monday-Friday from 9AM-3PM throughout the months of June, July, and August. All allergy-free meals and snacks are included. Complimentary early drop-off and pick-up options are available.

Be one of the first to experience Codeverse Westchester! Parents can sign kids up for summer camp at codeverse.com/camps. Early bird special is $399 until June 1st, 2020. (Regular price: $499) 

Codeverse Westchester
125 Westchester Ave, #1160 (next to KidZania and Neiman Marcus)
White Plains, NY 10601
(914) 461-5914

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Many articles and blogs have written about the benefits of musical instruction, you may have read some of them. The instructors at New York Piano School want you to know these 5 ways that their students and their families have benefited from lessons.

​Proper and consistent musical teaching can:

1. Develop and improve your child’s fine motor skills:
   Proper technique for two hands to work separately but together, for fingers to press lightly or with more weight, for eyes to follow the written music while following notes and rests will develop motor skills that will be transferrable to many things later in life. Whether your child becomes a poet or a surgeon, an athlete or, we couldn’t leave this one off the list, a musician, they will forever benefit from learning to engage their fingers, hands, arms and bodies earlier in life.
   
   
2. Help them learn creative problem solving:
   Mistakes happen. A good music teacher will help your child address the wrong notes and help them assess the situation and work toward fixing it – creative problem solving. For beginners, this can be as simple as change a finger placement to hit the right note. Wrong notes happen. With more advanced students, the teacher will work on helping the student find the essence and form of the piece, dissect the beginning, middle and end, and find the right personal approach to the piece’s structure for each student.
   
   
3. Reinforce self-discipline and patience:
   We all wish we had more self-discipline and patience, why not help you child reinforce these while learning a new skill in a nurturing environment. Learning to play the piano will help with objective setting, keeping accountability, following through on pre-set plan, adapting to mishaps, building patience and self-confidence, all while working toward achieving a goal.
   
   
4. Boost your child’s imagination
   What is a piece of music? Objectively speaking it is a set of notes and rests with instruction on how to play it. Subjectively speaking it is a bird song, a rush of a river, a love ballad, a freedom dance, an exciting adventure from beginning to end. Great instructors will inspire your child to think about what each piece means to them and to write their own adventure.
   
   
5. Make it a cherished family activity: 
   Many a morning, day and night is spent planning social activities for our kids. While playing music can greatly improve their social skills when playing with others (listening, waiting and harmonizing with fellow musicians), it can also bring you closer as a family. Your child will love showing off their new learned skills and showing off progress as they practice at home. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, neighbors alike will come together to see your child find joy in music.​

Help your child and you enjoy these benefits at New York Piano School.

Click the links below for more information about its programs and instructors.
www.nypianoschool.com
www.nypianoschool.com/about-new-york-piano-school

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​Breastfeeding has tons of benefits for mom and baby, but one thing it doesn’t have is predictability. Your new baby may be nursing just fine while at the hospital, and it may only be when you get home that problems start to crop up. 
 
Maybe she is no longer latching right, or you’re too sore, or you’re sick or depressed or utterly exhausted. Maybe your baby was born premature and you’re having to pump and carefully measure baby’s consumption. Or dozens of other very valid medical or personal reasons.
 
“Mothers need support during the postpartum period as they adjust to the breastfeeding lifestyle,” says Ann Cunillera, a registered nurse and coordinator of the lactation program at White Plains Hospital. “Many moms are discharged from the hospital before the baby is latching effectively, or before they’ve established an adequate milk supply.” 
 
As lactation coordinator, Cunillera has been supporting new moms in their breastfeeding efforts for nearly 20 years at White Plains Hospital. In addition to the lactation team, the mother-baby unit is staffed with highly trained registered nurses – all of them are also certified lactation counselors. 
 
White Plains Hospital offers a family-centered birthing approach: families are supported from the prenatal period through discharge and beyond. For instance, expectant mothers can sign up for the Breastfeeding Basics class to learn about the benefits of nursing, proper positioning, establishing a good milk supply and other common concerns. After delivery, the nurses guide and counsel new mothers one on one through the proper technique, achieving a good latch, as well as helping to facilitate skin-to-skin contact and bonding. 

After discharge, moms are invited to attend a breastfeeding support group, run by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (the most expert level available), for as long as they want or need. These specialists work with mothers on breastfeeding specific issues, in addition to creating feeding plans and providing baby weigh-ins. Women connect, share general parenting tips, laugh, make new friends and enjoy being part of a robust and welcoming community that is a critical part of the parenting journey.
 
This support that new mothers get from friends and others who have faced the same challenges they are experiencing is one of the biggest predictors of breastfeeding success. 
 
Want to learn more? Click to learn more about White Plains Hospital and its Maternity Support Programs.

As the new year approaches, we are sharing some upcoming events for Westchester County families to celebrate the big event!
​

​Dave & Buster's Noon Year's Eve
Tue Dec 31st 10:00am - 12:00pm
Dave & Buster's, 4661 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Noon! Your ticket comes with a breakfast buffet, $10 Power Card with UNLIMITED video game play, festive party favors, a gingerale toast at "Noon Years" and other Ball Drop Celebrations! Purchase tickets in advance.

​10th Annual Ring in the New Year at Noon at New Roc
​Tue Dec 31st 10:30am - 12:30pm
New Roc City, 33 Lecount Pl, New Rochelle, NY​
For the 10th year in a row, New Roc will offer their festive Ring in the New Year at Noon at New Roc event for kids ages 2 – 10 in the atrium from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. Parents and kids will enjoy an exciting Times Square-inspired atmosphere in a safe and fun environment. While the highlight of the event is always the thrilling count-down to a 3,000+ balloon drop at noon, there are also many other activities like face painting, arts and crafts, kiddy rides, clowns, magic, a singing princess, wheel of chance, games, snacks, goody bag, soccer, raffle prizes and much more! This year’s event will support the New Rochelle Library Foundation through a $10 donation per family of 4 when registering for the New Roc Event. Here are more details and donation information.

New Years Countdown to Noon at Bounce U
Tue Dec 31st 11:00am - 1:00pm
BounceU Elmsford, 150 Clearbrook Rd, Elmsford, NY
Come ring in the New Year, BounceU Style. An all ages bounce featuring 90 minutes in the 2 giant bounce rooms (45 minutes each). All participating kids will receive hats, horns and blowers. We'll stop the action to do a countdown to 12 - NOON. Then all kids will enjoy a pizza "party" with soft drinks. A great way to celebrate the New Year with young friends. total event time - 2 hours. Only $19.95 per child. Parents are FREE. Reservations required. Space is limited. Details & registration: www.bounceu.com/elmsford-ny/calendar/.

Westchester Parks Foundation Rings in the New Year at Winter Wonderland, Family Friendly NY Eve Celebration
Tue Dec 31st 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Pkwy, Valhalla, NY​
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, a signature event in Westchester County, will host its third annual family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration at Kensico Dam in Valhalla. Families with children of all ages are invited to enjoy the ball drop celebration at 7:00 p.m. followed by a 5-minute exciting pyrotechnic show. The family-friendly event will also include all regular activities that occurs at Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, including amusement rides, ice-skating, circus performances, strolling characters and more. Westchester’s Winter Wonderland runs through Saturday, January 4, 2020. Check www.wwinterwonderland.com for more information.

​White Plains New Year's Eve Spectacular
Tue Dec 31st 10:00pm - Jan 2020 12:30am
Main Street & Court Street, Main St & Court St, White Plains, NY
Starting at 10pm on December 31 at Main Street and Court Street there will be an exciting performance by the Hey Nows and a DJ. We will ring in the new year with a ball drop, confetti and a spectacular fireworks display at midnight by Zambelli Fireworks. There are Four Gated Entry Points to the event. Be sure to arrive early to expedite entry and enjoy the evening!  More details can be seen here.
• Main St. at Church St.
• Renaissance Sq. at Williams St.
• Martine Ave. at Mamaroneck Ave.
• Court St. at Martine Ave.*

​Wishing all of our readers a Happy 2020!

The weather outside is frightful. But here are some ideas that can make things more delightful (if you don't mind spending a little money).

Your kids will squeal with delight as they enter these adrenaline pumping indoor arcades, trampoline parks and adventure centers. They're perfect to fill your children's days, and in some cases nights, with activity, action and adventure. Plus, they are loaded with options, making them the perfect destination for total family fun or a winter break drop off (note to self, check out the vacation camp options). Think laser tag, bowing, rock climbing, foam pits and so much more.

Here's our ridiculously awesome list of indoor fun zones for families in Westchester County, NY. Here's to the great indoors!

Trampoline and inflatable bounce centers are just what active kids need for a dose of fun, indoors. Not only can they jump for joy but they can also immerse themselves in fluffy foam pits, play bounce dodge ball & basketball, climb and tackle the ninja warrior course. These bounce parks offer birthday parties, special events (hello, neon nights and character bounces), camps and more so it's not a bad idea to stay in the know. Little ones can attend dedicated toddler times too. Take family time to a new level!

Children and adults can drop-in, run, play, jump and explore at these indoor arcades and entertainment centers. Rides, slides, sports, laser tag, video games, ping pong, climbing, virtual reality gaming, soft play and batting cages are all on the menu here. There's a lot going on! These venues also offer special events, birthday parties and drop off camps (bye mom, see you later). Why not send your kids for an amazing time during  winter break? Ready for some bumper cars?

Preschoolers can flex their little muscles at these junior gyms and play spaces, specifically tailored for them. Enjoy the PlayQuad, slides, soft play, gymnastics classes, parachute time and more with your young ones. It's "mommy and me" at its finest.

Adventure centers like The Play Place, Billy Beez, Play at The Westchester and Sportime USA have open play, while other gyms exclusively offer classes to registrants. In some cases there may be specific open gym times for enrolled families only. It's best to check the location's website for details before heading over.

These play spaces and gyms are also very familiar to many parents because they are very popular for birthday parties! But did you know that some also offer vacation and summer camps, parents' night out and more? So take advantage!

It's all the rage. Little ninjas can now experience innovative "ninja warrior" obstacle courses for fun and fitness. Courses appeal to warriors of all ages and abilities to build confidence and self esteem. Classes, open gyms, camps and birthday parties are all available so find the program and location that is right for your school-aged ninja.  Might your child be the next American Nina Warrior?

These more challenging adventures are perfect for school-age children and teens (and also moms and dads). Indoor rock climbing, circus arts, ropes courses and skydiving can take childrens' confidence to new heights! Some offer parties, events, camps, classes, drop-in and scheduled experiences. Belay on!

Strike up some family fun at the bowling alley! Children can enjoy bowling and arcade games with a swanky vibe under neon lights and music. Bowling alleys are perfect for birthday parties too. Put up the bumpers and everyone is a winner!

Who says summer is the only time for mini golf? Get a group together to play 18 holes of glow golf in the great indoors! Who knows, you may just get a hole in one.

Calling all thrill seekers! Indoor, high-speed electric go-karts are a safe and thrilling experience for children and adults. With a new multilevel race track, Grand Prix is better than ever. Racing enthusiasts may also want to check out the courses just outside the county. Offering kids parties, junior karting and an "arrive and drive" option, these tracks are sure to please drivers big and small. And if that isn't enough, you can take advantage of the arcades and bowling too. Start your engines!

Looking for a full day adventure that's spectacular? Try these amusement parks. While Legoland Westchester caters to a younger crowd, and probably not a full day excursion (maybe combine it with Rockin Jump which is right next door), a trip to the American Dream is an experience worth traveling for.

Did we miss any? If you have a local fun zone we missed and you love, please tell us! Share in the comments below.

Breast milk has often been called "liquid gold" because  it is incredibly beneficial for babies' growth and development and comes only from human moms, who are able to produce it.

Breast milk has benefits for babies, but not every mother is able to produce enough and many parents who adopt children would like them to get this healthy start.

​Fortunately, in Westchester County, breast milk for babies in need is available. The New York Milk Bank is the first comprehensive nonprofit milk bank based in New York State. They collect milk from carefully screened donors, pasteurize it and distribute to infants in New York State and the surrounding area. They currently serve 31 hospitals including these four Westchester hospitals:
Westchester Medical Center, White Plains Hospital, Phelps Hospital, and Northern Westchester Hospital.

So whether you want to give or receive milk, this is an incredible local resource for moms.
​

Milk is being delivered in an usual way--  from women on motorcycles, who are are using their bikes to help moms and babies in need as part of a special program that is the first of its kind in New York. Dubbed the “milk riders,” the women are part of the Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club. When they roll up to homes on their Harley’s carrying donated breast milk, it is cause for a celebration.

“When we had this opportunity to help mothers and babies, we were like, ‘we’ve got to do it,’” Sandra Fleming, of Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club, told News 4.

​“They delivered milk at midnight in the middle of winter to some of our hospitals,” NY Milk Bank Founder Julie Bouchet-Horwitz said. “They were amazing.”

​Babies like Viviana are thriving because of the donated milk. She was born by emergency c-section in May with doctors concerned that she may have suffered brain damage. Her weeks in the NICU made it hard for her mom to keep up her milk supply and now she thanks the “village” of people who helped her daughter.

“She does so well because of so many people,” mother Stephanie Noonan said. “We are just so grateful to everyone who’s involved. The women who donate, the bank and the ‘Milk Riders’ who deliver it.”
The donated breast milk is collected, tested and pasteurized at the New York Milk Bank in Valhalla – the only milk bank in the state.

​The 1,700 women who donated milk to the milk bank all went through a rigorous screening process. Since the milk bank opened three years ago, officials say it has helped thousands of babies – both in hospitals and at home – stay healthy.

The milk bank is always on the look for donations from carefully screened donors to provide breast milk for New York’s infants in need. So if you have a large supply of unused milk that you would like to give to someone who needs it, this is the perfect option.

If you are interested in donating, you must be screened for health concerns and communicable disease and meet the following basic requirements:

• In good health and able to breastfeed, with a surplus of milk.
• No use of nicotine products or regular use of milk enhancing herbs, including fenugreek or blessed thistle.
• Minimal use of medications. Call and they’ll help determine whether a medication is safe for milk donation.
• Willing to undergo a thorough health history screening and get a free blood test for communicable diseases.
• Able to donate at least 100 ounces of milk, unless you are a bereaved mother, in which case we will gladly accept any size donation.

They are able to accept previously frozen milk stored for 3 or 6 months prior to your approval date depending on the type of freezer you are using.

There are two convenient drop off locations in Westchester County:

Westchester Depot
19 Pine Avenue
Ossining, NY

The New York Milk Bank
401 Columbus Avenue
Valhalla, NY

Ready to get started? Fill out this form on their website or call 212-956-MILK (6455).

According to Music Together, "The effects of music on children are magical. Music can be both energizing and calming, and it can enhance bonding and help with transitions."

Music can be enjoyed and learned at any age. In fact, Unicef refers to music as the "The soundtrack to your child's development."  The benefits of music for children are impressive, according to the the United Nations’ organization for children. Music can:

• Improve moods and empower young children by reducing stress levels. Even listening to sad music can be good thanks to its cathartic power, making it easier for children to get in touch with their emotions. 
• Stimulate the formation of brain chemicals such as dopamine and oxytocin. When these are released, children are encouraged to share toys, empathize and trust others.
• Boost concentration skills and productivity.
• Improve learning and grades.
• Develop spatial intelligence – laying the ground for an interest in mathematics, engineering, computer science and architecture. 
• Improve vocabulary and creativity. 

With so much positive impact, it is no surprise that Westchester County is rich in music experience and education options for children at any age. Read this Must-Have List of Music Classes, Centers & More for Westchester Kids to find a location and curriculum that is right for your family. Included are classes for infants through adulthood. Start with mommy-and-me classes to bond musically with your baby. In toddlerhood and preschool, introduce them to toddler-friendly instruments and teach them how to make their own music through voice, rhythm and percussion. When they are older, voice and instrument lessons can give them the tools to boost confidence, creativity, patience and perseverance. Plus, group music classes, orchestra and band provide social benefits as well. Are you ready to get started?

Music contributes to child development and school readiness, including language and reading skills. These classes designed for young children will get your little ones rocking! Classes for the youngest musicians will be mommy-and-me while older children can attend drop off instruction. Are you ready to jam?
​

​Belle School of Music
Multiple locations (Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers)- https://belleschool.com/locations.htm
​
​Chloe's Kids
Multiple locations- https://chloeskids.com/classes-%2B-events

Crestwood Music Education Center
453 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY

Groove
158 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont NY​

Gymboree
450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale, NY 

Hoff-Barthelson Music School
25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY

Joanna's N'Bananas
Multiple locations- The Little Red Play, Zen Zone Sensory Gym 
​
Larchmont Music Academy
2089 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY 

Mike Risko
144 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY

Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY

Musical Munchkins
Multiple locations- http://musicalmunchkins.com/Locations.html

Music School of Westchester
1328 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY

Mustard Seed Music Studio
23 Valley Rd. Suite 1, Katonah, NY

RiverArts
Multiple locations

Shake Rattle and Roll Music
Multiple locations- https://shakerattleandrollmusic.com/class-locations/

Sounds Good Westchester (Music Together)
Multiple locations- https://www.soundsgoodwestchester.com/locations.aspx

Starlight Smtarbright Music (Music Together)
78 Garth Road, Scarsdale, NY

Songs for Seeds
Multiple locations (Armonk, Scarsdale, Port Chester)

Tig & Peach
125 Wolfs Lane Pelham, NY

The Little Red Play
17 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Zen Zone Sensory Gym 
2055 Albany Post Road, Croton on Hudson, NY

Pro tip: also check out your local town libraries, recreation departments and community centers like the YMCA and JCC. They may provide free or reasonably priced classes, special events and camps as well.

Learning to play a musical instrument can improve mathematical learning, improve long-term memory, lead to better brain development, and even increase school scores. Playing an instrument is a rich and complex experience. It integrates information from the senses of hearing, vision, and touch. Plus, in a world of overachievers, playing an instrument can actually be a stress reliever! Performances can provide a goal to work toward, confidence and achievement for children.

Singing is an excellent outlet for self-expression. Plus it aids learning, brain and language development. It can also have social benefits if your child participates in signing competitions, concerts or performs with a group.

Each of these music schools have a unique range of offerings including private lessons, group lessons, e-lessons, band, summer or vacation camps, musical theater, singing, concerts, college prep and more. They differ in their  teaching methods and instrument types as well.

​Bedford Music
317 Railroad Avenue, Bedford Hills, NY

​Belle School of Music
Multiple locations (Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers)- https://belleschool.com/locations.htm

Bennett Academy of Performing Arts
225A Main Street, New Rochelle, NY

Choice Music Studios
In home lessons
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Cortlandt School of Performing Arts
24 Old Albany Post Road, Croton on Hudson, NY

Crestwood Music Education Center
453 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY

Harrison Music School
253 Halstead Ave, Harrison, NY

Hoff-Barthelson Music School
25 School Lane, Scarsdale, NY

Joanna's N'Bananas
Multiple locations

Lagond Music School
9 Haven Street, Elmsford, NY 
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Larchmont Music Academy
2089 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY
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Mike Risko
144 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY

Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue, White Plains, NY

RiverArts
Multiple locations

​The Mozartina Musical Arts Conservatory
43 Prospect Avenue, Tarrytown, NY

The Muzic Store Inc.
39 Cedar Street, Dobbs Ferry, NY

NY Piano School
In-home lessons

Whether your child is active, creative, toddler or tween, here are some more ideas to stay entertained indoors in Westchester County, NY! For more indoor fun ideas check out our previous issue #1 and our new Indoor Fun page.

You can also look at our Directory and Blog. Find a full listing of things to do this weekend, recurring events and other upcoming events on our Community Calendar. Events are free to add so we encourage our readers and local businesses to post great family events.

2A East Avenue, Larchmont, NY

404 Irvington Street, Pleasantville, NY

150 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY​

Inspired by the hit television show American Ninja Warrior, Westchester Ninja Warriors offers adjustable obstacles for kids of every skill level regardless of age, skill and size. There is an agility course, swinging ropes, monkey bars, quintuple steps, climbing and warped walls. They believe it is important for kids to gain self–confidence and build self–esteem which is why they have designed courses for all ages and abilities.

They offer classes, camps and parties. Classes include Ninja Tykes, preschool ninjas ages 4-5, Lil’ Ninjas, 6-8 year olds, and Jr. Ninjas, 9-12 year olds.

You can register for open gym online for $25. It is offered at specific times only on Friday afternoon/evening and Saturday at 11:30am-1pm (ages 6-12).

125 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, NY

2055 Albany Post Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY

​Do you have a favorite or indoor play space you recommend? Share it with us in the comments below!