Sleepy Hollow Halloween Events 2013

SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY (Sept. 5, 2013) — Halloween season in Sleepy Hollow Country kicks off in force on Saturday, Oct. 5, opening night of the tri-state area’s largest fall events.

Continuing for 25 selected evenings through Nov. 11, The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze® is the Hudson Valley’s biggest all-ages Halloween extravaganza. A small team of artists comes together to carve more than 5,000 jacks, many fused together in elaborate constructions such as life-size dinosaurs and eight-foot-tall working jack-o’lanterns-in-the-box, all lit up throughout the wooded walkways, orchards, and gardens of historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. Also making its debut at this year’s Blaze is the Museum of Pumpkin Art, the first ever exhibition space devoted to sculptural works inspired by (but not made from) pumpkins. (Book now only a few weekend tickets left)

Washington Irving’s macabre tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow inspires Horseman’s Hollow, a 13-night interactive haunted attraction at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., recommended for ages 10 and up. Stocked with professional actors and state-of-the-art special effects, Horseman’s Hollow has a high fear factor.

Irving’s ‘Legend,’ recommended for ages 10 and up, brings the master storyteller Jonathan Kruk into the historic, candlelit interior of Sleepy Hollow’s circa-1685 Old Dutch Church, where for 13 evenings he offers a dramatic re-telling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow accompanied by live organ music.

The Legend Behind the ‘Legend’ is a new, daytime experience at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown, N.Y. that highlights the author of the famous story.
Tip: There is food onsite but we recommend that you pack a picnic lunch and some snacks. Make sure you have your camera lot's of photo opportunities.

All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, non-profit educational organization which owns and operates the historic sites that host these events.

Ticket and date information
For Blaze, Horseman’s Hollow, and Irving’s ‘Legend,’ admissions are by advance purchase timed ticket.

Blaze dates are Oct. 5-6, 11-14, 17-20, 24-31, Nov. 1-3, 8-11. The first reservation is 7 p.m. on Oct. 5-6 and 6:30 p.m. for the other dates. Tickets are $16 for adults ($20 on Saturdays), $12 for children 3-17 ($16 on Saturdays), and free for children under 3 and Historic Hudson Valley members.

Horseman’s Hollow dates are Oct. 5-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, Nov. 1-2, with the first reservation at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($25 on Saturdays). Historic Hudson Valley members receive a $5 per ticket discount.

Irving’s ‘Legend’ dates are Oct. 5-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, Nov. 1-2. Seating is very limited, and there are three performances each evening on the hour, beginning at 5pm (6:15pm Fridays). Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for children under 18. Historic Hudson Valley members receive a $5 per ticket discount.

Legend Behind the ‘Legend’ takes place Wednesdays-Sundays in October, plus Columbus Day Monday, with the first tour at 10:30am. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for children 3-17, and free for those under 3 and Historic Hudson Valley members.

Buy tickets online at www.hudsonvalley.org or by calling 914-366-6900 ($2 per ticket surcharge for phone orders).

Details: The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze
The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, which drew more than 80,000 visitors last year, features more than 5,000 illuminated, individually hand-carved jack o’ lanterns. Elaborate single-pumpkin carvings and huge multi-jack o’lantern constructions are professionally lit throughout the landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor in various themed areas.

Favorites such as the Undersea Aquarium and walk-through Tunnel O’ Pumpkin Love are joined this year by new installations including Venus Pumpkin Traps, an enormous sea serpent, a brontosaurus, and a pterodactyl. The brand new Museum of Pumpkin Art is the first ever exhibition space devoted to sculptural works inspired by (but not made from) pumpkins. The Museum of Pumpkin Art is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Also new this year is Blaze: The Soundtrack Volume II. Building on the success of last year’s soundtrack, Historic Hudson Valley teamed up with professional musician, radio personality, and Halloween fanatic Richard Christy to create a second volume of all-original music, selections of which will play throughout the event. The soundtrack is available as a CD at the event and also a digital download from iTunes and Google Play.

Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a small team of Historic Hudson Valley staff and local artists who carve. In addition, more than 1,000 volunteers help scoop and light the pumpkins. Blaze artists will be carving on site during the event. The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze Shop offers a full bounty of Blaze-specific merchandise including hats, notepads, games, T-shirts, magnets, caps, mugs, and jewelry. Café Blazé, by Geordane’s of Irvington, will offer culinary treats including soup, veggie chili, muffins, pumpkin cookies, and cider.

Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Avenue, just off Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson.

Details: Horseman’s Hollow
Horseman’s Hollow, a haunted experience in the heart of Sleepy Hollow, takes the tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to its darkest extremes. Historic Philipsburg Manor transforms into a terrifying landscape ruled by the undead, the evil, and the insane, all serving the Headless Horseman himself.

Haunted house professional Lance Hallowell leads a crew of award-winning makeup and costume designers and a 40-member-strong cast of experienced actors to create an immersive, interactive, pleasantly terrifying experience, with state-of-the-spooky-art special effects.

Custom built set pieces and period-correct costumes help orient the experience in Philipsburg Manor’s traditional time period of the mid-1700s. Lighting is by Emmy award-winning designer Deke Hazirjian of New York City Lites.

Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow.

Details: Irving’s ‘Legend’
Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk offers a dramatic re-telling of Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, featuring the Headless Horseman, Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and Katrina Van Tassel. Flavored with live spooky organ music by Jim Keyes, Kruk’s storytelling takes place in the historic, candlelit setting of the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow. The circa-1685 stone church is across the street from Philipsburg Manor, where visitors will park. Performances last about 45 minutes.

Details: Legend Behind the ‘Legend’
During October, Sunnyside celebrates its connection to Washington Irving’s classic tale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Tours of Irving’s home – a colorful blend of architectural styles – will showcase numerous objects related to Irving’s famous story. Visitors on Saturdays and Sundays can enjoy a shadow puppet performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and experience one of Irving's spooky tales on a walk through the woods. Sunnyside is on West Sunnyside Lane, off Route 9 in Tarrytown.

Montclair - Playground at Edgemont Memorial Park

This Playground is in the center of Montclair NJ on Valley Road and is one of our favorites. The Playground area is gated, and has a soft rubberized surface. The benches allow for adequate supervision without being a hoverer. There are a number of twisty sliding Boards and things to climb. These will challenge your child physically, stimulate them mentally, and inspire their imagination. In addition to the Playground Edgemont Memorial Park has a great bike path, a large green, and a huge pond with fountain.(in the winter if conditions are right, skating is permitted)
Just North of the playground is a CVS, Starbucks, Movie theatre, and a host of other shops and restaurants. This playground is great place to let of a little steam between errands or for a full afternoon of activities.

Palisades mall in Nyack NY

Our visit to the Palisades Mall in Nyack NY offered a lot more than shopping and a food court.

Best 4th of July Celebrations in New Jersey for the whole family

Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day later, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

American's still celebrate the anniversary of our independence with parades,fairs and family get-togethers but the most synonymous activity with the fourth of July has to be our fireworks. For years elaborate displays have delighted Americans young and old. This year will be no different. On the East coast the Macy's Fireworks display is the pinnacle of all fireworks displays with more than 40,000 fireworks expertly synchronized to a 25 minute score including many standards and pop favorites.

Two of the best places to view the fireworks from are aboard the Intrepid. We did this last year and although it is pricey $160/ GA ticket the Intrepid offers a great view (provided you find your seats early enough to be at the front of the deck and an amazing backdrop for the fireworks.

The NYC waterway also offers a host of cruises for both families and couples with some packages including full buffet and open bar as well as DJ's on-board.

There are also a number of free or less pricey vantage points to get a great view of the fireworks from in New Jersey along the river in West New York and  Weehawken (You will need to get out early or use public transportation to get around because parking is will be almost non-existent also be prepared for an hour or more exodus out from any of the paid parking spots. I shot this video from the Riverwalk in West New York.

NYC isn't the only place celebrating independence day and the fourth isn't the only day to get out for the celebrations on Monday July 2 the town of Wayne NJ will be hosting its Annual fireworks extravaganza with clowns and magic acts for the kids. 

Also in New Jersey is the Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration beginning at 9:00 am with the flag raising followed by the parade at 10:00 am and finishing up the day with fireworks (Gates open at 6:00 pm)

Be sure to check out previous years Fourth of July tips and Articles from Kidzense

Make sure your Child is Safe by Water

Kids love water but every year we hear about water related tragedies involving children. Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death in the pediatric age group and drowning rates are the highest among children ages 1 through 2 years. (More statistics)
Teach your kids about water safety and get them swim lessons.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you not begin formal swimming lessons until kids are at least 4 years old. That is the age that children are thought to be "developmentally ready" for swim lessons.
To reduce the risk of drowning, CPSC recommends adopting layers of protection, including physical barriers, such as a fence with self-closing, self-latching gates completely surrounding pools to prevent unsupervised access by young children. If the house forms a side of the barrier, use alarms on doors leading to the pool area or a power safety cover over the pool.
It is important to always be prepared for an emergency by having rescue equipment and a phone near the pool. Also, all parents who own pools should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (or CPR).
No one layer of protection is foolproof to prevent drowning in pools. Use as many layers of protection as possible. Multiple barriers and constant supervision are essential to protecting children.
Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool.
Instruct babysitters about potential hazards to young children in and around swimming pools and the need for constant supervision.
Completely fence the pool. Install self-closing and self-latching gates. Position latches out of reach of young children. Keep all doors and windows leading to the pool area secure to prevent small children from getting to the pool. Effective barriers and locks are necessary preventive measures, but there is no substitute for supervision.
Do not consider young children "drown proof" because they have had swimming lessons; young children should always be watched carefully while swimming.
Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
Never use a pool with its pool cover partially in place, since children may become entrapped under it. Remove the cover completely.
Place tables and chairs well away from the pool fence to prevent children from climbing into the pool area.
Keep toys away from the pool area because a young child playing with the toys could accidentally fall in the water.
Remove steps to above ground pools when not in use.
Have a telephone at poolside to avoid having to leave children unattended in or near the pool to answer a telephone elsewhere. Keep emergency numbers at the poolside telephone.
Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Keep rescue equipment by the pool.

I hope this article has helped make you aware of some of the dangers of water with small children and has help provide some ways to keep your children safe. It has been an wake up call and an eye opening article for me to research - Thanks and Be Safe

Children's Swimming Lessons in New Jersey

Bally Total Fitness Centers, Englewood, (800)495-1718. British Swim School is happy to announce that they will be hosting year round swim classes for children of all ages at Bally Fitness Centers in the Englewood area. Their 30-minute lessons will be held weekdays during the afternoon and evening, as well as Saturday mornings. Spring season of classes begins on 5/6. Call for more info.

The Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA, 1301 Washington Street, 201-963-4100. Families are invited to take advantage of another great season of activities, including Morning playtime, toddler programs, swim lessons and more! Call for more detailed information about programs and fees.

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FREE FAMILY Yoga with Linda Olivo at Yoga Morristown

{FREE FAMILY Yoga with Linda Olivo at Yoga Morristown}

Sunday June 9th, from 2:15pm - 3:15pm

Join Yoga Morristown and bring the FAMILY!  Linda Olivo (Go Grounded Training [kids] / Teacher Training at DIG Yoga) will once again hold our FREE community yoga class, but this time they have opened it up to families as well. The class will be held Sunday June 9th, from 2:15pm - 3:15pm.  The Class is free but Registration is required.

June Biking Activities for the Whole Family

Whether your a family that has been biking for years and looking for a fun organized ride or you have never ridden before but really wanted to learn. The folks at rideyourbike.us have you covered with a comprehensive list of events in and around New Jersey (NJ).
Click Here for the June List

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester

39 Fitzgerald Street

Yonkers, NY 10710

http://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester

Description:
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is made up of a series of interactive features to immerse kids into a world where their imagination can run wild with creative inspiration at every turn.  Featuring a whole host of exciting attractions from the LEGO® Racers where children can build the fastest racer and reigning champion to an amazing recreation of New York’s famous skyline, the Center not only provides fun for LEGO fans young and old, but fantastic educational benefits too.

It's the ultimate place for all LEGO® fans, and all the attractions are included in the ticket prices.

Rides & Attractions

• LEGO® Factory
• LEGO® 4D Cinema
• Kingdom Quest
• MINILAND®
• LEGO® Racers: Build & Test
• Merlin’s Apprentice
• LEGO® Fire Academy
• LEGO® Construction Site
• LEGO® Master Builder Academy
• The LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Shop
• DUPLO® Village
• Earthquake Tables
• LEGO® Friends
• Café