Family Fun This Weekend

What's going on in Rochester, NY this weekend? Before we get to that, today is National Freedom Day to commemorate when Abraham Lincoln signed the resolution that became the 13th Amendment, outlawing slavery. In unrelated news, it is also National Serpent Day, making it a good day to visit the python, rattlesnake, or one of the boas at the Seneca Park Zoo.

Saturday is Groundhog Day, of course! Make a fun groundhog craft with the kids, or whip up a groundhog-inspired treat.

Sunday is the Super Bowl, and it is also National Cordova Ice Worm Day! On Ice Worm Day, the people of Cordova, Alaska celebrate the glacier-dwelling worm. Perhaps an ice-cream-spin on Worms in Dirt would be appropriate?

ONGOING
  
Race: Are We So Different?
Friday, February 1 - Sunday, April 28 during regular museum hours
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore the stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view. This new exhibit features hands-on activities, 3-D animation, and more. Included with regular museum admission.

LEGO Travel Adventure
Daily through May 12, 2013
National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
Hands-on LEGO and DUPLO building stations, racing ramps, tons of LEGO displays by LEGO Master Builders, and even a spot to take a photo of your own creation and email it to yourself or friends and family. Included with regular museum admission. Check out the ROCmomma review here.

FRIDAY

Game Night
Friday, February 1 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through June 14, 2013)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Free Family Night
Friday, February 1 from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open from 4:30-9 p.m. (remember your socks!), enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice), play in the Gym from 6-8 p.m., and swim in the pool from 7-10 p.m. Free and open to the community.

Fun Fridays
Friday, February 1 from 6 - 8 p.m.
YMCA-Westside, 920 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, NY
Family gym games, inflatables, obstacle course, crafts, and family swimming. There is no fee for members; $10 per family for the community.

SATURDAY


Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Sunday, February 3 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Moonlight Creamery, 36 West Avenue (on the canal), Fairport, NY
Top a sundae with your favorite breakfast cereal, order Belgian waffles a la mode, or try an ice cream-filled donut sandwich. Breakfast-themed ice cream flavors include Sow My Wild Oats, Sticky Bunz, and Maple Bacon. Door prizes will be awarded. Proceeds benefit the Make A Wish Foundation.


Bookfair, Concert, and Children's Activities
Saturday, February 2 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Barnes & Noble, 3349 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY
Enjoy performances from the students of Hochstein School of Music & Dance. Visit the children's area at 11 a.m. for Story Hour with Clifford the Big Red Dog; at 12 p.m. make a shaker at the Hochstein craft table; at 1:30 p.m. enjoy Story Hour with Peter & the Wolf. Purchases made in store or online can help support Hochstein.


Family Rhythm/Drumming Event
Saturday, February 2 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Rhythm Connect, 84 High Street, Fairport, NY
Each participant will choose from various drum and percussion instruments from around the world, as well as explore the "Percussion Paradise" room. Cost is $5 per family and includes one free shaker per family. Get a second free shaker per family when you bring canned goods for Perinton Food Shelf (items needed: canned chili, fruit cocktail, vegetables). Space is limited; register and make payment online (note: scroll to the bottom of the page to find this event and click on the green "Book" button).

Science Saturdays
Saturday, February 2, various demonstration times from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
At 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. visit the Wildlife Defenders for an up-close look at live native and exotic species. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. join Professor Len Ortenzi for "The Science of Sound" (cool demonstrations of sound waves). From 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. enjoy "Medicines & Achoo! I Mean You" to learn about our immune system and how doctors and scientists make this important part of our body work for us. Free with regular museum admission.


Crafty Kids Valentines
Saturday, February 2 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Drive, Walworth, NY
Stop in any time between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. They supply the materials, you bring the creativity. Ages 4 and up; no registration required.


Open Gym & Extreme Sports Practice Night
Saturday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. (repeats Saturdays through May 25)
Sports Academy of Victor, 6385 Route 96, Victor, NY
Have fun with mats, sports equipment, tumble track, foam pit, turf field, batting cages, spring floor, and inflatables. Instructors are available to help. For ages 6 and up; cost is $10.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Ski, Snowshoe, or Walk the Village & Nature Center

Saturday, February 2 - Sunday, February 3 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Saturdays & Sundays through Februrary 24, 2013)

Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY

Ski, snowshoe, or hike through the snow-covered village and nature center trails. The Nature Center trails are open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., while the Historic Village trails are open noon - 4 p.m. only. Call (585) 294-8262 to check trail conditions. Free for members, $5.50 for non-members. Ski rental is $10, snowshoe rental is $5; equipment available on first come, first served basis. Equipment rental is available at the Nature Center.

Clifford the Big Red Dog's 50th Birthday

Saturday, February 2 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 3 from 1 - 5 p.m.

National Museum of Play at The Strong, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY

Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog and enjoy special readings in honor of his 50th birthday. Don't forget your camera! Included with regular museum admission.

SUNDAY

Family Fun Game Day
Sunday, February 3 from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Rochester Public Library (Central Library), 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY
Families are invited to come to the Children's Center of the Central Library to enjoy a variety of games for ages 3-11. This program is free, so bring the whole family.

Have a great weekend, I hope your Super Bowl team wins, and as always, thanks for reading.