This Week IRL: School's Out!
What to do with your kids every day this week
A week with your kids home from school may sound daunting, but Capital Region organizations are prepped and ready to welcome you and your little ones in for activities all week long. Here’s something free or cheap to do every day of the week around the 518:
Monday, February 16
Family Free Day at Albany Institute: Tomorrow, the Albany Institute of History & Art will open its doors to guests of all ages from 10am–5pm for Family Free Day featuring activities inspired by what’s currently on view. On the agenda? Film screenings, tours, workshops, crafts, and a scavenger hunt. Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will also be onsite slinging hot, iced, and frozen beverages.
Tuesday, February 17
Frozen at The Palace: The Capital Region’s cold-weather spell may have finally broken, but at The Palace Theatre this Tuesday, everything is still Frozen—the movie, that is. At noon, the Albany theater will open for a free Family Fun Day complete with games, activities, and a screening of the Disney classic at 1pm.
Wednesday, February 18
Dinosaur Train Adventure at NYSM: The Dinosaur Train is leaving Pteranadon Station, and you’re invited! On Wednesday from 9:30am–noon, the New York State Museum will team up with WMHT for a free morning that follows Mr. Conductor’s journey to find a Mastodon in the Cenozoic Era. Spoiler: he’ll find a real Mastodon fossil, discover Ice Age animals, and invite kids to get creative with a Mastodon craft.
Thursday, February 19
Soul at Proctors: Another Disney favorite will come to the big screen on Thursday at 11am, when Proctors presents a screening of the movie Soul (plus pre-show trivia and raffles and post-show refreshments) as part of its Black History Month Series. The event is free to attend, but reserving seats in advance is recommended.
Friday, February 20
Winter Wildlife Tracking at Albany Pine Bush: Get outside before the week’s over at the Pine Bush, which on Friday at 11am will host a Winter Wildlife Tracking event suitable for kids 8 and up. The program kicks off inside with a brief presentation and then kids will hit the trails in search of tracks, scat, and more. Register online.
But Wait, There’s More
And that’s just the beginning. In search of even more family-friendly programs? Check out these organizations that are hosting kids’ events all week long:
Local libraries, including Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library and Troy Public Library
—Natalie