Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week.
You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.
Look for the kids' planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips ‚ just add them to the comment box. We want to hear from you!
When/Where: Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, Sept. 30)/Rockland Lake State Park, North Parking Lot # 2, Lake Rd East & North Route 9W, Congers
Why Go: Join Clarkstown Supervisor Alex Gromack for a hike on the Long Path or take a stroll around Rockland Lake. There will be narrated tours and scenic views of the Hudson River. Three hikes are offered: a one-hour hike on the Short Long Path overlooking the Hudson River 1.7 miles, four-hour hike on the Long Path approximately 6 miles and one-hour hike around Rockland Lake 3.2 miles. T-shirts, water and fruit available before the hike begins.
Cost/Contact: Free/http://www.town.clarkstown.ny.us/
6th Annual Pearl River Special Education PTA Chili Cookoff
When/Where: Saturday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m./66 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River
Why Go: The Pearl River Special Education PTA is sponsoring its 6th Annual Pearl River Chili Cookoff. Area restaurants and delicatessens will battle it out for title of "Chili King of Rockland County." There will be music, games for kids, raffles, and of course, great chili! It's a day of fun for the whole family. Proceeds to benefit the Pearl River Special Education PTA Scholarship Fund.
Cost/Contact: $1 per sample of chili/prchilicookoff@verizon.net
Celebrate Carolyn Family Fun Day
When/Where: Saturday, Sept. 29 at 3 -7 p.m./ Pearl River Elks Lodge, Nanuet
Why Go: The Carolyn Sullivan Memorial Foundation will hold its Second Annual Family Fun Day fundraiser Sept. 29 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pearl River Elks. There will be children’s games and activities, food, beer, wine and soda as well as music, prizes, tricky tray and raffles.
Cost/Contact: Prices are $50 for adults, $20 for children and free for under five years old. To register or find more information go to the Carolyn Sullivan Foundation website. The event sold out last year, but the foundation has reserved more space this time around.
Farm to You Fest: 2012 Rockland County Farm Tour
When/Where: Sunday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m./Cropsey Community Farm, 220 S Little Tor Rd, New City
Why Go: Load the car with family and friends or take your bicycle for a self-guided tour across the county to visit area farms, attend farming demonstrations and workshops, or join a garden tour or two. The fun begins at Cropsey Community Farm, where you can join in Farm to You Festivities including farm tours and workshops, kids activities, cooking demos and more.
Cost/Contact: $20 per carload, $10 for bicyclists, $5 discount RFA members/www.rocklandfarm.org.
