Best Things to Do with Kids in Westchester County NY - November 2011

Looking for fun and low-cost kids events in Westchester? We've hand-picked the best things to do with your family from our November calendar of events, including the Westchester County Light the Night Walk; a few family-friendly shows, including the first "The Nutcracker" performance of the season; and a handful of family hikes, walks, and runs in honor of Thanksgiving.

For even more upcoming events in Westchester and the NYC area, see our full calendar.

Book Buddies

What could be sweeter than curling up and reading a favorite book to a furry, four-legged friend? Children in first grade and older (with a parent) are invited to the Field Library to read to one of a number of specially trained dogs at Tales for Tails, a free monthly program designed to help kids gain confidence in their reading (dogs are very patient listeners!). All volunteer dogs and trainers are certified through The Good Dog Foundation. The program can work wonders for special needs children as well, who may be afraid of dogs but can learn to relax around these specially trained, gentle animals. November 3. To sign up, call 914-737-0847. The Field Library, 4 Nelson Avenue, Peekskill. www.fieldkids.wordpress.com.

Share the Light

The Westchester/Hudson Valley Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will hold its 2011 Westchester County Light the Night Walk at Playland Amusement Park. More than 4,000 participants will walk and carry illuminated balloons to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer. This year's event will include entertainment, food, and fireworks over the Playland boardwalk. The Light The Night Walk funds lifesaving research and support for people battling cancer, and is expected to raise more than $600,000 this year. November 5. 7pm; registration begins at 5pm.

Playland Amusement Park, Playland Parkway, Rye. Those interested in participating or volunteering can contact the chapter at 914-821-8362 or register online at www.lightthenight.org/wch.

A Modern Major General

As wacky and irreverent today as it was when it first opened in 1879, The Pirates of Penzance is a hilarious farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers, dewy-eyed daughters, and an eccentric Major General, all morally bound to honor and duty. This popular musical is delightful family entertainment and the perfect introduction to light opera for children. Presented by the Broadway Training Center of Westchester, under the artistic direction of Jason Brantman and Fiona Santos. November 18-19 at 7pm; November 20 at 3pm. $20; $15 students/seniors in advance; tickets are $2 more when purchased at the door.

Call 914-591-6602 or order online at www.irvingtontheater.com.

That Crazy Candy Man

Evan Smolin is the unassuming and respectful Charlie Bucket and Charles Hallock is the mysterious and eccentric Willy Wonka in The Yorktown Stage musical production of Roald Dahl's family favorite, Willy Wonka. See the family favorite about an eccentric candy maker, an exciting contest, a misbehaving group of children, and the poor, but deserving boy who ultimately triumphs. November 18 at 7:30pm; November 19 at 11am and 4pm; November 20 at 1pm; November 25 at 2pm; November 26 at 11am and 4pm; November 27 at 1pm. $26; $21 seniors/students (12-22); $19 children under 12.

Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce Street, Yorktown Heights. 914-962-0606. www.yorktownstage.org.

A Holiday Train-dition

Visitors enter a magical, miniature world brimming with history and enchantment at the Holiday Train Show in the New York Botanical Garden's Victorian-style Conservatory. Children and adults alike will marvel as large-gauge model trains and trolleys wend their way past more than 140 replicas of New York City landmarks including Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty-all created from plant materials such as bark, moss, twigs, berries, and pine cones. Then stroll the spectacular grounds, decorate (and eat!) gingersnaps, and enjoy lunch and hot chocolate. November 19 through January 16, 2012. Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm. Non-holiday admission: $20; $18 seniors/students with ID; $10 ages 2-12; free ages 2 and younger. Purchase advance tickets online.