“…what if you wake up some day…
and you didn’t go swimming in warm pools and oceans all those years because your thighs were jiggly and you had a nice big comfortable tummy…”
– Anne Lamott
FRIDAY, MAY 30
Kids’ Night Out at Taconic Innovations in Wappingers Falls
Dutchess County and other area families will be pleased to learn about another Kids’ Night Out event taking place on Friday, May 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. through Taconic Innovations, Inc. Activities include ice-cream-making, creating a suncatcher and free play at the indoor/outdoor playground. Preregistration is required, and the cost is $35.
The Taconic Innovations Child Development Center works with children on the autism spectrum and is located at 877 Route 376 in Wappingers Falls. For reservations or more information, call (845) 849-3447, extension 5100, or visit www.taconicinnovations.com.
Family Camp-Out at Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in Cornwall
If you’ve got your sights set on a family camping experience this year, but feel overwhelmed about jumping in, reserve your spot for the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum (HHNM)’s Family Camp-Out this weekend at the Outdoor Discovery Center. From Friday, May 30 at 6 p.m. to Saturday, May 31 at 8 p.m., join experienced campers and nature educators for an evening filled with nocturnal fun including crafts, a night hike and campfire s’mores.
The cost is $20 per person, $12 for children under 12, with a discount for HHNM members. Participants should bring a tent and sleeping bags. The Outdoor Discovery Center is located on Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Road in Cornwall. For reservations or more information, call (845) 534-5506 or visit https://hhnaturemuseum.org.
German Spring Festival at Gus’s Tavern in New Windsor
After greatly enjoying my recent visit to Germany, I delighted in seeing this announcement about this weekend’s German Spring Festival at Gus’s Tavern. Guests will hear German music, kids can play games just for them and homemade German specialties will be available. Admission is free.
The Festival takes place on Friday, May 30 from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, May 31 from 2 to 11 p.m. and Sunday, June 1 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Gus’s Tavern is located at 10 Quassaick Avenue in New Windsor. For more information, call (845) 561-3113 or visit www.gusrestaurant.com.
Bike Swap, Shop & Drop at Gardiner Transfer Station
I just learned about this Bike Swap, Shop & Drop event taking place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Friday and Saturday, May 30 and 31. Participants can swap a bike for another bike, shop for a used bike or drop off a bike to donate. All bikes not swapped or sold will be donated to Grafe’s Bike Drive in Middletown, where children in need learn to make repairs on a bike, which they are then able to keep. Additional items accepted for swap or donation include helmets, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, strollers, trikes, training wheels, mopeds, motorcycles, go-carts and wagons in any condition.
Bike Swap, Shop & Drop is located at the Gardiner Transfer Station on Steve’s Lane in Gardiner. For more information or to volunteer for the event, contact Wendy Toman at (845) 255-9775 or recycling.tog@gmail.com.
SATURDAY, MAY 31
Spring Faire launches Primrose School in Rhinebeck
Spring abounds with new beginnings, and this weekend’s ribbon-cutting at the new Primrose School gives families a chance to celebrate with a Spring Faire. On Saturday, May 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., families can enjoy dancers from Vanaver Caravan, free food and live music, meet farm animals, watch a puppet show and more.
The Primrose School is located at 23 Spring Brook Park in Rhinebeck, across from the Dutchess County Fairgrounds. For more information about the Faire or this kindergarten-through-second-grade school, call (845) 876-1226 or visit https://primrosehillschool.com.
Bike Rodeo at Hurley Nursery School
Ever since the fun bike rodeo that our family attended in Kingston a few years ago, I always like to mention them when I can. This bicycle safety course is such an enjoyable way for children to learn the rules of riding the roads. On Saturday, May 31 from 1 to 3 p.m., the Hurley Nursery School hosts a bike rodeo for ages 3 to 12 years, including a safety presentation, obstacle courses, raffles and refreshments. Participants should bring their tricycles, bicycles, unicycles and helmets.
The Hurley Nursery School is located at 13 Main Street in Hurley. For more information, call (845) 339-1036 or visit www.hurleynurseryschool.org.
Join the family! 
