Ashokan Center hosts Wayfinder’s Winter Game
“When safety is the sturdy child of terror, survival the twin brother of annihilation, when the world could end at the push of a button, what matters most to you?” So begins the Wayfinder Experience Winter Game 2014 called Requiem, written by Quille Hayes and Jeremy Gleick, which takes place from Saturday, December 27 at 3 p.m. through Monday, December 29 at 1 p.m. at the Ashokan Center. Ages 11 and up are invited to travel from 2014 to 1963 in this live-action roleplaying Adventure Game, including play-safe swordplay and improvisational acting. The price is $325.
The Ashokan Center is located at 477 Beaverkill Road in Olivebridge. For more information or to register, call (845) 481-0776 or visit www.wayfinderexperience.com.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
Empire Dance Center in New Windsor presents Princess Training Day
Do you have a family member who would like to become a certified princess? Register by Monday, December 29 for Princess Training Day at the Empire Dance Center on Friday, January 2 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Princesses should wear their favorite princess dress. The $20 certification fee includes dancing, princess training games, pizza, crafts and more.
The Empire Dance Center is located at 176 Windsor Highway in New Windsor. For reservations or more information, call (845) 787-5436 or visit www.empiredancecenter.com.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30
Turtle time at Mohonk Preserve
On Tuesday, December 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the Mohonk Preserve Visitors’ Center presents Spot and Tripod, the resident turtles, while teaching about pond life and other animals. Reservations are required for this free program, the location of which will be disclosed when the reservation is made. For reservations or more information, call (845) 255-0919 or visit https://mohonkpreserve.org.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
New Year at noon at Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum
Ring in the New Year at the Children’s Museum! On Wednesday, December 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., come dance, eat, craft and have tot-to-age 6 fun!
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum is located at 75 North Water Street in Poughkeepsie. For reservations or more information, call (845) 471-0589 or visit www.mhcm.org.
Family New Year’s Eve party at Castle Fun Center in Chester
On Wednesday, December 31, the Castle Fun Center hosts a family New Year’s Eve party from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost is $35 in advance, $45 at the door; kids age 4 and under get in free. Elements include a dinner buffet, dessert bar and a $5 arcade card.
The Castle Fun Center is located at 109 Brookside Avenue in Chester. For more information, call (845) 469-2116 or visit https://thecastlefuncenter.com.
Kid-friendly events at New Paltz Eve
Make New Paltz Eve your family’s new tradition, with activities for all ages this Wednesday, December 31. At 3:30 p.m., children from 3 to 5 years of age are invited to attend a Holiday Story & Crafts Hour at the Elting Memorial Library, located at 93 Main Street. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., join the family scavenger hunt at the New Paltz Youth Center at 220 Main Street. From 8:30 to 11 p.m., an open mic for teens opens up at the Cafeteria Coffee House at 58 Main Street, as well as the community dance at St. Joseph’s Church. From 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., finish out 2014 with a bonfire! For more information or to RSVP for an event, visit https://gnpcp.org.
For teens: Rosendale Theatre presents Julie Novak
A fantastic evening is in store on Wednesday, December 31 as comedian Julie Novak performs her wonderfully well-crafted, insightful and immensely entertaining solo show, America’s Next Top! One Top’s Hysterical Take on Life Love, Tools and Boxes. Not for kids, but bring your older teens or visiting college students, or make it an evening out with friends. Julie’s show takes place at the Rosendale Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $15 in advance, $20 at the door. The Rosendale Theatre is located at 408 Main Street in Rosendale. For tickets or more information, visit www.julienovak.com or https://americasnexttopnye.bpt.me.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1
Snowshoe hike at Minnewaska
Happy New Year! How about starting 2015 on the right foot by putting it in a snowshoe? On Thursday, January 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., join Minnewaska State Park Preserve’s two-mile snowshoe hike, suitable for children over 8 years of age accompanied by a parent.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is located at 5281 Route 44/55 in Kerhonkson. Reservations are required. For reservations or more information, call (845) 255-0752 or visit https://nysparks.com.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 2
For Moms: The Women in Rhinebeck
After seeing It’s a Wonderful Life at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, I couldn’t wait to come back. Here’s a show that makes for a perfect Mom’s night out. After the holidays, don’t we deserve it?
On Friday and Saturday, January 2 and 3 at 8 p.m., and on Sunday, January 4 at 3 p.m., Lisa Lynds directs a staged reading of The Women, a piece from 1936 with universal themes that are just as applicable today. Admission is pay-what-you-will.
The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is located at 661 Route 308 in Rhinebeck. For tickets or more information, call (845) 876-3080 or visit https://centerforperformingarts.org.
Upcoming Workshop on students with autism in Kingston
Register by January 9 for “Understanding Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” a workshop by the Center for Spectrum Services. The gathering takes place on Tuesday, January 13 from 4 to 7 p.m., and the cost is $55.
The Center for Spectrum Services is located at 70 Kukuk Lane in Kingston. For reservations or more information, call (845) 336-2616 or visit https://centerforspectrumservices.org.
Erica Chase-Salerno celebrates in New Paltz with her husband Mike and their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
