Check out Saigon Phó in Wappingers Falls
My husband surprised me recently with dinner at Saigon Phó after our movie. (Did you know that “Phó” is pronounced “fah”?) Saigon Phó is a terrific balance of fresh, well-prepared food at affordable prices with pacing that felt relaxed but fit perfectly within our very limited timeframe. And I had plenty of gluten-free options to choose from. We shared a tasty chilled shrimp roll appetizer, and our entrees were just as pleasing. Mike ordered a flavorful Phó, Tom, a beef noodle soup with shrimp, and I loved my delicious sautéed beef with lemongrass and rice noodles. I look forward to dining there again, and I’ll bring the kids with me next time.
Saigon Phó is located at 1582 Route 9 in Wappingers Falls. For more information or to-go orders, call (845) 765-2100 or visit its page on www.facebook.com.
Kid-friendly day trip: Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium
I’ve been taking my kids to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk for years, most recently to an overnight there. We were so interested in learning about meal preparations for the animals during our behind-the-scenes tour, and we got a kick out of sleeping on the floor of the River Room. But whether you participate in an overnight or simply go for the day, this aquarium is an engaging outing for all ages, and I recommend a visit if you haven’t been there yet.
First of all, there’s so much to touch: jellyfish; docile sharks and rays; and a variety of ocean life in the Intertidal Touch Tank. The harbor seals are irresistible, especially when they interact with you in the viewing window. The aquarium has land animals as well, including an entire amphibian exhibit with colorful frogs, and the meerkats have a special bubble to pop into as if you were right inside the habitat space with them. One highlight during our last visit was the Humpback Whales IMAX movie, which helped tie together the knowledge gained at the aquarium with the bigger picture of sea life, the challenges that they face and conservation efforts.
With a parking garage just across the street, and a pleasant café space inside, a trip to the aquarium is very manageable. And I like to tack on a visit to Calf Pasture Beach just a couple of minutes away, for playground fun or a walk along the shoreline, or even a peaceful swim in the summertime. I hit Trader Joe’s in Danbury on my way back: an easy ride on Route 84.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is located at 10 North Water Street in Norwalk, Connecticut. For more information, call (203) 852-0700 or visit https://maritimeaquarium.org.
Pitch in at Kingston YMCA Farm Project
For families in Kingston, parks are in abundance, but farms a little less so. This is what I appreciate about the Habitat for Artists @YMCA Farm: Instead of bringing people to a farm outside of their community, this project supports activities right at the YMCA farm in the city! Money is being raised to create a structure at the farm site that would host cooking demos, classes, workshops and community gatherings. Plans for the space include environmental features such as a solar panel to power the small refrigerator, a woodburning clay oven and water-collecting barrels. To support the Kingston YMCA Farm Project or the Habitat for Artists, donate to www.gofundme.com/ngjp9c, or participate in the community workdays on Saturday, and Sunday, April 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The YMCA Farm is located at the intersection of Susan and Summer Streets in Kingston. Park at the YMCA and walk past River Radiology.
Dear Diorama contest at Kingston Library
Stop by the Kingston Library for your rules and entry form for the second annual Dear Diorama contest, and start working on your project, based on a favorite book. Entries are due by April 11 by 2 p.m. The Kingston Library is located at 55 Franklin Street in Kingston. For more information, call (845) 331-0507 or visit www.kingstonlibrary.org.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
Roll up for the Easter Beagle Express!
According to Peanuts character Linus, “Every Easter the Easter Beagle comes dancing along with his basket full of eggs, which he hands out to all the good little children.” Anything’s possible this year, because on Saturday, April 4, your family has four chances to join the Catskill Mountain Railroad’s Here Comes the Easter Beagle Express. Trains depart the Westbrook Station at 10:30 a.m., 12 noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. The festivities include an ongoing Easter egg hunt, crafts, coloring sheets, temporary tattoos and snacks with Snoopy.
Advance tickets are required and cost $24 for adults, $16 for children ages 2 to 12 and $22 for discounted adults (senior, military, veteran). Children under 2 years of age sit in a lap and get in for free.
The Westbrook Station is located at 149 Aaron Court, at the Kingston Plaza in Kingston. For tickets or more information, call (845) 688-7400 or visit https://catskillmtrailroad.com.
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Virtuoso of Magic appears at Woodstock Playhouse
Clear your calendar and get your tickets for this incredible opportunity to see a renowned magician right in Woodstock! On Saturday, April 4 at 2 p.m., Jay Scott Berry, the Virtuoso of Magic, comes to the Woodstock Playhouse. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $12 for children.
The Woodstock Playhouse is located at 103 Mill Hill Road in Woodstock. For tickets or more information, call (845) 679-6900 or visit ulsterpub.staging.wpengineplayhouse.org. To learn more about the magician, visit www.jayscottberry.com.
TUESDAY, APRIL 7
Mid-Hudson Civic Center hosts The Price Is Right Live
Come on down! The Price Is Right Live comes to the Mid-Hudson Civic Center on Tuesday, April 7 at 7 p.m. Television host Drew Carey won’t be a part of the production in Poughkeepsie, but everyone still has a chance to be a contestant and play the familiar games that we’ve grown up with. Arrive between 4:15 and 7:15 p.m. to register, and start memorizing your appliance price points now. Tickets cost $75.50, $49.50 and $37.50.
The Mid-Hudson Civic Center is located at 14 Civic Center Plaza in Poughkeepsie. For tickets or more information, call (845) 454-5800 or visit www.midhudsonciviccenter.org.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8
Beekman Library launches family gardening club
Did you tap your trees for the first time this winter? Now ready to try some gardening? You don’t have to do it alone! Come to the Beekman Library on Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. for an information night about the new family gardening club, Roots, Petals & Wings. All ages are welcome, and registration is required. The first plan is a butterfly-friendly garden.
The Beekman Library is located at 11 Town Center Boulevard in Hopewell Junction. To register or for more information, call (845) 724-3414 or visit https://beekmanlibrary.org.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Fairy princess tea party at Poughkidsie
Calling all 4-to-7-year-old fairy princess dancers to a very special tea party! On Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m. at Poughkidsie, participants receive tea, cupcakes, playtime in the Village play area and a crown, tutu, fairy wings and a wand. Activities include storytime, face-painting, singing and more.
Poughkidsie has wi-fi, so you can do some work, or just share photos of the adorableness of what’s going on around you while you sip on bubble tea. The tea party cost is $35. Poughkidsie is located at 50 Springside Avenue in Poughkeepsie. For more information or to register, call (845) 243-3750 or visit https://poughkidsie.com.
Erica Chase-Salerno hides eggs in New Paltz along with her husband, Mike, and their two children: the inspirations behind hudsonvalleyparents.com. She can be reached at kidsalmanac@ulsterpublishing.com.
Join the family! 
