by Rachel Kalina

PARENTGUIDE News May 2012

I Spy
Active Kidz, 200 Robbins Lane, Jericho, offers its newest attraction the Eye Play interactive floor, which has 30 exciting games for players. Also be sure to check out the calendar at www.activekidzlongisland.com for Open Play session dates and times.

Teaching Tolerance
The Suffolk Center on the Holocaust, Diversity & Human Understanding, Inc., hosts the sixth annual “Embracing Our Differences— Long Island” outdoor art exhibition in October, but submissions are being accepted now. Submit work within the theme in person by May 30 or via post by May 22. As many as 30 works are displayed at Heckscher Park and elsewhere during the fall. Further details are at www.chdhu.org/eod.

Off to See the Wizard
Arena Players Repertory Theater Company presents The Wizard of Oz through May 20. Take a magical journey down the yellow brick road when audience members participate during each show. Children younger than age 3 are admitted for free. Performances are held at the Vanderbilt Mansion Carriage House, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm. Find details at www.arenaplayers.org.

Evening Entertainment
In the film series Cinema Meets Culture, viewers are treated to concerts, operas and dance performances at the
Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave. in Huntington. On May 6, 1pm, and May 8, 7pm, attend AIDA, as performed at the Teatro Antico di Taormina. Find tickets at www.cinemaartscentre.org.

Fitness Fun
BounceU, 101 Carolyn Boulevard in Farmingdale, presents Family Fitness Nights on Wednesdays in
May. Bounce on inflatables as you bond with siblings, children and parents in honor of National Physical
Fitness and Sports Month. Participants receive a free BounceU water bottle. Call (631)777-JUMP to reserve a spot.

Nurture and Nature
The Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in Smithtown hosts the Let’s Discover Nature Hour for children ages 3-5 and their parents. Learn about Weird and Wacky Creatures on May 17 and discover Beautiful Butterflies on
May 31. Call (631)265-1054 for required reservations. 

Make a Splash 
The Train a Seal, Kiss a Sea Lion! Trainer Program at the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center in Riverhead offers participants the chance to get up close and personal with these lovable creatures. Available now through September, the program is appropriate for children ages 10 and older and their families. To go behind the scenes, visit www.longislandaquarium.com.

Spring Has Sprung
Take a walk along the Nissequoge River on May 6 from 1-3pm with your family. You’ll have the chance
to spot geese, ducks, turtles and frogs. Meet at the Sweetbriar Nature Center, 62 Eckernkamp Drive, Smithtown. Questions? Dial (631)979-6344.

Sweet Songs
Home with...Natalie Wood at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization Educational & Cultural Center,
97P Main St., Stony Brook Village Center, is a musical celebration of this Hollywood legend’s life. The
performance, which runs throughout May, features songs and dances. Find details at www.wmho.org.

Rachel Kalina is an associate editor.