The Beat

Announces a Wide Range of Family-Friendly Activities Throughout Winter Break

Albany, N.Y. - The New York State Museum is celebrating winter break with more than two weeks of festive, family-friendly programs featuring seasonal crafts, live animals, and cultural traditions. Beginning this Saturday, visitors can enjoy everything from a live reading of the original 1823 printing of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and a community Kwanzaa celebration to hands-on 18th century games and winter animal encounters with the Utica Zoo.

Niagara Falls, NY (October 31, 2025) - The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has named "Niagara Virtual,” the exciting and gamified Virtual Reality (VR) adventure at Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours’ new home in Niagara Falls, as a finalist for the group’s Brass Ring award for the “Best New Product” in the Family Ride/Attraction category in the world!

The finalist designation was announced by Frontgrid, the Wales-based company that developed and oversaw fabrication of “Niagara Virtual” through its ParadropVR subsidiary. Frontgrid has been recognized for its creative and technical excellence by numerous professional associations worldwide since 2017.

Albany, N.Y. - The New York State Museum is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Following last year’s frightfully fun revival, the Museum has planned all-new programming with hands-on activities, spooky science, and creative crafts for all ages. Children are encouraged to dress for the occasion and take part in the costume parade at the end of the event.

New York, NY (October 22, 2025) — This season, Kaufman Music Center will introduce children to iconic rock stars and classic Broadway musicals at dynamic, family-friendly performances featuring sing-alongs, games, and plenty of audience participation.

At The Rock & Roll Playhouse, kids age 1-7 and their parents can rock out together to music by some of the most iconic musicians in rock history. This fall, parents can enjoy the music they love while little fans explore their creativity at concerts featuring the greatest hits of Bob Marley and The Grateful Dead.

Garden City, NY – Long Island Children’s Museum (LICM) invites families to don their costumes and join in the fun at its annual Ghostly Gala on Saturday, October 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. This special after-hours event transforms the Museum into a not-so-spooky space filled with extraordinary activities designed to delight children and caregivers alike.

Program for Kids 6–12 and Their Caregivers Kicks Off October 24; Presale for Members at Select Levels Starts September 30; Tickets for General Public On Sale October 7

Images and Video Available HERE

New York, N.Y. - The American Museum of Natural History today announced that its beloved sleepover program—A Night at the Museum: The Overnight Experience—will return on October 24, 2025. The first program of its kind, inaugurated in 2006 alongside the beloved family movie Night at the Museum, the sleepovers offer a unique and unforgettable experience for guests to explore the Museum after dark before drifting off to sleep underneath the Blue Whale or surrounded by other iconic Museum exhibits.

Attend DEC’s Free Fishing Days, Receive Free Tree Seedlings, Purchase Sporting Licenses and Sign-Up for the Conservationist Magazine

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today encouraged New Yorkers to “Get Offline and Get Outside” and visit DEC’s environmental exhibits at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse. The Fair runs from Wednesday, Aug. 20, through Monday, Sept. 1.

Signature Programs Plus Special Events Create Learning Adventures

Garden City, NY - The Long Island Children's Museum (LICM) invites families to continue their summer of creativity and discovery with the continuation of specially curated workshop programs running throughout August, plus exciting special programming to close out the season. The Museum's signature summer series continues with Brown Bag Buddies, Crafty Critter, Bubble Magic and Fossil Fun workshops, alongside special events including the popular "Unbox a Saurus for Us" theater presentations and themed activities designed to prepare young learners for the upcoming school year.

Westport, NY (August 6, 2025) - The Essex County Fair is taking place in Westport from August 13-17, with a week of entertainment, attractions, and fun for local residents and visitors to the region, as it welcomes everyone from across the North Country. Admission to the fair is $15 per person, which includes parking, rides and most shows. Some grandstand entertainment may have a separate fee.