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Bona Bona in Port Chester

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Beat the Heat

Discover the best places around town to take a break from the sun

This summer is set to be one of the hottest on record. Many of us are familiar with where to go outdoors with the kids (thank you  Tod’s Point, Byram Park Pool and Island Beach), but what about the days when it’s raining or you simply need a break from the sun? We’ve got you covered with some of the best things to do locally to beat the heat and take a much-deserved rest in the AC.

Air Riderz, Port Chester: 10 Waterfront Place. If you are looking for a new, clean place for your kids to get their energy out and bounce around – Air Riderz is the place for you. With 20,000 square feet of adventure and fun, including wall-to-wall trampolines, a one-of-a-kind Climb Zone, slam dunk trampoline lanes, dodgeball court, Trapeze, Stunt Bag, Ninja Warrior Course and so much more, there is truly something for everyone. A personal favorite of mine (to watch, not to try) were the giant slides that is basically a water slide, without the water. You grab a mat and slide down with an airtime landing for an exhilarating experience. Toddler time, Tuesday to Thursday special promotions, tickets for purchase and more all available online. https://www.airriderz.com/portchester/

RPM Raceway, Stamford: 600 West Avenue. RPM Raceway is the ultimate all-electric indoor go-kart and entertainment destination providing an authentic, exhilarating and memorable racing experience. At RPM Raceway Stamford, visitors will find a variety of experiences in the multi-level facility including European-style hi-speed karting, 14 lanes of bowling, extensive arcade options like RPM VR and RPM SIM, as well as signature dishes, craft cocktails and brews at The Clutch Sports Bar. If your kids are too young for racing then enjoy some of the best arcade games you could imagine for all age groups, ranging from all your favorite classics (looking at you Skee Ball) to brand new and innovative games you’ve been dying to get your hands on. Wednesdays are half-price days and RPM opens early on special holidays, so check the website for hours, information, gift cards and more. https://www.rpmraceway.com/

Make-Modern, Cos Cob: 220 East Putnam Avenue. Make-Modern is a gorgeous crafting studio that offers weekly classes in crafting, machine sewing, knitting, needlepoint and crochet for kids and adults. With the best quality materials and high design projects, all the students create beautiful projects using natural materials collected from around the world. In addition to birthday parties, various time options at different grade levels are available if you are interested in summer camp with Make-Modern. Visit their website to sign up, hours or more information. https://www.make-modern.com/

Other local establishments worth visiting:

  • Greenwich & Cos Cob Libraries
  • Bruce Museum
  • Audubon Center
  • The Big Picture
  • Chelsea Piers
  • trap’t Escape Room Adventures
  • Stew Leonard’s
  • Pinot’s Palette
  • Kids U
  • Best Time Ever
  • Kiddo Land at Stamford Town Center
  • Maritime Aquarium

And for the parents looking for something unique and different, consider supporting the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT – conveniently located right off i95 with a lot across the street for ample free parking during the show. Throughout the months of July and August, tickets are available for incredible concerts like Britishmania: World’s Best Beatles Tribute, Bennie and the Jets: An Elton John Tribute, All About Joel: A Billy Joel Tribute, and many others. Coming this fall on the main theatre stage will be Sweeney Todd and, In the Heights, as well as Santa Story 2 for the young audiences. The Downtown Cabaret Theatre allows you to bring in all your own food and drinks – so, pack up a picnic or bring some appetizers and wine and enjoy professional actors, singers and dancers light up the stage. Before you head home, stop by Boca Oyster Bar for a delicious dinner or night cap on the water.

Lastly, one of my personal favorites is the trifecta of indoor activities, which includes a matinee movie at AMC Port Chester, an early pizza dinner at Colony Grill and a tasty treat for dessert from Bona Bona Ice Cream (try the frosted animal cracker ice cream if you want to feel nostalgic). You technically only have to move the car once from AMC to Colony and then you can walk for the rest of the time to get some exercise after relaxing with your feet up for a few hours during the movie. Pro tip: join the AMC Stubs reward program to earn points, waived online ticket fees, exclusive offers, free large popcorn refills and more. The lowest program tier is free but if you are a frequent movie goer, then you may want to opt for the year membership, which will set you back only $15 plus tax. Don’t forget about Discount Tuesdays!

Tag us @greenwichlifestylemag as you make memories this summer!

Don't miss Family Movie Night - Under the Boardwalk on Monday, July 15 at 6:45pm, Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center.

Visit Greenwich Parks & Rec online for a complete list of free summer concerts at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park to enjoy when the sun goes down at 7pm every Wednesday starting on June 26.