FIND YOUR PARK: FIND YOUR FUN

Family Fun Day 2017

Bill Urbin

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
News Release Date: March 30, 2017

Contact: Anna DeCordova, 845-229-4281

The Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Site is hosting “Find Your Park: Find Your Fun” on Saturday, May 6, 2017. (Rain date: Sunday, May 7). The day is designed to encourage the community to come and enjoy the park through special events that highlight unique aspects of this National Park. All of the events are free, short (most are 20 minutes), a little unconventional, and designed so everyone has fun trying something new in the park. Visitors can pick a few events, or come for the day and challenge themselves to do everything.
 
Most locals have a solid understanding of the Roosevelts and Vanderbilts through house tours, school programs, The FDR Presidential Library, or the guidance of Park Rangers. On “Find Your Park: Find Your Fun Day”, the National Park offers a way to expand those experiences to the smaller stories that enrich this fascinating park. The a la carte menu of events will introduce you to the farthest corners of the park as well as treasures hidden right in the center of things.
 
With birding, puppetry, dance, a dog parade, park rangers posted at unusual locations, a photo scavenger hunt and specials for gardeners, you will have the opportunity to sample a great variety of offerings. It is a chance to “Find Your Park” all over again, and discover new ways to enjoy it. 

Schedule of Events

 
8:00 am Guided Bird Walk at the Home of Eleanor Roosevelt, Val Kill. Come spot and identify Eleanor Roosevelt’s feathered friends with the help of a Park Ranger. Binoculars and insect repellent are strongly recommended. The walk will travel the Eleanor's Walk Trail, which is about a mile in length with one steep uphill.

9:00 to 12:00 Canna rhizomes will be available at the Vanderbilt Formal Gardens. For a donation of $3 you can bring home 2 large cannas. Vanderbilt Garden volunteers will tell you everything you need to know to grow your own splash of Gilded Age glory at home. While supplies last.

9:30 & 12:30 The Lorax Meet at the Champion Vanderbilt Ginkgo tree for a reading of Dr. Suess’s The Lorax, and learn why Franklin Roosevelt cared “a whole awful lot” for Frederick Vanderbilt’s trees. The Ginkgo is in the South lawn of Vanderbilt Mansion.

10:30 & 11:30 Puppet Show Young Franklin Roosevelt’s Walk in the Woods at The Discovery Center at the Home of Franklin Roosevelt. Take an imaginary walk on the Wild Side with Young Franklin.

11:00 & 12:00 Franklin Roosevelt Discovery Walk Take an actual walk on the Wild Side with a Park Ranger.  Explore the places on the estate where FDR had fun as a kid and discover the outdoor activities he enjoyed growing up. Tour begins at the Discovery Center at the Home of Franklin Roosevelt. (20 minutes)

12:00 Scottie Dog Parade Scotch Terriers (in breed or spirit) meet for a group walk at the Wallace Visitor Center with their people on a leash. Scotties will walk from the Wallace Center through the rose garden where Fala Roosevelt is buried. Proceed to the Roosevelt Home’s Hudson River overlook, back through the stable and the vegetable garden. Rest, repeat or head off to explore the beautiful trails.

1:00 & 2:15 pm Dance Performance The Barefoot Dance Company performs “Quintessential Habitat” in the Beatrix Farrand Garden at Bellefield Mansion (NPS Headquarters). This piece was choreographed specifically for the garden. Come experience how the magic of dance animates the garden in unexpected ways. (20 minutes)

All Day: Photo Scavenger Hunt Use your photography skills and creativity as you hunt down photo-ops throughout the park. Pick up the Scavenger Hunt List at the Wallace Visitor Center and start hunting.  Include people in your photos as a memory for later.  
12 & 3 pm (20 minutes): Meet other participants and share your finds and photos at the Roosevelt Home Garden.  Follow us on Instagram @NPS_HydePark and tag your photos with #NPSHydePark.

3:30 The Banks of Bard Rock Meet a Park Ranger at the river’s edge and learn about the history of this picturesque landing on the banks of the Hudson. Park in the Vanderbilt Mansion lot and walk North on the drive, past the scenic overlook to the Bard Rock trail head. Approximately 15 minute walk downhill to Bard Rock. 20 minute uphill return!

FOR RAIN DATE INFORMATION CALL: (845) 229 - 9115

Park Websites:  
www.nps.gov/vama  Vanderbilt
www.nps.gov/hofr  Home of FDR
www.nps.gov/elro Eleanor Roosevelt

Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/VAMANHS
https://www.facebook.com/HOFRNHS
https://www.facebook.com/ELRONHS
Instagram 
Twitter   
 



Last updated: April 18, 2017

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

4097 Albany Post Rd
Hyde Park, NY 12538

Phone:

845 229-5320

Contact Us