Press

ALBANY, NY – Vacationing in New York will be the theme of the New York State

Museum’s next Family Fun Weekend, July 7 and 8.

The Family Fun Weekend, presented by Fidelis Care, takes place from 1- 4 p.m. both

days. Activities, which are free of charge, are designed to help families prepare for and

enjoy summer travel in the state.


On Saturday, Abbe Hahn-Hook, an educator with AnimaLovers, will discuss what pet

owners should do with their dogs and cats when they go on vacation. The organization,

which is based in Albany, helps homeless animals in upstate New York and encourages

proper care of pets. Hahn-Hook, who will be in Adirondack Hall, will answer questions

and bring an activity for children.

Both afternoons, the New York State Tourism Bureau will have a table in the main

lobby to provide information and distribute items from the “I Love New York” campaign.

At 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, participants will get a chance to imagine

what the sky would look like if they were camping when the “The Sky Tonight” is

presented in the Museum’s inflatable Star Lab Planetarium. The display will show the position of the

stars for Saturday and Sunday nights. The show, in the Carole F. Huxley Theater

(former Museum Theater), is limited to 30 people, who must obtain a free ticket

at the information desk in the lobby. In addition, tents from the Museum’s teaching

collection will be set up in Adirondack Hall.

Children may make a visor in their choice of color, decorated with their name or

favorite sports team, which they can wear on vacation. They can also color a summer

picture and glue it onto a background. Throughout the afternoon, they may participate in

a scavenger hunt with prizes. There will also be an activity packet to take home filled

with coloring sheets, word searches, puzzles and a “boredom busters” booklet.

Family Fun Weekends, presented by Fidelis Care, offer theme-based family activities,

on the first weekend of the month.

The New York State Museum, established in 1836, is a program of the New York

State Education Department. Located at the Empire State Plaza on Madison Avenue in

Albany, the Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving and

Christmas. Admission is free and the Museum is fully accessible.

Further information about Museum programs and events can be obtained by calling

(518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum Web site at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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