Press

ALBANY, NY – The New York State Museum’s next Family Fun Weekend on June 3 – 4th will focus on “Bike Safety” and will include a puppet show, bike rodeo and other activities.

The event will be held both days from 1 to 4 p.m. and is free of charge. A Bike Safety Rodeo will be held indoors due to the Freihofer’s Run for Women on Saturday. Museum instructors will cover safe sidewalk riding, road riding, helmets, and safe attire. No bikes will be allowed on Saturday. Sunday’s Bike Safety Rodeo takes place outdoors with an additional presentation to help riders learn more about their bikes and how to operate them. All participants must provide their own bikes and helmets. Also on Sunday, the New York State Police Bicycle Patrol will be present to discuss and demonstrate bike safety.

At 2 p.m. both days, The Brain Injury Association of New York State will present The Kids on the Block Puppet show about helmet safety.

Throughout the weekend, children can make crafts in Bird Hall, including a whistle lanyard. They will be able to pick a whistle, lanyard and beads to wear when they ride their bike. Participants can also make and take home spring flower art. Colorful paper flowers will be provided for children to cut, color, and frame. Activities also will include a scavenger hunt, with prizes, and participants will get an activity pack to take home. A 3:30 p.m. story time will take place both days in Bird Hall.

All activities will be held in Bird Hall except the Rodeo and the N.Y. State Police bike safety demonstration, which will be held in the parking lot on the west side of the Museum. That parking lot will be closed off, with no parking available, to accommodate the rodeo. Family Fun Weekends offer theme-based family activities the first weekend of the month.

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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, Christmas and New

Year's Day. 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 website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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