MaltaMama - Family Fun Things to Do | Malta, NY, Saratoga County

Most of the locals know about the Saratoga Farmers Market in the summer, but all winter long the farmers market takes place indoors, at the Division Street Elementary School in Saratoga. 
Winter Market runs from November - April
Saturday's from 9:00am-1:00pm
Division Street Elementary School
220 Division Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Check it out this Saturday the 13th.  Live music by Geobeats (not familiar with them, but live music is always fun!)

We all know the nice weather won't last forever, but it's been great hasn't it?  Despite the sunshine, it's nice to have some indoor activities on the back burner just in case.  Today's post is about a few of the Winter/Spring free programs at the Saratoga Library.  There are a lot of things, so view and maybe print the complete activities brochure here. 

Toddler Story Times (24-42 months) Crawshaw Story Room
Monday: 9:30am-9:50am
Tuesday: 9:30am-9:50am
Wednesday: 9:30am-9:50am  &  11:00am-11:20am
Thursday: 9:30am-9:50am
Friday: 9:30am-9:50am

Preschool Story Times (42 months - 5yrs) Crawshaw Story Room
Monday: 10:15am-10:45am
Tuesday: 10:15am-10:45am  &  2:00pm-2:30pm
Wednesday: 10:15am-10:45am  &  2:00pm-2:30pm
Thursday: 10:15am-10:45am
Friday: 10:15am-10:45am

Though pre-registration isn't required, it's a good idea to call ahead anyway to make sure there are spots available and the story time is actually taking place.  Call 518-584-1198

I posted about the Three Little Pigs opera last week, but it's the Weekend Best Bet again this week because it's fabulous and in Saratoga this weekend!  Robby and I trekked to Schenectady last weekend and had an amazing time.  The 45 minute opera contains a host of catchy tunes and fun-loving characters.  It  kept Robby's attention for about 30 minutes and the rest of the time he spent wiggling around at my feet.  Some parents had to take their kids out for a break which was no big deal at all.  
After the play, the kids were invited to a juice box/cookies reception where they could meet the cast!  A fun and FREE activity for kids of all ages.  Attend one of two performances this weekend (11am and 1pm) at the Saratoga Arts Center. 
What:  Lake George Opera-to-go presents The Three Little Pigs
When: Saturday, March 6th
Where:  Saratoga Arts Center, 320 Broadway; across the street from Gap/Banana on in downtown Saratoga
Time:  11am and 1pm   
Cost: FREE!

The BACC or Ballston Area Community Center is another good place to go to get the little one's (and big one's) out of the house.  In March, Toddler Open Gym will be Tuesdays and Thursday from 10:30-12pm.

So where is this place?  If you know where Malta Avenue School is, you're 90% of the way there.  If not, get yourself to Route 50 and follow these directions from the North: Take Route 50 until you Reach Malta Avenue (Cumberland Farms will be on your Right and  Spa Laundromat & Spa Cleaners will be on your Left). Make a Left at the Coffee Planet onto Malta Avenue. After the Laundromat Parking lot, make a right turn, go up the hill to BACC.  Lost?  Call them! 518-885-3261

On Tuesday, March 2nd, the Clifton Park Library is hosting a PJ Storytime.  PJ's aren't mandatory but how cute and convenient!  Adults, please no PJ's, that's just tacky. Join the fun as Diane Payette, a local performer and educator hosts a quiet story time.  The Clifton Park Library also has a nice children's area so come early or stay later and enjoy the library.  

What:  PJ Storytime 
Where:  Clifton Park Library
When: Tuesday, March 2nd from 5:45-6:15pm
Call:  518-371-8622 

I don’t know about you, but I really love when the first day of a month falls on a Monday.  It feels like a new beginning.  This March, I have a lot I want to get accomplished.  There are lots of things I want to do for myself, and lots of fun activities I want to do with the family.
For myself:
            Exercise more
            Drink more water
            Figure out a family budget
            Try lots of new recipes
            Plan a girls night out, maybe to Prime

With the family:
            Go to Tiny Tots Tearoom again and review for MaltaMama
            Check out Explore in Glens Falls
            NY State Museum trip
            Ciccotti Family Rec Center (in Colonie) trip 
            Get outside to play
Of course  will report back to you on any of the activities that we do this month so check back often for reviews and ideas.  Have a great start to March everyone!  

If you have any ideas for March that you'd like to see on MaltaMama, email me: colleen@maltamama.com or comment below.           

 

This weekend, the Round Lake Library is hosting a Sweetheart of a Book Sale from Saturday through Monday the 15th.  Shop from a selection of over 10,000 books, videos, CDs/DVDs, books on tape, and lots more, all at the former Northway Travel Trailer showroom at 2570 Route 9, right next door to Just Meats.  Officials are saying that the event space will be set up just like a traditional bookstore with books arranged by genre, so shopping should be easy and fun! 

Hours are Saturday-Monday 9am-4pm and all proceeds benefit the Round Lake Library.  For more information, call 518-899-2285. 

If you're anything like me, the thought of going to Troy does not make me feel warm and fuzzy.  I know Troy has a lot to offer and I should suck it up.  If you're not feeling Troy-phobic, definitely consider heading there on a Wednesday to visit The Children's Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST).  This museum has tons of interesting exhibits for kids, a planetarium and lots of neat shows.  It offers a host of interactive learning opportunities for you and your kids to explore.   

On Wednesdays, the museum opens its doors from 1pm-5pm for Toddler Explore and More, a time just for kids 5 and under  Admission is $5 per person (under 2 are free).  Normal hours are Thursday-Sunday 10am-5pm.  Call 518-235-2120 for directions or more information.   

Saturday, February 6th from 11-4 partake in Saratoga's Annual Chowderfest.  A favorite weekend for many Saratoga residents and chowder lovers of all ages.  I took Robby last year for the first time and despite the chilly temperatures, we warmed up with plenty of chowder and fun.  Chowderfest is simple: visit any of the participating restaurants and purchase a cup of chowder for $1.  If you're serious, you can pick up a ballot form as well and vote on your favorite chowders.  Your best bet with kids is to just stop in and sample a few.  Lines can get pretty long, and strollers are awkward in the streets and restuarants.  Pick a few stopping points along the way, like the Downtown Marketplace (specifically Betties Cakes for a cupcake), G Willikers, and maybe Borders for some respite from the cold. 
 
For more information and a list of participating restuarants, click here.