Fall Fishing and Children's Festival and other autumn adventures

It's the time of year to savor being outdoors in the crisp autumn air, with the crunch of leaves beneath our feet. The weekends are chock full of outdoor activities that celebrate the best of the season. So, besides the pumpkin picking, try some of these other ideas for fall-related fun.

Gone Fishing
Junior anglers will enjoy the Fall Fishing and Children's Festival, presented by I Fish NY, on Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The annual event at Hempstead Lake State Park in Rockville Centre, offers a variety of fishing and non-fishing activities for the entire family.

"The Fall Fishing and Children's Festival is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn something about the great sport of freshwater fishing," New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Director Peter A. Scully said. "The festival combines the opportunity to fish
with a variety of children's activities to provide a rewarding family experience."
The day begins at 10 a.m., including fly-fishing instruction, casting practice, fish cleaning services, loaner rods, and free bait. Additionally, a display area will be set up by I FISH NY, Trout Unlimited, DEC’s Environmental Education staff, as well as other fishing and environmental organizations.
Other activities include, pumpkin decorating, a magic show, pony rides, and face painting. Kids will enjoy the casting contest where participants can catch a pumpkin or "hook" a prize.
Prior to the festival, over 1,000 trout are stocked in the park’s South and McDonald Ponds by Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and New York State Parks.
The festival takes place at MacDonald and South Ponds in Hempstead Lake State Park, Rockville Centre. For information, call (631) 444-0283 or (516) 766-1029 or visit www.ifishnewyork.org.

The Great Outdoors
October is a great time of year to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center, where the memory of President Theodore Roosevelt and his love of nature and family has been preserved for 87 years. Generations have passed through the iron gates, watched birds bathing in the fountain and walked the trails, which wend through the forest. The staff and supporters of the Sanctuary carry on a long tradition of caring for the landscape and for animals. Visiting the sanctuary’s quiet paths and forests gives everyone a renewed appreciation for nature and the environment. Outdoor aviaries allow for a view of some of the resident, non-releasable birds of prey, which are cared for at the Sanctuary. The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center is located at 134 Cove Rd., in Oyster Bay. For information, contact (516) 922-3200.

Art Explorations
Nassau County Museum of Art's 145 acres provide an enjoyable setting for a fall outing. Try visiting on “Family Sunday,” for an afternoon of art activities. While there, explore the many marked nature trails through the woods, perfect for family hikes or independent exploration. The museum offers a special 1 p.m guided family walk-through of its current exhibit, a major showing of Mort Künstler’s Civil War paintings with “General A.P. Hill.” General Hill, as portrayed by actor Patrick Falci, will share his special camp gear and help kids try on some of the clothing of the period during this exhibit tour, “The Life and Times of the Civil War Soldier.” Family Sunday at the Museum is free with museum admission, but reservations are required for this event. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr. (off Northern Blvd.), Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or www.nassaumuseum.org.

Firefighter Appreciation Weekend at Long Island Children’s Museum
Long Island Children’s Museum is honoring the contributions firefighters make to the community, with its Fire Fighters Appreciation Weekend on Saturday and Sunday,.  Children can meet local fire fighters and learn about the tools that they use to keep our communities safe. Visitors will also learn important fire prevention skills and then get the chance to design their own fire department patch to wear the rest of the day. On Sunday, visitors will get the chance to explore a fire truck and learn more about how these vehicles work.
“This is our way of giving back to such an important group in our community. Gratitude is an important message to teach children, and events like this allow us to say thank you.” commented Suzanne LeBlanc, LICM Executive Director. LeBlanc goes on to say, “We’re so grateful to the three fire departments – Albertson, Baldwin and Floral Park Centre who have volunteered to help out for this event.”
  Families can enjoy a full day in the Museum, including the new “Toys: The Inside Story” traveling exhibit. Also on Sunday, Oct. 17, join “Secret Agent 23 Skidoo” in the LICM Theater, at 2 p.m., for some musical fun. His tunes about imagination, curiosity, friends and family are mixed with tales of dragons, mermaids and a musical grasshopper. These songs that celebrate the joy of life while addressing the importance of determination, creativity, and exploration.
All activities are held at the Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row,
Garden City. For information, contact (516) 224-5800.