Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend September 22-23; Fairs, Festivals, Fishing & Flying Wallendas

9/20/12 - By Pam Hegner

With cooler temperatures upon us, fall is the perfect time to spend quality time enjoying nature and the beauty of our state. 

Apple picking is a rite of fall in New England. Check out our posts on Pick-Your-Own-Apple Orchards in Eastern CT, apple picking with toddlers in Fairfield County, and Apple-Picking Orchards in Hartford County. This year's unpredictable weather has been tough on local apple crops, so get out and support the farmers by visiting them for fruit, donuts, hayrides, animals and more. Fall Fairs and Festivals abound and we've listed some great ones in Hartford County.

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One of my favorite autumn activities is hiking. My five-year-old constantly reminisces about our climb to Simsbury's Heublein Tower, an 875-foot hike up Talcott Mountain. The panoramic view from the top is stunning, and the tower is now open seven days a week. Only accessible by foot,  the 1.25-mile trek gets steep at times. I would only recommend it for parents who can carry a child in a backpack or one old enough to spend over an hour walking the path independently. 

For outdoor fun such as bait and fly casting, archery, target shooting, crafts, scavenger hunts and more, head to Burlington Saturday for CT Hunting & Fishing Appreciation Day.  Educate your children on  wildlife conservation, while having fun at the same time. Free for all ages, and food will be on sale but you are welcome to pack a picnic. 

Enjoy guided walks, live animal demonstrations and crafts at the White Memorial Conservation Center's Family Nature Day. The kids will love taking horse-drawn wagon rides while learning about ecology and natural history in beautiful Litchfield. 

Volunteer for an hour or two at Groton's Bluff Point State Park for International Coastal Cleanup Day.  Your children will love running on the beach while they learn the importance of preserving the environment. 

Down the coast, you'll find the Norwalk Boat Show. Maritime fun includes boarding luxury yachts, sailboats, ski boats and other vessels. There will be a gator show, paddling and kayak classes, toy boat building and a visit from Dora the Explorer. 

Positively Pomfret is a free festival celebrating the town's 300th anniversary. Games, food and Fire Department demos are a few of the activities on board. 

The Guilford Fair has entertained families for generations since 1859. This three-day event includes a children's zoo, circus acts including The Flying Wallendas, a tractor pull, racing pigs, live music and much more. 

Children can participate in costume and pumpkin decorating contests at the 47th Annual Seymour Pumpkin Festival. Rides, food and crafts from over 100 vendors will also be on hand. For more Fairs and Festivals in Hartford County, check out our insider's guide. 

In Stamford, stroll along Bedford Street and check out artisan tents and sidewalk dining at the 8th Annual Arts & Crafts on Bedford.

Stafford Springs hosts Autumn in the Park Fine Arts Festival. This multi-cultural event showcases music, dance, poetry and art in Hyde Park.

On Saturday, the award-winning Pilobolus Dance Company will have a free performance at Riverfront Recapture's Stage in Downtown Hartford. This modern dance group has delighted audiences all over the world, so to see talent at this caliber for free is not to be missed. On the banks of the CT River, this venue is a beautiful spot and one of my favorites in the Hartford area. 

If you are looking for ways to nurture your talented child, read our suggestions on where to start Vocal and Dance Classes for Kids in Hartford County. 

There are so many fun things on our events calendar so check it out. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest for great giveaways.

Have a beautiful fall weekend!