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15 Fantastic Fall Things to do With Toddlers in the Hartford Area

9/26/17 - By Jennifer Coe

Fall is officially here and it's a great time to make some lasting memories with your toddlers. You know..the pint-sized people in your house who eat one bite of apple and throw it away? The ones who are obsessed with dinosaurs (trains, ballerinas, kitties, puppies...)? This time of year preschoolers are extremely curious about the changing seasons and we have assembled an enjoyable list of great places you can take them to in the Hartford area.  Come on, let's go! (But don't forget you-know-who's favorite stuffed animal!)

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1. Take a ride on a pumpkin patch train. Combine your love for locomotives and trolley's with your annual trip to pick out the perfect pumpkin.
2. Check out the swings and slides at a new outdoor park.  ​
3. Come and meet the animals at Flamig Farm in Simsbury.  Pony rides are offered on the weekends and they even hold special Halloween rides.
4. Come and see a beloved storybook come alive when the Bushnell Children's Theater in Hartford puts on a production of "Guess How Much I Love You" on November 9. Show runtime is one hour. 


5. Visit the Hillstead Museum in Farmington for their annual Hay-Day on October 1.  This family event is held at a huge historical home and it's adjoining gardens.  Your toddlers can paint pumpkins, dress us in period costume, and have tasty treats. 
6. Take a ride on the Bushnell Carousel in Hartford. This carousel is one of the few left like it.  Come on down for their Super Hero Adventure Day and wear a super hero costume on October 8.
7. Go apple picking at one of the Hartford areas many, many orchards.  
8. Come to the Hobgoblin Fair at Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton on October 28. Children will observe nature, go on a Autumn walk, make crafts, decorate cupcakes and get their face painted.  
9. For a tasty-treat, try these C-R-A-Z-Y ice cream locations in Granby, West Hartford, and Middletown.
10. Hartford has several delightful and interesting indoor museums.
11. Amaze your kids with the colors of fall by taking them on a short foliage hike or walk. 12. Come down to the XL Center and see "Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie's Door to Magic." November 17.


13. Your kids will enjoy the amazing tiny-town and farm located at Lutz Museum in Manchester.
14. Get the wiggles out by visiting Bounce Town in Canton. Guaranteed nap!
15. Try a Junior Chef cooking class at Stew Leonard's in Newington. Classes vary but include: Marvelous Maple Time (Oct. 3-7), Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 24-28), and Trick O' Treat (Oct. 30).

Photo credit: Goodworth, Sylvie

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