Fairfield

Wondrous, Wild Waterfalls Waiting for You in Connecticut

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Thu, 07/20/2017 - 9:00am

Waterfalls are amazing creations of nature that astound even the hardiest hiker and outdoor lover. The water pounding on the rocks, the splash of the spray, and the shallow wading pools leave the kids with lasting memories. Connecticut is lucky to be home to hundreds of waterfalls; many of them are accessible with just short walks and a little effort for all ages. Of course, please exercise caution at all of these sites as rocks are slippery when wet! If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, go hiking at one of these Hartford area spots and check out our list of ropes courses in Connecticut!

Date (Night) Like a Pro in Fairfield County

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Tue, 07/18/2017 - 8:57am

OMG Date night. That nocturnal necessity designed to keep parents as sane as possible. I don't know about you, but for me, a successful date night involves getting out the door before bedtime. Sure, it's mostly because that way I'm home before my bedtime, but also because once in a while it's really OK to let somebody else read just one more book...a dozen times. Once you've made your escape...now what? It's easy to forget how to fill leisure time when you're a parent. That's why I've rounded up some date night ideas that are more than just dinner and drinks in Fairfield County. This is precious time, use it to step a little outside your comfort zone for some adventure (and then when you're done maybe dinner and drinks...)! So bring on the babysitter, lace up your big kid shoes, and get out there for some well-deserved you time!

25 Things to Do With Kids in the Lower Naugatuck Valley

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sat, 07/15/2017 - 10:10am

Tucked in between Fairfield and New Haven counties, the Lower Naugatuck Valley or just, 'The Valley,' is really a hidden bucolic paradise. From Shelton to Southbury, the valley offers plenty of New England backcountry to explore. Head to Derby for some of the best farmstead ice cream in the state or hike up Southford Falls for a panoramic view of sweeping hills and a killer sunset. Climb to the top of the towering Pease Place playscape and cool off in the lagoon at Indian Wells State Park. Here's our list of the top 25 things to do in the valley with your kiddos.

Best Mountains to Climb With Kids in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Tue, 07/04/2017 - 12:01pm

Have you ever planned a perfect day of hiking with the kiddos only to hear whines ranging from “I’m bored,” to, “I have to go to the bathroom,” to, “Are we there yet?” I have definitely been there and feel your pain. You’ve packed the perfect picnic lunch to be enjoyed alongside a babbling brook after you’ve spent your morning becoming one with nature but your kids have lost interest after finishing their Nature Valley granola bar 10 minutes into the hike. Sigh.

Well, have you considered climbing a mountain? We have rounded up some hikes across the state that are sure to keep the kid’s interest as you scale mountain tops, discover giants, castles, and maybe a hobbit house or two.

Paint Your Own Pottery Places for Connecticut Kids

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Thu, 06/29/2017 - 3:13pm

Now and then you need just a really good, crafty indoor activity with the kiddos. In winter, after we’ve skated indoors and outdoors, sledded, and tried winter sports, we are ready to head inside. The same is true for summer days! After hours of fishing, kayaking and hiking, my kids are ready for some good hands-on craft time. Even with a list of great indoor play places, sometimes the kids need an activity that's a little more relaxing. For this, any of the numerous paint your own pottery studios in the Hartford area or Fairfield County area fit the bill.

"Light the Way" Lighthouse Art Exhibit Street Stroll

Submitted by Elizabeth Howard on Mon, 06/26/2017 - 10:08am

My kids love art (and walking) so what could be better than a stroll this summer down Main Street in Stratford to check out the 20 lighthouse sculptures in the "Stratford Light the Way" art exhibit? This is Stratford's second street art exhibit, following on its popular "Share a Chair" art benches in 2015. This summer, Main Street in Stratford is dotted with six foot tall fiberglass lighthouses, designed and painted by local artists. Those who love art, lighthouses, and strolling down Main Street will be pleased!

Family Friendly Boat Tours in Connecticut

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Sat, 06/24/2017 - 8:00am

Sea legs. You either have them or you don't. For some, there's nothing more relaxing than drifting along the open water, catching a sea breeze, spotting marine life. For others...not so much. If you and your family fall into the former category and are hoping to get out on the water this summer, this post is just for you. Check out some of the fantastically fun family friendly (whew, say that five times fast) boat tours Connecticut has to offer and, when you're landlocked again why not grab a bite somewhere along the shore.

Take the Kids on a Ferry Ride Day Trip to Port Jefferson

Submitted by Elizabeth Howard on Tue, 06/20/2017 - 12:34pm

Kids love boat rides! And what better than a free ride (plus day trip) across Long Island Sound to the adorable village of Port Jefferson? Here’s what you need to know when taking the 17 nautical mile hop to Port Jefferson for a day trip, via the ferry.

Once you’ve gotten your feet wet with a trip on the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry, maybe you can try out other day trips across the Sound to Long Island with the kids!

Fairfield County Kids Go Aerial at Indoor Play Spaces

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Tue, 06/13/2017 - 2:30pm

Jumping and somersaulting through the air is serious fun. Whether your kid is three or thirteen, there's no better way to keep them from bouncing off the walls than letting them bounce off the walls at a trampoline park or indoor playscape. Planning a birthday party? Looking for a rainy day activity? Or just hoping to burn off some of that energy? Check out some of our favorite Fairfield County indoor play spaces. For even more indoor fun check out our Connecticut Indoor Play Guide.

Tool Museum, Glass House, Waveny Park: 25 Things to Do in New Canaan

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Mon, 06/12/2017 - 3:36pm

New Canaan. Quintessentially New England. Classically Connecticut. Known for it's famed Harvard Five architecture, postcard perfect New England landscape and quaint downtown in Fairfield County, New Canaan offers plenty to see and do year round. With a Norman Rockwell inspired Holiday Stroll not to be missed, family-friendly outdoor summer theater performances and no shortage of green space, this small city nestled in the Southwest corner of the state is teeming with kid stuff. Here are our picks for kid friendly destinations and activities in New Canaan: