Fairfield

The "New Bruce": Kid-Friendly Changes Coming to Greenwich, CT Museum

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 11:30am

Situated in gorgeous Greenwich next to a great playground, the Bruce Museum has long been a magnet for Fairfield-area families, despite its small size and sedate vibe. But parents will be thrilled to know that the Bruce will soon be bigger, better, and way kid-friendlier. Exciting renovations began last month, and will include a transformation of the main gallery space to focus on hands-on science exhibits, an update to the Art Wing, and most exciting of all, a brand-new Education Wing devoted to interactive children's programming. Read on for more exciting details about the "New Bruce" below, and see our Connecticut Museum Guide for more enriching day-trip ideas.

Best Fairfield-Area Halloween Events: Trunk or Treat, Parades, and More

Submitted by Ally Noel on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 12:38pm

Halloween seems to get bigger and better every year—and I'm not just talking about the size of the candy bars. Back in the day, we were happy just to trick or treat in our neighborhood, but now, you can find a fun Halloween event pretty much any day, all October long. Here around Fairfield, we have a huge variety of activities devoted to the spookiest holiday, from trunk or treat events to costume parades to pumpkin festivals. Our Connecticut Halloween Guide has you covered, but don't forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletters and keep tabs on our event calendar so that you won't miss any newly added Halloween fun.

Pumpkin Picking Patches in the Fairfield Area

Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on Fri, 09/20/2019 - 2:30pm

New England's beautiful fall foliage is here again, and that means pumpkins on the porch, in our pies and muffins, and even in our coffee. Picking a pumpkin is a fall ritual for many, and the perfect excuse to get outside on a crisp afternoon. Fairfield County has more than a few great spots to pick out your soon-to-be jack-o'-lantern, and most places offer activities like corn mazes and hayrides as well as mouth-watering cider donuts and other goodies. If you live in central Connecticut, look for your dream pumpkin at one of these patches near Hartford; and no matter where you live in the state, you'll find even more ideas to keep busy this season in our Fall Fun Guide.

Pumpkin Festivals and Jack-O-Lantern Displays for New England Families

Submitted by Tara D on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 8:00pm

New England is brimming with fall festivals, but kids are particularly enamored with events celebrating the humble pumpkin: the symbol of autumn and Halloween. Whether you stick close to home or make a day or weekend trip out of it, going to a pumpkin festival or visiting a glowing jack-o'-lantern display is a fun, family-friendly way to get into the spirit of the season. Here's a sampling of pumpkin fun in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine over the next month. Get inspired for a trip to the pumpkin patch for a jack-o'-lantern display on your own front porch!

Best Hayrides Across Connecticut for Kids and Families

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 09/13/2019 - 10:00am

Like apple picking and pumpkin hunting, hayrides are a seasonal ritual for many Connecticut families and one of our favorite fall things to do. The state's many farms that offer hayrides or wagon rides usually offer other fun activities, like corn mazes and cider making. For more ideas on how to enjoy autumn splendor in southern New England, check out the Mommy Poppins Fall Fun Guide.

Swim Lessons for Kids in and Near Fairfield County, CT

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Thu, 09/12/2019 - 11:46am

Whether you have a little fish or a child who is scared around water, swim lessons are important for teaching kids to be comfortable and safe at Connecticut's many pools, lakes, and beaches. The Fairfield area is full of pools offering mommy-and-me, parent-child, and independent swim lessons that develop kids' confidence, survival skills, and individual strokes. Check out our Classes and Activities Guide for even more sporty and aquatic fun.

Fun Fall Activities for Connecticut Preschoolers

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Sun, 09/08/2019 - 1:15pm

So many fall traditions in Connecticut seem tailor-made for preschoolers: Who better to upend a freshly raked leaf pile or run around a pumpkin patch long enough to find that perfect Jack-O-Lantern? From local events like apple festivals and pumpkin carnivals to perennial favorites like apple picking, pumpkin patch visits, and corn mazes, we've rounded up 18 of the best ways to have some big fall adventures with little companions this fall. And don't forget our fall fun guide has even more ideas for making the most of the season in Connecticut.

Corn Mazes in Connecticut with Fun Activities for Kids and Families

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Fri, 09/06/2019 - 12:21pm

The perfect balance of fun and challenge for kids, corn mazes are a fall tradition for many Connecticut families. No matter what part of the state you live in, you likely have the opportunity for a corn-mazing adventure. These farms feature not just mazes, but extra activities like hay rides and animal petting areas. So, put your sneakers and thinking caps on, and get out there! For more autumnal outings, see our post on Things to Do This Fall in Connecticut, including papple picking spots, fall festivals and fairs, and pumpkin patches.

Mommy and Me and Baby Classes in Fairfield County, CT

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 08/11/2019 - 12:29pm

A great way to boost babies' motor and social skills while making some new friends yourself is by enrolling in various baby classes. From stroller hikes to mudpie making, Fairfield County offers no shortage of Mommy and Me classes. Pack up the diaper bag, grab a latte, and sign up for a session or two: These classes are designed for new moms (and dads and other caregivers, too!) with their babies in Fairfield County.

End of Summer Checklist: 30Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids Before School Starts

Submitted by Clementina Verge on Sun, 08/04/2019 - 6:00pm

Before beach towels get stored away for another season and late summer nights are replaced by bedtime curfews, there's still plenty of time to embrace late-summer fun with Connecticut kids. Here are our favorite things to close out the summer vacation season as a family. Don't forget to check our list of must-do August activities, free August fun, and events calendar for even more ideas for making the most of summer's end.