Fairfield

Great Connecticut Beaches for Toddlers: Gentle Surf, Playgrounds, and More

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 06/21/2019 - 4:00pm

Parenthood may have put an end to lazy lounging in the sun, but visiting a great Connecticut beach with a curious, playful toddler or preschooler in tow is a whole new kind of fun. What makes a good beach or lake experience with a little one? These tot- and mom-approved spots have features like bathrooms, concessions, gentle (or no) surf, tide pools, or spraygrounds that allow for more independent exploration with fewer meltdowns. Just pack some toys, sunscreen, and your patience, and your bound for a fun beach day.

Top Preschool Camps in Fairfield County, Connecticut

Submitted by Katie McKnight on Fri, 02/01/2019 - 10:00am

That very first camp session is so very exciting for kids—and the parents. If your Fairfield, Connecticut-area toddler or preschooler is ready to jump into summer camp this year, take a look at the local Connecticut camps we've rounded up.

As exciting as camp can be, it can also be nerve-wracking for first-timers wary of a new routine, schedule, and people. Luckily, these well-established camps know how to cater to our youngest campers with fun water play, nature, sports, shorter sessions, hands-on summer activities, and yes, plenty of hand-holding. By the end of the summer, everyone will be exhausted but ready to sign up for more, I bet!

Find preschooler camps in the Hartford area, too. Search our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide for more ideas, or by age, interest, and area in our Directory of Listings.

Free Museum Days in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 01/06/2019 - 6:00pm

Connecticut may be one of the nation’s smallest states, but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in culture. Connecticut boasts hundreds of art museums, historical homesteads, science museums, children’s museums, and cultural centers across the state. If you want to take advantage of everything the Nutmeg State has to offer, but don’t love the price tag that comes along with it, then this list of family-friendly cultural attractions featuring free days for visitors is for you! From the Lyman AIlyn Art Museum in New London to the Wadsworth Antheneum in Hartford, there's something for every interest and age group. Still craving more? Check out our complete Connecticut museum guide.

Below is a list of free visiting hours in various museums and cultural centers around the state. Please confirm these free days and evenings with the museums before heading out. Sometimes, especially near a national or religious holiday, schedules may change. Also, keep in mind that teachers, veterans, or seniors may also receive extra discounts.

Not Scary Halloween Fun in Fairfield County

Submitted by Ally Noel on Fri, 09/14/2018 - 9:35am

There is a little something for everyone in Fairfield County this October. From trick-o-treating on a farm, to getting up-close and personal with real life creepy crawlies, these family friendly activities will leave you with a little more treats than tricks. My three year old daughter loves almost everything about Halloween except that she is absolutely terrified of things that go bump in the night. Now that the haunting season is upon us, check out the following activities around Fairfield County that are best suited for a younger crowd.

Family Friendly Waterfront Dining in Fairfield County

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on Fri, 05/18/2018 - 7:56pm

It took me a long to admit this to myself, but since we're among friends I'll just come out and say it: I do not enjoy eating in restaurants with my children. Or, at least I didn't. Now my kids are older and reasonable and do not have temper tantrums if their grilled cheeses are cut into quarters instead of halves--or at any rate they don't do it often. Even though, for a long time, my idea of "family friendly waterfront dining" was grabbing a blanket, some drinks, and those precisely cut grilled cheese sandwiches and heading to my town beach, I have recently branched out to actual restaurants where I leave the picnic basket at home. In the warmer months, there's nothing quite like a meal with a waterfront view, and the options in Fairfield County do not disappoint. Here are some of our favorites.

10 One Mile or Less Hikes to Take with Your Preschooler in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 05/13/2018 - 7:48pm

While Connecticut has hundreds of hiking trails crisscrossing the state, the trails aren’t always suitable for little legs and little feet. So your preschooler may not be ready for Sleeping Giant’s blue trail or Southford Fall’s tower trail however, they will just love exploring the outdoors on these 10 kid-friendly hikes we’ve uncovered. Here are some 1-mile-or-less hikes that are just enough for the youngest of hikers - teaching the invaluable lesson that it is the journey, not the destination. And maybe they’ll catch a frog or two.

Boost Baby’s Brain Power in One of These Fairfield County Classes

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 04/22/2018 - 7:01pm

If you have a baby, you know: Just getting out of the house can feel like an accomplishment. Like seriously. Now let’s talk classes. Does your baby really need to take classes? Yes. And so do you. Trust us.

Taking a Mommy and me—or Dad and me, or Grandparent and me, or nanny and me—class can boost your babe’s brain power, help develop social skills and foster creativity. (Bonus: you can make some new mommy friends!) Classes also offer the perfect excuse to let your guard down and groove to your favorite kid tunes, make a glittery sticky mess, and just remember how to be silly. Here are some classes for you and your babe in Fairfield County. For more, check out our Connecticut Class Guide.

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!

Get Crafty at These After School Art Classes in Fairfield County

Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on Tue, 07/04/2017 - 8:00am

Art. So simple. Yet, impossible to define. What I will say is, it can be the antidote to the stresses of an uber-busy Fairfield County kid. Yes, they need to do their homework, practice their gymnastics and/or hockey, learn the piano, attend swimming lessons, and hey, master computer coding, but what about an after-school activity that's theirs to make and mold? There are art classes on everything from anime to weaving available, and you can enroll in a short session, or one that lasts all semester.

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.