New Canaan

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.

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.

Exploring Silence at Grace Farms

Submitted by Ally Noel on Sun, 11/05/2017 - 9:00am

I don’t know about you, but lately my mind has been racing - my lists have been growing lists and my “to dos” have been expanding at a remarkable pace. So, when I had the opportunity to Explore Silence with Grace Farms Foundation’s Arts Initiative, I jumped at the chance.

My daughter and I have been to Grace Farms several times since its opening in 2015. When I try to explain my experience there to people, I frequently find myself at a loss for words. Grace Farms is a completely unique experience nestled in backcountry Fairfield County, and to understand this facility, you truly have to “experience” it.

20 Ways to Celebrate National Pumpkin Day in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Sun, 10/15/2017 - 9:05am

Pumpkins are the harbinger of the harvest season, appearing every year as the first sign of autumn from pumpkin patches, to pumpkin trains, to Trader Joe's. So, in honor of National Pumpkin Day on October 26th we have rounded up 20 ways to get your pumpkin on in Connecticut.

Connecticut's Best Sunflower Patches and Places to Cut Your Own Flowers

Submitted by Jennifer Coe on Fri, 08/11/2017 - 5:23pm

One thing I always look for forward to is the blooming of tall, fresh-faced sunflowers, peering over me, bringing the sunshine a little bit closer to earth. My family loves to be surrounded by fresh flowers as well as bring them into our home, and there is nothing better than cutting your own (forget grocery store bouquets!). If flowers make your day like they do mine, then you will want to check out the great places you can dance amongst the daisies here in Connecticut. And, of course many of these places offer pick your own berries, veggies and fruit too.

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.

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:

5 Train Rides to Take with your Preschooler

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Thu, 03/23/2017 - 7:07pm

Living in Connecticut, with kids, chances are you've taken a train ride or two. Whether you rode on Percy at Essex Steam Train and Riverboat's Day Out With Thomas or the Naugatuck Railroad's Northern Lights Limited, there are plenty of incredibly sweet themed and scenic railroad experiences across the state.

But, have you ever hopped on a Metro North train on a Tuesday? Chances are, while you may have made the rounds of the seasonal train excursions, you might not have considered the trains running through Fairfield County every hour on the hour. In off-peak hours, you might spend an average of $7 or less on a round trip ticket between Milford and Greenwich. And your kids will LOVE the impromtu ride on the shiny silver choo-choo. We've rounded up some kid-friendly stops off Metro North to turn an everyday train ride into a full-fledged adventure for your preschooler. And make sure to check out the new Hartford line and our suggestions on where to visit at each stop.

Pine Street Concessions to Open Soon in New Canaan

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Tue, 03/14/2017 - 7:54pm

Think food courts are only filled with greasy slices of pizza, French fries and General Tso’s chicken? Think again. Swap out those dirty tables and bland grouping of substandard eateries for something better. Something focused on artisanal and authentic cooking, superstar chefs and, gasp, al fresco dining.

Enter: the food hall.

Expected to hit the Fairfield County scene in just a few short months, Pine Street Concessions, a new gourmet food court currently under construction in downtown New Canaan will offer organic, locally-sourced cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere.

16 Best Storytime Programs in Fairfield County

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Wed, 03/01/2017 - 12:04pm

We all know that reading to our children is important. For starters, fostering a love for reading enhances basic speech and communication skills, stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. Knowledge is power and books offer plenty of it. And where better to find books but the library. We have rounded up a list of the some of the best story time programs for your budding bookworms at local libraries throughout Fairfield County.