Ridgefield

Top Indoor Play Spaces Near Fairfield County, Connecticut

Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on Sun, 02/03/2019 - 8:24pm

Is your house bursting with pent-up energy as winter drags on? Not a problem! Pack up the kids, round up a few friends, and head to one of these colorful, safe, and exciting indoor play places in Fairfield County.

Whether you're looking for a more traditional playground environment in a clean indoor setting, or a place that invites lots of jumping, running, and tumbling, there's no need to drive far. There are many indoor play places and family fun centers offering a variety of safe and eye-pleasing settings, interesting programs, and well-trained, kid-friendly staff. For even more indoor fun check out our Connecticut Indoor Play Guide.

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.

Chilling Out in a Salt Cave - No Spelunking Required

Submitted by Ally Noel on Thu, 08/30/2018 - 9:00am

Relaxation and children’s activities don’t usually go hand in hand. This summer, we’ve enjoyed our fair share of adventure at arcades, trampoline parks, and all the indoor plays spaces that Fairfield County has to offer. But sometimes you just need to chill. As the seasons change and we head back to school, we're all feeling the need for a little R&R in a salt cave. Yup, a salt cave.

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!

8 Family Friendly Theater Shows in Fairfield County

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Mon, 03/20/2017 - 5:53pm

While it’s pretty great to know that one of the largest meccas for culture in the country is only a short train ride away, there’s no need to head all the way to New York City for a taste of good theater. Why not check out some shows a little closer to home? Fairfield County offers a wealth of plays and performances for the kids, at a fraction of the cost of a Broadway ticket. Not to mention, Fairfield County offers a fair share of drama classes year-round.

Lucky for us, there are plenty of family series at our local theaters this spring. From Bridgeport’s Downtown Cabaret’s family friendly picnic-style presentations to Stamford’s stately Kweskin Theatre, be sure to check out some of this season’s best shows, right in your own backyard.

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.

Kid Consignment Shops in Fairfield County

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Tue, 02/28/2017 - 5:48am

I don't know about you guys, but this girl is all about second-hand shopping, especially for kids. Let's face it, kids outgrow their stuff pretty darn fast. Between everyday wear and tear and growth spurts, I am forever playing catchup with my kids' closets. It seems like those pants I just bought my son are now high-waters and those rain boots from the last rain are now too small.

For many, consignment stores offer not only a great place to shop but also a place to make a little extra cash. Fairfield County has some pretty great options for buying and selling your children's clothing, shoes, toys and gear. And, for more kid consignment, check out what Hartford and New Haven counties have to offer.

Allergy Aware Bakeries in Connecticut

Submitted by Ally Noel on Mon, 02/06/2017 - 2:50pm

There are so many great bakeries in every corner of Connecticut. But, like many of you, my daughter’s school is a nut free facility. For everyone’s safety, if we want to send in treats for celebrations and birthdays, they have to be store bought and in their original sealed containers. For really special celebrations, like birthdays and holidays, I like to bring in something a little more festive than a box of Oreo Cookies. Thankfully, Connecticut has a growing list of bakeries that can provide a fresh-baked treat that everyone can enjoy.

Holiday Strolls in Fairfield County

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Mon, 11/28/2016 - 10:37pm

Currently updating for 2018.

For many, the end of Thanksgiving Dinner marks the official start of the Christmas season. It seems as soon as those plates are cleared the holiday shopping begins. And for others, Christmas began even before the table was set. But, lucky for us, some Fairfield County communities have managed to slow us down a bit, make us savor the season and shop, not on Cyber Monday, but at their Holiday Strolls. You know, in a shop? There is something so very special when our quaint New England downtowns are all gussied up in holiday sparkle and the night air is filled with carolers, peppermint and hot cocoa. If you ask me, these are some very good reasons to take a stroll down the slower lane. Take a holiday stroll. Here is our roundup of the holiday strolls coming up in Fairfield County this Christmas season. And, for even more holiday happenings, visit our Holiday Guide.