Wilton

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.

Have you Visited Connecticut's only National Park Site?

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 11:09am

Tucked in the bucolic countryside of Fairfield County, Weir Farm is the only in the National Park Service dedicated to the arts. Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Weir Farm has inspired generations of visitors on 60 acres of painterly pastoral paradise. You'll love the peace and serenity Weir Farm brings, your kids will love the pastels.

Bake-Your-Own Workshops, Classes, and Camps in CT

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Thu, 03/29/2018 - 9:23am

I have a four year and she loves cookies. Sugar, chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin: she doesn’t discriminate. She loves them all. So naturally, she absolutely loves visiting a bake-your-own workshop like The Cookie Workshop in Trumbull. We've rounded up a list of sweet spots to bake with your kiddos across the state that they will absolutely love. And you'll absolutely love not having to clean up one single sprinkle. It's a win-win.

A Springtime Bucket List for Preschoolers in Connecticut

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Fri, 03/23/2018 - 5:59pm

Coming out of this seemingly endless stretch of winter has me especially stoked for all of the spring things. The daffodils and added daylight. Baseball and the opening of all those roadside ice cream stands. And you know who else is excited? My four year old. Here is her spring bucket list. I didn’t even help at all.

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.

Celebrating Valentine's Day in Fairfield County

Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on Wed, 02/08/2017 - 10:16am

There is nothing quite as heartwarming as the homemade Valentine’s Day cards you get from your little munchkins. But if your house is like mine, those homemade bundles of love leave a trail of construction clippings, marker stains, and a thin layer of glue on every surface. Instead, you can outsource Valentine’s Day preparations at one of several events in the coming days. Or, scrap that idea altogether for love-inspired cookie decorating or a proper tea with your tyke. Kiss kiss, hug hug, everyone!

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.

Outdoor Winter Activities in Fairfield County

Submitted by Makayla O'Keefe on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 11:51am

Let’s face it. In Connecticut, we don’t always love the snow. It may look beautiful from inside of our homes, but then we have to shovel it, plow it, and salt it. We have to craft it into snowmen and mold it into igloos. And, when it melts, ugh. When it melts into that dirty and dingy film alongside the road, winter can seem grey, lifeless and, well, boring. To help shake those winter blues, try heading outside and check out some of these pretty fantastic outdoor winter programs in Fairfield County with your kiddos. For more winter fun, check out our guide for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Fairfield County and our winte r fun guide.

Gluten-Free/Allergy-Friendly Places for Tasty Eats in Connecticut

Submitted by Erin McNamee on Sat, 01/14/2017 - 1:00pm

Going out to eat should not be stressful, but when someone in your family has a food sensitivity or even worse, allergy, it can feel like more of a chore than a pleasant experience.
This list includes places to grab food in Connecticut that are both kid and allergy friendly. We’ve also made special note of those that are 100% gluten-free or have a dedicated fryer to prevent cross-contamination. With a little planning, you should be able to find a restaurant that everyone in your family can enjoy! Note: always speak up about your allergies right away to make sure an establishment can cater to your needs.