Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend September 21-22: Envisionfest, Peace Day, Fairs and Festivals

9/19/13 - By Pam Hegner

Beautiful Litchfield County is a tourist's dream during autumn. Yankee Magazine selected Kent as the top foliage town in New England last year. I live in the county next door to Litchfield, and I was surprised to hear that so many of my neighbors have never visited! 

If you would like to check it out for the first time or a repeat trip, you'll want to read our post on 13 Fun Things to do With Kids in Litchfield County This Fall. For those in Hartford County we've rounded up some great Fall Festivals and Fairs. With all of this talk about Fall we'd be remiss if we didn't mention our Halloween and Fall Fun Guide too!

I took my family apple picking last weekend and it was our unofficial kickoff to fall. Nothing tastes quite like a freshly picked apple. Confused as to where to go? Consult our Apple Picking Guide for plenty of ideas. And to plan ahead for a month full of activities, check out our September Go List  

Our events calendar is always updated with the latest happenings, and here are suggestions for this weekend!

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Corn Maze at Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm (Eastern CT) 
This year's maze theme is "we love our pets." If you are up for a challenge, bring your flashlight Saturday after dusk for the night maze. You can also meet the animals in the barnyard, relax on a hayride and then try some of their farm-fresh ice cream. They have a full store with lunch items, drinks and baked goods. 
Friday-Sunday through the end of October. Adults - $10; children - $5; under 5 - free. Admission includes maze, barnyard and hayride. 

Stamford Hospital Health, Wellness and Sports Expo (Fairfield County) 
Take charge of your health at this expo offering free screenings such as mammograms, cholesterol and blood pressure. Cooking, fitness, marshal arts and dance demonstrations too. Win prizes at the raffle, benefiting the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. Keep the kids active with fifty-yard dash races, face painting, clowns and more. 
Saturday and Sunday. Free.

Cute Kids Consignment Sale (Hartford County) 
If you haven't shopped at this sale, it is worth the trip from wherever you are. However, try to come as early as possible, as stuff goes quickly. Everything from furniture to indoor and outdoor toys, and an amazing array of clothing. Many things are new and include designer brands. The organizers have the sale down to a science and they get you in and out the door in a jiffy. 
Wednesday-Saturday. Wednesday pre-sale $5 per person; other days free admission. 

Guilford Agricultural Fair (New Haven County) 
This event has a long history, founded on the eve of the Civil War. The modern-day version still pays homage to the town's agricultural roots. Donkey, mule and llama shows; horse and tractor pulls, and other animal exhibits. A full midway with games and rides, live music, and plenty of food. 
Friday-Sunday. Adults - $10; children - $5; ages 5 and under -free. 

Orange Country Fair (New Haven County)
Start your trip to the fair with a pancake breakfast from Chip's, a family favorite in our house. After that, enjoy a tractor pull, toddler driving contest, pork chop pig racing, men's haybale toss and juggler/unicycle show. Live music includes genres such as country, bluegrass, punk, rock and oldies. 
Saturday and Sunday. Adults - $7; children 15 and under - free. 

Saturday, September 21

Cider Saturday at the New Canaan Nature Center (Fairfield County) 
Fall, family fun including cider press demonstrations, squirrel olympics, apple sling shot contest, pumpkin scavenger hunt, bake your own apple, and treats for purchase at the bake sale. Fresh local cider will also be for sale, so come and enjoy early fall entertainment at a reasonable price. 
Members- $5; non-members - $8.

Envisionfest (Hartford County)
This free, city-wide festival celebrates Hartford's history, arts and cultural presence. Over 100 events and performers including free museum admission, live music and theater, bicycle tour, carousel rides, kids' activities and more. The band "They Might Be Giants" will be headlining. Nearly 30 venues around town will be hosting events, so check the website for more information. Free. 

Peace, Love and Music Together Celebration (Hartford County) 
Bring the family and a picnic to beautiful Elizabeth Park to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace. All ages will enjoy yoga, meditation, drumming, kids' activities, local musicians, and a rockin' family concert featuring Music Together's "Uncle Gerry." Free. 

Parade of Pooches in Madison (New Haven County) 
Get your furry friend decked out in their favorite costume and head down to the Madison Green. Ribbons will be awarded to the best in some fun categories. Proceeds benefit Scranton Library in Madison. $8 per dog. 

Newington Waterfall Festival (Hartford County)
Featuring food vendors, artists & crafters, children's activities, live entertainment and a Farmers Market. There's something for everyone at this fun-filled celebration! Free.

Sunday, September 22

Strong Kids Triathlon in Westport (Fairfield County)
Ages 2-13 can compete in this fun, festive event at Staples High School in Westport. Swim, bike and run/walk distances based on age. Participants compete for awards, and all triathletes will receive a t-shirt and medal. Funds are raised for the Family Y's Strong Kids Campaign, helping extend programs to children with limited finances.
$25 pre-registration; $35 day of registration; $10 dash. 

Annual Family Fun Day at Club Getaway (Litchfield County)
Come Join the Fun! Club Getaway is opening their doors to the public just for the day. Zip lines, Climbing Wall, Aqua Glide, Bungee trampoline, kayaking will all be followed by a huge buffet dinner and smores. Dinner is included in the price.
$10 per person. $50 family cap.

Seymour Pumpkin Festival (New Haven County) 
Get into the fall spirit with this juried craft show. Items include home decor, jewelry, art, jams and floral arrangements. The Halloween-themed festival will have areas in the park such as Goblin's Gulch, Witches Walk and Scarecrow Alley. Pumpkin decorating and costume contests for the kids, followed by a parade, so have the little ones come dressed up! Plenty of food vendors serving up autumn favorites such as pumpkin pie, apple fritters and fudge. Free. 

Painting Sundays at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme (Eastern CT) 
Just show up and the museum provides the brush, palette, paint, canvas and smock and you supply the creativity. Instructors will help with mixing paint and technique. Head down to the river or garden and paint "en plain air." There are also books, games and scavenger hunts if painting isn't your thing.
Adults - $10; students - $8; under 12 - free. 

Want to create more art? Check out recent post on Kids Art Classes in Eastern CT. After-school activities can be overwhelming, but we simplify it for you. 

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Have a wonderful weekend with your family!