Adventure Guides--Many YMCAs offer this program, which varies a bit from location to location (Darien and Greenwich, in particular, are specifically father-child programs) and which promises parents and children an opportunity to get outside together for organized camping, hiking, fishing, and other adventures. Programs are generally open to YMCA members and non-members alike.

Darien Chapter, Darien YMCA, 2420 Post Rd, Darien 203-655-8228

Greenwich Chapter, Greenwich YMCA 50 East Putnam Avenue Greenwich, 203-869-1630

Southington-Cheshire Chapter, Southington YMCA, 29 High St Southington, 860-628-5597

Families in Nature Club--This new program at the New Canaan Nature Center promises new activities for families every month. Each family is issued a Nature Passport that contains a challenge, and once the challenge is completed, the family earns a stamp. This is a terrific oppprtunity to get acquainted with the apple orchards, maple trees (and fully operational sugar shack in winter), birds of prey, and nature trails on your own pace and on your own schedule, but with some guidance from the local naturalists.

New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, 203-966-9577

WalkCT--This program sponsored by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association offers walks for people of all ages and activity levels. From the Historic Discovery Walk in Guilford to walks at Salter's Pond in Manchester and the Hatchery Brook Conservation area in Kensignton. Most events are free, but some require advanced reservations.

WalkCT, Chittenden Park Seaside Avenue, Guilford, 860-301-276

Family Camp--Most holiday weekends, Camp Jewell, part of the Hartford area's YMCA program, offers family camps, an opportunity for parents and children to explore traditional camp activities usually reserved for children. Activities are age appropriate and can include archery, arts & crafts, climbing, candle-making, hiking, fishing, and seasonal activities such as snow-tubing, skiing, ice skating, swimming, kayaking, and more. The camp staff host, organize, and facilitate so you can relax and spend the weekend together!

Camp Jewell, 6 Prock Hill Road, Colebrook, 860-379-2782

LL Bean Discovery Courses--The LL Bean store at Danbury Fair offers a whole range of discovery courses for children and adults who are interested in exploring the outdoors whether by kayak, paddleboard, camping, or navigational adventure. The kayaking discovery courses, for example, will wrap up for the season in the middle of October, but for $20 children age 8 and up and their parents will learn the basics of kayaking in a 1.5 hour workshop. The store supplies everything you need including kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and more. (As the weather gets colder, they'll offer classes in snowshoeing, ice fishing, and more for about the same price so be sure to check back often).

LL Bean, 7 Backus Avenue Danbury, 888-615-9964

Kenosia Lake 11 Kenosia Avenue, Danbury CT