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Great Guided Spring Hikes in Fairfield County

3/25/18 - By Jacqueline Miller

Now it's spring, and even though it's a delightful time to explore some of Fairfield County's fabulous parks and nature spaces, my kids seem to need a little convincing to leave the house.

But it turns out that a guided hike is just the ticket. It gives us an agenda and a goal, but someone besides me does all the planning. All we need to do is show up (and, in some cases, preregister). You can go for a stroll with the family pooch or look for amphibians in a vernal pool. We've rounded up  some fun-filled family hikes in Fairfield County, many of which are FREE. For more ways to enjoy the springtime check out our CT Spring Fun Guide.

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1. CT Trails Day Hike 
Trumbull
Enjoy a family hike at Trumbull Nature and Art Center. 

2. Sunday Explorers 
Stamford
Drop by the Stamford Museum and Nature Center on Sunday afternoons for a hike on their well groomed tails, as well as self-guided crafts and other activities. Check website to confirm dates.

3. CancerCare Walk/Run for Hope
Greenwich
The picturesque Greenwich Point Park is the setting for this fundraising event celebrates survivors and supports those facing cancer. There is a kids' fun run in addition to the 5K Walk/Run.

4. Bird Watch at Greenwich Point Park 
Greenwich
Bring binoculars and weather-appropriate gear to explore the birds of Greenwich Point Park with an educator from the Bruce Museum. Free until Memorial Day, when a residential parking pass is required. 

5. Spring Peepers Night Hike 
New Canaan
Explore the New Canaan Nature Center’s vernal pools and ponds to listen for the peeps & croaks of frogs and other amphibians. Preregistration is required. 

6. Earth Day at Woodcock Nature Center 2017
Wilton
The Woodcock Nature Center will celebrate Earth Day with a variety of hikes, including a birding hike, a woodland hike, and even a Sr. Seuss Stroll (that includes a story). Free, but preregistration is required. 

7. Green Day at Earthplace
Westport
Explore the two miles of trails at Earthplace, where you celebrate Green Day with a series of science and nature themed stations throughout the sanctuary. There will be stations dedicated to amphibians, insects, reptiles, mammals, and more. 

​Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia

Originally published in 2015.

 

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