I've been to Boothe Memorial Park in Stratford a few times, and only one word comes to mind to explain it: quirky.  If you're interested in Americana, it's here. Architecture, here.  Railroads, here.  Genealogy?  Yep, it's here.  There's even an observatory on the grounds.  Oh, and a chicken house.  And a HAM radio club.  I'll stop there for now.  And while the 32-acre property is inundated with curiosity-filled buildings, there is also LOTS of room for young ones to roam.  

There are lots of blockbusters to catch in the theater this summer—and some pretty cool places in the area to watch them—but if you’re looking for something different to do with the family, why not check out an outdoor movie this summer instead? Westchester has no shortage of free or inexpensive screenings happening all over the County throughout June, July and August.

So, whether you want to introduce your kids to a classic from when you were growing up (Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, anyone?) or indulge their inner Moana (it’s showing five separate times!), we’ve got the lineup below. 

Looking for outdoor concerts? We've got you covered, and don't forget to consult our complete Summer Activity Guide and Event Calendar. 

Many children are naturally drawn to art, always interested in exploring with color and texture. Art is interesting, educational, creative, and usually, the messier a project, the more fun it is. If your kids are visual or sculpture aficionados and ready to delve into a class, here's a list of options we found for families in Eastern Connecticut.  For even more after school fun, check out our Classes and Actvities Guide.

The Noah's Ark Pool in the Quillian Center (a facility operated by First Methodist Houston) is the perfect combination of a pool and splash pad with shallow water for toddlers to easily stand in, as well as several slides and many water features. You see, my son loves the water. He will let waves crash over him with reckless abandon at the beach, he lives for days spent in the backyard at his water table and he's out the door and running to the splash pad before the car is even fully in park. What he does not love, however, is swimming in pools where he can't touch the bottom.  All of this means we spend a lot of time at splash pads, because he's able to experience a healthy dose of water play without worrying about if he can touch the bottom or not, and it's why we love going to Noah's Ark.

Are you interested in a destination where children can play all day and meet new friends, while expanding their knowledge and skills? Look no farther than Imagine Nation. On the list of our Fun Things To Do With Kids in Bristol, this Hartford-area museum recently underwent an interior redesign and does not disappoint. With three floors of hands-on exhibits and an outdoor play area, your child will be entertained for hours. 

Grab a blanket, picnic dinner, and maybe event a glass of wine because whether you go to work or drive the camp carpool, a free concert in the park is just the thing to end your day on a relaxing note. Here in Westchester, we're lucky enough to have many of our parks on the waterfront, and you'd be hard-pressed to beat that view at sunset.

This summer, towns around the county are hosting bands playing everything from rock to jazz to country to Cuban. How's that for variety? While most of these are completely free, a few do charge a small fee for parking.

Looking for more summer fun? Consult our Event Calendar and our Summer Activity Guide, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter.  

Have you ever wondered what might be below us? If your kid loves adventure and learning about bats, stalagtites, stalagmites, and other rock formations, taking a cavern or mine tour is sure to be a ton of fun. The great part is that cave and mine tours are educational and exciting! We've rounded up all the best caves and caverns near Philly to take a tour nearby.

You'll have to drive quite a bit for these Pennsylvania caves, but it will be worth it, and some are close enough to other attractions to make a weekend getaway out of it. If you've never been in a cave, we've got tons of great tips for taking the plunge. 

The first time my son broke a board in Tae Kwon Do class, I nearly fainted.  His 3-year-old brain had trouble focusing on much of anything outside of class, but when he walked through the doors of the dojo a laser focus seemed to switch on. The Martial Arts offer fitness of the body and mind, something not found in many kid-friendly activities.  If you've considered enrolling your kiddo, here are some class options around Eastern Connecticut. And for even more after school fun check out our Classes and Activities Guide.