There is no better fall tradition than apple picking. Many of the orchards offer petting zoos, playgrounds, delicious cider and goodies, so it makes for a wonderful family day out. Check out our recent Pick-your-own Apples in Western CT  post and get prepared.

Monroe hosts the St. Peter's Apple Festival Saturday and Sunday.  Apple-themed treats, kids' activities and live music highlight this annual celebration.

Ellsworth Farm Corn Maze in Sharon is now open for business through November. You and your children will love the challenge of navigating through the field. 

Fair season continues with several on the docket. Rides, games, exhibits, animals and food will amuse all ages. The Bethlehem Fair has a lumberjack competition and children's pedal tractor pull. The Hebron Harvest Fair showcases a demolition derby and canine aquatic show.

Magic tricks, safari animal rides, and lawn mower races are on tap at the Ledyard Fair. Running 70 years strong, the North Haven Fair will have several live music acts, from country to oldies. Try your luck at the skillet toss or visit some baby chicks. Racing pigs and ducks can be found at South Windsor's Wapping Fair, which dates back to 1892. Meet fire eaters and sword swallowers after sampling kettle corn and corn dogs. 

Burn off some of those deep-fried calories at the Coventry Kids and Family Triathlon Saturday morning. This swim, bike and run event precedes the town's 300th Anniversary Jubilee in the afternoon. Live music, face painting, and a bonfire are just a few of the activities you can enjoy for free. 

Save some money and make sure to attend Connecticut's largest consignment sale this weekend in Danbury, The CT Kids' Closet Sale. We will be there and will have a some great giveaways including 4 tickets to the CT Renaissance Faire, 4 Tickets to Mary Poppins and a $50 gift certificate to Stew Leonard's in Danbury!

Get some exercise with your dog at Mandell JCC's inaugural Doggie Duathlon/Dash in Bloomfield. Fido will swim one lap of the pool and then join you for a 1.5 mile run/walk. 

Furried friends and owners will also want to check out the Responsible Dog Ownership Day in Naugatuck. This free event also has dog contests, demos, micro chipping and vendors. 

Enjoy a great weekend of food, music and family entertainment at the  Taste of Mystic . Stroll this beautiful, historic town while over 30 restaurants tempt your taste buds. Kids' activities include balloon creations, belly dancing, karate demonstrations and more. 

New Haven's Edgerton Park hosts the CT Folk Festival and Green Expo. With free music all day, workshops and activites will educate children and adults on ways to take better care of the planet. 

Environmental displays will also be on hand during Norwalk's Oyster Festival. Learn about, shuck and eat magnificent mollusks while national and local music acts, harbor tours, crafters, and children's rides and games round out the action. 

Enter the drawing for a FAMILY 4 PACK of Tickets to see the evening performance of Mary Poppins on Friday September 14th (a $280 value). Just subscribe to our weekly newsletter and leave a comment below and/or LIKE us on Facebook AND leave a comment there. It will only take about 10 seconds and you have a really good chance of winning so go ahead and enter. One lucky winner will be chosen, and the contest ends Sunday, September 9th at noon.

Tired of the same old party ideas? Articles on Discover Creative Art and Crafts Kids' Birthday Parties and More Kids' Birthday Party Venues in Hartford County will help you out. 

Bookmark and visit our event calendar often for additional listings and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for more giveaways, updates and tips on family fun. 

Have a great weekend!