Find feathered friends and encounter animals up close at petting zoos in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Westmoor Park
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
Connecticut Childrens' latest Back to School Toolkit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate, expert advice to keep kids happy and healthy.
Expert Tips for Navigating Back to School Challenges and Tough Talks
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
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Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
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Hold on tight, because summer festivals and fairs are gearing up for Connecticut families! Photo courtesy of Vernon's Annual Summer Carnival
25 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Connecticut for Families
Bounce, splash, and make the most of summer at the best inflatable water parks in New England. Photo courtesy of Brownstone Adventure Sports Park
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Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compunce
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Get up close with history and find even more fun things to do in Connecticut for August 2023! Photo courtesy of King Tut in Hartford
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We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
Try to keep your balance at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Norwalk. Photo courtesy of Sky Zone
The Best Indoor Playgrounds and Indoor Play Spaces in Connecticut
Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
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Elevate the fun at these 8 New England theme parks that are great for families. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
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Summer camps help kids learn new skills and make new friends
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Connecticut Children's has created an online parenting toolkit that addresses challenges like choosing appropriate apps and understanding parental controls.
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Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
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Take a fun-filled family retreat to one of New England's best indoor waterparks! Photo courtesy of Waterpark of New England
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As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
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Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Urban Air.
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Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
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Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
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Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
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Young hikes can tackle these short nature walks. Photo courtesy of Roaring Brook Nature Center
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Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
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From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT
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Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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Essex has genuine appeal for every family. Photo by Ally Noel.
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Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
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Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
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Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
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Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
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Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
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Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
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Explore The Wizard Realm, photo courtesy of Puzzle Theory
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Make ponies the stars of your child's birthday party. Photo courtesy of The Little Party Ponies
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Free burgers? Yes, please! Photo courtesy of Widow Brown's Cafe
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Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
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Staff members are on hand to explain the historic aircraft. Photo courtesy of the New England Air Museum
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With a working farm, plenty of trails to explore, and hands-on programming, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a family-friendly wonderland. Photo courtesy of Stamford Museum & Nature Center
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The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
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Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
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Use recyclables and household objects to build a better bridge.
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Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
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Back to School Concert at Castle Hill Farm will feature a performance by Poppi's Planet. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Back to School Festivities and More Things To Do in CT this Weekend

Free and Fun Things to Do This Weekend With CT Kids: Smell the Roses, Greenfest, High Tea

6/20/12 - By Pam Hegner

It is the month of June,
The month of leaves and roses,
When pleasant sights salute the eyes,
And pleasant scents the noses.

Nathaniel Parker Willis

I grew up in the South where summer is eternal and often taken for granted. But when I moved to Connecticut, I quickly learned to savor the gorgeous summer days as a Floridian might delight in a few falling snowflakes. This weekend, take time to stop and smell the roses (literally!) and rouse your senses with the sights and sounds of the Nutmeg State.

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On the Hartford/West Hartford line, your nose will guide you to over 800 varieties of roses in every color and shape for the 31st annual Rose Weekend Community Events at Elizabeth Park.  This world-famous garden boasts 15,000 plants and is one of the most breathtaking sights. Take a tour or enjoy the music, dancing, farmers market, and kids activities.

Sunday is Connecticut Historic Gardens Day and 14 distinct gardens around the state will offer a variety of fun and free events.

Greenfest in Danbury showcases 60 bands over three days to help celebrate green living. Music, art, comedy, interactive children's events, food and a farmer's market will show visitors of all ages the benefits of making healthy, sustainable, energy efficient changes. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the 7th Annual Duck Day in Litchfield.This free educational event features meeting wildlife such as birds, waterfowl, reptiles, and pond dwellers.

Outdoor fun also includes cultural festivals this weekend. Experience traditional music, dancing, food, crafts and children's activities at the Beautiful Morocco Festival in Stamford, St. Andrew's Italian Festival in New Haven or North Haven's Connecticut Irish Festival.

Taste the Shoreline in Guilford will tempt your taste buds with food samples from local restaurants as well as great live music and family fun.

Kids can indulge in Peter Rabbit-themed treats at The New Milford Historical Society's Children's High Tea and Party. Listen to violin music and dance the bunny hop in this special Sunday afternoon event.

Also in New Milford this weekend is the very popular Touch a Truck . Some of the vehicles available for interaction include a fire truck, police car, and garbage truck. Chuck E. Cheese will be there to meet guests and take photos.

Another furry friend, Clifford The Big Red Dog will be making a visit to Stamford Town Center Saturday. The shows are open to Kids Club members - free to join, but sign up is required. Clifford hosts three storytime events.

And finally, how about watching the sun go down at a Family Campfire at Blue Slope Museum in Franklin. Roast marshmallows, sing songs and welcome the beautiful summer night sky.

For even more events check out our calendar where they are listed for you by date.

The 4th of July is just around the corner, so be sure to visit our Fireworks in Hartford County post!

Need ideas for beating the heat? We discover the Splash/Sprinkler/Spray Parks in Fairfield County as well as Free and Discounted Kids' Movies.

And don't miss our review of the Blue Man Group Exhibit at Norwalk's Stepping Stones Children's Museum. It might surprise you!

LIKE us on Facebook and Twitter for up to the minute information about fun happenings all over CT! We also love updating our Pinterest boards with great kids stuff including party and family food ideas. It's especially fun to follow some of our reader's boards back!