There's no shortage of shoreline in Fairfield County, but that doesn't mean you won't pine for an outdoor swimming pool from time to time. Finding one you're allowed to use, however, may be more challenging than finding an affordable beach. Many towns have never had them. Others have shut them down for safety/insurance reasons. That leaves a handful of town pools, and those at private clubs (and ok, yes, countless backyard pools, but we're assuming you gave up your fence-hopping days when Junior came along). Mommy Poppins has done some digging, and found a handful you can pay to take a dip in for the day. One is straightforward, pay-at-the-door, no-questions-asked; the others will demand an answer to, 'Who do you know?'
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Public Pools and Day Passes to Private Pools in Fairfield County
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Connecticut Beaches with Playgrounds
When you have young children, the beach can seem like more trouble than it's worth—the swim diapers, the water wings, the picnic lunch, the blankets, the towels, the sand everywhere. But throw in a beachside playground, and suddenly you're more willing to make a go of it. There are several spots in Connecticut, be it Fairfield County, New Haven County or out East, where kids can enjoy the best of land and sea together, with a playground plunked down near the water's edge. A handful are quite new, and celebrate the lives of children lost on 12-14-12 in colorful splendor. For more info on CT Beaches check out our CT Beach and Water Fun Guide.
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Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Fairs, Fairies, Mazes, and Hot Air Balloons August 29-30
This is it. The opportunity for one more August weekend hurrah. With only a couple of days left before the onset of early bedtimes and hectic morning routines, it's important to make the most of the last days of summer. Maybe you're heading to the beach one more time, or looking to explore an outdoor museum. If you're seeking a sweet experience, consider touring Fascia's Chocolates or scouring the menu at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
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Best Water Parks for Toddlers In and Near Connecticut
It's hard to believe I'm saying this, but we're sort of over the beach. And as the summer winds down and lifeguard hours become more spotty, the beach can become a dicey proposition with young swimmers. Times like these, we like a nice water park.
With preschools typically starting a few weeks after public schools, this end of summer/shoulder season is a terrific time to take advantage of uncrowded parks and special discounts (typically bundled into an advanced purchase of a season pass for 2016).
We've shared some of our favorite water parks in Connecticut with you before, but now we're going to focus on our favorite parks for younger kids. These parks have all the conveniences toddlers need: a separate play area, flexible food options, and easy changing areas.
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Kidville
Kidville Westport is a one-stop family destination offering kids classes and birthday parties, a pre-school alternative program, and indoor playspace. Voted "Best Place for Kids' Parties" in the 2015 Best of the Gold Coast Awards, Kidville birthdays are legendary, ALL-INCLUSIVE, and hassle-free! Kidville offers three party packages that include exclusive use of the entire facility, activities led by Kidville’s party leaders, a take-home art project, playtime in the Kidville gym, and cake & candles. Choose the Kidville Birthday Party or Big Blowout Party package to also receive the party theme of your choice, pizza & juice, and premium party favors. Choose from themes like a Rockin’ Railroad music party, a Toot Toot Beep Beep Transportation Party, a Jumpin’ Gym Party or a custom theme inspired by your child’s favorite character, movie, book, or interests. From planning to execution, Kidville does all the work so you can relax and celebrate.
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Kidville
Kidville is a one-stop family destination offering creative classes and birthday parties for kids, a pre-school alternative program, camps, and a state-of-the-art indoor playspace.
Kidville's developmental classes for children 0-6 years old inspire endless hours of excitement and adventure. Choose from classes in Gym, Music, Art, Dance, Enrichment, and more. Taught by Kidville’s team of play professionals, Kidville’s programs help growing minds and bodies develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally in a safe & clean environment.
Whether hopping across the Tumbl Trak in their gym or rocking out to their signature music class, Rockin’ Railroad, you and your child will have non-stop fun and adventure while making new friends and connecting with other Kidville families. It's never too late to join the FUN – Kidville offers ongoing enrollment throughout the semester. Free trial classes available for new families!
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25 Ways to Extend the Summer with Connecticut Kids
The end of summer could make a grown man cry, let alone your kids. So, before you pore over your options for After School Computer Coding classes, or become slave to the AYSO calendar, consider that, if you let it, summer could have one last blast. Take advantage of that September sun, with one or more things from our list ... you technically have until the 21st before it ends! The Enrichment Classes Guide will be here when you get back. We promise.
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Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes in New Haven County
Aside from foreign travel, and I don't know, baby dolphins, I don't know what could be more near and dear to my heart than pumpkin picking. To me, it screams, 'This is what life is about!!!' The autumn sun, crisp air, giggling kids, a cup of hot cider -- it's the antithesis to the workweek grind. Some of the spots we found in New Haven County are the definition of agri-tourism, so they also made our list of Apple Picking Orchards in central CT. Whether your looking for slender pumpkins or plump, big farms or small, New Haven County has what you seek. For even more ideas in your inbox, sign up for our weekly newsletter. Check out our Halloween and Fall Fun Guide for lots of other great info!
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Where to Meet Santa Claus in Fairfield County, CT
Oh, how I've dreamed of that iconic child-with-Santa photo that I could drop into our annual holiday card! But sadly, it's not to be yet again this holiday season. Nope, I"ve got a five year with an acute case of Santa-phobia. With no recovery in site.
But happily for the rest of you, Santa Claus is coming to town! Er, towns, that is. Yes, there are lots of towns in Fairfield County where you can and your kiddos can visit with Santa. And please, when you visit with him, put in a good word for my family! For loads more holiday fun check out our Holiday Fun Guide.
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Weekend Fun for CT Kids: Fancy Nancy, Trains, and Gingerbread, December 19-20
It’s hard to believe that in less than two weeks we mark the end of 2015. While most people are still busy shopping for the latest gadgets or best toys, it’s important to remember that time is the most precious present we give our children. It can’t be wrapped in pretty paper, but it outlasts all other gifts, so before another year passes us by, take the time to make a few more memories.
This weekend, you can enjoy Breakfast with Frosty at Beardsley Zoo (and visit its newest resident, a red panda!), remind yourself why It’s A Wonderful Life, and end the day with the Fantasy of Lights display at Lighthouse Point Park. More light shows are brightening up Fairfield County and the Hartford area.
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Kidville
Kidville is a one-stop family destination offering classes, birthday parties, a pre-school alternative program, camps, and an indoor playspace.
Offered throughout the summer months and on school holidays, Camp Kidville is a play-based day camp for toddlers, pre-schoolers and kindergarteners with parent participation and drop-off groups available. Age-appropriate activities led by Camp Kidville counselors promote socialization, independence, and creative expression. Each day, small camp groups rotate throughout Kidville’s air-conditioned, safe, and clean play environment for Gym, Music, Art, and Science. Weekly themes such as Storybooks & Fairytales and Safari Adventure set the stage for sports and movement games, live jam sessions with a Kidville musician, take-home art projects, interactive storytime and dramatic play.
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Music Classes for Babies, Toddlers and Kids in Brooklyn
Tiny Brooklynites who are into tunes take note: There are certainly a lot of children’s music classes in the borough from Brooklyn Heights to DUMBO, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill and beyond. Read on for our top eight picks for budding musicians.
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Weekday Picks for LI Kids: Holiday Train Display, Creation Station, January 4-8
The holidays might be over and school is back in session, but there is still one last bit of seasonal fun to soak in this week. Check out the holiday train display at the Cradle of Aviation and the holiday lights in Long Beach. There's also fun for toddlers, with bouncing in Syosset and arts and crafts in Center Moriches.
For even more activities, check out our Long Island Events Calendar, which is updated daily. You can also get the best events of the week sent directly to your inbox each week if you sign up for our newsletter.
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8 Ways to Meet Other Long Island Moms
New to motherhood or your neighborhood? Seeking to meet other moms like you? The winter months can make it tough to get out of the house and socialize. But don't worry--you don't need to take out a personal ad. Get up and out to meet new folks (and kiddos) with these local ideas. And for more indoor ideas, check our our Inside Activity Guide.
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12 Fun Things to do with Long Island Kids this Winter
If you’re suffering from post-holiday blues, don’t fret—there is still plenty of fun to be had for Long Island families during the winter months. From skating and skiing to mini golf and bowling, here are the top 12 things we love to do with the kids when the weather gets cold. And if you need more inspiration, take a look at our Inside Activity Guide.
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Peppa Pig Arrives on a NYC Stage This Spring
Preschool favorite Peppa Pig is making her U.S. theatrical debut in life-size puppet form as Peppa Pig’s Big Splash tours the country, hitting 90 cities, including New York City in April.
If you have a preschooler or toddler at home, you likely know all about Peppa Pig, her snorting family and their love of muddy puddles. The British-accented pink pig plays on Nick Jr., and ahem, YouTube, on a loop in many a tot’s house, entertaining kids with simple graphics and wholesome themes. You can expect the same from the musical Big Splash, including plenty of Daddy Pig antics, games involving brother George and sightings of Peppa’s friendly pals: Pedro Pony, Danny Dog and Suzy Sheep.
We headed to New Jersey to see the show last month before it arrives here in NYC. Read on for our review, what to expect and how to manage a squirmy tot's first theater experience. Have an older sibling? Try one of our 10 Best Broadway Shows for kids.
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Weekday Picks for LI Kids: Arcade Age, Pirates, Animal Show, January 11-15
This week, kids can play old school video games at The Arcade Age, check out a pirate-themed show or learn about a variety of animals--and that's just a few of the fun things happening this week. For more, check out our Long Island events calendar. You can also get the best events of the week sent directly to your inbox each week if you sign up for our newsletter.
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25 Things To Do with Your Preschooler in Downtown Los Angeles
It's the New Year; time to get creative! There's only so much a parent can dream up for the kids to do in a 12 hour span of time, especially after a busy holiday season when there might have been too much on the things to do list.
Even if you live in a bustling city like Los Angeles, sometimes options for preschool activities seem limited—even more so the farther you get from the suburbs. As concrete and dry as Downtown LA might seem at times, I promise you there's a ton of stuff for families to do, particularly for you and your preschooler. Have fun exploring!
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5 More Out of the Box Birthday Parties for Long Island Kids
Tired of the same old parties and looking for an out-of-the box birthday experience? We've rounded up some different ideas across Long Island that are sure to have your guests talking for days. And for more ideas, be sure to check out our Long Island Party Guide.
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Weekday Picks for LI Kids: Creation Station, Chocolate Molds, Jan. 18-22
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a variety of programs happening on Long Island, including the chance to create a mosaic at the Long Island Children's Museum. There's also plenty of other ways for kids to express their artistic sides this week, so be sure to take a look at our events calendar. And you can get the best events of the week sent directly to your inbox each week if you sign up for our newsletter.
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