Here are some inexpensive or free ways to spend time together outside while the weather is still nice. Let me know if you have any other ideas!
1. Take a hike. Check out the Audobon Society in Greenwich and Fairfield, Earthplace in Westport, Devil’s Den Preserve in Weston. Mianus River Park in Stamford is awesome too. Want to go farther? Check out Kent Falls State Park in Kent. Some of these trails let you take your dog and bike…but check first.
2. Explore nature. In addition to hiking, visit Stamford Museum & Nature Center, their wonderful playground and all the animals, chickens, otters, trails and wildlife. Or go climbing at The Discovery Adventure Park! They've strung lights in the trees to provide just enough gentle illumination, at night! New, extended hours.
3. Take a daycation. Check out Legoland Discovery Center, Westchester. With two rides and a 4D theater in addition to all the LEGO® brick fun, the kids will be entertained for hours. Visit them online for tickets and info. Going north? Visit the CT Science Center or the Yale Peabody Museum.
4. Join the animals. Disconnect at the Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport. Be sure to visit their Tropical Winter Greenhouse, a tropical paradise. It's a short walk through another world! Like farms? Check out the wonderful Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.
5. Travel through history. Ride a vintage train through a restored 1903 station at the Danbury Railway Museum, check out the Essex Steam Train, or visit the New England Air Museum.
6. Enjoy Family festivals. Check out the Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Holiday Stroll this weekend!
7. Visit a farmers market Click here for a list.
8. Get into culture. Visit Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk. Or spend a day in NYC. Check out the Intrepid, Museum of Natural History, the MOMA or the Guggeheim.
9. Get out in the garden Visit Wakeman Town Farm for great ideas and advice. MacArdles, Geigers, Terrain, Stews and Home Depot have great planting supplies.
10. Be creative. Enjoy free holiday crafts at Michaels in Wilton and Westport. They also feature kids crafts at Lowe's in Norwalk.
11. Take a drive. Discover over 800 miles of fall foliage on the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails
12. Enjoy lively musical theater at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre (Bridgeport).
13. Visit a farm. Silverman's Farm in Easton- Enjoy the harvest season with their pumpkin patch, enjoy colorful fall sqashes, gourds, straw bales, cornstalks, scarecrows and colorful mums, baked goods and more.
14. Make a meal. Visit Stew Leonards in Norwalk for a some holiday fun while you get your shopping done.
15. Just play. Visit one of our area's awesome playgrounds like the Leonard Schine Preserve Westport/Weston. Voted one of the top 50 playgrounds in the US.
Great for 4-10 year-olds. Explore Aspetuck Land Trust’s new Interpretive Nature Trail and play at the refurbished Natural Playground featuring the famous Tower and new Giant Bird Nest. Located off of Weston Road (Rt. 57). Visit the new Bruce Park playground in Greenwich too.
