Our roundup of fun and free/low-cost things to do with kids in Fairfield County, CT, this September includes an Oyster Festival in Norwalk, dragons on stage in Ridgefield, astronomy nights in Stamford, and family-friendly fundraising run/walks throughout the county.
Sept. 7-9
Shucks
The Village People and Lou Gramm provide live music while Alan Matsusmoto (pictured) builds a 7-foot-tall sand sculpture at this year’s Oyster Festival at Veteran’s Park in Norwalk. Pirates will roam the grounds, singing, dancing, telling stories, and looking for treasure, and a touch tank will allow little hands to discover local sea creatures. Other attractions include rides, arts and crafts, a lumberjack show, an international food court, and oysters galore.
Sept. 8
Take a Hike
Children ages 4-10 with a parent are invited to Ash Creek Open Space to learn about Who Lives in the Salt Marsh. A naturalist is on hand to point out signs of life such as crabs, sea stars, mussels, and minnows and to measure the receding tide. Be sure to bring a water bottle and wear boots or sneakers that tie. To reserve a spot, send email [email protected] with the date and name of the hike and the number of children attending. FREE!
Sept. 14 and 28
Sky’s the Limit
Head to the observatory at Stamford Museum & Nature Center for the Astronomy Nights program, which runs throughout the year. The evening offers presentations and, on clear nights, visitors can view the night sky through the museum’s 22-inch research telescope. This month, visitors learn about fall constellations on Sept. 14 and solar winds on Sept. 28. The program is suitable for children 8 and older.
Sept. 16
Full-Size Rides
Kids can explore backhoes, cherry pickers, school buses, and other heavy-duty machines at Fairfield Ludlowe High School’s Touch-A-Truck benefit, which will raise scholarship funds for local high school students.
Throughout September
On Your Mark…
The New York City Marathon takes place in two months, but don’t feel guilty if you’re not prepared to run 26 miles through three boroughs. Fairfield County has its own mini-marathons, and they are typically less than 10 miles. Not only do many of these races encourage the entire family to participate, but these events raise money for national and local charities. Sounds like a win-win! Check out these family-friendly fundraising run/walks happening throughout the month.
Sept. 23
History on Wheels
Mystic Seaport’s historic sea vessels share the spotlight with historic automobiles at the Antique Vehicle Show. On display are more than 100 authentic pre-1930 cars, trucks, and motorcycles. (you may even get to ride in one!). The day ends with the Grand Parade of Vehicles.
Sept. 29
Fire-Breathing Friend
A chef and a dragon become unlikely friends in Dr. Phineas’s Magical Emporium. This original story, which will hit the stage at Ridgefield Playhouse, was created by Tim Clarke who has worked as a puppeteer with Jim Henson on such shows as Sesame Street, The Dark Crystal, and Fraggle Rock.
Opens Sept. 29
Native to New England
Visit five different Native American communities from northern to southern New England at Stepping Stones Museum’s new exhibit Native Voices: New England Tribal Families. Visitors learn about Native American traditions and how modern families balance contemporary life with the preservation of their important cultural identities through stories and songs.
Sept. 30
Good Enough to Eat
At WACky Family Day: Food Art visitors are encouraged to browse the current Foodies exhibition at Westport Arts Center for inspiration as they create their own food-related art work.
Wednesdays and Sundays in September
Balancing Act
Children and adults with sensory integration dysfunction, autism, and other disabilities with a sensory component can work to develop certain skill sets at BounceU of Stratford’s Sensory Bounce. Teachers work on balance and coordination, auditory and tactile sensitivity, strength building, motor coordination, cooperative play, turn-taking, and social and verbal skills.
New in Norwalk!
Sun Power
Hop aboard The Solar Express, a new addition to the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk. This child-sized train takes visitors on a 10-minute trip through Mathews Park. It collects energy through the museum’s solar panels and is a “green” addition to the museum’s environmental initiatives that include a green roof, a wind turbine, rain gardens, and other eco-friendly features.
Search for even more fun family activities in Fairfield and the NYC area in our full calendar of events!
