KidsOutAndAbout Fairfield County

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Fri, Apr 17: April Animal Adventure Week at Connecticut Science Center
Sat, Apr 18: Family Field Days at Old Sturbridge Village
Mon, Apr 20: Children’s Free Week in the Museum at White Memorial Conservation Center 4/20- 4/26
Tue, Apr 21: Sing Me a Story with Fairfield Public Library at Fairfield Museum and History Center
Sat, Apr 25: Earth Day Celebration at Grace Farms
Sat, Apr 25: Primitive Tools: Stone, Bone, and Wood at Barnes Nature Center
Sun, Apr 26: Access Family Program: Fly By Design (Children) at The Intrepid Museum
Sat, May 2: Spring Suncatchers at Trumbull Nature & Arts Center
Sat, May 2: Incredible Insects Drop-Off Program at Woodcock Nature Center
Sun, May 3: International Leopard Day at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Thu, May 7: SHEN YUN 2026
Sun, Jun 7: First Sunday June- Keeler Tavern Museum

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

One of the best things about spring is that it turns all of us into treasure hunters.

After a long winter, we adults start scanning the world for signs that life is returning: We notice the first mist of green in a forest's understory, the first brave crocus, the first daffodil. If we point out loud, kids catch on quickly, drawn by the thrill of seeking what winter was hiding even just a few weeks ago, and they're ready to find magic behind every tree.

Of course, in our part of North America, spring can be stingy in early April: The calendar may insist it’s here, but the yard is still beige, the trees are still bare, and the only things blooming outside are spreading patches of mud. But there’s no rule that says spring surprises have to come only from Mother Nature! That’s one reason I’m such a fan of egg hunts.

Last year, I wrote an extremely popular step-by-step article showing how to Turn Easter Into a Treasure Hunt, complete with a printable PDF of rhyming clues. It’s right there waiting for you, ready to make you look like a genius with practically zero effort. And if you want to kick it up a notch and invite a crowd, our article Easter Egg Hunts: Tips and Tricks for a Great Party lays out the strategies for what may be the easiest, fastest, best-bang-for-the-buck kids’ party on Earth. Sure, egg hunts feature prominently in our culture's Easter traditions, but they needn't belong only to Easter, they're a wonderful diversion anytime, in any context.

Spring is a season that proves there’s treasure everywhere. Sometimes the universe provides the fun for us. And sometimes we create it ourselves.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

Submarine Force Museum - Home of the Nautilus

Step into history at the Submarine Force Museum, home of the legendary USS NAUTILUS. Discover the world’s first nuclear powered submarine and tour its authentic control rooms, crew quarters, and torpedo room. Engage the whole family with immersive virtual reality scavenger hunts that bring undersea missions to life. Explore fascinating indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing submarines, undersea warfare weapons, and naval technology. Learn, explore, and be inspired by innovation and courage beneath the waves. Admission is always FREE, with convenient FREE parking, making this unforgettable maritime adventure an easy, exciting stop on your journey. Perfect for families, history lovers, and explorers.

Curtain Call’s Year-Round Dramatic Arts Classes for Kids, Teens, and Adults!

For over 30 years, Stamford’s longest-running and only nonprofit, theatre-producing company has offered opportunities to ACT OUT! We offer an exciting lineup for kids (grades K+), teens, and adults in acting, improv, musical theatre, dance, script writing, AND MORE! Spring Session Runs April 13 to June 13, 2026 Full-day summer workshops: June 22 through August 14, 2026 for students entering Grades K thru 12 in the 2026/2027 school year. Scholarships, payment plans, and sibling discounts. (See our website for details.) For questions, contact our Education Director, Brian Bianco at brian@curtaincallinc.com, or 203-329-8207 x700.

2026 EGG HUNT at Castle Hill Farm

Join us for our annual egg hunt as you venture through our farm-themed stations and visit our animals collecting eggs. Reservations are made in increments. Each child will have the opportunity to find the same number of hidden Easter Eggs while filling up their Castle Hill Farm egg carton! It is a FUN and ENGAGING walk around the stations! Tickets are limited so hop over and grab yours today!

First Sunday April - Keeler Tavern Museum

Come to KTM&HC for free site admission, which includes a tour of our historic museum and access to all current exhibits. And head to the Garden House for fun, free activities for visitors of all ages - this month, build a kite to celebrate the return of warmer months and sunny activities!

Winged Wonders at Earthplace

On the first Sunday of the month, we host a bird-on-glove demonstration where you can learn all about some of our magnificent raptors. Naturalists will discuss the animals’ traits, behaviors, and unique characteristics while the birds interact with their handlers.

Easter Bunny visits the Aquarium at Mystic Aquarium!

Take part in our Spring-themed Easter Egg scavenger hunt, take photos with Wendell the Rabbit, and visit with your favorite marine animals! Included with general admission. Get your professional photo taken with the Easter Bunny on the Mezzanine for an additional cost.

Storytime: On The Trails at Woodcock Nature Center

There's no better time than spring for Storytime: On the Trails program! Each session, we will enjoy a walk on our trails led by an educator, pointing out the wonders of nature and sharing fascinating facts about the season, before gathering around for a story. The perfect way to connect with nature and your child as spring awakens. This program is for ages 2-6 with a caregiver.

Easter Egg Hunt at Indian Rock Nature Preserve

The Easter Bunny is coming back to Indian Rock Nature Preserve for a day of egg hunting on Friday, April 3rd, 2026. Eggs will be hidden throughout the duration of the event, which children can collect to trade in for a small prize! Please remember to bring your own basket. The Easter Bunny will be here to visit with your children, (Bring your own camera) Food, Games, Crafts and More!

Mommy & Me: Animals & Nature at Westmoreland Sanctuary

Meet animals, explore nature and participate in crafts, games and activities. The Mommy & Me program will take place every Friday from 10 AM - 10:45 AM, followed by 45 minutes of self-directed exploration and play.

iD Tech Camps

iD Tech: The World's #1 STEM Summer Camp! BattleBots® Camp? You can only get it here. Roblox Camp? We've got that and more in our Summer '26 lineup. Register today at the top-rated tech camp for 25 years and counting! iD Tech is the very best experience built around your child—their interests, their skill level, their goals for the future. Trusted by 75+ of the world’s top universities and over 1,000,000 parents, iD Tech is where kids and teens learn from the best—coding, game dev, robotics, and more. The future starts at iD Tech! Click here for more information about your local iD Tech opportunities! Virtual camps are also available!

Drop-in Craft: Paper Horse Puppet at Fairfield Museum and History Center - Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824, Saturday, April 3, 2026, 10 am - 1 pm
Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Connecticut - Shoott, See link for times, Saturday, April 4, 2026 - Sunday, April 5, 2026
Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum - Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, See website for specific program times, Saturday, April 4, 2026 - Sunday, April 5, 2026
Take or Make Craft at Southbury Public Library - Southbury Library, Poverty Road, Southbury, CT, All day, Friday, April 4, 2026
Free Photos with the Easter Bunny at Lyman Orchards - Lyman Orchards, 10:00 am- 1:00 pm, Friday, April 4, 2026
First Sunday April - Keeler Tavern Museum - Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, 152 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877, Sunday, April 5, 2026, 11 am - 4 pm

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in and around Fairfield County, CT

The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Fairfield County area is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool, & more. Our guide puts summer fun right at your fingertips!

Preschools in Fairfield County, plus Day Care and Toddler Programs

Parents have an abundance of choices when it comes to PreK and day care options in the Fairfield County area! Use our Big List to help find the best one for your kiddos and check our events calendar to find Open Houses where you can meet teachers and tour the schools.

Escape Rooms in and around Fairfield County

Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the Fairfield COunty area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping a spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout Fairfield County Newsletter 3/26/2026: Tour Guide

2026-03-26T06:01:09-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Fairfield County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter March 26, 2026

*Easter Events and Activites
*80 Easter Basket Ideas That Aren't Candy
*Tips for Hosting An Easter Egg Hunt
*Create A Clue-Filled Easter Egg Hide-and-Seek

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Fri, Apr 3: 2026 EGG HUNT at Castle Hill Farm
Thu, Apr 16: After-School STEAM Classes! at MakeInspires Darien
Wed, Apr 22: Community Service Day: Earth Day 2026 at Flanders
Sat, Apr 25: Earth Day Celebration at Grace Farms
Sat, May 2: Woodbury Parks & Recreation Mother~Son Spring Dance

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

Before I had kids, one of my colleagues told me that fundamentally, a parent’s job is to point. At first, you point physically: You point at the waterfall and say “waterfall,” at the moon and say “moon,” at the flower and say “flower.” You’re helping a child connect sounds to objects, words to concepts, language to reality. But later, and really all the way through, the pointing becomes more metaphorical. Parenting is the ongoing work of connecting your child’s growing capacity to understand with a world that is, to them, forever expanding. As I had Madison and Ella, I came to think of this as being a tour guide to the world.

A good tour guide needs to know the landscape, of course. But even more important, a good tour guide needs to know the traveler. What can this particular child see right now? What are they ready for? What do they care about? What frightens them? What delights them? It's useful to remember that kids haven’t actually been here before: The world is brand-new to them over and over again, so what feels ordinary to us is often astonishing to a child. Tour guides who are doing their job well pay close attention to who their audience is and what they know, and that makes the pointing easier and more fun.

Spring is the perfect season to practice pointing. In spring, the world changes fast enough for kids to notice. Buds swell and burst. Birds return. Tiny green things push up through the dirt as if by magic. Day to day, the world becomes visibly more alive. If we point it out, kids can catch it happening in real time.

And spring does not arrive quietly. It comes as an avalanche of the senses: color, smell, birdsong, mud, wind, sunlight, thunder, petals, pollen, rushing water. So maybe that’s part of the job, too: not just to point, but to lean into it. To stand beside our kids in the rush of it all and say, Look! Here it comes.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

Curtain Call’s Year-Round Dramatic Arts Classes for Kids, Teens, and Adults!

Spring Equinox Festival at Museum of Jewish Heritage

For Persian Jews, the holidays of Purim and Nowruz reflect thousands of years of continuous history in the region and a vibrant diasporic culture that endures around the world today. In honor of these holidays, join us for the third annual Spring Equinox Festival, a celebration honoring Persian culture and the Spring Equinox, featuring Persian music, food, and activities, with free Museum admission!

Discovery Days at Barnes Nature Center: Bunny Tales with Tuggy the Live Bunny

Our Storytime and a craft program held on select Friday mornings at Barnes Nature Center will continue throughout the fall! Children will enjoy a Story followed by a craft that is topic related. These programs will be led by Retired school teacher and Volunteer, Diane Benson.

Children’s Free Week in the Museum at White Memorial Conservation Center 3/23- 3/29

In Memory of Louise W. Willson. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

Women's History Days - At Old Sturbridge Village

How did early 19th-century women see themselves? How did society view the woman’s sphere? How do we view their lives today? Join Old Sturbridge Village as we acknowledge and celebrate extraordinary and everyday women in the early 19th century. Visit the historic houses of OSV to learn about how women ran their households, managing the essential work of clothing construction, cooking, laundry, and more.

Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks (Opening Day) - At Mystic Seaport Museum

Join us in celebrating the opening of Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks with a special opening day event on Saturday, March 28. Drop in from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to participate in a collaborative LEGO® mosaic build guided by members of ConnLUG, a Connecticut-based LEGO® fan group, in the lobby of the Thompson Exhibition Building at the North Entrance. Builders of all ages are encouraged to help create a shared work of art inspired by the exhibition. To continue the fun, pick up a Brick Bingo sheet at the Museum entrance and explore the historic Seaport Village in search of hidden LEGO® minifigures!

Spring Egg Hunt in Woodbury

Hop on over to Hollow Park for a fun-filled morning at Woodbury Parks & Rec's Spring Egg Hunt! Bring your basket and get ready to collect those eggs! There will be a special appearance by the Easter Bunny and plenty of opportunities for photo taking!

Visit the Easter Bunny at the Shore Line Trolley Museum

Spring starts here! Climb aboard one of our historic trolley cars and ride down the scenic Branford Electric Railway to visit the Easter Bunny at the Shore Line Trolley Museum. It’s the perfect early-season family tradition filled with smiles, photos, and holiday fun.

DIY Seed Bomb Workshop at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens

Make your own seed bombs at Magic Wings! Join us to learn how to make your own seed bombs from scratch and take home your creations to add to your home gardens or grow in pots. All supplies are included. Come ready to get your hands dirty and have some fun! Everyone will go home with a minimum of four seed bombs.

Camp Invention 2026

The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.

Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Connecticut - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 03/27/2026, 03/29/2026, See link for times
Celebrate Earth Day - Meridian Waste Children’s Coloring Contest (contest entry ends April 13) - Meridian Waste - Submit your artwork online., 03/27/2026 to 03/29/2026, Any time.
First AMI Montessori Infant Program - Willow Tree Montessori, 03/27/2026 to 03/29/2026, 8:30 - 3:30pm
Children’s Free Week in the Museum at White Memorial Conservation Center 3/23- 3/29 - White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, United States, 03/27/2026 to 03/29/2026, 9 am - 5 pm
Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum - Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, United States, 03/26/2026, 03/28/2026 to 03/29/2026, See website for specific program times
Take or Make Craft at Southbury Public Library - Southbury Public Library - Southbury Library, Poverty Road, Southbury, CT, USA, 03/28/2026, All day

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in and around Fairfield County, CT

Preschools in Fairfield County, plus Day Care and Toddler Programs

Escape Rooms in and around Fairfield County

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout Fairfield County Newsletter 3/19/2026: Discomfort Zone

2026-03-19T06:01:01-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Fairfield County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter March 19, 2026

Easter Fun!

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Thu, Mar 26: SHEN YUN 2026 in New York City
Thu, Mar 26: Kick Start Your Spring Vegetable Garden at Lachat Town Farm
Fri, Mar 27: EverWonder's Annual Egg Scramble

Sat, Mar 28: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert at The Bushnell
Sat, Mar 28: Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks (Opening Day) at Mystic Seaport Museum
Fri, Apr 3: 2026 EGG HUNT at Castle Hill Farm
Thu, Apr 16: After-School STEAM Classes! at MakeInspires Darien
Wed, Apr 22: Community Service Day: Earth Day 2026 at Flanders
Sat, Apr 25: Earth Day Celebration at Grace Farms
Sat, May 2: Woodbury Parks & Recreation Mother~Son Spring Dance

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

The first time I can remember having to take a public stand on anything was in eighth grade English. We were assigned an essay on a controversial topic and told we’d present our arguments to the class. When he handed back our papers, Mr. Schmidt added a twist: no reading. We’d speak from notes.

I was horrified. After school, I tried to negotiate my way out of it. “This makes me really uncomfortable,” I told him, hoping for mercy. He looked at me over his glasses. “That’s the whole point,” he said. “To get stuff done, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t worry, you’ll live.”

Mr. Schmidt was right. I didn’t die. And more important, I learned something that stuck: Discomfort isn’t a stop sign, it’s just part of the road, and all roads are bumpy.

That lesson shaped how I've raised my kids, too. Karate helped Madison and Ella distinguish between effort and injury. Long car rides taught them to rely on their own imaginations. Theater nudged them to stand however close to the spotlight they could manage, even when they’d rather disappear. And summer camps—those muddy, unpredictable, gloriously imperfect experiences—gave them countless chances to try something new and realize I can do this without the stigma that can accompany failing in other contexts.

Growth rarely happens inside the comfort zone, which is why I’m such a believer in giving kids opportunities to stretch beyond what feels easy. Summer programs are perfect for this, so that's why during "summer camp search season" we focus on showcasing the wide variety of camps and programs available in each area we serve. Here's the link to the portal page.

These days, as we approach the 25th anniversary of KidsOutAndAbout.com in June, I see that same principle playing out: The technology has changed, the business climate has changed, but the equation hasn’t. Discomfort still shows up right before something meaningful. And I still hear Mr. Schmidt’s voice in my head: Don’t worry, you’ll live.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

Curtain Call’s Year-Round Dramatic Arts Classes for Kids, Teens, and Adults!

World Frog Day at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

World Frog Day is celebrated annually on March 20th to raise awareness about frogs and other amphibians, highlighting their ecological importance and the threats they face.

Mystic Seaport Ship Modelers Model Tugboat Show

Explore 50+ detailed models of tugboats, towboats, fireboats, and barges—spanning the 1860s to today. Meet the Mystic Seaport Ship Modelers, learn about their craft, and see models of the hardworking vessels up close.

Hocus Pocus Lotions and Potions at Trumbull Nature & Arts Center

Instructor Vanessa Fasanella will explain why essential oils are used, and how to use them. She’ll cover both the myths and the facts. Each family will create one scented hand lotion, one sugar scrub, one elixir oil, and one bath salts, and will receive a hand-out sheet to take home. Families with children ages 8+.

Old Sturbridge Village Celtic Celebration

Join us as we celebrate cultural heritage through music, dance, storytelling, and poetry during Celtic Celebration. Visitors to the Village will learn about Scottish and Irish heritage, and the ways it shaped 19th century New England. During this event, guests will have the opportunity to hear fiddle tunes, bagpipes, and music by Celtic musicians. Returning this year, Cate Mahoney and Shelley Otis will be performing on the harp. As you explore the historic Village, discover a variety of demonstrations and unique activities to participate in; play a game of Rounders, an Irish game similar to baseball, or see a character presentation about an immigrant’s experience in early 19th century Ireland and America. New this year, the Village is welcoming a team of guest Highland Cattle for visitors to meet and learn about this iconic cattle breed.

Easter Bunny visits the Aquarium at Mystic Aquarium!

21st Annual Mystic Irish Parade - With Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

The Mystic Irish Parade is upon its 21st year, so join us on March 22nd in your best green & Celtic cheer! Come and see over 2000 marchers and 100 units march down the streets of Mystic! This year we're expecting over 40,000 spectators coming out to see!

Camp Invention 2026

Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum - 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, Friday, March 20, 2026, See website for specific program times
Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Connecticut - Broadway, New York, NY, Friday, March 20, 2026, See link for times
Siberian Husky Sled Dog Meet & Greet with Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky Club at Lyman Orchards - 32 Reeds Gap Road, Middlefield, CT 06455, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10 am - 1 pm
Take or Make Craft at Southbury Public Library - Poverty Road, Southbury, CT, Saturday, March 21, 2026, All day
Donation Drive-Thru Event! - Mount Pleasant Road, Newtown, CT, Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9:00 - 12:00
Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum - 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, Saturday, March 21, 2026, See website for specific program times
Open House for 2026-27 Enrollment - 171 Amity Road, Bethany, CT 06524, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2:00pm
Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum - 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, Sunday, March 22, 2026, See website for specific program times
21st Annual Mystic Irish Parade - With Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce - Holmes Street, Mystic, CT, Sunday, March 22, 2026, 1:00 - 3:00 pm

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in and around Fairfield County, CT

Preschools in Fairfield County, plus Day Care and Toddler Programs

Escape Rooms in and around Fairfield County

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

170 Office Park Way
Pittsford NY 14534
US

Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options

Fairfield County KidsOutAndAbout Summer Camp Newsletter- March 2026

2026-03-17T12:04:19-04:00

Summer Camps in the Fairfield County Area

Arts, Crafts, & Cooking Camps

Fairfield County KidsOutAndAbout Summer Camp Newsletter

March 16, 2026

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

Here at KidsOutAndAbout.com, we love promoting summer camps as a way for kids to learn, expand their friendship circles, and have fun without the pressure of grades or consequences. Local summer camps have pulled out all the stops to ensure your kids have a great time.

After getting inspired by the camp descriptions below with programs for preschoolers through teens, head over to our Week by Week Guide to Summer Camps and what's been posted so far for 2026. Bookmark that main portal page to get where you need to go quickly to search by date or subject. New camps are being added constantly, so check back frequently.

I hope you enjoy our special-edition camp newsletter, and that you forward it to your friends who may also be shopping for summer camps. We'll be back with your regularly-scheduled weekly newsletter on Thursday!

—Debra Ross, publisher

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

Summer camps 2026: week by week

Week of June 7, 2026

Week of June 14, 2026

Week of June 21, 2026

Week of June 28, 2026

Week of July 5, 2026

Week of July 12, 2026

Week of July 19, 2026

Week of July 26, 2026

Week of August 2, 2026

Week of August 9, 2026

Week of August 16, 2026

Week of August 23, 2026

Week of August 30, 2026

Find summer programs by subject!

Day Camps

Overnight Camps

Music Camps

Theater & Drama Camps

Dance Camps

Sports Camps

STEM, Nature, History, & Culture Camps

Camps for Kids with Special Needs

Camps for Preschoolers

Religious & Vacation Bible Camps

FEATURED LOCAL CAMPS

Give your child a true Waldorf Experience this summer at Apple Blossom Waldorf School & Family Center

Give your child a true Waldorf Experience this summer -- Immersive time in nature, imaginative play, and a gentle, summer rhythm that nourishes children's head, heart and hands. This summer we will move, explore, be creative and have fun both in nature as well as indoors! Each day will include ample time in nature, movement opportunities both indoors and out, a nutritious and organic snack and time for creativity and play. Each week will have a different craft project that the children will be working on.Weekly Activities include building, gardening, cooking, puppetry, watercolor painting, crafts, circle games, drumming and plenty of free play. A flowing gentle rhythm will guide the children through the day. The day will end with story time and lunch (brought from home). A homemade, organic snack is included daily. Our extended-care program includes an afternoon nap, snack and free play.

Camp Stonewall

Camp Stonewall is a co-ed sleepaway camp on the Marianapolis Preparatory School campus in CT. Our choice-based program allows campers to create their own schedules each day between athletics, visual arts, culinary, performing arts, waterfront, and outdoor adventure activities (40+ activities offered per day!). We serve kids ages 7-15 for sessions of 1-7 weeks. Our campers and staff come from all around the globe. Everyone lives in the campus dorms which provides the welcoming, nurturing environment that helps kids adapt quickly to being away from home and take full advantage of the freedom and responsibilities fostered at sleepaway camp. Please visit our website for more information.

For Girls Who Like To Make Things!

Curious Jane Camp is coming back to Westport and popping up in Fairfield! New for 2026! Two project-packed weeks at each location. In Fairfield at First Church –– July 20-24 and 27-31. In Westport at Saugatuck Church –– August 3-7 and 10-14. Choose from creative, colorful themes like DIY Your Room, Mini World, Design Lab and more. Our limited availability means spots fill quickly. We hope you will join us! For girls entering grades K-1st, 2nd-3rd and 4th-6th. Find out more at www.curiousjane.fun.

Curtain Call’s Year-Round Dramatic Arts Classes for Kids, Teens, and Adults!

Summer Camps at the Darien Arts Center

The Darien Arts Center Summer Camps give children a fun and creative way to explore the arts during the summer. With programs in dance, visual arts, music, and theater, campers can try new activities, build skills, and express themselves in a supportive environment. Led by experienced instructors, each camp encourages creativity, confidence, and collaboration while helping students make new friends and lasting memories. Register today at darienarts.org, as camps fill quickly.

Darien Summer School & Enrichment

Darien Summer School & Enrichment (DSS&E), which is open to residents and non-residents, offers a dynamic and diverse array of summer programs for children ages 3 to 18. With over 200 courses across sports, art, music, theater, technology, and academic subjects, DSS&E provides an enriching experience designed to inspire creativity, foster growth, and help students reach their full potential. Whether your child is exploring a new interest or strengthening existing skills, the flexible, engaging programs cater to every age and ability. Taught by certified teachers and coaches, DSS&E ensures a fun, educational, and rewarding summer for all. Visit www.dariensummerschool.com to view courses and register today!

Register for Earthplace Summer Camp today!

Spend the summer outdoors! Earthplace Summer Camp invites campers ages 2-15 to explore the outdoors. Weekly sessions, from mid-June to mid-August, offer adventures along the trails, by the pond, and within our pine grove. Our staff prioritizes safety and fosters a summer filled with friendships and outdoor fun. Campers in grades 7-9 will have the opportunity to participate in our Trekkers program, featuring an optional overnight camping experience each week! Additionally, we are offering a new, week-long camp experience for teens, ages 12-15 through our Adventure Club program. Teens spend a week learning wilderness skills and then participate in an overnight camping excursion where they will put those skills to the test! Find more information about our Adventure Club here: https://earthplace.org/adventure-club/

King School Summer Institute

Register your child today for Summer Institute (SI), where Kindergarten-Grade 12 are taught in small classes by King's outstanding teachers and coaches. Middle and high school classes allow students to pursue their academic passions and accelerate their progress in the next academic year. Academic courses are offered in math, science, computer science, performing arts, visual arts, global studies, and more. Many courses earn students academic credit. Fun Camp is a STEAM-based camp that allows younger students, Kindergarten-Grade 5. Children love the activities and field trips. Join us for all six weeks or a combination of weeks. Explore Sumer Institute and register today!

Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool

A summer of fun awaits at Ridgefield Academy | Landmark Preschool! Our 2026 Summer Programs offer exciting opportunities for children ages 2–14 across our Ridgefield, Westport, and Bedford locations. Whether your child dreams of becoming a chef, an artist, or a sports star, our programs fuel their imagination by blending enrichment with classic camp fun. We offer flexible morning, afternoon, and full-day sessions designed to suit every family's schedule. Visit our summer programs page for full details and to secure your spot. For questions or assistance, please contact Sara Abriola, Director of Auxiliary Programs, and get ready for a fun-filled summer!

Silvermine Arts Center - Jump into Summer Fun!

Summer Art Studios June 15 – August 21, 2026 Join us for week-long art camps for ages 3-17 with the option to stay all day with “lunch bunch,” a supervised lunch for the week. Featuring: Ceramics, Digital Arts, Drawing & Painting, Glass Flame Working, Mixed Media & Collage, Photography, Printmaking, Pre-K Process Art and More. Silvermine provides young people with an opportunity to participate in fun hands-on art classes with their peers in one of the oldest artist communities in the country. View our ecatalog on our website and register today! Silvermine Arts Center, New Canaan, CT – silvermineart.org

History Adventure: Explore Local History This Summer!

Join us for a fun-filled summer program where kids will learn about helicopters, planes, Stratford’s sports heroes, the world of spies, and more! Designed for children entering grades 1 – 5, this 9:00 am – 3:00 pm program runs one week: August 10 – 14. Don’t miss out on an adventure-packed experience! Questions? Call us at 203-378-0630. For more info, visit: www.stratfordhistoricalsociety.org/events#SummerPrograms

Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School

Give your child an unforgettable summer at the Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School! Rising 2’s, 3’s, 4’s and Kindergarteners will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as water play, nature scavenger hunts, bubble shows, Olympic games and imaginative play on the multi-level playground. Indoor summer favorites include STEAM, music, art, gymnastics, interactive learning in the Animal Discovery Room, and Shabbat with Temple Sholom’s clergy. Led by experienced and professional teachers and staff, summer sessions are offered as five, two-week sessions from June 9 through August 14 at Temple Sholom (300 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT). To learn more, contact 203-622-8121 or david.cohen@templesholom.com.

TennisCT

Game, Set, Summer! Beat the Heat and Rain with TennisCT’s Premier Indoor Summer Camps! Give your child a summer full of fun, fitness, and friendships at TennisCT’s premier junior tennis camps! Whether your child is a beginner learning the fundamentals or an advanced player refining their skills, our indoor camps at Kings Highway Tennis Club in Darien, Fairfield Tennis, and Trumbull Racquet Club offer programs designed for kids ages 4–16 to learn, play, and grow in a safe, structured and engaging environment. Our camps feature expert coaching, custom training for all levels, state-of-the-art facilities and fun activities to make sure kids stay motivated, social, and excited to play every day. Secure your child’s spot today for an unforgettable summer experience. Learn more at www.tennisct.com!

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Attention all young scientists and conservationists! Dive in and explore the fantastic ocean of wonder at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk's summer camp. The Aquarium's summer camp program integrates science with the arts and humanities to deepen children’s understanding of animals and the environment.  Young campers will learn all about the ocean through fun stories and games. Older kids will learn how technology and engineering can solve complex environmental problems like water pollution, marine debris, and storm resiliency. Plus, campers of all ages are invited to join a camp overnight on August 8! Please visit our website to register today!

Crystal Theatre summer camps!

Be a star this summer at one of Crystal Theatre’s four summer camps for children aged 4 through 18! Our camps run from June 22nd to July 25th and culminate in fully costumed musical performances for family and friends. Develop your acting, singing, and dancing, and have fun! Our elementary school and pre-school camps also feature collaborative art projects and watercolors with our resident artist. Our original musicals are written specifically for children and younger voices and this year’s shows run the gamut from “The Ants & the Grasshoppers” to “Alice In Wonderland”! Please visit our website for more information!

Camp A Cappella CT

'Camp A Cappella CT' is a summer music camp located in Westport, CT. It was created to give singers an opportunity to learn the art of a cappella singing in a positive and upbeat atmosphere. Our talented a cappella coaches from across Fairfield County aim to help students improve their vocal technique, music reading skills, beatboxing, choreography, and stage presence. At the end of every program, we give our students the opportunity to perform the repertoire they have been rehearsing for family, friends and the community. To accommodate different ages and skill levels, our programs are divided into two groups, an upper and lower camp, each with its own repertoire and daily schedule. Both upper and lower campers will have the opportunity to perform in our final concert. Our upper campers will have a special opportunity to work with our faculty on how to best prepare for school auditions in the fall! College ensemble audition preparation is also available for seniors in college who are…

Long Lake Camp For The Arts

A Summer Performing and Fine Arts Camp for campers from all over the world come together to enjoy Theater, Fine Arts, Music, Rock, Circus, Dance, and fun waterfront and sports. We are located in the heart of the Adirondack Park of North New York. Long Lake Camp for the Arts is a summer sleep away camp for creative boys and girls from all over the world ages 10 to 16. Our campers 100% design their own perfect schedules with our guidance. We have a noncompetitive philosophy offering world class activities in Theater, Music, Dance, Fine Arts, Circus, Rock Bands, Film, Comedy and we have fun land sports and water sport. Campers choose Long Lake to explore their creative/performing sides and to be surrounded by beautiful mountains trees and lakes. With only 260 campers and 160 staff we truly give every camper tremendous personal attention.

Camp Invention 2026

iD Tech Camps

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KidsOutAndAbout Fairfield County Newsletter 3/12/2026: We Fill Potholes

2026-03-12T06:01:00-04:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Fairfield County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter March 12, 2026

Easter Fun!

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

For much of the country this year, March simultaneously is bringing hope that spring may in fact return to North America AND the awareness that every car is at risk for the foreseeable future. All winter long, water seeps into asphalt cracks, freezes, expands, melts, and freezes again, and bit by bit the driving experience becomes a game called Avoid the Crater.

But lately I’ve started seeing the repair trucks out there again, their bright-vested workers moving methodically from hole to hole with their shovels. Every time I pass them, it gives me a lift, not just because it means someday soon I'll start seeing flowers out in the real world, but also because potholes are one of those perfect reminders of what humans do. Playrooms, projects, and paperwork start out neat, but over time, weather, wear, gravity, and procrastination take their toll. No matter how strict the system, order gradually slides toward chaos. And then humans step in and make it right again.

I saw the cycle in action at the KidsOutAndAbout office last week: Our storage room had slowly become a museum of random supplies, half-filled bins, and Christmas decorations that had been tossed in with a hopeful Future Us will deal with this someday. Fortunately, my colleague Michelle, who works in our data department, is also a genius organizer. A few hours after Future Michelle stepped in and applied logic and elbow grease, the little room had transformed from a cluttered cave into a serene space.

The quickening of the seasons seems to bring that same energy into our homes: Closets get sorted, garages get swept, junk drawers finally meet their match. It feels good, not just because the space looks better, but because fixing things reminds us of something important: Disorder is normal, but it’s not permanent. Humans can step in and bring brightness back.

So here’s to spring cleaning, organized shelves, and freshly patched roads.

Our tires, and our spirits, roll much more smoothly because humans fill potholes.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School

Learn to Skate (Late Winter 2026)

Learn to Skate at The Rinks at Shelton with our Late Winter 2026 session. Programs are available for first-time skaters ages 3–5 in Snowplow Sam and for skaters ages 5 and up, including adult-only classes. First-time participants receive free skate rentals, and classes run weekly with multiple day and time options.

Annual Pancake Breakfast & Maple Syrup Demonstration

Auerfarm invites you to a unique pancake breakfast experience! Auerfarm wants you to join us in celebrating the maple season with a hands-on learning experience and a pancake breakfast! Start your day off right with a hearty farm-styled breakfast and sample our freshly made maple syrup. Then, get a tour of our maple trees, and watch as our farm educators tap the trees and collect sap. Then follow the steam to the sugar shack to watch the sap get boiled down into maple syrup! While at the sugar shack say hello to our animals!

Afternoon Session: St. Patrick's Day Rainbow Search at Trumbull Nature & Arts Center

Find the 7 colors of the rainbow using a special map along the TNAC trails. At each color flag you'll find objects that tell a story about Irish culture or history. Families will receive lucky clover seeds, potting soil, and a small pot to decorate and take home. One clover kit will be given to each family, along with "gold" coins for the wee ones.

Milford St. Patrick's Day Parade

Come and enjoy the festivities and show your green at the annual Milford St. Patricks Day Parade! Your family will thank you for bringing them to this fun event! The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 1 p.m. and will start at the Wasson Field parking lot on West Main Street, and marchers will make their way through the traditional downtown parade route to the North Broad Street gazebo.

Astronomy Night (free): Stargazing at Lyman Orchards

Head over to the driving range at Lyman Orchards Golf Course for a beautiful night full of stargazing with the Astronomy Society of New Haven. The event will take place on Saturday, March 14th from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM. During the event, you'll be able to see the two biggest planets in our solar system and their largest moons, as well as galaxies, clusters, and nebulae. Blankets, chairs and red flashlights are recommended while enjoying the breathtaking astronomical views and educational experience.

New London St. Patrick's Day Parade

We have some exciting news! The 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New London, CT will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The parade’s theme is, “Everyone Is Irish for a Day” This event is sponsored by the City of New London, the Downtown New London Association and produced by Neff Productions. This year’s parade will consist of local bands, civic groups, Irish civic organizations, and youth groups. The parade kick off at the corner of Bank and Tilley Streets, proceed north on Bank Street, turn left up State Street and then proceed onto Washington Street. The route this year is approximately ¾ of a mile and is more compact than the previous parade routes in the city, which provides greater viewing for the public. The review stand will be at Parade Plaza, located at the corner of Bank and State Streets.

All Things Green at the BNC

Join us for an indoor St. Patrick’s scavenger hunt! Follow the clues to the pot of gold! Children are welcome to join staff and volunteers at the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center on Sunday, March 15th, for an ongoing St. Patrick’s Day craft activity to take home.

Downtown New London Irish Flag Raising - State Street, New London, CT, Friday, March 13, 2026, 5 pm
FREE! Youth Open House at the YMCA of Greenwich - 50 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830, Saturday, March 14, 2026, 12 p.m.
Open Day at New Pond Farm Education Center - 101 Marchant Road, Redding, CT 06896, Saturday, March 14, 2026, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Second Saturdays for Families: Craft Connections at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art - 600 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103, Saturday, March 14, 2026, 10am–2pm
Take or Make Craft at Southbury Public Library - Poverty Road, Southbury, CT, Saturday, March 14, 2026, All day
Milford St. Patrick's Day Parade - Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, CT 06460, Saturday, March 14, 2026, 1 pm
Astronomy Night (free): Stargazing at Lyman Orchards - 32 Reeds Gap Road, Middlefield, CT 06455, Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum - 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511, Saturday, March 14, 2026 and Sunday, March 15, 2026, See website for specific program times
Challenge Camp Information Session - 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801, Sunday, March 15, 2026, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade! - New Haven, CT 06510, Sunday, March 15, 2026, Step-off is 1:30 pm
New London St. Patrick's Day Parade - State Street, New London, CT, Sunday, March 15, 2026, 1 pm (rain or shine)

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in and around Fairfield County, CT

Preschools in Fairfield County, plus Day Care and Toddler Programs

Escape Rooms in and around Fairfield County

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

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Visit The Long Ridge School

2026-03-10T11:01:17-04:00

Dear KidsOutAndAbout.com readers:

Looking for joyful education on a spectacular campus? You need to visit the Long Ridge School!

What makes the Long Ridge School so special:

Specializes in early education, age 2 to grade 5
Inquiry-based, experiential learning
Individualized instruction
Low student-to-teacher ratios
A globally inclusive community

Learn More & Visit

Is Long Ridge the Right Fit?

Visit Long Ridge online at www.longridgeschool.org, call (203) 322-7693 or email their admissions office at admissions@longridgeschool.org to set up a time for a tour.

Best,

Debra Ross
Publisher
KidsOutAndAbout.com

We periodically send special editions of the KidsOutAndAbout.com e-newsletter to showcase an important upcoming event or opportunity. This is one of those! Thanks for being part of our community!

Please note that if you choose to unsubscribe,

you will also stop receiving our weekly Thursday morning newsletters.

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Yale's McPartland Lab is seeking participants for studies!

2026-03-06T14:01:01-05:00

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

The McPartland Lab is actively recruiting participants for its research studies to better understand brain differences in autistic and non-autistic children with intellectual disability as well as autistic and neurotypical teens. Read more about the current and upcoming studies below:

Current Studies

Social Attention in Children with Global Developmental Delay

This is a study for children ages 3-5 years old with global developmental delay. Researchers are hoping to better understand the ways these young children experience the social world by looking at attention to social images.

Participation involves two in-person visits to the lab in New Haven where children and families will talk to a clinician, complete questionnaires, and watch videos while we record their brain waves and movement.

Children will receive a clinical evaluation and report as well as compensation up to $250.

Social Attention in Autistic Children and Children with Intellectual Disability

This project studies attention to social images in autistic children with intellectual disability (ID) and non-autistic children with ID or Angelman’s syndrome between the ages of 6-11 years old. Researchers are studying behavior and brain systems to better understand the different ways these children experience the social world.

Participation involves three in-person visits to othe lab in New Haven where children and families will talk to a clinician, complete questionnaires, and watch videos while their brain waves and movement are recorded.

Children will receive a clinical evaluation and report as well as compensation up to $300.

EEG Study in Adolescents with Autism

This project studies how teens interact with peers in a computer game and in everyday life. Rearchers are currently recruiting teens between 13 and 17 years old.

Participation includes one or two visits to the lab where families will talk to a clinician, complete questionnaires, and teens will do computer activities while their brain waves are recorded with an electroencephalogram (EEG).

Participants will receive a clinical evaluation, assessment report, and compensation of $100.

Upcoming Studies

Auditory Study for Adolescents in Autism

This study will investigate how the brain processes sounds, and why sometimes the same sounds can feel too loud or too quiet. Researchers will be recruiting teens with and without autism between the ages of 12 and 17 years old.

Participation includes a one-time visit to the lab, where brain activity is measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG) in response to various sounds. In addition, participants and parents will talk to a clinician and complete questionnaires.

Participants will be compensated $50.

Visit the website or reach out to the at 203-737-3439 or science@yale.edu to learn more about these studies and get involved! This is a great opportunity for families to get a hands-on experience in a real lab and learn about themselves in the process.

Best,

Debra Ross
Publisher
KidsOutAndAbout.com

We periodically send special editions of the KidsOutAndAbout.com e-newsletter to showcase an important upcoming event or opportunity. This is one of those! Thanks for being part of our community!

Please note that if you choose to unsubscribe,

you will also stop receiving our weekly Thursday morning newsletters.

KidsOutAndAbout.com
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KidsOutAndAbout Fairfield County Newsletter 3/5/2026: Remember the Rocks

2026-03-05T06:01:11-05:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Fairfield County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter March 5, 2026

Local Preschools, Day Care, and Toddler Programs

Big List of Kid-Friendly Museums

Big List of Indoor Play Centers

Post your organization and events to our site (It's all FREE!)

Fri, Mar 20: World Frog Day at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Sat, Mar 21: Animals for All: Caring for Exotic Critters at Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Sun, Mar 22: 21st Annual Mystic Irish Parade
Thu, Mar 26: SHEN YUN 2026 in New York City
Thu, Mar 26: Kick Start Your Spring Vegetable Garden at Lachat Town Farm
Fri, Mar 27: EverWonder's Annual Egg ScrambleSat, Mar 28: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert at The Bushnell
Sat, Mar 28: Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks (Opening Day) at Mystic Seaport Museum
Sun, Mar 29: Roald Dahl's Matilda Jr. the Musical at The Bushnell
Fri, Apr 3: 2026 EGG HUNT at Castle Hill Farm
Thu, Apr 16: After-School STEAM Classes! at MakeInspires Darien
Wed, Apr 22: Community Service Day: Earth Day 2026 at Flanders
Sat, Apr 25: Earth Day Celebration at Grace Farms
Sat, May 2: Woodbury Parks & Recreation Mother~Son Spring Dance

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

When I was a teenager, I had a teacher who became a mentor without ever knowing he was one. He was aware I’d been going through some difficult times, and was glad to hear I was almost on the other side. “Some people aren't lucky enough to have dealt with hard things when they're young,” he told me. Then he added the phrase that has echoed in my head for decades: “Remember the rocks.”

Life, he explained, was always going to toss boulders into my path. The trick was to recognize, early, that even if it was painful or scary, I was capable of getting around, or over, or through them. Remembering how I’d managed would help me trust myself more when the next, bigger ones appeared.

As a parent, I think about that often, about how the only way to become someone who does hard things is… to do hard things.

It’s tempting to rush in and smooth every unpleasant obstacle our kids encounter. When we email the teacher, mend the friendship, rescue the forgotten homework, eliminate every discomfort, we may feel helpful in the moment, but in fact we’re quietly removing the practice stones they need. Resilience doesn’t come from being told “You’re strong”; it comes from evidence that only they can gather, from working through manageable challenges and thinking, That was hard. And I handled it. We don’t need to manufacture their challenges—being a kid is difficult enough. And we don’t abandon them to do it all on their own, either. We just learn to pause, to weigh advice against intervention, and to let them see what they can manage.

The goal is that later in life, when something truly difficult lands in our children's path, they won’t just hope they can manage it, they’ll know. Now, many years later, when I encounter something daunting, I think back to my mentor and remember the rocks. "I do hard things," I tell myself. And it works.

—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities

KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site.

Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School

Give your child a true Waldorf Experience this summer at Apple Blossom Waldorf School & Family Center

Submarine Force Museum - Home of the Nautilus

Maple Syrup Demonstrations at Flanders

Reserve your time to visit the Sugar House as staff and volunteers demonstrate turning sap into syrup with an entertaining mix of science, stories and humor. The entire family will be fascinated by the maple sugar-making process. There is a $5 per person donation suggested, which supports Flanders future maple sugar programming.

Afternoon Session: Maple Sugaring Demonstration and Tasting at Trumbull Nature & Arts Center

Learn how maple trees are tapped and watch as the sap runs from our majestic sugar maple tree. We'll take a short walk to the fire pit to observe the evaporating process. All participants will get to taste a sample of real maple syrup.

Indian Rock Nature Preserve Annual Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Demonstration 2026

Join us for a pancake breakfast featuring pancakes (plain, apple, and chocolate chip) served with ELCCT’s own pure maple syrup, bacon/ sausage, and choice of coffee, milk, or orange juice. When you come for breakfast be sure to visit our animals indoors and our outdoor maple sugaring demonstrations. Learn how to identify a Sugar Maple and try your hand at tapping a tree. See the different methods that Native Americans and colonists used to collect and boil sap to make maple syrup and sugar. Learn how you can make maple syrup in your own backyard on a small scale and visit our mobile sugarhouse to learn how we make our maple syrup.

Art Start at The New Britain Museum of American Art

This program helps caregivers and young children discover art together in the Museum. Each week, a story in the galleries is paired with a thematic art project in the studios. Ages 3-5.

Animal Tracks Treasure Hunt (Grades K-2) at Woodcock Nature Center

Get outside for a morning of treasure hunting! In this drop off program we will track down a treasure hidden among our trails. While doing so we will solve tricky riddles and learn about the tracks that different animals leave behind as they walk through Connecticut forests.

Knots and Lashings with Jeff Hatch at Barnes Nature Center

Tying knots is essential for daily activities for everyone. This workshop will cover basic rope terminology, parts of the rope, and components of knot and lashings. You will learn how to tie about 10 different knots and lashings through demonstrations from a first person’s point of view. After learning the basic knots and lashings, with practice and some creativity, students will be able to combine different knots and lashings to suit their needs for any adventure. Ages 12 + (all children must be accompanied by a paying adult)

2026 Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises on RiverQuest

Experience the beauty and solitude of the lower Connecticut River during this wonderful time of year! It is so different than it is any other time of the year. There are no other vessels on the water, and with no leaves on the trees, our wildlife viewing is easy and fun. RiverQuest has a heated cabin, but we suggest that you dress in warm layers since the best views will be from the open decks. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars! …No binoculars? No worries, we have plenty on board for you to borrow! We will also provide complimentary coffee and tea.

Camp Invention 2026

iD Tech Camps

First AMI Montessori Infant Program - Willow Tree Montessori, Willow Tree Montessori, Friday, March 6, 2026 to Sunday, March 8, 2026, 8:30 - 3:30pm
Family Programs at Yale Peabody Museum - Yale Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT, Friday, March 6, 2026 to Sunday, March 8, 2026, See website for specific program times
Take or Make Craft at Southbury Public Library - Southbury Public Library, Poverty Road, Southbury, CT, Saturday, March 7, 2026, All day
Gallery Show - Village Center for the Arts, Village Center for the Arts, Saturday, March 7, 2026, 6:30-8:00 PM

2026 Guide to Summer Camps in and around Fairfield County, CT

Preschools in Fairfield County, plus Day Care and Toddler Programs

Master Guide to Winter Fun in and around Fairfield County

Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.

Escape Rooms in and around Fairfield County

Birthday Party Locations and Ideas in and around Fairfield County, CT

Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Fairfield County area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!

Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and Around Fairfield County

2025's Top 20 Places to Take Fairfield County Kids: Once again, our readers have spoken! Thousands of parents voted in the KidsOutAndAbout survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like favorite spot for indoor play, favorite nature center, favorite museum, and much more!

Have a great weekend!

Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella

KidsOutAndAbout.com
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Pittsford NY 14534
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Act Out with summerstock classes and summerstock theatre at Curtain Call!

2026-02-27T11:01:23-05:00

Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:

For over thirty years, Curtain Call, Stamford’s longest-running and only nonprofit theatre-producing company has offered opportunities for kids Grade K to 12 and adults to ACT OUT after school, evenings, and weekends in classes for acting for the stage, TV and film, improv, musical theatre, dance, audition technique, AND MORE! Spring classes will run mid-April to mid-June, 2026!

They also offer full-day summer workshops for grades K to 12 and Summer Youth Theatre.

ACTING OUT for the summer!

Summer Stock Full-Day Workshops

Students work in age-appropriate groups that rotate between various instructors throughout the day. Each session culminates in a showcase of student work on the final date. Discounts for siblings, discounts for registering for more than one session, payment plan options, and scholarships for those who qualify. Click the button below for more information and registration or email brian@curtaincallinc.com.

Get More Info & Register

Summer Stock Creative Theatre

For students entering Grade 6 to Grade 12
June 22 to July 2, 2026 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Showcase performance July 2, 2026 at 6:30 pm.
Students will find a creative voice as they rotate in age-appropriate groups between classes in Acting, Improv, and Script Writing.

Summer Stock Musical Theatre

For students entering Grade 6 to Grade 12
July 6 to 17, 2026, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Showcase performance July 17, 2026 at 6:30 pm.
This ten-day intensive in musical theatre includes acting, voice, and dance for musical performance. In age-appropriate groups, students rotate between classes in Acting, Voice, and Dance.

Summer Stock Junior

For students entering Grade K to 5
Two, separate, non-consecutive, two-week sessions.
Session One: July 20 to July 31, 2026, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, with showcase performance July 31, 2026 at 3:30 pm.
Session Two: August 3 to 14, 2026, Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, with showcase performance August 14, 2026 at 3:30 pm.
Students of all skill levels will enjoy and build confidence! In age-appropriate groups, students rotate between classes in Acting/Improv, Singing, and Movement.

Curtain Call’s Summer Youth Theatre

Separate from our Summer Stock Full-Day Workshops, Curtain Call’s Summer Youth Theatre (or SYT) allows local youth entering Grade 4 through age 21 the opportunity to produce and perform a full-scale musical production. Participation is by audition and crew sign-up ONLY. This summer’s production (the 36th) will be CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY with music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and Book by David Greig (based on the book by Roald Dahl).

Find Program Information

It’s also a great idea to follow them on Facebook or Instagram to keep up-to-date. For questions regarding classes, contact Education Director Brian Bianco at brian@curtaincallinc.com or call 203-329-8207 x700.

Best,

Debra Ross
Publisher
KidsOutAndAbout.com

We periodically send special editions of the KidsOutAndAbout.com e-newsletter to showcase an important upcoming event or opportunity. This is one of those! Thanks for being part of our community!

Please note that if you choose to unsubscribe,

you will also stop receiving our weekly Thursday morning newsletters.

KidsOutAndAbout.com
Discover more. Do more. Connect more.

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Pittsford NY 14534
US

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KidsOutAndAbout Fairfield County Newsletter 2/26/2026: Optimism Actually

2026-02-26T06:01:05-05:00

KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter

Fairfield County KidsOutAndAbout Newsletter February 26, 2026