Free and Fun Things to do With Kids in CT This Weekend: Oysters, Candy and Comics

8/14/12 - By Christine

Two years ago when my son was about to start kindergarten we started a family tradition.  The week before school starts has been declared "kids choice week"  in our house.  Every year for the entire last week of summer vacation and  before we're back at the bus stop each morning, I don't plan a single thing to do.  The kids are in charge.  Each day they get to choose something they'd like to do before saying goodbye to summer.  One thing that always seems to make their request list is mini golf.  They love it, even if they do speed through the course at record speed (and cheat like crazy too).  If your kids are big fans of the game we've got a list of Places to Play Mini Golf in Fairfield County for you.

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August is a big month for country fairs.  This weekend the Hartford County 4-H Fair  and the Bridgewater Fair run all weekend long and will have  rides, children's activities, animal shows, demonstrations and music. 

Tennis enthusiasts can purchase tickets for this weekend's New Haven Open Tennis Tournament.  Not only can your family watch professional tennis matches, but there's also live music, food, autograph signings and kids activities. 

Milford's Annual Oyster Festival  is a huge annual festival that boasts rides, children's entertainment, live music, craft vendors, a classic car show, oyster eating and shucking contests, canoe/kayak races and more!

If you or your kids love comics, head to the Trumbull Marriott on Saturday for Comicon, Connecticut's biggest comic, sci-fi and collectibles event.  Visit over 100 exhibitor tables, meet comic creators and encounter special surprise guests. 

Did you know that there are real dinosaur tracks in Connecticut? Dinosaur State Park Day celebrates the 46th anniversary of when these tracks were first discovered in Rocky Hill, CT.  This free celebration includes educational programs, face painting and various children's entertainment.

Last week my children and I visited the Pez Visitor Center in Orange, CT to see the most comprehensive collection of Pez memorabilia in the world.  Watch videos that show how the candy and dispensers are made and you can even observe the process yourself through the windows to their factory floor on weekdays.  This Saturday is Cartoonist Day at the Pez Visitor Center and professional artists and cartoonists will be doing free drawing demonstrations throughout the center.   

Kick off the start of CT's tax free week with Kidologie Goes Back to School at the Westfield Trumbull Mall on Sunday.  Enjoy free children's entertainment and 200 lucky parents will receive free gift bags filled with goodies. 

We've added more ideas to our birthday party planning guides.  Check out our posts on First Birthday Party Ideas and Creative Celebration Parties in Hartford County. 

Finally, our CT Editor, Mary Beth Lawlor will be on Channel 3 this Sunday morning at 8:50 am for a segment on the morning show about Family Outdoor Safety. Check back on our site for a GIVEAWAY that will be announced Sunday on the show.

Visit our events calendar for more exciting things to do and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest for updated information and giveaways. Have a wonderful weekend with your family!