Fun and Free Things to Do in CT this Weekend with Kids: Norwalk Boat Show, CT Renaissance Faire, Free Museum Day

9/21/11 - By Mary Beth Lawlor

This weekend we've listed loads of fun things to do with the kids here in CT. The weather looks iffy so check the forecast before you head out. If some activities get rained out there's still plenty of indoor options for you such as Free Museum Day, Kent Library story time, an open skate session, “What To Do When a Bully Bothers You” performance,  as well as the SkippyJon Jones musical. Stepping Stones Museum will debut its new CyberChase Math exhibit on Saturday. You can also refer to our indoor playspace guide. But dear readers, we really hope the sun shines through because we have quite the roster of incredible fairs, shows, festivals and celebrations. The CT Renaissance Fair opens it's doors this Saturday, as does the Norwalk Boat Show, Durham Ag Fair and the CT Antique & Machinery Festival (just to name a few)!

This week we listed 13 Fun Things to Do this Fall with Kids in Litchfield County. We also posted about After School Activities and Classes for Tweens and Teens in Fairfield County. Fairfield Library has a great FREE tutoring program it is offering to students of all ages so we did a post of Free tutoring resources. Hope it helps!

Have you heard? Parents magazine has nominated Mommy Poppins for Best Local Blog! Please take a minute to vote for us. We'd REALLY appreciate it. Now, back to this upcoming weekend. Read more to see the extensive listing we've corralled for you. You can find even more events on our events calendar. Share the love and friend us on facebook and twitter to get daily insider scoops. Have a great weekend!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

ALL WEEKEND 9/24-9/25

Norwalk Boat Show
- Norwalk
Enjoy the stories of Blackbear the Pirate, meet 17 year old Ammy Sunderland, the youngest solo sailor ever to attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Build Toy Boats and enjoy the special Kids' Cove where the fun activities include kids' slide, Bounce House, and Sand Art.Kids can also splash around and navigate a mini lake in their own paddleboat.

Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2011 - Hebron
There's plenty of games, parades and dancing for kids of all ages at this year's Renaissance Festival in CT.

Durham Agricultural Fair - Durham
The Durham Fair is the largest agricultural fair in Connecticut. Established in 1916, our fair is traditionally held the last full weekend of September. An old-time country fair in a typical New England village.

Greater Danbury Irish Festival - Danbury
Lots of Irish Music and Dancing at this festival. There will be a
Children's Halloween Parade, storytelling, a pie toss, face painting and a "Most Irish Face" competition!

Connecticut Antique & Machinery Fall Festival
- Kent
Brand new mineral exhibits will greet show-goers in the Mining Museum as well as a number of additions to the Blacksmith Shop.  Steam engines and tractors of all types will be on display.

Family Festival Weekend - UCONN
This years event will feature a Street Fair and BBQ for all attendees.

Blues Views & BBQ Festival - Westport
12 bands - delectable foods and micro-brews - BBQ cookoffs - free inflatable fun - and more!

SATURDAY 9/24

FREE Museum Day at participating museums across CT
In the spirit of Smithsonian Museums, who offer free admission everyday, Museum Day is an annual event hosted by Smithsonian magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket...for free.
  
Family Nature Day
- Litchfield
Crafts, music, reptiles, zoo on the go, bat lady, wildman steve brill, silent auction, bake sale. You name it at this annual family event. 30 years!

Pipes in the Valley - Hartford
World renowned Celtic entertainers will be on hand - Red Hot Chilli PIPERS will headline the show. Sit along the river and listen to the celtic tunes. Bagpipe bands, celtic food, highland games, a fire show, kids' crafts, sword handling, a bouncy village and riverboat rides are all part of this fun festival.

More Fun Than a Barrel of Monkeys- Kent
Join for a story hour with stories, crafts and a snack. Ages 3-9.  Pre-registration is helpful.

YESS Youth Players Performance: “What To Do When a Bully Bothers You” - Norwalk
Enjoy a performance of an original tale written by the YESS team in collaboration with the Girls Scouts Girlz R.U.L.E. Anti-bullying Program for young museum visitors.

Cider Saturday & Harvest Celebration - New Canaan
Lots of family fun with apple sling shots, squirrel Olympics, cider press demonstrations, pumpkin scavenger hunts, bake sale, bake-your-own-apples filled with sweet goodies and homemade butter, apple and honey tastings, and harvest crafts.

Open Skate - Shelton
Public skate in the lower rink.

Priscilla Gilman Speaks About The Anti-Romantic Child - Cornwall A memoir about her experience raising her son Benj, who was diagnosed with a variety of special needs – including a rare disorder called hyperlexia – when he was about three. Her talk will be of interest to parents – especially parents of “special needs” children – but also to teachers and to anyone who is interested in the balance between heart and brain.

SUNDAY 9/25

Angevine Farm Pumpkin Patch Opens! - Warren
Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt throughout the day!  We will have pumpkin painting, face painting, games and fun!


 Heritage India Festival - Fairfield
Indian Cuisine
Arts * Crafts
Jewelry * Clothing
Dance * Music
Henna Artistry * Family Fun
Yoga * Free Ayurvedic Consultation


Skippyjon Jones Play - Westport
Sweet musical based on book.

Fun Sundays at the Litchfield Historical Society Museum - LItchfield
Stop by the Historical Society for fun, games, or to learn a new skill.