Free and Fun Things to Do This Weekend With CT Kids: Smell the Roses, Greenfest, High Tea

6/20/12 - By Pam Hegner

It is the month of June,
The month of leaves and roses,
When pleasant sights salute the eyes,
And pleasant scents the noses.

Nathaniel Parker Willis

I grew up in the South where summer is eternal and often taken for granted. But when I moved to Connecticut, I quickly learned to savor the gorgeous summer days as a Floridian might delight in a few falling snowflakes. This weekend, take time to stop and smell the roses (literally!) and rouse your senses with the sights and sounds of the Nutmeg State.

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On the Hartford/West Hartford line, your nose will guide you to over 800 varieties of roses in every color and shape for the 31st annual Rose Weekend Community Events at Elizabeth Park.  This world-famous garden boasts 15,000 plants and is one of the most breathtaking sights. Take a tour or enjoy the music, dancing, farmers market, and kids activities.

Sunday is Connecticut Historic Gardens Day and 14 distinct gardens around the state will offer a variety of fun and free events.

Greenfest in Danbury showcases 60 bands over three days to help celebrate green living. Music, art, comedy, interactive children's events, food and a farmer's market will show visitors of all ages the benefits of making healthy, sustainable, energy efficient changes. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the 7th Annual Duck Day in Litchfield.This free educational event features meeting wildlife such as birds, waterfowl, reptiles, and pond dwellers.

Outdoor fun also includes cultural festivals this weekend. Experience traditional music, dancing, food, crafts and children's activities at the Beautiful Morocco Festival in Stamford, St. Andrew's Italian Festival in New Haven or North Haven's Connecticut Irish Festival.

Taste the Shoreline in Guilford will tempt your taste buds with food samples from local restaurants as well as great live music and family fun.

Kids can indulge in Peter Rabbit-themed treats at The New Milford Historical Society's Children's High Tea and Party. Listen to violin music and dance the bunny hop in this special Sunday afternoon event.

Also in New Milford this weekend is the very popular Touch a Truck . Some of the vehicles available for interaction include a fire truck, police car, and garbage truck. Chuck E. Cheese will be there to meet guests and take photos.

Another furry friend, Clifford The Big Red Dog will be making a visit to Stamford Town Center Saturday. The shows are open to Kids Club members - free to join, but sign up is required. Clifford hosts three storytime events.

And finally, how about watching the sun go down at a Family Campfire at Blue Slope Museum in Franklin. Roast marshmallows, sing songs and welcome the beautiful summer night sky.

For even more events check out our calendar where they are listed for you by date.

The 4th of July is just around the corner, so be sure to visit our Fireworks in Hartford County post!

Need ideas for beating the heat? We discover the Splash/Sprinkler/Spray Parks in Fairfield County as well as Free and Discounted Kids' Movies.

And don't miss our review of the Blue Man Group Exhibit at Norwalk's Stepping Stones Children's Museum. It might surprise you!

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