Fun Things To Do this Weekend with CT Kids: Hawk Festival, Haunted Graveyard, Family Hike

9/29/11 - By Mary Beth Lawlor

It's official, we've gotten through the first few weeks of school and October has arrived. The start of Halloween fun galore and Fall festivals abound. This week we wrote about the new math exhibit at Stepping Stones Museum for Children called Cyberchase.  We also rounded up corn mazes and pumpkin patches. If you are craving some frightening fun check out our post on CT Halloween Train Rides. You'll either go on a scenic tour to an idyllic pumpkin patch or you'll be afraid of the monster lurking around the corner - so choose carefully! Enjoy the weekend round up and check facebook and twitter for more up to the date information. And don't forget to vote for Mommy Poppins in Parents Magazine's Best Local Blog contest!

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ALL WEEKEND 10/1-2

13th Annual 'Hawk Festival & Green Bazaar'
A fun, green-themed, family-friendly celebration of the amazing raptor migration. Audubon Greenwich will feature kids activities, great food vendors, eco-friendly businesses, and of course, our famous live birds of prey shows, on display. Live raptor shows:
1:00 PM & 3:00 PM


Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce
The entire park will be transformed to frighten and delight guests and the spine-chilling Haunted Graveyard will not disappoint! Gates open at 5pm, park rides operate starting at 5pm and the Haunted Graveyard opens at dusk every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening in October. The Haunted Graveyard is rated PG for Pretty Ghoulish and is not intended for small children or adults who may be frightened easily.  The Haunted Graveyard will not be open October 2 and rides will not be open on October 31st. Lake Compounce will also be operating 17 thrill rides including Boulder Dash, Wildcat, Down Time, and Zoomerang.  Proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Associations. Proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Associations. 9 and up - use discretion.

Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2011
There's plenty of games, parades and dancing for kids of all ages at this year's Renaissance Festival in CT. Better yet, so I'm told, dress up the family as their favorite princess or knight to get the full experience. Kids can even watch a jousting match and get knighted. The festival runs from 9/24 - 10/16 with some days closed in between. Check the website for many more details and to buy tickets.

45th Annual Witches Dungeon Halloween Classic Movies Museum

The Graveyard Of Classic Ghouls sets the atmosphere as you enter the dungeon where accurate life-size figures of vintage movie chillers.  Many Hollywood props are on display and vintage films may be shown outdoors, weather permitting.

SATURDAY 10/1

FREE Play Day at Stepping Stones Museum
FREE – including admission to museum
Building on the theme of Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, a major community-wide healthy lifestyle event held annually, Stepping Stones Museum for Children is encouraging children to turn off the TV, video games, computer and come out and PLAY! The all day event held at the museum and throughout Mathews Park coincides with the Open Arms Cycling Challenge.The day will be filled with interactive outdoor games including karate, hockey, field games, live performances and much more – all for free, including admission to the museum.
All Day Activities
10:00 am – 4:00 pm


Open Arms Cycling Challenge and BooZoo™’s Step and Stroll
The Open Arms Cycling Challenge offers a great ride for the experienced cyclist and fitness fun for the whole family - all for a great cause. Funds raised will help support the healthy development of every child in our community through the museum's Open Arms initiative. The scenic route starts at the museum, travels through South Norwalk until it gets to Calf Pasture Beach where it continues through Fairfield County. There's also a separate family walk that's safe for young children.

Family Hike
After an introduction at the library, the morning will continue after a short drive to the head of the trail at Connecticut Audubon Center, 2325 Burr Street in Fairfield. Have fun observing and identifying animal
scat and tracks. If you wish bring a set of binoculars, a compass, snacks and water.


More Fun Than a Barrel of Monkeys
Kent Memorial Library
10:30am - 10:30am
Join for a story hour with stories, crafts and a snack. Ages 3-9.  Pre-registration is helpful.

Paper Dolls - Past and Present
Learn about the history of paper dolls as well as the current dolls out there. Those attending will receive a free "Winnie Wallpaper" nostalgic doll from the 1930's along with directions on how to make clothes for her. David Wolfe, paper doll expert, will be leading the workshop. Please register.
   
SUNDAY 10/2

Fun Sundays at the Litchfield Historical Society Museum

Looking for an exciting activity on a Sunday afternoon? Stop by the Historical Society anytime from 1:00 to 4:00 for fun, games, or to learn a new skill. Activities will range from outdoor games to quill pen writing to ice cream making.

Take Part in Art at Weir Farm

Be creative, be inspired, and Take Part in Art at Weir Farm National Historic Site. Visitors have the opportunity to experience first-hand the fun of plein air painting and sketching while becoming a part of an enduring artistic tradition.Watercolor supplies will be available for free.