25 Ways to Extend the Summer with Connecticut Kids

9/3/15 - By Brandee Gilmore

The end of summer could make a grown man cry, let alone your kids.  So, before you pore over your options for After School Computer Coding classes, or become slave to the AYSO calendar, consider that, if you let it, summer could have one last blast.  Take advantage of that September sun, with one or more things from our list ...  you technically have until the 21st before it ends! The Enrichment Classes Guide will be here when you get back.  We promise.

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1. Bridgeport Bluefish
The boys of summer will play until September 20.  If you haven't been there yet this season, the BBQ at Mr.G's is worth the trip alone, but note the Kids Cove is now reduced to a single bounce house on the 1st base side.

2. Micalizzi's, Bridgeport
​Summer is synonymous with Italian ice, at least according to my Philly-born mate.  This is arguably the best around.

3. Free Beaches!
Fairfield and others kill off parking fees post-Labor Day.  IMHO, there's not a better month at the beach than September!

4. Mystic Seaport
The crowds of summer are gone, but all the draw still remains.

5. Sheffield Island Lighthouse Tour Ferry, Norwalk
If your summer was too packed to fit this in, no problem.  Rides run seven days a week until September 27.

6. Mini Golf in Fairfield or Hartford Counties
I could mini golf in February and it'd feel like summer.  Ok.  Maybe not February.  But you get it.

7. Backyard Firepit with Light-Up Toys
Unlike summer, it's actually dark for fall firepits!  Pick up a Nerf Firevision Wiffle Ball set or a light-up rocket launcher, so the kids can play while you TGIF. 

8. Bike Ride on the Housatonic Rail Trail
So long as the leaves are green, and the temps are above 70, it all seems like summer in the Pequonnock Valley.  If you're in the Hartford area, try this list of trails.

9. Southington Drive-In
They get it -- the last crack at this community run drive-in is Saturday, September 6, with a screening of the original Cinderella.  Gates open at 6:30, and the show starts at sundown.

10. Farmer's Markets
What else says summer like a pile of hand-selected, fresh produce? Ice cold beer.  I digress. Here are two we like in Fairfield County, with hours outside of school:

Monroe
Fridays, 3-6pm, through October
Monroe Town Green, corner of Fan Hill Road and Route 111, Monroe, CT 06468

Black Rock
Saturdays 9-1, through October
St. Ann Church, 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605
http://www.blackrockfarmersmarket.com/vendors/

11. Gouveia Vineyards, Wallingford
This place is shockingly family, even dog-friendly.  Here's the deal.  You bring in picnic or takeout food and agree to buy any and all beverages from Gouveia (including water and soda -- free juice for kids), you and your family get to wind down a late summer afternoon on one of the prettiest properties in the state.

12. Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park, Portland
This place has a loyal following, and attracts new customers annually.  Basically because it's awesome.  Where else are you going to hurl yourself onto a floating 'blob'.  When you've checked this one off, summer's as good as done.

13. R&B Sportsworld, Winsted
Race go-karts or hit up the batting cages at the family entertainment center .

14. Kent Day Trip
Spoil yourself with a stroll through what might be Connecticut's cutest town, before hiking Kent Falls and taking a dip at the top.

15. Lake Compounce
Labor Day weekend you can get one last crack at the nation’s oldest, continuously operating amusement park, before they shutter it for the season.

16. Quassy Amusement Park
Can't get to Compounce Labor Day weekend?  Alright, then, Quassy's your man.  It's open weekends through October 4, 12-6pm.

17. Lime Rock Park, Lakeville
Time travel comes in the form of vintage race cars during the Historic Festival, held Labor Day weekend.  Picnic on a hillside while watching the roadsters race by.

18. the Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum, Bridgeport
 Climbing trees is so summer.  Climbing trees after sundown, awash with the light of tiny LEDs is a summer to remember.  Open through November!

19. Ferris Acres, Newtown
Gonna just be biased as all get out, and say it's the best ice cream in the state.  These guys hang in there til the cows can't take the cold (October 30th).

20. Captain's Cove Seaport, Bridgeport
The charming and kooky Seaport will be rocking and rolling until September 27.

21. Shakespeare in the Park, New Haven
Twelfth Night will run under the stars through September 6th at Edgerton Park.

22. Norwalk Oyster Fest
The 38th edition runs September 11-13.  Tickets $5 and up.

23.  Weir Farm Plein Air Painting, Wilton
Channel your inner Manet or Monet or whatever ... just get out there and create.  Supplies provided, and children are encouraged to try, too.  Wed-Sun, 10-4, through October 31st.

24. 8th Blues, Views and BBQ Festival, Westport
Eat yourself silly, while the kids ride the mechanical bull and fight for glory in a pie eating contest.  Sounds like summer to me.

25. Find that crumpled summer bucket list, and cross off one of the 10-15 things you never got around to.  Yay for extended summer!