Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend: June 1-2: Trails Day, Fire Safety, Trucks and Teddy Bears

5/29/13 - By Pam Hegner

If you are like me, you don't carry around a laptop when out for a day of fun with the family. I rely on my phone for everything, so when I heard  The Mommy Poppins App is coming, I got really excited! The Mommy Poppins App will allow you to use your phone to find all the resources we write about online — places to jump, dance, create, learn, shop, eat and more.

Creating an app is very time consuming and costly, and we've been working on it for months. We are on track to debut in June, but we're hoping you can help make it happen. We've got some great incentives if you do, so please check out The Mommy Poppins App today.

It's going to be hot the next few days so you might want to check out our CT Summer Beach and Water Fun Guide. Did you know that CT has over 600 miles of coastline? Beaches aren't the only place to have water fun. There are plenty of water parks, lakes and rivers to splash around in too!

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Plenty on the docket this weekend, including Celebrate CT Trails Day with over 250 outdoor activities. Parking fees will be waived at state parks and forests. You can find planned hikes at Cranbury Park in Norwalk,  Old Quarry Nature Center in Danbury, Trout Brook Valley Preserve in Weston, West Rock Summit in New Haven and Denison Petquotsepos Nature Center in Mystic. Try Letterboxing at Bear Mountain Reservation in Danbury or Geocaching at Bennett's Ponds State Park in Ridgefield. The Connecticut Forest & Park Association has the full list of events. 

With more play time outside and parents firing up the grills, it's the perfect opportunity to review summer safety measures. Several events will help you out including Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company's Kids' Day. Your little ones can see and ride fire trucks and learn about fire safety and prevention through the use of entertaining demonstrations and games. 

Bring your bikes for a free inspection and get a free helmet at Middletown's Kids Health and Safety Day.  They will also have hands-on exhibits and vehicles including fire trucks, police cars, S.W.A.T teams and ambulance crews. Free health screenings, art projects, games, clowns and magicians are also on tap. 

A visit from Smokey the Bear and a fire demonstration will highlight New Milford's Teddy Bear Craft Festival on Saturday. Food, vendors, games, jugglers and storytellers join the party, and encourage your kids to bring their own teddy bear from home to get a check up at the Teddy Bear Hospital. One of New Milford's neighboring towns is Washington, where you'll want to check out the Villages of Washington Community Day. There will be entertainment for all ages while you stroll the stores and the kids enjoy several activities. My family had a great time exploring Litchfield County last weekend, and if you haven't visited this lovely part of CT, why not this weekend? Check out our daytrip post about things to do in Kent, CT.

Anglers 15 and under can compete at the Enfield Youth Fishing Derby at Freshwater Pond. Prizes will be awarded during this free event.

Sunday the JCC of Greater New Haven is hosting a Family Fun Day, including a touch-a-truck. Over 20 vehicles will be on display, as well as bounce houses, music, face painting, games and much more. Saturday, Landmark Preschool in Ridgefield will also have a touch-a-truck event

Auto and aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the Plainville Wings and Wheels Fly-in and Car Show featuring airplane and helicopter rides, show cars and more. Plenty for the kids too, including carnival rides, bounce houses, live music, and food. This special charity event benefits the Petit Family Foundation and Plainville Community Food Pantry. Vintage vehicles will also be on display at the Connecticut Historical Society's Collectible Car Day in Hartford. Children can make their own bumper stickers at this free event. 

Tour gorgeous homes and gardens at Willimantic's Victorian Days. You'll appreciate learning about architecture and history, while taking horse-drawn carriage rides.  Free concerts, high tea, art show and lantern tour are also a part of the festival. 

Manchester Pride Week starts this weekend, with seven days of fun, free activities for all ages. Saturday there is a  concert at Downtown's Center Memorial Park featuring 80's dance music, 40's big bands and today's top hits. Food will be available for purchase, so bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a wonderful, outdoor evening.

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Have a wonderful weekend!