Mostly Free and Fun Things To Do With Kids In CT This Weekend September 20-21: Envisionfest, Peace & Pumpkin Festivals and More!

9/18/14 - By Pam Hegner

Autumn is a special time in our fine state, especially in scenic Litchfield County, where tourists flock each leaf season. Forbes.Com noted Litchfield Hills as a "Top Ten Must Visit Fall Foliage Destination." If you would like to check it out for the first time or a repeat trip, you'll want to read our post on  Scenic Fall Family Activities in Litchfield County. Rosh Hashanah is next week and many schools will be closed. Here are some things to do and places to go in Fairfield County to celebrate.

Fall and Halloween activities are endless in CT and we help you sift through them with several articles including Halloween Train Rides in CTPumpkin Picking with Kids in Hartford County Pumpkins, Hay Rides and Fall Fun in Fairfield CountyFall Fairs and Festivals in Hartford County and Corn Mazes with Kids in Fairfield County

Nothing tastes quite like a freshly picked apple. Confused where to go? Consult our Apple Picking Guide or Best Pick-Your-Own for Toddlers in Fairfield County for plenty of ideas.   

Our events calendar is always updated with the latest happenings, and here are suggestions for this weekend!

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All Weekend 

Free Wheelin' at Graham Dickinson Spirit Skate Park (Fairfield County) 
Everyone is invited to Ridgefield to try skating for free in the skate park. Bikes, skateboards, roller blades - whatever you choose is ok - as long as you wear a helmet and get a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. The park was built in 1998 as part of a grassroots effort to provide a safe place to skate, and usually charges a fee but this weekend, come for free! 
Saturday-Sunday. Free. 

Haddam Antique Engine and Tractor Show (Middlesex County) 
If you have little ones in awe of engines and machines, this the show for you! Antique cars, tractors and other historic equipment will be on display. Enjoy the tractor parade or kids pedal tractor pull. Take a hay ride or shop at the flea market before enjoying great food. 
Saturday-Sunday. Free. 

Guilford Agricultural Fair (New Haven County) 
This event has a long history, founded on the eve of the Civil War. The modern-day version still pays homage to the town's agricultural roots. Donkey, mule and llama shows; horse and tractor pulls, and other animal exhibits. A full midway with games and rides, live music, and plenty of food. 
Friday-Sunday. Adults - $10; children - $5; ages 5 and under -free. 

Orange Country Fair (New Haven County)
Start your trip to the fair with a pancake breakfast from Chip's, a family favorite in our house. After that, enjoy a tractor pull, toddler driving contest, pork chop pig racing, men's haybale toss and juggler/unicycle show. Live music includes genres such as country, bluegrass, punk, rock and oldies. 
Saturday and Sunday. Adults - $7; children 15 and under - free. 

Saturday September 20 

4th Annual Silvermine Arts Fest (Fairfield County)
The Silvermine Arts Center in New Canaan is hosting this free, community event including puppet shows, hands-on activities, art exhibits and more. Ruckus: A Cirque Spectacular is the featured act, and will delight all ages with talent such as trapeze artists, jugglers and contortionists. Handmade jewelry and art will be for sale, as will food from gourmet food trucks. 
Free. 

Emmanuel Church Country Fair (Fairfield County) 
This fun community event in Weston will have a ton of things for kids to do. Pony rides, inflatables, face painting, cake walk and other games. Live music and shopping, and the famous "Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest in CT." Everyone is welcome! 
Free. 

Envisionfest (Hartford County) 
This free, city-wide festival celebrates Hartford's history, arts and cultural presence. Over 100 events and performers including free museum admission, live music and theater, bicycle tour, carousel rides, kids' activities and more. Nearly 30 venues around town will be hosting events, so check the website for more information. 
Free.

Peace, Love and Music Together Celebration (Hartford County) 
Bring the family and a picnic to beautiful Elizabeth Park to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace (which is on Sunday). All ages will enjoy yoga, meditation, drumming, kids' activities, local musicians, and a rockin' family concert featuring Music Together's "Uncle Gerry." The event will culminate with a special version of Music Together's song for peace, "May All Children." Music Together is an internationally recognized music and movement program for children to enjoy with a parent or caregiver. 
Free. 

Goshen Farmers Market (Litchfield County) 
Yet another reason to visit beautiful Litchfield County this weekend! Miranda Vineyard in Goshen is the site for one of the best farmers markets around. Plenty of high-quality local produce, meat, wine and coffee. Enjoy prepared foods and live music while you do your shopping for the week. 
Free. 
 

See All Saturday Events 

Sunday September 21

Historical Society of Glastonbury's Farm Festival (Hartford County) 
The Welles-Shipman-Ward house in South Glastonbury will have colonial games and crafts on hand for kids to see what 18th century life was like! Try rope making, straw braiding, blacksmithing and weaving. It will sure make them appreciate today's modern-day work! Games include bobbing for apples, sack races and checkers; and they can interact with many different farm animals. Tours of the historic house and barns will be available. Don't miss this chance to go back in time with your family! 
Free. 

Seymour Pumpkin Festival (New Haven County) 
Get into the fall spirit with this juried craft show. Items include home decor, jewelry, art, jams and floral arrangements. The Halloween-themed festival will have areas in the park with various children's activities, such as pumpkin decorating and costume contest. Have the little ones come all dressed up! There will also be plenty of food vendors with fall favorites like apple fritters, fudge and pumpkin pie. 
Free. 

Kids' Fall Fun Fest (New Haven County)
Head over to Broadway Island in downtown New Haven for this free festival that includes making crafts, decorating pumpkins and enjoying fall treats. A live DJ supplies music to dance to, and food trucks will be on site selling gourmet items. Kids can get their faces painted while mom and dad (probably mostly mom) shop at over 20 vendors. 
Free.  

See All Sunday Events

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