Mostly Free and Fun Things To Do With Kids In CT This Weekend September 6-7: Farm Day, Fairs, Oyster Festival and Jugglers

9/4/14 - By Pam Hegner

Washington is the top apple-producing state but here in Connecticut there is no shortage of places to find quality apples. It is a rite of fall, and the perfect family activity. We've highlighted some orchards for apple picking in Hartford County. Fair season is hopping, and there is a ton of festivals happening this month. Get your calendar out and consult our September Go List: The Best Things to do in CT This Month so you can plan and explore the state. 

If you are looking for some new ideas on places to play in Fairfield County, check out our post on Great Playgrounds in Stamford . Now with school back in session, you might need some ideas for after-school snacks. Most kids (and adults) love rice crispy treats but not the sugar rush it brings. We offer a recipe for a Healthy, Protein Boosted version so give it a try!

Get social with us by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter for updated information throughout the week. You can also check out our Pinterest boards for autumn ideas.  If you are enjoying Mommy Poppins CT, please tell your friends, neighbors, moms clubs and local businesses about us! Thank you for your continued support.

Here are suggestions for the weekend ahead. Enjoy!

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Norwalk Oyster Festival (Fairfield County) 
Veterans Park is the venue for this celebration of Norwalk's maritime heritage. Enjoy 30-minute harbor cruises and two stages of live music including "Joan Jett and the Blackhearts." Adults will enjoy the craft beer tasting tent, while children play in the Kids' Cove area including rides, arts and crafts, a New England village and more. Oysters and clams on the half shell highlight the food selections as well as lobster rolls, funnel cakes and crepes.
Friday though Sunday. Friday admission - $10, Saturday and Sunday - $12. Kids ( ages 5-12) - $5; Kids 12 and under free on Sunday.  

Simsbury's Septemberfest (Hartford County) 
This little publicized festival is one of my favorites. It is the annual fundraiser for Simsbury Performing Arts Center. Friday night fireworks, live music in the band shell, train rides, petting zoo, bounce houses and an amazing food selection. Dog show and hot air balloon rides as well. 
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. FREE admission, some rides and activities are extra cost. 

Suffield on the Green (Hartford County) 
This is Suffield's largest annual event. Learn about organizations in town and children's activities, while you listen to live music and enjoy yummy food. Bounce house and activities for the little ones, and the craft fair offers original work.
Saturday and Sunday. FREE. 

North Haven Fair (New Haven County) 
This fair dates back 72 years and promotes interest in animals and agriculture. Alpacas, baby chicks, racing pigs and a petting zoo will delight the children, as well as a youth pie-eating contest and tractor pull. Ladies and kids can try competing in the skillet toss, while listening to the sounds of rock and roll, oldies, country, and more. Meet Ronald McDonald and see the Famous Wallendas try thrilling stunts and high-wire acts. 
Thursday through Sunday. Adults - $10; children under 12 - FREE.

Hebron Harvest Fair (Tolland County)
Enjoy three stages of live entertainment including the "Country Music Showdown" to find New England's best country band. A demolition derby, parade, family "edutainment" area including ice cream and butter making, petting zoo, Dock Dogs show, comedy magic show, animal contests, demonstrations and more. Games and rides in a full midway, including "kiddieland." 
Thursday through Sunday. Adults - $12 (Sunday - $13) , under age 12 - FREE. 

Saturday September 6

Junior Chef Cooking Classes (Fairfield County) 
Williams-Sonoma is hosting a fresh pasta class for ages 9-13 in this week's installment of a six-week series. Classes are being held at locations in Stamford and Danbury, and enrollment is limited so you will want to call ahead and pre-register. This is a wonderful way for your children to get creative and build confidence in the kitchen. 
Free. 

Tour of Glastonbury Bike Ride for Charity (Hartford County) 
This cycling festival raises money for the Kiwanis Club to provide scholarships and assistance for local children. Distances include 50, 25, ten and two-mile rides, and kids' bike rodeo. Route officers, rest stops, water and food along the way, and a BBQ party at the finish. 
$25 for 50, 25 and 10-mile rides; Two-mile ride and kids' bike rodeo - FREE. 

Open Farm Day in Granby (Hartford County) 
Visit a dozen Granby farms and get a behind the scenes look at where your food comes from. The agriculture industry in Granby is quite diverse including: horses, cattle, dairy, vegetables, orchards, landscaping and a vineyard. Each farm will have different events such as pony rides, animal feeding, sheep shearing, corn mazes, food samples and more. FREE.

Cornwall Agricultural Fair (Litchfield County) 
The Cornwall Green will have a plethora of activities for the entire family. Kids will love the petting zoo, hay rides and bale toss. Meet live animals including llamas and goats beforing entering a game of cow chip bingo. A craft sale and farmers' market will be on hand to peruse, and if you feel like entering a contest, bring along your best jams, baked goods, needlecrafts, photos or most unusual find from the garden. 
Free. Canned goods requested for food pantry. 

Cheshire Fall Festival and Marketplace (New Haven County) 
Bartlem Park will be bursting with energy during this community event now running 25 years strong. Live music, crafts, food, carnival rides, vendors and car show run throughout the day, with a firework display at night. 
$1 per person. 

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Sunday September 7 

Troubadour and Sweet Treat Social in Easton (Fairfield County) 
Bring the entire family down to the historic Bradley Hubbell Homestead for an afternoon celebration with crafts, farm and cider press demonstrations, treats and live music. Singer/songwriter Tom Callinan will be playing tunes from colonial and Revolutionary War times. The event is co-sponsored by Easton Parks and Recreation and the Historical Society. 
$5 per person, $20 per family, under 5 - free. 

RCA Ladrigan Swim Races and Family Fun Day (Fairfield County) 
Get the whole family down to Rowayton's Bayley Beach to savor summer a little longer. There will be a one-mile lighthouse race, 1/4 mile buoy race, and children's races. Twenty bucks gets you a spot to compete and you can register online. If you prefer to spectate, cheer on friends and family and watch the awards ceremony. After the races everyone is welcome to play beach games such as tug-of-war or do a scavenger hunt. 
cars with beach stickers - free; others - $25 

Doggie Funday in Bloomfield (Hartford County) 
This is Fido's big day to strut his stuff and make his owner proud! For the third straight year, the Mandell JCC Swim Club invites you and your four-legged friends to run/swim together in a duathlon/dash. If that is too strenuous, there will be an open swim for dogs, talent show, best-dressed contest, obstacle course and more. 
Members - $25; non-members - $30

Airborne Jugglers: Juggling with a Comedy Twist (New Haven County) 
The JCC of Greater New Haven is hosting this free, community event featuring a juggling show and a workshop after. You are also welcome to participate in free fitness activities all day including Zumba, Teen Boot Camp, Open Swim, Mommy and Baby Yoga and more. Enjoy crafts, story time, chair massages, free food and other perks.
FREE.

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We wish you a fantastic weekend!