Mostly Free and Fun Things To Do With Kids This Weekend May 18-19: Farms, Festivals, Wheel Fun Day and Outdoor Art

5/15/13 - By Pam Hegner

One of the things I love about living in Connecticut is that I can be in downtown Hartford in ten minutes, and If I drive ten minutes in the other direction, I can be on a rural, working farm that feels like I'm far away from any hustle and bustle. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CT has nearly 5,000 farms. They are wonderful places to show your children where our food comes from, and why local agriculture is crucial to the environment and the economy. If you would like to get out and see for yourself, check out our post on Where to See Baby Farm Animals in Fairfield County.

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This weekend, join Stamford Museum and Nature Center for their 50th Annual Spring on the Farm Festival Weekend. Enjoy wool spinning, hayrides, storytelling, farm tool displays and treats from local food trucks. Common Ground in New Haven is hosting a Farm Festival and Seedling Sale. Sheep shearing, live music, face painting and games will be part of the fun. West Hartford's Westmoor Park celebrates Farm Day, where you can see baby animals, demonstrations, and enjoy games and hay rides. 

On Sunday, Mommy Poppins CT and Kids Night Out are sponsoring the Spring Has Sprung event in Kent Village Barns, where kids can paint murals, take a hooping class, join a drumming circle, enjoy live music and more. This is a free event for all ages. Veterans and active service people gain free entry to the Beardsley Zoo Saturday for Armed Forces Day. It is also Endangered Species weekend, where you can take a scavenger hunt featuring exotic and endangered animals to learn about protecting their future. 

We recently explored and posted a review of the Historic Ship Nautilus and Submarine Force Museum in Groton. It is the only submarine museum operated by the U.S. Navy and has free admission.  

West Hartford's Inaugural Bike Festival Wheel Fun Day takes place Sunday. In an effort to make the town more bike friendly, all ages will hit the streets for a group ride. There will also be live entertainment and programs for adults and children including safety, maintenance and helmet fittings. The Boy Scouts will be collecting old or unused bikes to be repaired and donated to kids in need.

Saturday's Spring Forward for Sandy Hook 5K run/walk in Danbury honors the Sandy Hook educators and families. You can view 26 "Inspiration Stations" along the route showing messages of healing and hope.  Bartlem Park in Cheshire is the site for the Healthy Living Expo and Sea Dog Road Races. This festival promotes fitness and includes a 5K, 10K, kids' run and family obstacle course. Even if you don't want to walk or run, come and enjoy the face painting, vendors, free giveaways and raffles. 

Guilford's Robin Hood Springtime Festival begins Saturday and runs weekends through June 2. This renaissance-themed event features jousting knights, fire eaters, sword swallowers, magicians, musicians and so much more for the entire family. 

Head out to CT's quiet corner for an afternoon of live music and picnicking at the Music in May Festival at Scotland's Waldo House. This 18th-century historic home is situated in a lovely valley where you can set up shop and win prizes for your picnic. Categories include most unusual, most elegant and most colonial. The music genres include bluegrass, folk and fiddle. 

Ages two to ten will love the Family Art Experience at the Aldrich Museum in Ridgefield. These hands-on workshops allow children to explore the galleries, create art and hear stories. Nature-themed art will be on display and for sale at Art for Nature's Sake at the Audubon Society at Glastonbury. Tour the beautiful grounds while enjoying music and kids' crafts. Greenwich's Bruce Museum is hosting an Outdoor Crafts Festival featuring artists and crafters from around the country. Educational activities, live music and great food will keep the kids plenty busy. 

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Have a wonderful weekend!