Summer of "Free" in CT

Summer Is In The Air!

During normal years we are prepping students for final exams and finishing up report cards, all while making a hand-written "Summer Bucket List" to accomplish with our own kids.  But this year I've been focused on preschool concerts, field days and end of the year parties.  Maternity leave has given me so much time with the baby, but also, luckily, time with Lucy and John.

You know what maternity is not giving me though?  Money.  I haven't made any money since that measly six weeks of recovery time I received back in January.  So even though it's summer and I do have a list of things I want to do with the kids, we have to be sensible. 

Over the past couple of weeks, Amy & I, and our kids, have been researching, checking out locations, picking our work besties brains, and documenting our ideas for summer. 

You don't have to be on a budget like us to enjoy these things, but who doesn't love a bargain?

1.  Parks.  Is there anything better than a park date?
We love meeting friends there and love just popping into one on the way back from any little journey.
Bonus points to the park if it has a splash pad, and a fenced in playscape area!


Remember CT Residents, all State Parks are FREE now - it's included in your car registration renewal now, you can go to the beach or ANY state park location free of charge!


***Special Note*** Stay posted for our "Tuesday's are for the Park" playdate announcement coming soon.



1A.  Thursday Nights at Mill Pond Park.
Newington Parks & Rec hosts a different live band from 6:00-8:00pm!  You can bring dinner, snacks, a blanket/chairs, and drinks (adult drinks too if you'd like!)!  We've gone a few times over the years and the kids are always making new friends, running around, dancing... and getting that last end of the day energy out!  Check out their Summer Line-Up  here

2.  Farms
Westmoore Park -
Great farm in West Hartford.  Completely free. 
Did you know that there is an indoor portion?  We discovered it this time.
There are animals and air conditioning!


Karabin -
This is a small but shady farm in Southington. 
It's a pretty drive and there are quite a few different farm animals.


Umbrella Factory  Happen to be in RI?  Go here! 
Our kids love this place, and we've been going here ourselves since we were kids.  There are farm animals, emus, a bamboo forest and cute little shops.  Did I mention, it's free?    However, if you can spare a few extra dollars, there is a cute cafe on the grounds now too!

3.  Arts and Crafts - It takes a bit of convincing John to get on board with arts and crafts, but it's worth it.  Paint, glitter, and glue are usually all I need.  But here's an idea.  Before leaving (for anywhere) take out some brown paper bags and jazz them up. We call them "treasure bags".  Then, when we head off for an adventure we collect things.  Lucy collects flower petals and John collects things that are green, and Colin collects pinecones and sticks!!

4.  Savers - Low on funds, but need something "new"?  Sometimes I go to Savers and tell the kids they can pick one thing out.  They have a wall of toys.  They take a long time picking out and then have fun with them for awhile at home.  I also fill our treasure chest at home with little trinkets from there.  The kids don't care about the "where" only that they get them! ($5 or under), often better quality than the dollar store.

5.  Libraries - As we are both English teachers, libraries are inherently our sanctuary. 
There is nothing better than going and getting 10 new books to read at night.  Even better?  Have the kids play "library" when they get home. 
Our local libraries are Berlin & Newington, both of which have some cool summer programs. 
We just discovered in Berlin that you can take out tablets with educational games on them and themed backpacks (Lucy liked the butterfly one) that has activities and more. 
West Hartford Library (in Blue Back Square) is our fav.  They have an AMAZING second-floor children's play area.  Highly recommend that location for a super cool summer activity! 

P.S.  Use your library museum passes.  We didn't start until this year.  Just do a quick login, pick a place (like an aquarium, museum, zoo) and book a pass.  It usually doesn't get you in for free, but it's always a good discount.  Any bit helps!

Fruit picking.
 $13 for numerous pounds of strawberries,
plus a hike, plus healthy snacking, 
plus sun, plus a nap on the way home = a happy mom.  
Lyman Orchard.

6.  Hikes/Walks - Amy took Colin up Sleeping Giant Mountain last year (VERY ambitious if you ask me).  Well, Sleeping Giant is closed this year (tornado damage) we are looking forward to putting a dent in this list.  Personally, my goal is to make it to Kent State Falls.  I went there in high school (memories) and would love to take a long ride with the kids.

7.  Rainy day?  Scratch that.  Have the previous items got you tired already?  Take your kids to the movies, on a dime.  The Bowtie Theater in West Hartford has a great free movie program for kids.  Grab movie snacks from home (for us that's microwave popcorn with a few bits of candy I hide at the bottom), stuff them deep in your purse and head out!

8.  Have pool will swim.  No seriously, if you invite me we will come with snacks, drinks and our brood of children.  There is nothing better than a hot day and a free pool.

9.  Yoga - No need to pay a hefty price to stretch and tone.  Over the summer there are many opportunities for free yoga (with and without the kids).  This one came highly recommended and is right in the middle of CT.

10.  Picnics.  In order to break up the day before dad gets home (fresh air and energy) pack a picnic the night before and head in the car on a journey.  We like going to Robertson Airport and watch the planes, but this year we are going to head the Biggest Tree in CT (which to my minimal knowledge is in Simsbury, Wadsworth Falls, local ponds, and shady spots). 
Bring your treasure bag and you've suddenly planned an entire adventure on a dime.

Bonus:  Stay in.  Last year I wrote about how much I enjoy getting out of the house.  I still do, but I am starting to see the value in staying in.  Once a week I'll vow to stay home - no car.  We can do it all (sprinkler, art, a walk, pretend play, workbooks, etc.).  We can just be together.  I know I'll have to mediate arguments and I'll get pushed to my limit, but I think ultimately staying home is good and comfortable.

DOUBLE BONUS

(from Amy)

LAKE COMPOUNCE

While this wasn't exactly free, (I did buy a season pass for myself) I was able to get the Platinum Pass at a HUGE discount on Black Friday, then splurged for the summer Parking Pass --
         Total about $100, but we used it as one of Colin's Christmas presents from Santa, and since it came out of the Christmas Money -- it feels free! 

Technically Colin is Free (children 3 & under are), so I am actually the one who needed the pass!  If you have a 4 or 5 year old, you can also sign up for a Pre-School Summer pass which will get the kids in all summer long for, you guessed it,  FREE!

To keep costs down, I checked out their policy on bringing your own food into the park -- and they do say you aren't allowed to... However, there is fine print that says if your child is 3 years old or younger, you may bring food into the park for them!  Amazing news for us, and for anyone with small children!

I've yet to do the water park -- I am saving that first experience for a morning when we can get there right when the park opens! 


Lastly -- Please reach out to us if you also have a Season Pass!  I would love to have a whole awesome group of us Mom's and our kids to make some memories and hit the kiddie coaster together!