OAAM Guide to Winter Break Fun in Connecticut

 

So, Winter Break is almost here.  A whole week with no school.

Normally, the thought of this might not be too bad.

But this year may be a little different.

We are coming off a week where a ridiculous amount of snow caused the cancellation of school for several days in many towns.  The kids are getting restless and you may be getting a little nervous about how to keep them entertained in the coming week.  Well, fear not, we have some ideas for you . . .

Visit a Museum

If you just want to get up and go somewhere fun, a Museum is a great option.

Connecticut is loaded with kid-friendly museums and, lucky for you, we have the inside scoop on quite a few:

 

 

• Connecticut Historical Society (Hartford, CT)
• Connecticut Science Center (Hartford, CT)
• Imagine Nation Museum (Bristol, CT)
• Kidcity (Middletown, CT)
• The Lutz Children’s Museum (Manchester, CT)
• New England Air Museum (Windsor Locks, CT)
• Stepping Stones Museum (Norwalk, CT)
• West Hartford Children’s Museum (West Hartford, CT)
• Yale Peabody Museum (New Haven, CT)

If you are really feeling adventurous, maybe you even want to make a day out of it and head across the border to a museum in a neighboring state.  We’ve scoped out some good ones for you:

• Boston Children’s Museum (Boston, MA)
• Providence Children’s Museum (Providence, RI)

Check Out Books AND Activities at a Connecticut Library

These days the local library has become more than just a place to pick up books.  You can check out movies, games, puppets and many more things to keep your kids entertained over winter break.  Beyond that, many of these libraries have wonderful play areas for the kids and special classes and programs for them as well.  And don’t forget about their museum pass programs.  They are a great way to see many Connecticut destinations for a reduced rate or even FREE.

As part of our travels, Shawna and I have explored many of the local libraries including:

• Avon Free Public Library (Avon, CT; newly renovated)
• Farmington Main Library (Farmington, CT; large kids play area plus a cozy fireplace and hot coffee)
• Noah Webster Library (West Hartford, CT; new large play area for the kids and separate area non-walkers),
• Simsbury Library (Simsbury, CT; separate (gated) play area for the 2 and under crowd)
• Welles Turner Memorial Library (Glastonbury, CT)
• Wethersfield Library (Wethersfield, CT; gated play area)

Drop in to pick up some books, enjoy playtime, and maybe even check out one of their activities.

The Noah Webster Library in West Hartford will be offering a Mad Science Workshop on 2/20 for children ages 3-5, registration required.  Glastonbury’s Welles Turner Memorial Library will be offering a Clifford birthday celebration on 2/22 with two events.  One in the morning for kids 6 and under, no registration required.  And one in the afternoon for kids in Kindergarten – Second Grade, registration required.

Enroll in a Camp

One of my little ones’ favorite places to visit is My Gym in West Hartford.  Shawna’s little one, however, might argue that My Gym in Glastonbury is the place to be.

During a normal week, we love popping over to this indoor gym for their open play times.  For February Break, however, they are going to be taking it up a notch by offering a Winter Camp.

My Gym Glastonbury will offer their Winter Camp from 1:30 – 4:30, Tuesday – Thursday.  It is open to kids ages 3.5 – 9, but the little ones must be potty trained.

My Gym West Hartford will offer their February Camp Monday through Friday from either 9am – 12pm or 1pm – 4pm for children ages 2.5 – 8 years old (the little ones do not have to be potty trained).

The great thing about these camps is you can customize them.  Sign up for 1, 2, or more days.  Whatever works for you!

One of my newest discoveries, The Little Green Tambourine in Canton, will also be offering some winter break camps on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.  There are a variety of offerings for kids ages 3-10 including Art, Cooking and Science.

Get the Energy Out at an Open Play Session

Ok.  You’ve hit a day where you don’t have a class or camp scheduled, the kids are bouncing off the walls and you just want to get out of the house.

Don’t panic.  Let me give you some ideas:

 

 

• Bounce Town (South Windsor, CT)
• The Bright Spot Children’s Playplace (Vernon, CT)
• Jump-n-Jammin (Bristol, CT)
• Jumpin Jonnies (Vernon, CT)
• McDonald’s Indoor Play Area (Glastonbury, CT)
• Stay and Play (Old Saybrook, CT)
• TimberGyms (Newington, CT)

Want more ideas?

Check out our Places We’ve Been Page.  It is now organized by Town and by Activity Type.

Or check out other winter break ideas from some of our favorite Connecticut Bloggers:

• Connecticut Bloggers – Pez Visitors Center:  A Sweet Stop off of I-95
• Mommy Poppins Connecticut
• Winter Break Activities in Fairfield County
• Things to do during Winter Break in Hartford County

What fun things are you planning for next week?  Tell us in the comments section below (please, pretty please.  We heart comments.)

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