Out and About
If you're interested in being part if this monthly directory of great places to go for families, please contact the Publisher, Dan Orawiec, at dan.orawiec@ctparent.com.
Categories
Attractions
Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY
(800) 433-4149
www.bronxzoo.com
The Bronx Zoo is home to animals great and small. Visit the American Bison and lions, along with the butterfly garden and mouse house — and all creatures in between.
Chelsea Piers Connecticut
1 Blachley Road, Stamford, CT
(203) 989-1000
www.chelseapiersct.com
One of the finest sports and recreational complexes in the country offering instructional programs, camps, sports leagues, competitive teams, fitness and drop-in fun for children and adults. Athletes of all ages and abilities will find 400,000 square feet of unparalleled sports facilities and a vast array of classes.
Foxwoods Resort Casino
350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket, CT
800) 369-9663
Foxwoods is one of the premier entertainment destinations in the northeast. They’re taking thrills to the fast lane with Monza World Class Karting. Adventure takes flight at the High Flyer Zipline. And, of course they have the best video games at the Tree House Arcade and more.
Providence Children's Film Festival
Providence, RI
(401) 209-7585
providencechildrensfilmfestival.org
This annual film festival takes place in February at multiple venues within walking distance of downtown Providence. Event includes 10 days of screenings, filmmaking workshops and free activities, along with post-film conversations that help deepen the film-watching experience and foster critical thinking skills.
Xperiment Virtual Reality
100 Hawley Lane
Trumbull, CT 06611
(Next to Kohls)
(203) 502-8005
From the huge selection of multiplayer games, educational experiences, and kid-friendly virtual reality, including art and design, sports, travel and adventure - to their immersive Virtual Reality Race-Car Simulators! If you have yet to try VR, the time is now!
Museums
The Bruce Museum
1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT
(203)-869-0376
The museum was originally built as a private home in 1853. Today it’s a community-based, world-class institution highlighting art, science and natural history in more than a dozen changing exhibitions annually. The permanent galleries feature the natural sciences that encompass regional to global perspectives.
Connecticut Science Center
250 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT
(860) SCIENCE
www.ctsciencecenter.org
Resources from near & far have come together to create a truly unique and powerful experience with lasting educational impact. 150 brand-new exhibits that include everything from race cars to rocket ships and brainwaves in your head to life on Mars. Build your own inventions using the hottest high tech tools!
Connecticut Trolley Museum
58 North Road, East Windsor, CT
(860) 627-6540
www.ct-trolley.org
Take a journey back in time and experience the transportation of yesterday. The museum features a variety of streetcars from the 1890s to 1950s, many of which are available for rides. A historically accurate educational experience through the preservation and operation of an electrical railway.
The Discovery Museum & Planetarium
4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT
(203) 372-3521
The Discovery Museum’s 20,000 square foot facility includes changing and permanent interactive exhibit galleries, a 124 seat planetarium, Connecticut’s only Challenger Learning Center, an 80-seat auditorium and five multi-purpose classrooms where hands-on science classes are conducted.
Museum of Science, Boston
1 Science Park, Boston, MA
(617) 723-2500
www.mos.org
Featuring a revolving schedule of temporary exhibits, IMAX films and planetarium shows, plus more than 700 interactive permanent desplays, live presentations and more! Engage with science, technology, engineering and math via dynamic programs and stage presentations.
New England Air Museum
36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks, CT
(860) 623-3305
Discover one of the world’s most outstanding collections of aviation artifacts. Sit in the cockpits of aircrafts, and don’t miss the flight science demos, build & fly activities and America Takes to the Air, which includes hands-on, interactive demonstrations.
Performing Arts
The Bushnell
166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT
(860) 987-5900
www.bushnell.org
As Connecticut’s premier presenter of the performing arts, The Bushnell has delighted and inspired audiences for more than seven decades and plays a leading role in the state’s cultural life. The Bushnell is renowned for community programs, as well as being a leading educator and advocate of the arts.
CAPA/Shubert Theater
247 College Street, New Haven, CT
(203) 562-5666
www.shubert.com
“The Birthplace of the Nation’s Greatest Hits.” Experience the best of Broadway, world-class family entertainment, internationally-acclaimed artists and multi-cultural events at the historic Shubert Theater. Opened in 1914, the legendary theater has been home to more than 300 world premiere productions.
Garde Arts Center
325 State Street, New London, CT
(860) 444-7373
gardearts.org
The Garde presents the best in performing arts including national Broadway musical tours, headliner entertainment, dance, opera, family and special events and authors. Contemporary, classic and independent film as well as movie premieres are featured on a giant screen with state-of-the-art digital projection.
The Palace Stamford
61 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT
(203) 325-4466
www.palacestamford.org
Presenting exciting entertainment that enhances and enriches the cultural, educational, economic and social life of the community. The season includes concerts, theatre performances, family entertainment and more. The educational programs instill an appreciation for the arts.
Ridgefield Playhouse
80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT
(203) 438-5795
www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org
The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit whose mission is to present a variety of performing arts to the community and the surrounding areas that can be enjoyed and experienced at a varied price point. The playhouse presents national and local acts, and is the cultural hub for the town of Ridgefield.
Stamford Symphony
Stamford Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT
(203) 325-4466
www.stamfordsymphony.org
The Stamford Symphony features 60 musicians, and is the only fully professional orchestra in southern CT. Families with children can arrive at 2 p.m. for Sunday orchestra concerts to participate in MusiKids — an interactive, informative and fun session. Remember, kids are free on Sundays!
Toyota Presents Oakdale
95 South Turnpike Road, Wallingford, CT
(203) 265-1501
The year-round, 5,000 seat performing arts center features world-class entertainment throughout the year. See great children’s shows as well as other events that make for a terrific night out for mom and dad.
Sports
Yale Athletics
(203) 432-1400
www.yalebulldogs.com
There’s always sports excitement at Yale. Enjoy Men’s and Women’s Basketball in the Payne Whitney Gym. And, watch fast-paced hockey action at the Ingalls Rink. Cheer on the Bulldogs. Check out the full season schedules at www.yalebulldogs.com.