Looking for fun and low-cost things to do with your kids in Fairfield County, CT this November? We’ve hand-selected the best kids’ events from our November calendar, including some Election Day-inspired fun, a fundraiser for Connecticut’s Special Olympics, several kid-friendly shows, and Thanksgiving-themed activities.
For even more upcoming kids’ events in Fairfield and the NYC area, go to our full, searchable calendar.
Vote For a Day Off From School
Election Day is a day off from school and an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. In Awesome Autumn Day, kids can jump and play in mega leaf piles, wander through a maze, and gather around the campfire for songs and stories of recent Halloween adventures. November 8. 12-3pm. $5 per child.
New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan. 203-966-9577. www.newcanaannature.org.
Charlie Brown for President!
Someone is going to be voted into office today, but it’s not going to be Charlie Brown. Find out why in You’re Not Elected Charlie Brown!, a movie being shown at the Wilton Library. November 8. 11-11:30am. FREE.
Wilton Public Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton. 203-345-3430. www.wiltonlibrary.org.
Getting to Know You
Two local scientists discuss the behavior and conservation of orangutans and elephants in Primates and Elephants: Living on the Edge. After the discussion, watch the IMAX film Born to Be Wild. Reserve tickets online. November 9. 7pm. $12.50; $10 ages 2-12.
Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water Street, Norwalk. 203-852-0700. www.maritimeaquarium.org.
Prowl for Owls
Take an evening walk in search of screech, barred, and great-horned owls during a Fall Owl Prowl, where you’ll discover the ecology of these nocturnal birds, including their habitats, diets, and calls. November 11 at 7pm. $8. Call 203-977-6521 to register.
Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford. 203-322-1646. www.stamfordmuseum.org.
Cold for a Cause
Splash and Stroll at Seaside Park offers the opportunity to help raise funds for Connecticut’s Special Olympics, a year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Take a quick, chilly dip in the Long Island Sound, or take a two-mile walk, or, if you’re up to it, do both. November 12. Registration at 12pm; walk at 1pm; swim at 2pm. $20 to walk; $50 to plunge; $50 to walk and plunge. Preregistration online recommended. For more information or to request a registration packet, call ext. 604 or email debbieh@soct.org.
Seaside Park, 1 Barnum Dyke, end of Park Avenue, Bridgeport. 203-380-9990. www.soct.org.
Knit One, Purl Two
Back in the day, mothers and children would spend time together making a craft. In Kids and Moms Knit, turn back the clock and join this knitting circle for beginning and experienced knitters. November 3 and 17. 4pm. FREE.
Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Avenue, Southport. 203-259-0346. www.pequotlibrary.org.
Get in Touch with Outer Space
Scientists know quite a bit about Jupiter, a planet that is more than 350 million miles away. In Astronomy Nights, find out what makes this planet unique in a short presentation. Afterwards, head to the observatory to view the night sky through a 22-inch research telescope. November 18. 7pm. $3; $2 age 5-17.
Stamford Observatory, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford. 203-322-1646. www.stamfordmuseum.org.
Endless Summer
Characters from the popular Disney television show come to life in the musical Phineas and Ferb, The Best Live Tour Ever! Phineas, Ferb, Agent P, and the rest of the gang enjoy the last days of summer building their biggest invention yet. November 19. 1pm and 4pm. $26 and up.
XL Center, One Civic Center Plaza, Hartford. 860-249-6333. www.xlcenter.com.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for many people. Maybe it’s the turkey and all the “fixings,” or just the chance to enjoy a meal with family and friends. Either way, there’s enough to do around Fairfield County to make you crave mashed potatoes and gravy with a side of cranberry sauce long before the big day arrives.
Ms. Karen and Chester share stories with kids ages 3-8 in A Magical Thanksgiving Feast. November 17. 4pm. FREE.
South Norwalk Library, 10 Washington Street, South Norwalk. 203-899-2790. www.norwalklib.org.
Children can stop by the Wilton Public Library during regular library hours and make a Drop-In Thanksgiving Craft. November 19, 10am-5pm. Later in the day, children ages 4-7 are invited to Thanksgiving Story Time, 2:15-4pm. Then, while you’re digesting your turkey, take the kids to the Day after Thanksgiving Movies for Kids on November 25: 10:30am, Winnie the Pooh; 2pm, The Lion King. All events are FREE.
Wilton Public Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton. 203-762-3950. www.wiltonlibrary.org.
Donate a turkey or some of the other accompaniments for a Thanksgiving dinner through the JCC Turkey Drive. The food benefits the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. November 20. 8-11am. FREE.
Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. 203-487-0990. www.stamfordjcc.org.
Nothing says “Thanksgiving tradition” like a parade. The UBS Parade Spectacular offers one of the largest helium balloon parades in the country, with marching bands, floats, and, of course, some familiar characters floating down the street. November 20. 12pm. FREE.
Downtown Stamford, Summer and Hoyt Streets, Stamford. www.stamford-downtown.com.
Legend has it that the first Thanksgiving was eaten with the Native Americans. Celebrate their culture in Native American Days at the Museum, an exhibit capturing the heritage, art, and culture of the earliest North American residents. Children can make corn husk figures and petroglyph pendants or pinch pots. Trudie Lamb Richmond tells native stories. November 25-26. 11am-4pm. $15; $10 ages 6-16; free younger than 6.
Pequot Museum, 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket. 800-411-9671. www.pequotmuseum.org.
Walk off that heavy meal at a Thanksgiving Weekend Waddle. Take a discovery walk with naturalists and get the scoop on how nature prepares for winter. Warm up with hot cocoa at the Sugar House. November 26. 10:30am-12pm. $5 per family.
New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan. 203-966-9577. www.newcanaannature.org.
The Cat in the Hat Sings
Everybody’s favorite cat comes to life on stage in Seussical the Musical. Children will delight in seeing Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie, Jojo, and other Seuss characters in this production by the Lighthouse Youth Theatre. November 20. 2pm and 6pm. $25; $20 children.
The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield. 203-438-5795. www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
Lego Choo Choo
Train and Lego buffs should make their way to All Aboard with Bill Probert and Friends II, the newest exhibition at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Bill Probert, with assistance from some Lego clubs, has created a 365-square-foot Lego train environment that takes over the museum’s Leonhardt Gallery. On view November 12-January 2, 2012. Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday 11am-5pm. $10; $5 age 4-17; free ages 3 and younger.
Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford. 203-322-1646. www.stamfordmuseum.org.
