Are you ready to ‘leaf’ summer behind and leap into fall? Well, fall-lovers rejoice, your favorite season is just around the corner. And as the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to change color, it’s time to start thinking about what this fall season has to offer for the kids. So check out this list of 10 Fall activities in New Canaan and Darien that you don’t want to miss.
1. Halloween Party in Downtown New Canaan, CT
Oct 28th at 12pm
One of New Canaan’s most popular events is the annual Halloween Parade. Leading the parade will be the Old Faithful Antique Fire Truck and the cast of NCHS’s Production of Bye Bye Birdie. Children of all ages and their dogs are invited to participate. The Booths open with fun activities at 12pm. There will be Balloon Animals, Goody Bags, and you get to meet Marshall from Paw Patrol. Live music by School of Rock and a performance of “Thriller” by the New England Academy of Dance.
The parade kicks off at 1:00 P.M. from the parking lot proceeding to the corner of Park & Elm. It then travels down Elm St to Main St, and loops back up Elm St (closed to vehicular traffic).
1. Halloween Party in Downtown New Canaan, CT
Oct 28th at 12pm
One of New Canaan’s most popular events is the annual Halloween Parade. Leading the parade will be the Old Faithful Antique Fire Truck and the cast of NCHS’s Production of Bye Bye Birdie. Children of all ages and their dogs are invited to participate. The Booths open with fun activities at 12pm. There will be Balloon Animals, Goody Bags, and you get to meet Marshall from Paw Patrol. Live music by School of Rock and a performance of “Thriller” by the New England Academy of Dance.
The parade kicks off at 1:00 P.M. from the parking lot proceeding to the corner of Park & Elm. It then travels down Elm St to Main St, and loops back up Elm St (closed to vehicular traffic).
2. New Canaan Nature Center, Cider Saturday
September 15, 2018 11am – 3pm
Enjoy an early autumn afternoon of family fun with cider press demonstrations, old-fashioned games, honeybee hive tours, a pumpkin scavenger hunt, seasonal harvest crafts for kids, baked apples, and corn bread on a stick. Fill your bellies with delicious corn dogs, grilled corn, fresh cider, and baked goodies, all available for purchase. Members $10/person, Non-Members $15/person
September 15, 2018 11am – 3pm
Enjoy an early autumn afternoon of family fun with cider press demonstrations, old-fashioned games, honeybee hive tours, a pumpkin scavenger hunt, seasonal harvest crafts for kids, baked apples, and corn bread on a stick. Fill your bellies with delicious corn dogs, grilled corn, fresh cider, and baked goodies, all available for purchase. Members $10/person, Non-Members $15/person
3. Tokeneke Elementary School’s Pumpkin Carnival, Darien, CT
Saturday, October 13th from 10am to 4pm, rain date Oct. 14th
A school carnival that includes amusement rides, a play area for preschoolers, a haunted house, food from local vendors, numerous games plus a wide variety of mechanical rides, and raffle prizes. Free admission.
Saturday, October 13th from 10am to 4pm, rain date Oct. 14th
A school carnival that includes amusement rides, a play area for preschoolers, a haunted house, food from local vendors, numerous games plus a wide variety of mechanical rides, and raffle prizes. Free admission.
4. New Canaan Nature Center, Fall Fair
October 12, 2018 5pm – 9pm & October 13, 2018 10am – 6pm
They will have their traditional crazy maze, spooky stroll, pumpkin decorating, fire truck rides, apple sling shot, zip line, and new this year will be fun carnival rides. Friday night only, they will be offering an exclusive unlimited carnival rides wristband. Individual tickets will also be available on Friday night. Saturday will be tickets only at the door. Food, drinks, & snacks will be available for cash purchase on both days. Members: $25/wristband, Non-Members: $30/wristband.
October 12, 2018 5pm – 9pm & October 13, 2018 10am – 6pm
They will have their traditional crazy maze, spooky stroll, pumpkin decorating, fire truck rides, apple sling shot, zip line, and new this year will be fun carnival rides. Friday night only, they will be offering an exclusive unlimited carnival rides wristband. Individual tickets will also be available on Friday night. Saturday will be tickets only at the door. Food, drinks, & snacks will be available for cash purchase on both days. Members: $25/wristband, Non-Members: $30/wristband.
5. Grace Farms Fall Foliage Tours, New Canaan
Oct 20, 2018 2PM–3PM, Oct 25, 2018 2PM–3PM, Oct 27, 2018 2PM–3PM
Enjoy the beauty of fall in New Canaan with a tour through Grace Farms’ 80 acres of open space. A diverse natural habitat in the northeast corner of Connecticut, Grace Farms is home to a variety of wildlife, including more than 60 different species of birds. With numerous tree species, three ponds, and a meadow, Grace Farms is the perfect place to admire the expanse of seasonal colors in Connecticut. Fall Foliage Tours are open to adults and children of all ages. They include a substantial amount of walking outdoors, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Ticket prices are $10 adults and $5 children.
Oct 20, 2018 2PM–3PM, Oct 25, 2018 2PM–3PM, Oct 27, 2018 2PM–3PM
Enjoy the beauty of fall in New Canaan with a tour through Grace Farms’ 80 acres of open space. A diverse natural habitat in the northeast corner of Connecticut, Grace Farms is home to a variety of wildlife, including more than 60 different species of birds. With numerous tree species, three ponds, and a meadow, Grace Farms is the perfect place to admire the expanse of seasonal colors in Connecticut. Fall Foliage Tours are open to adults and children of all ages. They include a substantial amount of walking outdoors, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Ticket prices are $10 adults and $5 children.
6. The Darien Community Association, Halloween Parade with Amazing Andy
Oct 26th at 10am
Mom’s Morning Halloween parade is a colorful tradition! Dress up your little ones and bring a bag for trick-or-treating at the doors of local merchants along the way to Tilley Pond. There will be snacks and a special show magician by Amazing Andy. Meet at the parking lot next to the Darien Fire Station opposite Post Corner Pizza. Price: $5 per child.
Oct 26th at 10am
Mom’s Morning Halloween parade is a colorful tradition! Dress up your little ones and bring a bag for trick-or-treating at the doors of local merchants along the way to Tilley Pond. There will be snacks and a special show magician by Amazing Andy. Meet at the parking lot next to the Darien Fire Station opposite Post Corner Pizza. Price: $5 per child.
7. Grace Farms October Community Dinner, New Canaan
Oct 19th, 2018 6PM–7:30 PM
Enjoy a special meal with friends, featuring local performing artists. This dining experience promises expansive views and excellent company. The evening will take place in the River building’s Commons a 6,900 square foot glass room appointed with social community tables built from trees harvested on the grounds, comfortable sofas, and a coffee bar serving their very own Heavenly Roast. The Menu includes Kale, Butternut Squash, and Pomegranate Salad with Parmesan Dressing, Jambalaya with Chicken, Shrimp, and Chicken Sausage, Mango Meringue. Ticket prices are $11 adults and $6 children.
Oct 19th, 2018 6PM–7:30 PM
Enjoy a special meal with friends, featuring local performing artists. This dining experience promises expansive views and excellent company. The evening will take place in the River building’s Commons a 6,900 square foot glass room appointed with social community tables built from trees harvested on the grounds, comfortable sofas, and a coffee bar serving their very own Heavenly Roast. The Menu includes Kale, Butternut Squash, and Pomegranate Salad with Parmesan Dressing, Jambalaya with Chicken, Shrimp, and Chicken Sausage, Mango Meringue. Ticket prices are $11 adults and $6 children.
8. Darien YMCA, Holly Pond School, Fall Family Fun Day
October 21th, 2018 11-2pm
The Darien Family Fun Day, hosted by the Holly Pond School. This fun-filled family event is open to the public and is designed for preschool and elementary school aged children. All the proceeds will benefit the Holly Pond School.
October 21th, 2018 11-2pm
The Darien Family Fun Day, hosted by the Holly Pond School. This fun-filled family event is open to the public and is designed for preschool and elementary school aged children. All the proceeds will benefit the Holly Pond School.
9. Darien Nature Center, S’mores & More!
September 27th 4pm-6pm
Meet up with your friends and neighbors for an evening of roasting marshmallows, animal encounters, out door play and trail exploration! This event is for members only and it’s free.
September 27th 4pm-6pm
Meet up with your friends and neighbors for an evening of roasting marshmallows, animal encounters, out door play and trail exploration! This event is for members only and it’s free.
10. New Canaan Nature Center, Halloween Spooktacular
October 26, 2018, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Get into the Halloween spirit by joining this spooktacular celebration. You can learn about and meet some creepy critters, spiders, bats, snakes, & more. Get the chance to make your very own slime. Wrap up the evening by enjoying a one of a kind jack-o-lantern experience. Costumes are encouraged. $10 for members, $15 for non-members
October 26, 2018, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Get into the Halloween spirit by joining this spooktacular celebration. You can learn about and meet some creepy critters, spiders, bats, snakes, & more. Get the chance to make your very own slime. Wrap up the evening by enjoying a one of a kind jack-o-lantern experience. Costumes are encouraged. $10 for members, $15 for non-members
Megan Schinella is the founder of Camp by MaMa, a creative motherhood blog. She married her college sweetheart Joseph. Before kids, she worked in the fashion industry. Now a stay at home Mom in Stamford of three: two girls, Ava, age 8 and Gianna, age 5, and a son Nico, age 1. Her family is complete since his arrival; no more kids she says!
To learn more about Megan, visit her website campbymama.com and follow her on Instagram campbymama!