Fairfield Parent October 2016

Fairf ieldParent OCTOBER 2016

Bridgeport • Danbury • Darien • Fairfield • Greenwich • New Canaan • Norwalk • Ridgefield • Stamford • Westport • Wilton and more

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Scheduling Woes

Time for a Cellphone?

How to solve common birthday party dilemmas

Knowing when kids are ready for independence

Haunted Fun Find Halloween events near you WHERE TO PICK PUMPKINS

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October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

October 2016 ››

12

Features

12 When Can They...?

A guide to when your kids are old enough to do certain activities on their own

20

16 Happy Birthday, Unhappy Timing Tips for handling common birthday party scheduling dilemmas 20 So Your Teen Wants a Job...

What adolescents need to know to earn their first paycheck 22 20-Minute Meals Three healthy recipes that can each be made in 20 minutes 24 Family First, Even From Afar How one NYC couple makes it work when the father travels with the Texas Rangers for much of the year

38

22

42 Where Everyone Is an Artist How to spend the day at Crayola Experience in Easton, PA 44 Dude Ranch Lite What you can expect from a visit to Rocking Horse Ranch in Highland, NY

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 9 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Ron Leiber, the “Your Money” columnist for the New York Times, talks kids and money

Fun & Activities

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

27

10 Media Matters: New on DVD & Streaming 10 DIY Corner: Pumpkin Animals 26 Outing: Historic Village at Alliare 27 Family Activities Calendar 38 Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Pumpkins 40 Where-To Guide: Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Activities 46 Where-To Guide: Indoor Water Parks in the Northeast

Directories

18 48 49 50

Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided

by Appaman (appaman.com)

Birthday Party Directory Meet the Health Care Professional Party Planner Advertisers’ Index

››

ON THE COVER ›› 12 Time for a Cellphone? 16 Scheduling Woes 20 Best Jobs for Teens

facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

38 Where to Pick Pumpkins

40 Haunted Fun

Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

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OCTOBER 2016 • Vol.9 • No.1

NYMetroParents Publications

EDITOR’S NOTE

Birthdays & Milestones

I

t feels like Adira, my 9-year-old daughter, has been agitating for more independence since the moment she came into this world. Like most parents, we’ve gradually given her more freedom, but letting her walk the streets on her own was a scary idea to us—until, one day, that changed rather spontaneously. I was home with our sleeping toddler while my wife took our two older kids on an errand. When we realized that Adira wouldn’t be home in time to catch her ride to play rehearsal, my wife and I decided that Adira would walk the several blocks home by herself. I waited for her outside, peering down the block until her smiling, proud-of-herself face came into view. Since then, we’ve talked a lot about when she might be allowed to do even more on her own. It can be hard to know when it’s appropriate and safe to give kids independence. To help guide you in making these decisions, we’ve gathered expert advice on when kids may be ready for specific milestones of independence, including getting a cellphone, going to the mall, and walking to school on their own (p. 12).

Of course, no matter how old and mature our kids get, birthdays always loom large in their lives. We all want to give them the party they’re hoping for, but sometimes reality collides with those plans. In our case, we’ve got one kid born on Thanksgiving weekend and another on New Year’s Day, making party scheduling a challenge. We’ve also had the experience of calling a party venue weeks in advance only to find it’s booked for the weekend we’d like— and often for weeks before and after. Such problems are not uncommon, so we’re offering a useful guide to dealing with party scheduling dilemmas (p. 16).

As kids get older, something else tends to grow in importance to them as well: money.

Once they hit their teenage years, getting a part-time job is a realistic option and one that can provide important life lessons in addition to cash. Katelin Walling tells us everything we need to know for teens to get started in the work world, including the top jobs they might pursue (p. 20).

If it’s October, it means baseball playoffs are upon us, and Halloween is just around the corner. To mark the former, Bethany Braun-Silva profiles a New York City family for whom Dad’s dream job—as a coach for the Texas Rangers—keeps him away from home for long stretches. The couple tells us how they make it work and how he stays involved in his kids’ lives even from a distance (p. 24).

And as Halloween spirit ramps up, check out our guides to pumpkin-picking farms (p. 38) and haunted houses and other Halloween activities (p. 40). Or learn how to go beyond the standard jack-o’-lantern and make cool pumpkin animals (p. 10).

Happy fall and happy Halloween to all!

Michael Kress Editorial Director

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress DEPUTY EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Karen Demeter (Fairfield, Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERNS: Jonathan Perry, Kathryn Sheridan

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Got a Story to Tell? Get Published!

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Submissions should be 600-800 words and written from your personal perspective.

Send essays for consideration to dmgEDIT@davlermedia.com with the subject line “Voices Submission.”

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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

Billy Blanks JR. to Hold Free Dance Class at The 5th Annual Stamford Health, Wellness, and Sports Expo Who: Produced by TMK Sports and Entertainment What’s New: A free dance class, taught by Billy Blanks Jr. of Shark Tank fame, at the 5th Annual Stamford Health, Wellness, and Sports Expo at Chelsea Piers Connecticut.

The class, for attendees ages 7 and older, will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 from 1-2pm, and Sunday, Oct. 16 from 12-1pm.

The expo includes more than 100 exhibitioners aiming to encourage people to get involved in health and fitness. All ages are encouraged to attend. Parking and admission are free.

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Kids enjoy healthy snacks at the Stamford Health, Wellness, and Sports Expo.

Who: Sky Zone Norwalk What’s New: Sky Climb, a beginner-friendly climbing wall, which is slated to launch in November.

Also, on weekend nights Sky Zone now hosts Glow Parties for teens and tweens. All of the interior lights are turned off, and glow lights along with strobes and reflectors will be turned on for a jumping party.

Other attractions include Sky Joust, at which visitors can face their friends in a foam-padded jousting battle, or a basketball style Sky Slam.

Want More Info: 360 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Norwalk; 203-939-7222; skyzone.com/norwalk

8

October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

Courtesy Sky Zone Norwalk

Sky Zone Norwalk to Launch Sky Climb Wall and Glow Parties

Guests can experience jousting, foam style with Sky Joust.

UOTABLES

Posts from

Halloweens Past

When the big day finally arrived, Captain America was highly annoyed with the layers that his mama stuffed underneath his costume. Thankfully, the first trick or treat experience of the year seemed to cure the crank-factor. A single piece of candy tossed into a bag can work wonders!

—NYC mom Monica Marino in a post entitled “Trick or Treat” on her blog marinobambinos.com

in an instagram Growing up NYC >> The brownstones in our neighborhood go all out for Halloween and #lilStrange kept sneaking candy out of her pumpkin.

(Posted by @kristrange, aka Kris Strange, a NYC mom of two who blogs at mystrange.family)

REAL-LIFE GHOST

HUNTING

“The most common complaints are unexplained noises or a disembodied voice, the feeling of being watched or touched, occasional shadows or mists, and the unexplained moving or relocation of objects. The complaints often start with children reporting these things to their parents.”

—Victor Furman, a NY-based “paranormal

in an instagram (Posted by @cuddlesandchaos, aka Jennifer Garry, a Westchester mom who blogs at cuddlesandchaos.com).

“We’ve made it a tradition each year to visit a senior citizen home before we head out to trick-or-treat. The elderly folks get such a kick out of the kids’ costumes and they usually put on quite the production.”

—Brianne Manz, an NYC mom, in a post entitled “Halloween of ‘14” on her blog strollerinthecity.com

investigator,” in an interview with NYMetroParents entitled “My Husband is a Ghostbuster.” Read it all at nymetroparents.com/ghostbuster

MORE NYMetroParents HALLOWEEN HIGHLIGHTS: COSTUME PLANNING: What should your child be this Halloween? (nymetroparents.com/costume) GET CRAFTY: Find spooky art projects at nymetroparents.com/ halloween-diy TODDLER FUN: How to trick-or-treat with your little one (nymetroparents.com/toddler-halloween) HALLOWEEN TREATS: Eyeball cake pops, monster ‘toes,’ and more at nymetroparents.com/halloween-treats Fairf ieldParent

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Media Matters: MOVIES X-Men: Apocalypse H H H H

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(PG) Release Date: Oct. 18 Recommended Age: 9+ This uneven, less-violent sequel has a girl-empowerment theme.

In Theaters Nov. 4: Trolls

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Parents need to know that Trolls—a digitally animated musical comedy from DreamWorks—is inspired by the tall-haired troll dolls, but with more funky adventures than ‘60s nostalgia. The story follows an unlikely pair of troll heroes, the overly optimistic Princess Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick) and her grumpy opposite, Branch (Justin Timberlake), who journey beyond their world and face the ugly, troll-eating Bergens. The voice cast also includes the likes of Zooey Deschanel, John Cleese, and James Corden. Some jokes might rely on potty humor or else go over kids’ head entirely, but overall, Trolls looks like a quirky, family-friendly movie.

See more at NYMetroParents.com/media

DIY CORNER HALLOWEEN CRAFT

Pumpkin Animals

There’s no need to stop at carving pumpkins when it comes to Halloween. Experiment by making all sorts of creatures from pumpkins, squash, and other vegetables to add fun to your Halloween party. And when you have finished you can still cook and eat everything you have used!

You Will Need • Pumpkins and squash in any shape, size, and color • Selection of other vegetables—carrots, Brussels sprouts, eggplants (aubergine), and zucchini (courgette) are all great • Pumpkin and sunflower seeds, fresh ginger root, bay leaves • Sharp knife • Chopping board • Toothpicks (cocktail sticks) • Wooden skewers 1. Lay all your vegetables out on the table so you can see what you have. Start thinking about which animals you would like to make and play around with different arrangements to create some crazy creatures!

2. Push one end of a toothpick (cocktail stick) into the vegetable you would like to use, such as a carrot, and then push the other end into your pumpkin.

3. Push seeds into pumpkins to make eyebrows, teeth, nose, etc.

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October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

4. Seeds make great spikes for hedgehogs. Push them into a squash, using the pointed top of the squash as a nose.

5. Use a sharp knife and chopping board to cut slices of vegetables. (Remember to keep your fingers out of the way or ask an adult to help you.) The slices make great eyes when held in place with toothpicks.

6. Push half of one of the wooden skewers into a squash to join one onto the other.

7. Push another squash onto the rest of the skewer to join two together.

8. Make antlers, ears, arms, and eyes by attaching vegetables to the squash with toothpicks—Brussels sprouts make great ears!

9. Bay leaves are a good shape to use as hair or headdresses and decoration on your creatures. It is easy to push toothpicks through them, which can then be pushed into the pumpkins.

Excerpted from My First Gardening Book, Ryland Peters & Small, $14.95; rylandpeters.com

NYMP Q&A Kids and Money Matters ››

By Bethany Braun

Ron Lieber is the “Your Money” columnist for The New York Times and an awardwinning journalist. He recently published The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money.

Any tips on how parents can start conversations about money with their kids? Well I think the first thing you need to stop and do is remind yourself to be open to the questions in the first place because it’s so tempting to shoo our kids away or shush them or shame them when they ask money questions. The fact of the matter is that money is a source of enormous power in our world but also a source of mystery for kids, precisely because grown-ups don’t talk about it enough. We need to be prepared to give our kids honest answers to the questions and don’t make them feel bad for asking.

Should kids start earning their own money early on? When I think about jobs, I think about work that you do for somebody that you’re not related to for which you get paid—not household chores. I think every child should have at least one job, preferably a full-time job that they take on in the summer sometime during high school, and preferably every summer. I think every child should contribute, hopefully substantially, to the cost of their undergraduate education, and I think there’s something developmentally profound about having to show up someplace every day, where a team of other people or customers are relying on you and learning what it means to perform that task or a set of tasks for a wage where there’s a possibility that you’ll be kicked out by a boss if you’re not doing the things that you’re supposed to do.

What’s your view on giving kids an allowance? Allowance is for practice, and money is something we want our kids to get good at. We should think about it in the same way that we should think about a musical instrument, or art supplies, or athletic equipment, and as with those things, or books, these are not things that we take away generally if our kids have not done their chores. I think the allowance should be given out without any conditions except that the money gets used responsibly, that you don’t lose it or burn it, and that you don’t buy anything or do anything with the money that is on the family’s banned-items list. As long as you follow all those rules, the allowance is yours.

For parents who are tired of being nagged all the time for stuff, the quickest way to nip that in the bud is to actually double your child’s allowance if you can afford it, which may seem like a counterintuitive approach. But once it’s clear to them that they have this sum of money—but that until further notice, every single thing that they want as opposed to things that they need is going to have to come out of the allowance—then there’s no reason to bug you anymore because they know that the answer is going to be, “No, that’s what the allowance money is for.”

Whatever that allowance is, they have to make that last and parcel it out and make tradeoffs around the things that they want the most.

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When Can They….?

››

Riding the bus, walking to school, going to sleepaway camp, and more milestones of growing up: a guide to when your kids are old enough to do activities on their own By Laurie Sue Brockway

A

fter years of knowing your child’s exact whereabouts, who he is with, and what she is eating, it can be daunting, even scary, to ease your child into independent activities. But there will come a time when you will have to give your little one wings to fly—or at least, money to take a train somewhere.

“A parent’s confidence in a child’s age-appropriate abilities to make good choices and be responsible goes a long way to instilling confidence in the child and provides a much-needed inner resource that would benefit any kid,” says Jody Ripplinger, MA, LMHC, a psychotherapist at Manhattan’s Citron Hennessey Private Therapy and a Brooklyn, NY, mom of three. “I think the real test is whether we as parents feel able to let our children out of our sight for periods of time, without letting our anxiety get the better of us.”

We rounded up some of the big firsts and offer advice on when you might expect your child to be ready for them. Of course, you know your child best and every person and situation will be different, but we hope this helps you figure out when it’s okay for your child to take some big steps on his own.

Getting a Cellphone

It may seem like your child has been begging for her own phone for as long as she’s known how to talk. Most experts agree that kids should have phones once they start going out and about on their own, whenever that may be. Pre-paid, no-frills, functional phones just for calling in to the mothership, and vice-versa, are 12

October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

fine. “We gave our kids cellphones once they started traveling alone, so it was around the age of 9,” says Alina Adams, a mother of three and author of Getting Into NYC Kindergarten. “But these phones are for announcing that they’ve arrived at their destination only. And the very, very cheap phones we got them can’t even download apps.”

Attending Sleepaway Camp

Experts we spoke with suggested 7 years old as the minimum age for sleepaway camp. Before you enroll, take into consideration your child’s prior response to separations, if he’s already successfully experienced a few nights away, whether friends are attending the same camp, and what the child’s expectation is, says clinical psychologist Joe Taravella, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine. “The average age for a first trip to sleepaway camp ranges from 7 to 9 years old, but it really depends on your child’s maturity and ability to separate from parents.”

Some kids will dive in and others may beg to come home, so find out how the camp handles homesickness. “Sleepaway camp presents a wonderful opportunity for your child’s growth,” Dr. Taravella says. “Children feel part of a community and develop self-respect, maturity, self-esteem, independence, and responsibility.” They can also learn new coping skills and strengths, become more resilient and resourceful, and cultivate life-long friendships.

Going for a Bike Ride

Developmentally, children ages 8 and older should be able to take a bicycle out for a spin around the block by themselves if they are familiar with the neighborhood. A 10-year-old should be able to go out on longer rides accompanied by a friend, as long as they practice safety rules, Ripplinger says. There is a lot to pay attention to, so a child must be able to keep track of the environment around her while moving quickly on a bike. “Make sure he knows how to stay safe,” Ripplinger says. “Tell him to always wear a helmet, always stop at corners and wait for the green light, and be on the lookout for turning cars on the green when it is time to cross.” In New York City, kids can legally bike on the sidewalk until they are 12, and she recommends that they do. A cellphone, and assuring the child that she has your trust, helps.

Riding the Bus or Subway

Some parents are comfortable starting kids young, yet some transportation systems have established minimum age requirements for unaccompanied minors. Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road require kids to be at least 8, while Amtrak’s minimum is 12. “Additional factors to consider could include your child’s desire to ride alone, history of demonstrating responsibility and good judgment, and ability to follow directions as well as the length of the trip and/or the safety of the route,” says Amy DiBernardo, LMSW, clinical assistant professor in the department of child and adolescent psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center’s Child Study Center.

In preparation, go for a trial run, review subway and bus maps, and walk the route to the train or bus to point out places the child can go for help if needed along the way. Discuss safety concerns and how to identify police officers and security guards. DiBernardo says to send them with, an “emergency kit” that includes contact information, a cellphone if they have one, and additional money ($5-$15) in case a their pass, MetroCard, or ticket gets lost and your child needs to use another form of transportation.

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Crossing the Street

National Highway Traffic Safe Administration says children are not ready to cross a street alone until 10 years of age, according to Dr. Taravella. Your child’s readiness depends on the ability to shift attention and also concentrate. “Children who tend to be impulsive and easily distracted can engage in unsafe crossing choices and other unsafe behavior,” he says. “Parents can reinforce judgment skills by walking with their children and always modeling safe pedestrian behavior for their children, such as not crossing the street when you don’t have the right of way or stopping at the curb and looking in all directions when crossing the street.”

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Walking to School

Once children reach fifth or sixth grade, they might be ready to take the leap with their friends or by themselves, Dr. Taravella says.

Some children initiate the conversation by asking their parents if they can walk alone or with their friends. “Parents should evaluate the distance to the school, how many streets to cross, the availability of crossing guards, and their child’s ability to navigate the streets safely to and from school,” he says. They’ll need coaching on continuously taking the safest route between school and home, and they should demonstrate for their parents that they have excellent traffic-safety skills.

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continued on next page ››

Fairf ieldParent 13

‹‹ continued from previous page

Not every child is anxious to go it alone. “My middle child was uncomfortable with the idea of going to school by himself,” Adams says. He was accustomed to traveling with his older brother, who moved on to a new school, but Adams had to take her younger daughter to school in a different direction, so she started him walking alone at 10 years old. “He was anxious, but he did it anyway, and has had no problems since,” she says. “He did not feel he was ready, but I did.”

Going to the Mall

“Dropping a child off anywhere alone definitely depends on the maturity level of the child, but I would say age 11 or sixth grade should be fine for any child with a friend, as long as the parent knows and trusts the friend,” says parenting coach Elisabeth Stitt, author of Parenting as a Second Language.

Parents may be more concerned about kids being loud and disrespectful than being harassed, so avoid letting them go in large groups or trios. Pairs make for a better buddy system and less chance of fighting. Give kids a primer on safety and strangers.

Limit money to just what they need, and outline your no-go zones.

“Video arcades are good places to avoid until kids are a little older,” Stitt says. “They tend to be dark, and kid-to-adult ratio favors kids, which allows for more room for kids to behave obnoxiously and for peer mentality to develop. Places such as skating rinks, on the other hand, although kid-heavy, invite less trouble.”

Studying at the Library

You can start dropping them off at the library by themselves around ages 11 or 12, according to Danielle Lindner, children’s book author and founder and CEO of the London Day School in Florham Park, NJ. Start by accompanying your child but spending time in separate areas so that he knows where to find you if needed.

This offers freedom without you being right on top of him. “As they get older and become more comfortable, demonstrating that they can be responsible, you can slowly give them more and more freedom to walk places with a friend or spend time with friends without adult supervision,” Lindner says.

The other factor is library location, she adds. “If visiting the library means walking through an area that would generally be thought of as unsafe, I don’t think there is any age that a child should be able to walk alone in that case.”

Staying Home Alone

Opinions on when kids can stay home by themselves are wide ranging. “Trusting your child to stay home alone, especially the first time, is daunting for any parent,” DiBernardo says. “While concerns are warranted, allowing your child to stay home alone can have real benefits. It fosters a sense of responsibility and independence in your child and may help strengthen your work and life balance.”

The decision depends on your child’s maturity and the situation: Is it a safe neighborhood, is there an alarm system, are there friends and family nearby? “Generally speaking, between the ages of 10 and 12 is an acceptable age range to leave your child home alone for a short period of time (an hour or so), provided that your child is not scared and you believe they are mature enough to handle the situation,” DiBernardo says.

Visiting the Doctor’s Office

Going solo to the doctor can encourage self-care as well as more 14

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TIPS TO DETERMINE YOUR CHILD’S READINESS Start in small increments, do trial runs, and try role-playing.

Additionally, ask yourself whether your child has: Exercised good judgment in the past and/or demonstrated responsibility. Examples may include finishing homework without being asked, completing chores, or watching a sibling.

Shown that she can follow basic directions, such as locking the door or not opening the door for strangers.

Demonstrated problem-solving skills. For examples, has he called you or family members in the past when he needed help? Has she demonstrated that she is capable of coping in stressful situations?

honesty with the physician. “Children can come into the office at 13 years old by themselves,” says Mary Ellen Renna, M.D., a pediatrician in practice in Jericho, NY, and author of 10 Steps to Almost Perfect Parenting.

Even if you are there, stay out of the exam room. “It is always better to see a teenager without the parent present,” Dr. Renna says. “They are more likely to be forthcoming about sexual behavior or drug use if the parent is not in the room.” It’s different when a child is sick, because it is always better to have someone with you when you are ill. “Sick visits and emergencies should be accompanied by a parent as often as possible,” she says—unless the child is older than 17, drives, and is physically able to drive to the office.

Signing Up for an Email Account

Let school be the lead and find out if there is an age or grade in which they require students to have their own email, or if the school assigns email addresses to everyone. “Kids don’t really need one,” says Richard Rende, Ph.D., a developmental psychologist and co-author of Raising Can-Do Kids: Giving Children the Tools to Thrive in a Fast-Changing World. “Keep in mind that all kids— including and especially teens—can be impulsive and emotional and that plays out socially. So think about an age when you feel they are mature enough to use it responsibly—early teens—and teach them the rules of the game.” This applies also to texting, which kids probably do more frequently, he adds.

Getting on Social Media

Early teens is probably the right time for most kids to start entering the social media world, but this may require a long period of monitoring, Dr. Rende says. “It will be a learning curve for kids because now they have a device that permits instantaneous expression of moods, kids will say things about other kids, misinterpretations can happen.”

There are many different kinds of social media kids may delve into, so parents should take a proactive stance in learning about them and teaching safety tips. Parents should also be aware of the different minimum ages set by the individual networks for membership. “Practice transparent monitoring—not constant surveillance or lurking,” Dr. Rende says. While teaching good online protocol, hang on until you think they are ready to truly go solo. “You will need to practice good communication skills with your child and partner with them.”

Laurie Sue Brockway is a journalist and author who has written extensively on love, romance, marriage, parenting, well-being, and emotional health. Her work has appeared in hundreds of print and online publications, including Woman’s Day, Everyday Health, and The Huffington Post.

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Fairf ieldParent 15

Happy Birthday, Unhappy Timing

››

Tips for handling common birthday party scheduling dilemmas. By Bethany Braun-Silva

P

lanning your child’s birthday party can be lots of fun, but let’s face it, it can be really stressful, too. That’s especially true if your child has her heart set on a certain type of party or a particular venue, but for whatever reason, it’s just not feasible. Here we’ve listed some common birthday party planning scheduling dilemmas and what to do to make sure the day is still a success for your child.

Same Friends, Same Birthday

Dilemma: The invites have all been sent and the venue has been booked.

You drop your child off at school a few days later only to find out that another child in his class has scheduled a birthday party for the same day.

Solution: Ask the parents if they are absolutely set on that date. If so, suggest a change in time, and if they still won’t budge, see if your venue will offer a change in time. After all, two parties in one day is a dream for kids, even if it’s a nightmare for most parents.

The Venue Has No Openings Dilemma: You thought you were being a good parent by trying to book your child’s birthday party venue of choice months in advance.

Or maybe you’re a lastminute person, and despite the best intentions, are calling just a little too late to schedule it. Whatever the reason, it turns out the place is all booked up and so are similar venues in the area.

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Solution: Try holding the party a few weeks earlier or later, or look at venues just a little further away. Your child might be disappointed at first, but ultimately, she’ll get on board, because after all, a party is still a party, no matter when it’s held.

Alternatively, you can plan to hold the party at home. Your first step is to get on Pinterest ASAP and give it your best DIY try. Or get an assist from a party entertainer—think clown, face painter, or costumed character—who makes house calls. If a spa party is what she had in mind, recruit family and friends to act as estheticians for the day. If she had her sights set on something more elaborate, such as a club-themed party, turn the lights down and pump up the jams, or hire a musician or DJ to handle the tunes. You can pretty much MacGyver your way to a successful birthday party with a little planning.

Birthday On or Near a Holiday

Dilemma: If your child’s birthday is a week before Christmas, falls on Leap Day, or is July 4 or Jan. 1, fear not. You’ve probably already heard the stories of slighted kids who share their big day with a national holiday, but that doesn’t mean it has to be lacking in fun or that your kid won’t get all the birthday attention he deserves.

Solution: Try moving your kid’s party a few days after the big holiday; that way the holiday is in the past and everyone can be completely focused on the birthday boy or girl. If that won’t work, try incorporating the holiday into your child’s party to make it all about her. Vicky’s Valentine’s Birthday Bash or Steven’s 7th St. Patty’s Day might be a great way to celebrate your child’s birthday without ignoring the big holiday elephant in the room. And families that have lateafternoon or evening get-togethers—such as Thanksgiving dinners or Memorial Day barbecues—might appreciate a morning activity that gets the kids out of the house and allows them some fun.

www.whimsiesdollhouseshop.com

Do you still need to find a summer camp?

ResouRces ARticles

Siblings Who Have the Same Birthday

Dilemma: Your children have the same birthday or their birthdays are only a few days apart. While it may be convenient for you (no need to remember multiple dates!), your kids aren’t too keen on sharing a party.

Solution: You can get really crafty here and try to convince your kids of all the great reasons to have a shared party. Or you can choose to split the parties, which means more work for you. If you choose to split them up, try to keep each party small and ask each child for one special thing she would like to include.

If two parties are just not in the budget or schedule, try to arrange for separate events at the combined party. Perhaps have each child open presents in separate rooms, or split off for certain games. Each child can choose a favorite food, and you can have separate, smaller cakes for each, so no one feels slighted or has to compromise on his favorite flavor or decoration.

Everyone can come together for cake and playtime—just make sure each kid has her moment in the spotlight.

Find everything you need, faster at

Fairf ieldParent 17

BIRTHDAY PARTIES 2016 Your Local Guide to party places, resources and activities for kids!

Bounce! Danbury

21 Prindle Lane, Danbury 203-942-2449 bouncedanbury.com info@bouncedanbury.com Bounce! Danbury combines the best of all the Bounce! facilities! Two trampoline bungee jumps, a huge main jump court with additional dodgeball courts, five foam pits, two Ninja style Bounce! Xtreme obstacle courses, an enormous separate Bounce! Jr. Zone with its own mini slam dunk basketball hoop, a laser light extravaganza for Jump ‘n’ Glow, multiple party rooms of every size with glow-in-the-dark themes, a parent lounge area with nine TV viewing options streamed right to your cellphone, and a spectacular mezzanine observation deck with 40 charging stations and an arcade with an array of challenging video games.

The Discovery Museum and Planetarium

4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport 203-372-3521 discoverymuseum.org Super Heroes Unite! (Yes, parents can be super heroes, too!) Awesome and affordable, themed birthday parties at Discovery Museum combine crafts, festivities, and fun things to learn about. Dig for dinosaurs, explore space, have Fishy Fun, or even fly a simulated Mission to the Moon in our Challenger Center! Rent a party space and create your own adventure; add a private planetarium show or telescope viewing; have a private movie screening or even have an overnight at the museum! Parties can be customized; discounts for museum members. Call 203-372-3521 x130; email eng@discoverymuseum.org; visit online at discoverymuseum.org.

Flash Pointe Dance

1657 Post Road, Fairfield 203-259-1600 flashpointedance.com Turn on the party lights and dance your birthday off at Flash Pointe Dance in one of our five beautiful studios! Choose from hip-hop, jazz, musical theater, break dance, ballet, or any other dance style—if we

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don’t offer it, we can find it! Select your choreographer, choose your favorite music, and your event will be complete. Preschool through adult, dance is a great way to celebrate any event. Don’t you deserve to be inspired by the best? Now open in our new, state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly facility at 1657 Post Road in Fairfield.

Funfuzion at New Roc City

29 Le Count Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle, NY Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com Calling all birthday superstars! You and your guests will be dazzled by a unique, interactive party experience! Our dedicated emcees and party hosts will provide an unforgettable birthday experience within a theatrical and interactive party room atmosphere. As “The Birthday” leading man or lady, you will be center stage for your spectacular birthday production! Act one begins with a dazzling interactive show in which everyone is a star! There will be eating, singing, dancing, and prizes! Act two is filled with your choice of action-packed amusements! It is a standing ovation every time for the birthday star!

Jump Off Indoor Trampoline Park & Fun Zone

280 Garfield Ave., Stratford 203-989-3357 jumpoffct.com jumpoffct@gmail.com Jump Off is the coolest new place for family fun and amazing parties with 13,000-square-feet of connected, worldclass trampolines in a 27,500-square-foot, brand-new facility! Trampolines galore-get ready for dodgeball, air dunk, jump-in foam pit or air bag, balance on our slack line, and gladiator on our battle beam. Our Play Zone includes three floors of an indoor playground with slides, tubes, ball pits, bazookas, a waterbed, inflatables, and toddler area. Animal rides on wheels, Arcade Zone with prizes, and a Lazer Maze!

Rockin’ Jump-Trumbull

25 Trefoil Drive, Trumbull 203-880-5577

tru.rockinjump.com There’s no need to look further for your next celebration! Rockin’ Jump offers private party rooms in which your group can gather, take a break, and celebrate.

Our parties include a birthday host, 90 minutes of jump time using our entire facility, including the trampoline park, rock climbing, and our gladiator arena. It also includes a dedicated party room, plates, cups, napkins, and utensils. We have food packages available for a reasonable extra cost. Check us out at tru.rockinjump.com or call us at 203-880-5577.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

13 Francis J. Clarke Circle, Bethel 203-428-4080 skyzone.com/bethel events.bethel@skyzone.com 360 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Norwalk 203-939-7222 skyzone.com/norwalk events.norwalk@skyzone.com Throw your child the best party ever at Sky Zone! Your kids and their friends will experience the “wow” of jumping, flying, and flipping on our wall-to-wall trampoline courts. Give your child the best gift of all—pure joy! Throwing a great party can get complicated, but Sky Zone makes it easy. Just bring the kids and we do the rest.

Your child will thank you and go home happy (and maybe even a little healthier)!

Reserve today and see why Sky Zone was voted “Best Party Ever!”

Stamford Twin Rinks

1063 Hope St., Stamford 203-968-9000 stamfordtwinrinks.com Stamford Twin Rinks boasts two NHL regulation-sized ice-skating rinks and regular, year-round public skating sessions.

Extensive hockey and skating programs, and summer camps for all ages and abilities are conducted by professional and qualified instructors. Skate Zone Pro Shop offers expert skate sharpening and a full line of hockey and skating equipment.

Four themed and decorated birthday party rooms and hostess services are available for

parties. Twin Rinks is also the home of the Springdale Figure Skating Club, Springdale Ballet Academy, Center Ice Bar & Grill, and Hope Street Café.

spider or octopus would interest them instead. So give us a call and let us help you plan a fun and creative activity for the special day.

Trinkets and Treasures of CT

Whimsies Dollhouse Shop

Serving Fairfield County 203-247-0139 trinketsandtreasures.com Looking for ideas for your child’s next birthday party because the whole class was invited, and you have both girls and boys to entertain? Call Trinkets and Treasures Parties, we have something for everyone. We know not all girls are interested in jewelry and some boys would love to make a piece or two for mom, or even for themselves. For those who don’t want to make a bracelet, necklace, zipper pull, or key ring, maybe making a beaded

39 Lewis St., Greenwich 203-629-8024 whimsiesdollhouseshop.com Whimsies Dollhouse Shop specializes in heirloom-quality dollhouses in all stages of completion: custom-designed, ready-built, or do-it-yourself kits. We carry every accessory imaginable for the enticing hobby of dollhouses and miniatures including kits, trim, paint, wallpaper, shingles, all dollhouse components, collectible miniature furniture, miniature accessories, and porcelain dolls.

A great place to shop for a special birthday gift!

Now Open In Danbury!

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Trampoline Bungee Jumps Dual Xtreme Ninja Obstacle Courses Five Foam Pit Areas Multiple Slam Dunk Basketball Lanes Trampoline Dodgeball Courts Enormous Main Jump Court Separate Bounce! Jr. Area for 5 and Under Multiple Party Rooms of All Sizes State of the Art Arcade Parent Lounge with TV Viewing & Free Wi-Fi Lofted Mezzanine Viewing Area with Charging Stations Fitness Classes, Gymnastics Training & Toddler Time New Trampoline Volleyball

203-942-2449 www.bouncedanbury.com info@bouncedanbury.com 21 Prindle Lane in Danbury, Connecticut Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BounceDanbury/ Twitter and Instagram: @bouncedanbury

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Fairf ieldParent 19

So Your Teen Wants a Job… ››

What kids need to know to earn their first paycheck. By Katelin Walling

G

rowing up, if I wanted something that wasn’t necessary (makeup, UGG boots, CDs, my pet rat and all the proper accouterments), I had to buy it with my own money. I also knew from an early age that I would be responsible for paying for my college education while my parents would pay for room and board. (Mom and Dad decided this as a way to guarantee all of their kids would attend classes and do well in school—they figured that if my brothers and I were paying for our own education, we wouldn’t waste it.)

Since my brothers and I didn’t get a weekly allowance to buy the unnecessary items we wanted, I took a job the first chance I could.

My first job was delivering newspapers when I was in fourth or fifth grade, and I began babysitting when I turned 12 (only on the weekends!). Other positions I held were as a janitor at the church my family attended, a housekeeper for an inn during the summer, a newspaper carrier (again), a waitress in a retirement community’s dining room, and a waitress at a Mexican-Irish restaurant. And that was all before earning my high school diploma.

So I know a thing or two about working as a teenager. There are a lot of options available, but also a lot of rules and regulations specific to teens younger than 18 in the workplace. If your teen wants to start earning his own money, where to start? Here is our best advice.

First Job Options

There are a variety of options available to those ages 16 and older (some are even available for tweens and younger teens)—just make 20

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sure to check the state’s child labor laws to see what jobs minors can legally hold and whether they need working papers, as well as how many hours per week and what times of day they can work.

Our top choices for first jobs for teens include: Babysitting: There are a plethora of sources for teens to find families who need sitters, first and foremost family connections and word-of-mouth. The two families I primarily sat for in middle school were my first-grade teacher and one of my dad’s coworkers.

Other sources available now for finding families are sites such as UrbanSitter.com, HelloSitter.com, Sitter.me, and SitterCity.com.

An option for younger kids is being a mother or father’s helper— someone who is there to occupy the kids while Mom or Dad is trying to get work done in the house. One thing I did to ensure my preparedness for caring for children was to take an American Red Cross Babysitter Training course, which teaches 11- to 15-year-olds basic child care and first aid skills, as well as how to keep everyone safe and help children behave.

Camp counselor: For those teens who went to summer camp as a kid and wish they could go back after they age out, being a counselor at a sleepaway or day camp is the perfect option.

According to a 2012 Economic Impact Report conducted on behalf of the American Camp Association, 7,000 camp programs in the Northeast employed a total of 190,000 people,

with the majority of those seasonal jobs being held by 16- to 24-year-olds. Bonus: Teens will learn valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, time management, and problem-solving.

hours of work permitted by law, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor (ctdol.state.ct.us). Once a minor has this documentation, she must take it to the public high school in the town in which she resides to apply for working papers.

Dog walker: Whether a neighbor needs someone to walk Fido occasionally for a few extra bucks, or your teen wants to make dogwalking a full-fledged part-time job (heck, some people in NYC are able to make a living by walking dogs), this task gets your kids active outside. Plus, if you’re thinking of getting a family pooch, this is good practice for a tween to see what goes into the care of a dog.

I credit my strong work ethic as an adult to my early entry into the workforce—yes, even though it was only a paper route.

It taught me responsibility, reliability, time management, and following through with a commitment. It also taught me the value of a dollar at an early age. Yes, I may have wanted the expensive Levi’s, but I didn’t need them when the muchcheaper jeans from Old Navy worked just as well. When I did want something (like those aforementioned UGG boots), I saved my hard-earned money to pay for them myself—and I wore those ruby-colored slipper-like shoes until they had holes in the soles to get my money’s worth.

For some, their first job sparks an interest that leads to their future career. I delivered papers, which got me interested in journalism and led me to publishing; a friend mowed lawns and now owns a landscaping company. But for many, the first job was a way to earn money on their way to success. If you follow #FirstSevenJobs, you know that Tony Goldwyn (President Fitzgerald Grant on Scandal) was a farm hand; Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Broadway’s Hamilton) worked the slushee machine at his aunt’s store; Stephen Colbert worked in construction; and astronaut Buzz Aldrin was a dish washer. Even First Daughters aren’t off the hook: the Boston Herald reported that Sasha Obama worked at a restaurant in Martha’s Vineyard over the summer.

So… What’s your teen’s first job going to be?

Food service: There are a variety of jobs in the food service industry, from scooping ice cream at the local shop to making cappuccinos and lattes in the neighborhood café to any of the jobs in a restaurant, including busser, dishwasher, host or hostess, server, or bartender. Note: The minimum age to serve alcohol in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut is 18.

Landscaping: From mowing lawns to raking leaves to shoveling driveways and sidewalks in the neighborhood, this is a sure-fire way for tweens and teens to earn some cash. Kids: Just make sure you ask your parents for permission before you push their mower around the neighborhood!

Lifeguard: Another (mainly) summer option, teens as young as 15 (some facilities require teens to be at least 16) can take the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course to learn to recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and provide care until EMS personnel arrive. Lifeguarding locations include local pools, beaches, amusement parks, and water parks.

Paper routes: I had paper routes a couple of times when I was growing up, my first in elementary school in a nearby neighborhood and my second in eighth grade in a neighborhood near school so I could walk there after school. I earned a small fee each week, but the real money was in weekly or monthly tips from subscribers—and especially during the holidays. Check with your town’s paper to see if it has any opportunities available.

Retail: From stocking the shelves at the grocery store to folding clothes at Gap to staffing a register at Target, there are a number of opportunities at local and big-box retail stores for teens. Bonus: Some stores offer discounts for employees—teens just need to make sure they don’t spend their whole paycheck before it gets to their savings account!

Obtaining Working Papers

Child Labor Laws may vary from state to state, but for the most part, they all limit the number of hours minors can work daily and weekly, and during what time of day they can work. Some laws even limit what types of jobs minors can hold. In order to uphold these laws, minors who wish to work must obtain working papers to document where they are working—and to make sure the minors and employers know the limits of the laws.

In Connecticut, minors must be at least 16 years old (15 for retail establishments during school vacation); have an employer’s written promise of employment, proof of age (birth certificate), and a social security card. In addition, the job must be permitted for the minor’s age according to Connecticut’s regulations, in an industry permitted for his age according to Connecticut’s regulations, and performed during the times and

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Fairf ieldParent 21

FOOD & NUTRITION

20-Minute Meals

››

Bright and colorful, this fresh recipe makes a delicious light supper.

It’s a good weekend brunch dish, too, which you could serve topped with a poached egg for each person.

Serves 4 Ingredients 3 eggs ¾ cup plain/all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder ½ cup crème fraîche 1 cup canned sweetcorn 1 bunch of coriander/cilantro, chopped A small bunch of spring onions/scallions, sliced 1 tbsp. canola oil, for frying Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Lime wedges, to serve

For the Salsa 4 tomatoes, diced 1 red onion, diced 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed Juice of 1 lime 2 tbsp. olive oil NOTE: If you’re following glutenfree diet, simply replace the flour with a gluten-free blend, which will work just as well.

Directions 1. Start off by making the pancake batter. Place the eggs, flour, baking powder, crème fraîche, and two-thirds of the sweetcorn in a blender. Blend for approximately 30 seconds until smooth. Tip the batter into a bowl and then stir in the remaining sweetcorn, half of the coriander/cilantro, the spring onions/scallions, and a

Cod, Green Bean, and Cherry Tomato Parcels Baked in a parcel, this delicate fish retains all of its moisture while taking on plenty of flavor from the other ingredients. Serve with tender new, salad potatoes, which will soak up all of the cooking juices when crushed with the back of your fork.

Serves 4 Ingredients 7oz French beans 4 cod fillets (each approximately 4-5 oz.)

4 small bunches of cherry tomatoes (each with approximately 5-6 tomatoes)

Olive oil, for drizzling ½ lemon 1 tbsp. pine nuts 16 basil leaves ¾ cup white wine Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. C ut four pieces of baking parchment large enough to form a parcel for each piece of cod.

3. P lace the green beans in equal piles in the middle of each piece of paper.

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pinch of salt. Leave to one side while you make the salsa.

2. To make the salsa, combine the tomatoes, onion, avocado, chili, and garlic in a bowl. Add the lime juice, olive oil, and some salt and pepper. Stir well and then add most of the remaining chopped coriander/cilantro. (If you have any extra sweetcorn left you can add this to the salsa, too.)

3. To cook the pancakes, heat 1 tbsp. canola oil in a frying pan and when sizzling, drop in 2–3 large tablespoons of batter at a time, letting each spread out to form small round pancakes.

Cook for approximately 2 minutes, then flip over to cook for a further 2 minutes, until nicely golden brown. Keep the pancakes warm while you cook the rest of the batter.

4. Once all of the pancakes are cooked, top with the salsa and the remaining coriander/cilantro. Serve with wedges of lime to squeeze over.

4. Lay the cod fillets on top of each pile, followed by a bunch of cherry tomatoes. Drizzle each with a little olive oil, followed by a squeeze of lemon juice, and a few pine nuts. Tear each basil leaf in half before placing them on top. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Partially seal the parcels by twisting the edges of the paper together at both ends so that when you add the white wine it won’t leak out. Pour the wine into the parcels, then finish sealing the edges and top of the parcels and place them on a baking sheet.

6. Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. When you’re ready to serve, lift the whole parcels onto the plates, open the edges and dive in.

From ‘Healthy Speedy Suppers’ by Katriona MacGregor © Nourish Books 2016, photography by Heathcliff O’Malley.

Sweetcorn Pancakes with Avocado Salsa

From ‘Healthy Speedy Suppers’ by Katriona MacGregor © Nourish Books 2016, photography by Andrew Crowley.

As the school-year schedule kicks into high gear, cooking balanced meals can seem too time-consuming. Here are three healthy recipes that can each be made in 20 minutes. By Katriona MacGregor

From ‘Healthy Speedy Suppers’ by Katriona MacGregor © Nourish Books 2016, photography by Andrew Crowley.

Beef Stir-Fry with Green Peppers Taking a minute or two to make your own stir-fry sauce is really worth it. Not only will the result be fresher and tastier than anything you squeeze out of a packet, you can play around with the ingredients and adjust the seasonings to suit your own tastes. To this quite basic recipe, you could also add black-eyed beans, mangetout/snow peas, mushrooms, or pak choi/bok choy in place of, or as well as, the vegetables listed. Don’t worry if you don’t have a wok, just use a large frying pan; the key is to cook quickly over a high heat without the ingredients being crowded.

LEARN TO SKATE Enroll now & Save!

Serves 4 Ingredients 1 heaped tsp. cornflour/ cornstarch 3 tbsp. soy sauce 3 tbsp. mirin (rice wine) Canola oil, for cooking 1 bunch of spring onions/ scallions, sliced 2 green peppers, deseeded and sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed

IT’S GREAT TO SKATE!

1lb 9oz rump steak, sliced into strips 2/ cup stock 3 5 tbsp. oyster sauce 3 tbsp. sweet chili sauce 2 tsp. sesame seeds, toasted, to serve (optional) Steamed rice or noodles, to serve

Directions 1. P lace the cornflour/cornstarch in a small bowl and stir in the soy sauce and mirin until you have a smooth paste.

2. H eat 2 tbsp. of oil over a high heat and, when very hot, add the spring onions/scallions, peppers, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender and slightly golden at the edges, but still have a bit of bite. Tip out of the pan and leave to one side.

3. A dd a little more oil to the pan and, when hot, add the beef.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring all of the time until the meat is cooked and has taken on some color.

4. T ake the pan off the heat and add the cornflour/cornstarch mixture, followed by the stock, oyster sauce, and sweet chili sauce. Return to the heat and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add a little more stock if the sauce is too thick. Return the vegetables to the pan and stir to heat everything through.

5. S erve with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, if you like, and some steamed rice or noodles.

Extracted from Healthy Speedy Suppers by Katriona MacGregor © Katriona MacGregor 2016 published by Nourish Books, London, Hardback, $24.95

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Fairf ieldParent 23

Family First, Even From Afar

››

For one NYC father, the job of his dreams means living apart from his wife and kids for much of the year. The couple tells us how they make it work. By Bethany Braun-Silva

B

aseball season is coming to an end, and that means it’s time for Queens, NY, native Anthony Iapoce, hitting coach for the Texas Rangers, to finally return home to his family here in New York.

Anthony fulfilled his lifelong dream of working in Major League Baseball when he was hired by the Rangers last fall.

However, the job requires him to be with his team for long stretches of time. His wife, Suzanne, was accustomed to him traveling for work—including stints in the Chicago Cubs and Florida Marlins organizations—but this was the first time they faced a long-term separation.

Somehow over the past year, the Iapoces were still able to buy a home, have a second baby—and there’s a third on the way now, too—and look completely unfazed (at least on the outside) by these major life events. I know the family personally—our kids went to school together, and I am friends with Suzanne—and I can attest to the fact that the Iapoces make living apart look easy, although it obviously is not. I talked to them about how they keep it all together and manage work and family time while one spouse lives away from home.

Making It Work

Suzanne and Anthony Iapoce met as kids growing up in Queens.

Their mothers were very good friends, so they found themselves drifting in and out of each other’s lives as they got older. Anthony made a career for himself in baseball and traveled quite a bit as a result, and it was through the help of Facebook that he and Suzanne were finally able to make a romantic connection. Cut to a few years later, and they are now married with two beautiful daughters, 4-year-old Lily and Abby, who turns 1 this month, and a baby due in the spring.

Anthony says even though he’s achieved his personal goal of working in the Major Leagues, what’s more important to him is being a great dad—and that balance takes a bit of figuring out.

The key to making it all work is “great family and friends,” he says, and for the Iapoces, that includes Suzanne’s parents, who took Lily to and from school every day last year. When Anthony is away, the family uses FaceTime frequently, allowing Lily to connect with her dad by talking to him and showing him artwork and pictures from school.

Since welcoming Abby in the fall, the family has been faced with the expected challenges that come along with having a new baby 24

October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

The Iapoce family visits Dad at his workplace.

and being a family of four. This put extra pressure on Suzanne, who also worked full-time as teacher. “I remember being worried about my girls, thinking, How am I going to pick up the slack?,” she says. “Anthony is such a hands-on, active dad, even when he’s not there. He’s so engaged with them and so present with them, and his presence is extremely powerful, so I was worried about picking up the slack of him being absent.”

For Suzanne, taking on double duty as a parent meant letting other chores go, at least temporarily. For one thing, the selfproclaimed “neat freak” chose to let dishes pile up in the sink in exchange for some quality time with her girls, which she says was well worth it.

Hometown Home Base

One of the biggest decisions the Iapoce’s faced upon receiving the news of Anthony’s new job was where to live. After some back and forth, they made the decision to keep their home in New York and not move to Texas. Anthony has been with four organizations during the past 10 years, so the family would be faced with potentially frequent moves if they relocated every time he took a new position. Plus, he travels with the Rangers, so the couple figured it would be best to keep the girls and Suzanne near their family in New York.

“We decided to stay with our support system,” Suzanne says.

“My parents are here and they are so active in our daughter’s lives, and it was important for us to be near them.”

Even with Anthony being away, the couple managed to purchase their first home this summer. With some creative scheduling, Anthony was able to make it to the closing, and the Iapoces were

able to check off another important milestone for their family.

Suzanne and the girls spent the rest of the summer traveling to Anthony’s games. “Taking the opportunity to travel to him as much as possible is what we are going to be doing to make it work, we are learning as we go with this baseball life,” she says.

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Setting Great Examples

Anthony is a testament to what working hard and never giving up will get you. As a kid in Queens, NY, he never stopped playing baseball, which included teams at St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Astoria and St. Joseph’s Catholic Youth Organization, and then in high school at Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School.

He continued in college and transitioned to the Minor League, but the goal was always the Big League, Anthony says.

When the Rangers came calling, Anthony and the family were excited, but he knew he was going to have to be away more than before and that was always in the back of his mind. “It’s tough because as far as a personal goal, like where I’ve wanted to be my whole life, this is it, but now it’s also that I want to be a great dad,” he says. “So I’m trying to figure out how to balance that.”

Anthony hopes that this fulfillment of a lifelong dream will inspire his girls to pursue their own passions. “The thing with Lily and Abby is trying to show them that you can get to where you want to get, you just got to keep going and believe in yourself,” he says. When it comes to his girls he wants them to “believe that anything is possible.”

With the Rangers holding a comfortable lead in their division as of our press time and widely expected to go deep into the playoffs, Anthony’s return home is likely to be delayed a bit this year—albeit for all the right reasons. Still, he, along with Suzanne and the children, look forward to spending some time living in the same place for a while, until it’s time for Anthony to head back to work for next season.

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Abby and Lily Iapoce sport Texas Rangers gear.

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OUTINGS: Historic Village at Allaire

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Explore Early Industrial American Life 1

2

4

Courtesy Historic Village at Allaire

The Historic Village at Allaire is a living history museum offering historic re-enactments, craft demos, hearth cooking, and more, open to the public April through December. ›› By Melissa A. Kay

3

5

1 Children get into the industrial spirit. 2 Laundry is hung out to dry, the old fashioned way at Allaire Village. 3 Halloween is a spooky time at Allaire. 4 Watch a blacksmith demonstration during your visit. 5 Fall fun includes pumpkin picking and hayrides.

The Historic Village at Allaire in Farmingdale, NJ, engages visitors and teaches the public what everyday life was like during early Industrial America by offering families historic re-enactments, craft demonstrations, carpentry, tinsmithing, hearth cooking, and much more.

Year-Round Fun

This museum with 13 original buildings offers a variety of educational tours, living history interpretations, gardens, exhibits, and special programs for all ages. Allaire’s historic interpreters and guides will give you an inside look into a different time and way of life, and the many challenges and triumphs of an early 19th century industrial community.

Explore Allaire State Park with more than 3,000 acres of walking trails, picnic areas, and biking trails. Be sure to stop by the fresh bakery and do some shopping at the old-fashioned General Store and Enameling Building shop.

Annual Events

Group tours are offered year-round and

26

October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

are a great way to experience industrial history. Tours can be scheduled at any time for any type of group. Allaire’s monthly calendar offers many great events including An Evening with Edgar Allen Poe, which includes a chilling performance of some of the poet’s favorite tales, and James P. Allaire’s Birthday every July 16, which includes numerous craft demonstrations and sweet treats. The Annual Ducky Derby, which is typically held in July, is a great event to raise money for the village. Children enter their rubber ducks into a race and are awarded prizes. Also be sure to check out the numerous flea markets and craft shows, the Annual Rolling Iron Antique Show in August, the Allaire 5K Run in October, and the Allaire Auxiliary Stocking Stuffer Sale in November.

October Highlights

Allaire dares you to brave the village and forest at nighttime when all the “monsters” come out. Join the Haunted Allaire hayrides, have your fortune told, dance

with Zombie Zumba, listen to haunted ghost stories around the campfire, and explore Hogwarts at Allaire. Pre-registration is suggested. Oct. 14, 15, 21, and 22; 6-9:30pm. Adults: $15; children younger than 12: $10.

Another favorite is the 19th Century All Hollow’s Eve celebration on Oct. 30. This is a fun event for all ages featuring spooky storytellers. Take a ride on the tractor and hay wagon to explore the park. Take part in historic demonstrations as villagers prepare for fall. Pick a pumpkin (limited supply) and decorate it! Costume contest and parade at 3pm. Adults: $5; children ages 5-12: $3. Wagon and tractor rides extra.

Details

Address: 4263 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale, NJ Directions: Approximately a 2-hour drive from Stamford Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm Admission: Free; special events cost extra.

For more information: 732-919-3500 or allairevillage.org

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Turn the page for details on The New England Chowdafest (No. 1 on our list).

y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U

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nyme

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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: KAREN DEMETER ffeditor@davlermedia.com

OCTOBER CALENDAR

28 Editor’s Hot Tickets

33 Fun Fairs & Festivals

30 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!,

Special Needs,

Animal Lovers

34 Holiday Fun

31 Crafty Kids

36 Smarty Pants,

Once Upon a Time

32 Mini Musicians,

The Great Outdoors

35 Show Time!,

Must-Sees in NYC

37 On Screen

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

5

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to.

Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

1

The New England Chowdafest

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 11am-3pm WHERE: Sherwood Island State Park, Sherwood Island Connector, Exit 18 off I-95, Westport AGES: All WHAT: Grab a spoon, ballot, and pencil, then experience unlimited sampling from 40 award winning restaurants stretching from Seattle to Maine.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The ultimate New England event!

WANT TO GO? $15; $5 children ages 6-12; free for children younger than 6. 203-216-8452. chowdafest.org.

Be Green Connecticut! Family Fair FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 12-3pm WHERE: Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the community opening of the exhibition Rising Tides: Fairfield’s Coast, Past to Future and learn about sustainable energy with hands-on activities presented by Energize Connecticut.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Find out what you can do to protect the environment for future generations.

WANT TO GO? 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

2

3

Earthplace Festival

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 2, 10am-4pm WHERE: Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane, Westport AGES: All WHAT: Activities include jumping into a corn pool, pine climb, natural obstacle course, apple slingshot, and more.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Using nature as a playground is good, clean fun!

WANT TO GO? $10 children; $5 adults; free for children younger than 2. 203-557-4400. earthplace.org.

28

October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

4

Walt Disney and His Connecticut Connections FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 16, 3pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Art historian and former cartoonist Garry Apgar speaks about the connections Walt Disney had with Connecticut.

WHY WE LOVE IT: We love everything Disney and are thrilled that he has Connecticut connections!

WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Harvest Festival Weekend

5

WHEN: Oct. 15-16, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy apple cider and pumpkin-carving demonstrations, a scarecrow-making contest, and fun activities for the whole family.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Clever activities include our favorite: an apple slingshot into the pond.

WANT TO GO? $10. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

6

Family Fun Day FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 23, 10am-2pm WHERE: Shubert Theater, 247 College St., New Haven AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Family-friendly activities including arts and crafts projects, temporary tattoos, Halloween film shorts, and refreshments.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A great way to experience the Shubert first hand!

WANT TO GO? 203-562-5666. shubert.com.

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Trick-or-Treat with the Stew Leonard’s Characters FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 25, 5-6pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 100 Westport Ave., Norwalk AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children are invited to dress in their costumes and trick or treat.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Wow the Cow and all your favorite characters will be there!

WANT TO GO? 203-847-7214. stewleonards.com.

Simulated Space Missions for Birthdays, Students & Scouts

Enchanted Forest

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 28, 5:30-7:30pm WHERE: Connecticut Audubon Society, 2325 Burr St., Fairfield AGES: All WHAT: Come in costume and have a fun experience learning about nocturnal animals in their natural habitats.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A luminary trail will light the way.

WANT TO GO? $15 children; $2 adults. 203-259-6305. ctaudubon.org.

Want to know 8 the Best Activities for Families? #ACAMHalloween2016 FREE

WHEN: 31, 5-8pm Subscribe toMonday, our Oct. family activity WHERE: Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield email newsletter.

9

AGES: All WHAT: Trick or treat at the museum and pose in your costume in front of spook-tacular photo walls.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Post your photos to Instagram to share with friends and family and see your pictures projected on the museum wall!

WANT TO GO? 203-438-4519. aldrichart.org.

Heart and Seoul: Growing Up in Korea

WHEN: Through Jan. 8, 2017: daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The exhibit uses traditional folktales as well as current day personal stories told by Korean children to engage visitors.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Five modern-day Korean children open their hearts and invite you to take an intimate look into their lives.

WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 1. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org. ››

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Want toBpt.know the . 372.3521 x117 . www.discoverymuseum.org Park Ave, Best Activities for Families?

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WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.

Family Focus: Family History Month FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 3, 10:30am-2pm WHERE: Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy storytelling followed by a self-guided activity.

WANT TO GO? 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

Get Into It! FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 6, 5-8pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The museum stays open late with free admission and activities that will empower children to make smart energy choices.

WANT TO GO? 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Pumpkin Carving Demo FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 15, 10am-4pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 100 Westport Ave., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Pumpkin carver Lenny Calvin will bewitch shoppers with his elaborate Halloween-themed etchings on the store’s pumpkins.

WANT TO GO? 203-847-7214. stewleonards.com.

Dewey Knit FREE

WHEN: Oct. 5-26, Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn how to knit, get help with a project or just hang out to knit.

WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Haunted Chamber FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 28, 2:30-5:30pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Proceed with caution through a room filled with slimy touch buckets, creepy obstacles, and scary storytellers.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS Accessibility Day

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 8, 9am-5pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Mathews Park, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Reduced admission for families of kids with special needs.

WANT TO GO? $3. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

FAP: Networking Autism Moms and Dads Pizza Group FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 31, 7:30pm WHERE: Pizza Post, 522 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich AGES: All WHAT: De-stress, enjoy a glass of wine (on FAP), and relax among your tribe.

WANT TO GO? 203-661-8510. autisticadults.net.

30

October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

ANIMAL LOVERS Autumn Songbird Walk, Bird Banding Demonstration, and Nature Play Exploration

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 8am-12pm WHERE: Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich AGES: All WHAT: Search for songbird migrants and learn about bird banding techniques. Children will play and discover nature using the new Nature Play Trail.

WANT TO GO? $7. 203-869-5272. greenwich.audubon.org.

Backyard Birding FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 8, 10-11am WHERE: Connecticut Audubon Society, 2325 Burr St., Fairfield AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn how to identify Connecticut’s birds, see who is at the feeder this time of year and find out about feeding habits.

WANT TO GO? 203-259-6305. ctaudubon.org.

Run/Walk for the Penguins

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 15, 9am WHERE: Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic AGES: All WHAT: Every step taken during the 5k run or 2-mile walk helps efforts to save the endangered African penguin populations.

WANT TO GO? $35; $25 children. 860-572-5955. mysticaquarium.org.

The Danbury Pet Expo

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 16, 11am-4pm WHERE: Danbury PAL, 35 Hayestown Road, Danbury AGES: All WHAT: In addition to pet adoptions, animal experts are on hand to teach grooming, pet behavior, training, and more.

WANT TO GO? $10; $7 children ages 3-11. 203-702-1467. danburypetexpo.com.

Feeding Time Program for Families

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 16, 8-10am WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: 5 and older WHAT: After a buffet in the Cascade Café, make the rounds with aquarium staff members as they feed an assortment of hungry animals.

WANT TO GO? $50; $25 children ages 5-12. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Slimy, Scaly, Creepy, Crawly

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 28, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Get into the Halloween spirit by meeting some slimy, scaly, and crawly critters. Discover if animals such as snakes, spiders, toads, and cockroaches are truly creepy and icky, or if they just look different.

WANT TO GO? $8. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Trick or Treat on Heckscher Farm

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 30, 1-3pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Make your first stop at the otter pond to get your first clue, and follow the clues to find all six trick-or-treat stations.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 4-17; free for children younger than 4. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Pancakes with Penguins: Boo-Breakfast

WHEN: Oct. 23-30, Sundays, 8-9:30am WHERE: Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy a special Halloween-themed pancakes with penguins.

WANT TO GO? $24.99; $20.95 children. 860-572-5955. mysticaquarium.org.

Nature Nursery Fall Harvest

WHEN: Oct. 3–Nov. 21, Mondays, 10-10:45am WHERE: Connecticut Audubon Society, 2325 Burr St., Fairfield AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children learn fun facts, create crafts, and meet interesting animals.

WANT TO GO? $16 per class. 203-259-6305. ctaudubon.org.

Animals Without Passports Special Exhibit

WHEN: Through Jan. 2, 2017: daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Learn the challenges of humpback whales’ annual 3,000-mile migration between New England and the Caribbean.

WANT TO GO? $19.95; $17.95 children ages 13-17; $12.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

CRAFTY KIDS Drop In Class: Upcycled Foam Sculpture

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 3, 10am-2pm WHERE: Westport Arts Center, 51 Riverside Ave., Westport AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Discover ways to help the environment by upcycling materials for art projects.

WANT TO GO? $25. 203-222-7070. westportartscenter.org.

Scarecrow Making

WHEN: Oct. 2-9, Sundays, 2-3pm and 3-4pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: All WHAT: Bring your family for the annual scarecrow making program and create a scarecrow for Harvest Festival Weekend contest.

WANT TO GO? $10 with admission: $10; $5 children ages 4-17; free for children younger than 4. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Art Exploration: Truffula Tree Landscape

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 11, 10am-2pm WHERE: Westport Arts Center, 51 Riverside Ave., Westport AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Explore the difference between 2-D and 3-D artwork as you and your child create a fanciful landscapes inspired by Dr. Seuss’s illustrations.

WANT TO GO? $25. 203-222-7070. westportartscenter.org.

Family Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 15, 10am-5pm WHERE: Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield AGES: All WHAT: Explore the graceful shapes and colorful hues of fall foliage through printmaking and listen to a lecture on current exhibitions.

WANT TO GO? 203-438-4519. aldrichart.org.

Steaming Ahead FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 4pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn about mirror painting and symmetry.

WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Outside the Lines: A Coloring Book Event

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 4pm WHERE: Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield AGES: All WHAT: David Brooks and local student artists created an Aldrich coloring book that explores Brooks’s exhibition, Continuous Service Altered Daily.

WANT TO GO? $10 per family of 4. 203-438-4519. aldrichart.org.

Halloween Luminaries for Teens FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 26, 4-5pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Create luminaries using ball jars, paint, and images from a die cutter. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Tumblers for Teens FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 28, 4-5:30pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Learn how to use the Cricut, a die cutter, and personalize a unique tumbler to give someone or use yourself. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Drop In Class: Tooled Sugar Skulls

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 29, 10am-2pm WHERE: Westport Arts Center, 51 Riverside Ave., Westport AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Use dull needles and other metal working tools to create a detailed skull inspired by Mexican Day of the Dead sugar skulls.

WANT TO GO? $25. 203-222-7070. westportartscenter.org.

Halloween Crafts FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 30, 1-4:30pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Drop by to make spooky crafts for Halloween.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org. ›› Fairf ieldParent 31

Music For Youth and Pequot Library Present Brandon Ridenour, Trumpeter FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 2pm WHERE: Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave., Southport AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Brandon Ridenour, recipient of the Morton Gould ASCAP Young Composer Award, performs in this special Young Persons’ Concert WANT TO GO? 203-259-0346. pequotlibrary.org.

Laser Spectacular’s The Spirit of Michael Jackson

MINI

MUSICIANS Gary Harger & Company FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 2pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: All WHAT: Tenor Gary Harger sings a variety of music for all ages, including Italian songs, New World American, pop, and Broadway selections.

WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

(Not) Just For Kids Music Program: Strings FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 15, 3-4pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Members of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra demonstrate their instruments, play for the children, and answer questions in this hour-long presentation.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Curiosity Concerts Presents Karim Nagi ‘Arabiqa’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 15, 2-3pm WHERE: YWCA Greenwich, 259 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Discover the culture of the Arab world through music and dance with multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and cultural ambassador Karim Nagi. Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? 203-552-1818. jccgreenwich.org.

Be One Tour Featuring Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 21, 9pm WHERE: Stamford Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Enjoy the uplifting music of Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey with another inspiring night of music.

WANT TO GO? $10. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org.

Olivia Lane

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 21, 9pm WHERE: Stamford Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Olivia has opened for Wynonna and Frankie Ballard, and hosts a local music series called Diva Jam at listening rooms around Nashville.

Her new self-titled EP, Olivia Lane, is available now in stores.

WANT TO GO? $10. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org.

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October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 28, 8pm WHERE: The Palace Theatre, Stamford Center for the Arts, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This visual journey captures the essence of Michael Jackson’s concert appearances and his early years as a child prodigy.

WANT TO GO? $25-$35. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org.

Movement and Dance for Little Ones FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 14: Mondays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children and their caregivers are invited to join a fun time of moving, grooving, jumping, shaking, singing, and playing instruments.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS SM&NC Sunday Farm Market

WHEN: Through Oct. 9: Sundays, 10am-2pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: All WHAT: The market will have eggs, wool, and syrup that come directly from the farm, as well as other vendors and their produce.

WANT TO GO? Free with museum admission: $10; $5 children ages 4-17; free for children younger than 4. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Family Sail with Soundwaters and Fairfield Museum

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 1-3pm WHERE: Captain’s Cove, 1 Bostwick Ave., Bridgeport AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy the excitement and wonder of the Long Island Sound aboard Soundwaters’ 80-foot Schooner.

WANT TO GO? $25. fmhc_familysail.eventbrite.com.

Afternoon Studios: Foliage Fabrications

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2-4pm WHERE: Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield AGES: All WHAT: Find natural matter from the campus to create collages and sculptures.

WANT TO GO? $10; free for children younger than 18. 203-438-4519. aldrichart.org.

Daily Fall Foliage Tours FREE

WHEN: Oct. 11-14, Tuesday-Thursday, 12:45-2:15pm; Friday, 5:30-7pm WHERE: Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Road, New Canaan AGES: All WHAT: Take a fall foliage tour of the 80 acres of preserved meadows and woodlands and of the River building.

WANT TO GO? 203-920-1702. gracefarms.org.

Wetlands Walking Tours

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 12pm WHERE: Marina Estuary at Ash Creek, Turney Road, Fairfield AGES: All WHAT: Discover the importance of protecting endangered wetlands.

WANT TO GO? $5. 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

Fall Foliage Study Cruises

WHEN: Through Oct. 23: Saturday-Sunday, 1pm WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Share a boat ride with an amazing variety of fish, crabs, mollusks, and other creatures brought up right out of Long Island Sound.

WANT TO GO? $29.95. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Astronomy Nights: Fall Constellations

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 28, 7pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Start by enjoying an astronomy presentation, followed by a visit to view the night sky through a 22-inch telescope, weather permitting.

WANT TO GO? $5; $3 for children younger 18. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Legends & Hauntings Walking Tour

WHEN: Oct. 28-29, Friday-Saturday, 6-8pm WHERE: Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Put your costumes on and get chilled to the bone listening to haunting legends, superstitions, and local folklore. Register online.

WANT TO GO? $15. 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Outdoor Arts Festival

WHEN: Oct. 8-9, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: All WHAT: This year’s Outdoor Arts Festival features juried works from nearly 80 new artists and returning favorites from across the country.

WANT TO GO? $8; free for children younger than 5. Includes admission to the museum and festival. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Stamford Health, Wellness, & Sports Expo 2016 FREE

Pirate Coastal Cruises

WHEN: Oct. 22-30, Saturday-Sunday, 4pm WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Aquarium educators point out sights and wildlife, and share local lore about haunted islands and buried treasures. Costumes are encouraged and reservations recommended.

WANT TO GO? $29.95. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

WHEN: Oct. 15-16, Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Chelsea Piers, 1 Blachley Road, Stamford AGES: All WHAT: There will be blood pressure screenings, hand hygiene tips, and chronic disease risk assessments; fun activities for children; special guests; and the latest information, products, services, and demos from more than 95 exhibitors at the new Stamford Hospital.

WANT TO GO? 203-531-3047. hws-expos.com.

Spooky Stroll

Innovation Day FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 30, 10am, 12pm, and 3pm WHERE: Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Follow costumed guides and hear fun and spooky stories about Fairfield’s darker history.

WANT TO GO? $5. 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 10am-2pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: All WHAT: Discover, dabble, and do-it-yourself at this festival of making, creating, and demonstrating.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Ick Fest

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 30, 1-4pm WHERE: Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Celebrate all things creepy and crawly at the annual Ick Fest.

WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 4-17; free for children younger than 4. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Spooky Concert & Carnival FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 30, 3pm WHERE: Fairfield Country Day School, 2970 Bronson Road, Fairfield AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Prepare your costume and get ready to play fun games after the concert. Proceeds from the games are a fundraiser for the Suzuki Schools.

WANT TO GO? 203-227-9474. suzukischools.org. ›› Fairf ieldParent 33

WHAT: Children are encouraged to wear their costumes at this breakfast with Stew’s most loved characters.

WANT TO GO? $12.99; $9.99 for children younger than 12. 203-7908030. stewleonards.com.

AquaScarium Halloween Prowl

WHEN: Oct. 22-30, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: There will be trick-or-treating throughout the galleries, facepainting, and roaming entertainers. Children wearing costumes will receive free admission with a paying adult.

WANT TO GO? $22.95; $20.95 children ages 13-17; $15.95 children ages 3-12. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Halloween on the Green FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 30, 10am-4pm WHERE: Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy trick-or-treating, crafts, activities, performances, and family fun.

WANT TO GO? 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

Ghostly Sightings & Macabre Tales of the Victorian Era

HOLIDAY FUN Rosh Hashanah Young Children’s Family Service FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 3, 1:45-2:30pm WHERE: Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Listen to a holiday story and sing holiday tunes. Open to the community.

WANT TO GO? 203-869-7191. templesholom.com.

Yom Kippur Family Service FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2pm WHERE: Temple Shalom, 259 Richards Ave., Norwalk AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: A children’s service that is free and open to the public.

WANT TO GO? 203-866-0148. templeshalomweb.org.

Magical Monster Mash

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 6-8:30pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy a night of not-so-scary, family fun.

WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 1. 203-8990606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

A Haunting at Mill Hill

WHEN: Oct. 21-22, Friday-Saturday, 6pm, 7:30pm, and 9pm WHERE: Mill Hill Historic Park, 2 E. Wall St., Norwalk AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Take a 1-hour, lantern-lit tour through the old Mill Hill graveyard at the Norwalk Historical Society while listening to chilling tales.

WANT TO GO? $18; $12 children ages 8-12. 203-846-0525. norwalkhistoricalsociety.org.

Halloween Breakfast with the Characters

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 29, 9am and 10am WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 99 Federal Road, Danbury AGES: Newborn to 5 34

October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

WHEN: Oct. 21-30, Friday-Sunday, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm WHERE: Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, 295 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: 5 and older WHAT: The tour focuses on the history of the house and the more macabre customs and mourning traditions of the Victorian era. Visitors may run into the mansion’s ghosts.

WANT TO GO? $20. 203-838-9799. lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.

Fright Haven

WHEN: Oct. 1-31, Thursday-Sunday, 7-10pm WHERE: Old Bally’s Building, Stratford Square, 411 Barnum Ave., Stratford AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Fright Haven is a scary, no-holds-barred event meant to truly scare.

WANT TO GO? $20 and up. frighthaven.com.

Scarecrows on Parade

WHEN: Oct. 17-31, daily, 9am-4pm WHERE: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport AGES: All WHAT: Check out the scarecrow competition and vote for your favorites at the Boo at the Zoo event on Sunday, Oct. 30.

WANT TO GO? $15; $12 children ages 3-11; free for children younger than 3. 203-394-6563. beardsleyzoo.org.

Halloween Hayride Spooktacular

WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Monday-Friday, 3-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-8pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 100 Westport Ave., Norwalk AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Take a family-friendly hayride through a course of more than 20 vignettes.

WANT TO GO? $1; free for children younger than 4. 203-847-7214. stewleonards.com.

Halloween Day FREE

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 31, 8am-8pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 100 Westport Ave., Norwalk AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: On Halloween day, children who come to the store in their costumes will receive a free small ice cream.

WANT TO GO? 203-847-7214. stewleonards.com.

‘Pete the Cat’

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge Ave., Ridgefield AGES: 3-8 WHAT: When Pete the Cat gets caught rocking out after bedtime, the cat-catcher sends him to live with the Biddle family to learn his manners.

WANT TO GO? $15. 203-438-5795. ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

CityBound

Must-Sees in N Y C Fallon Prinzivalli

SHOW TIME!

Fun with Lynn Lewis FREE

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 7, 11am WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Popular entertainer Lynn Lewis brings a special friend for children to play with for songs and dancing. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Sammie & Tudie’s Comedy Magic Circus FREE WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 8, 3:30pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy magic, stories, and laughs.

WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Rent’s Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 16, 7:30pm WHERE: Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 E. Ridge Ave., Ridgefield AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Pascal and Rapp, who created the roles of Roger and Mark in the Broadway production of Rent, return with a new show.

WANT TO GO? $50. 203-438-5795. ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

‘The Pirates of Penzance’

Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly Get your superhero costumes ready, The East Coast’s biggest popular culture convention New York Comic Con is back! This huge event features star-studded panels, autograph sessions, screening rooms, sneak previews, and launches of movies and shows. Everything from comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, and toys to movies and television. There’s a special Family HQ area with kids activities too. Oct. 6-9, see website for times. Age: All. $40-$50, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 W. 34th St., Hell’s Kitchen. 718-707-0711. newyorkcomiccon.com.

Lightwire Theater

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 8pm WHERE: Shubert Theater, 247 College St., New Haven AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Get ready to set sail with this Gilbert and Sullivan show.

WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 203-562-5666. shubert.com.

‘Hansel and Gretel’

WHEN: Oct. 8-30, Saturday-Sunday, 12pm and 2:30pm WHERE: Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St., Bridgeport AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Hansel and Gretel must use quick thinking and clever tricks to outsmart the nasty witch.

WANT TO GO? $23. 203-576-1636. downtowncabaret.org.

Lerner and Loewe’s ‘Camelot’

WHEN: Oct. 4-30, Check the website for specific dates and times WHERE: Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A re-imagined version of the classic love triangle of King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot.

WANT TO GO? $30-$50. 203-227-4177. westportplayhouse.org. ››

Glow in the Dark Theater The award-winning theater company (and America’s Got Talent semi-finalists) brings two classic stories to the Upper West Side this month. Part of Just Kidding’s new season, Lightwire Theater’s production of The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare is just one of the fun shows on offer in October. See these two fables like you’ve never seen them before as they come to life in the dark, like magic. The secret is the company’s electroluminescent wires, used to create amazing 3-D puppets and props. Once the lights are off they seem to dance, move, and leap on their own. Set to a mix of classical and modern music, you won’t find a show like this anywhere else. Oct. 29, 11am and 2pm. Age: All. $17. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side. 212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Fairf ieldParent 35

Family Gallery Tours

WHEN: Oct. 2-30, Sundays, 11:30am-12:15pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join a museum educator on an interactive, discussion-based tour of the museum’s current exhibitions.

WANT TO GO? $7; $6 children; free for children younger than 5.

203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Electricity Exhibit

WHEN: May 14–Nov. 6, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: All WHAT: This exhibit, developed by The Franklin Institute, brings the science and history of electricity to life through hands-on interactives including Plasma Tubes, Jumping Rings, Solenoid, and Jacob’s Ladder.

WANT TO GO? $7; $6 children; free for children younger than 5.

203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

SMARTY PANTS Explore! Innovate! Play FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 10am-5pm WHERE: Discovery Museum & Planetarium, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn about earthquake-proof engineering, plant pods, and drop zone parachute design, and participate in the mad scientist slime lab. There will also be planetarium shows, live science demonstrations, science on a sphere, and more.

WANT TO GO? 203-372-3521. discoverymuseum.org.

Zoo Tots

WHEN: Oct. 11-12, Tuesday-Wednesday, 10:30-11:15am WHERE: Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children enjoy themed songs or games, live animals, and a simple craft. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $15. 203-394-6563. beardsleyzoo.org.

Family Focus: Sail the Ocean Blue FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30am-2pm WHERE: Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield AGES: All WHAT: The history of ship captains and voyages around the world have captivated people for centuries.

WANT TO GO? 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

Ball in Motion

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 16, 1-3pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Participants explore simple science concepts and subjects while partaking in fun, kid-friendly experiments.

WANT TO GO? $7; $6 students; free for children younger than 5. 203869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Afternoons at the Bruce

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 1-3pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Spend the afternoon discovering, learning, and creating.

WANT TO GO? $25. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

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Treasures of the Peabody: 150 Years of Exploration and Discovery

WHEN: Through Jan. 8, 2017: 12-5pm WHERE: Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven AGES: All WHAT: Learn the Peabody’s story, beginning with the founding of Yale in 1701 and the early evolution of science in America, to the expeditions and cutting-edge research that curators are leading today.

WANT TO GO? $6-$13. 203-432-5050. peabody.yale.edu.

Rising Tides Exhibition

WHEN: Through Feb. 28, 2017: 10am-4pm WHERE: Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield AGES: All WHAT: Discover the Fairfield shoreline’s long history of coastal resilience through photographs, artifacts, and documents. Examine how climate change presents new challenges for the future.

WANT TO GO? $5; $3 for children younger than 12. 203-259-1598. fairfieldhistory.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME! Mysterious Book Society FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 11, 4:30pm WHERE: Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Discuss A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd.

WANT TO GO? 203-291-4800. westportlibrary.org.

Around the World: Performance Series: Stories from Korea

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 15, 2-3pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Award-winning storyteller Motoko blends ancient Korean lore and original tales with traditional music and eloquent physical characterization.

WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 1. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Tales to Tails FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 22, 11am-12pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 5-12

Books for Babies FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 16: Wednesdays, 10:15-10:45am WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 2 and younger WHAT: There will be singing, playing, and gentle stories for babies.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Wonderful Ones and Twos FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 16: Wednesdays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 2 and younger WHAT: The emphasis is on books, with some songs and toy time.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

ON SCREEN Halloween Hay Bale Theater FREE WHAT: The use of trained therapy dogs can result in children who feel comfortable reading out loud, read more often, and actually look forward to reading. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

WHEN: Oct. 7-28, Fridays, 7pm WHERE: Stew Leonard’s, 100 Westport Ave., Norwalk AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The Hay Bale Theater will show children’s Halloween-themed movies and serve complimentary juice and popcorn.

WANT TO GO? 203-847-7214. stewleonards.com.

Fairy Tales and Fables FREE

‘Born to Be Wild’

WHEN: Oct. 5-26, Wednesdays, 4-4:30pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Children will listen to classic stories including Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Tortoise and the Hare. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record®

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 27, 10am-5pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Join millions of people across the country in reading the same book: The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach.

WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 1. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Show Me a Tale: ‘The Rabbit’s Judgment’

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 30, 2-3pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk AGES: 5-8 WHAT: This traditional Korean folktale about justice and morality will be followed by a craft. Create a tiger or rabbit mask using recycled materials.

WANT TO GO? $15; free for children younger than 1. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Ready Readers FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 14: Mondays, 4:15-5pm WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children will hear stories, watch short book films, and participate in fun activities and crafts.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Call, text, or go online for IMAX show times WHERE: IMAX Theater, Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman lends his voice to this film which follows orphaned baby orangutans and elephants, and the people who rescue and raise them for eventual release back into the wild.

WANT TO GO? $9.50; $7 children ages 2-12. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

‘A Beautiful Planet’

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Check the website for specific dates and times WHERE: IMAX Theater, Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Made in cooperation with NASA, the film features a breathtaking portrait of Earth and the effects humanity has had on it over time, captured by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

WANT TO GO? $9.50; $7 children ages 3-12. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

‘National Parks Adventure’

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: Check the website for specific dates and times WHERE: IMAX Theater, Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk AGES: All WHAT: Join world-class mountaineer Conrad Anker, photographer Max Lowe, and artist Rachel Pohl as they bike, hike, and climb their way across America’s most pristine parks.

WANT TO GO? $9.50; $7 children ages 3-12. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Terrific Tales for Twos and Three FREE

WHEN: Through Nov. 15: Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45am WHERE: Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children sing songs, listen to stories, and enjoy playtime together while building literacy and social skills.

WANT TO GO? 203-762-3950. wiltonlibrary.org.

Coming up next month: NOV. 5: Craftfare Westport at Staples High School NOV. 12: Frosty the Snowman at Downtown Cabaret Theater NOV. 19: 2016 Festival of Lighthouses Contest at Maritime Aquarium Fairf ieldParent 37

WHERE-TO GUIDE

Pick Your Own Pumpkins ››

Research by Lauren Diaz

You can paint them, carve them, bake with them, and decorate with them! This fall, get out and pick your own pumpkins, then playfully master them into crafts or treats. Many pumpkin patches offer fun autumn activities, such as hayrides, corn mazes, and farm stands with fresh fruits, vegetables, and delicious pastries. Spooky or silly, picking your own pumpkin is definitely one thing: fun for the whole family.

As always, confirm details ahead of time.

Saturday-Sunday; 9am-6pm Monday-Friday. Farm market, bakery, and Grandma’s Pantry with goat milk soaps, mohair yarns, pantry goods, and gifts for sale.

Blue Jay Orchards 125 Plumtrees Road, Bethel 203-748-0119 bluejayorchardsct.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through October, check website for hours. Scenic orchard wagon rides available.

Fruit, pies, apple cider doughnuts, cider, and 10-12 varieties of apples available in the farm store.

Castle Hill Farm 25 Sugar Lane, Newtown 203-426-5487 castlehillfarmct@gmail.com castlehillfarm.net Pick your own pumpkins through Oct. 31, weekdays, 3-5pm; weekends, 10am-5pm.

Open Columbus Day, 11am5pm. Four-acre pumpkin patch, pumpkin launcher, 7-acre corn maze, pony rides, petting zoo,

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hayrides, face painting, music, and refreshments available on the weekends. Weekdays feature pick-your-own pumpkins and corn maze only.

Barnyard buddies on weekends and weekdays. Reservations available for groups and parties.

Jones Family Farms Pumpkinseed Hill Farm 130 Beardsley Road, Shelton 203-929-8425 jonesfamilyfarms.com Pick your own pumpkins through October, call for daily times of operation. Squash, gourds, and handmade crafts available. Hayrides to pumpkin fields. Corn maze on weekends. UNICEF Family Festival the last weekend before Halloween. Jones Winery and The Harvest Kitchen are nearby; tastings

October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

offered Thursday-Sunday, 11am-5pm.

Warrup’s Farm 11 John Read Road, Redding 203-938-9403 warrupsfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins in October, tractor-drawn hayrides, friendly barnyard animals, and a farm stand with pre-picked vegetables, cider, apples, gourds, garlic, Indian corn, maple syrup, maple candy, and gift items.

Hartford County Belltown Hill Orchards 483 Matson Hill Road, South Glastonbury 860-633-2789 belltownhillorchards.com U-pick pumpkins and apples through October, 8am-6pm

Brown’s Harvest 1911 Poguonock Ave., Windsor 860-683-0266 brownsharvest.com Pumpkin picking in the fall, 10am-6pm daily. Mums, corn, squash, cornstalks, and fall decorations for sale, along with apple cider, homemade cider doughnuts, and freshbaked apple and pumpkin pies.

Hayrides, face painting, pumpkin painting, and children’s corn maze on weekends. Supports pacer.org, Autism Speaks, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Andrew Races, Life Choice Donor Services, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Karabin Farms 894 Andrews St., Southington 860-620-0194 karabinfarms.com Pick your own pumpkins in October, Friday-Monday, 9:30am-4pm. Wagon rides to pumpkin fields offered Friday-Monday, 9:30am-4pm.

Field trips on weekdays by appointment.

New Haven County Bishop’s Orchards 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford 203-458-7425; 203-453-2338 bishopsorchards.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples daily through late

nymetroparents.com/where-to

October; call pick-your-own hotline in season for daily updates, hours, and locations.

Pick your own raspberries through mid-October. Call for hours. Farm market with prepicked produce, bakery, and winery on-site. Corn maze on weekends and holidays only, 10am-5pm; $6 per person. Call 203-458-7425 before visiting to make sure farm is still open for PYO (occasionally will close for inclement weather).

Litchfield County Bunnell Farm 498 Maple St., Litchfield 860-567-9576 bunnellfarm@yahoo.com bunnellfarm.org Pick your own pumpkins in October, weekends and Columbus Day, 10am5:30pm. Free hayrides on weekends. Groups welcome on weekdays by appointment for personal time in the pumpkin patch. Store with fruits and vegetables, fall decorations, apple cider, gourds, mums, squash, cornstalks, and more.

School tours and birthday parties available.

Ellsworth Hill Orchard and Berry Farm 461 Cornwall Bridge Road (Route 4), Sharon 860-364-0025 ellsworthfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through early November; pears through November. Interactive vintage model train display. Corn maze on-site. Store on-site with prepicked produce, bakery, cider and doughnuts, pies, muffins, and honey. Open 9am-5:30pm daily, and Saturday, 9am-5pm.

Ruwet Farm East Pearl Road, Torrington 860-866-6338; ruwetfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins

through October. Farm stand with homegrown produce.

Free hayrides to pumpkin patch. Gourds, Indian corn, winter squash, and more for fall decorating. Hours: Fridays, 125pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm. Call for up-to-date hours and information.

Harris Hill Farm 106 Ridge Road, New Milford 860-354-5856 harrishillfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins in October, weekends only, 10am5pm. Farm animals, hayrides, kiddie hay maze, and picnic tables available. Hay bales, corn stalks, gourds, Indian corn, and winter squash for sale.

Westchester County, NY Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights 914-962-2368 hilltophanoverfarm.org U-pick pumpkins and vegetables through the fall, 10am-4pm Saturdays only. Organic practice. Three hiking trails on-site.

Guided tours available. Free parking. Farm stand with farmgrown produce, seasonal vegetables, herbs, cut flowers, honey, grains, and maple syrup; open 1-6pm Fridays and 10am-4pm Saturdays. Bring your own bags.

Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188 outhouseorchardsny.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through mid-October, 9am-5pm daily.

Stuart’s Fruit Farm 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs 914-245-2784 stuartsfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins and

apples through November, 10am-5pm daily. School tours available weekdays in October.

Group tours available through the barn, cider mill, and cold storage, ending with a chance to pick apples or pumpkins.

Cash and check only. Bakery open daily with pies, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, muffins, scones, and other treats for sale.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm 1335 Whitehill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111 wilkensfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins in October, Friday-Sunday, 10am4:30pm. Bakery and Appleseed Gift Shop on-site, plus a Farm Market with pre-picked farm produce, snacks, apple cider, and more.

Dutchess County, NY Barton Orchards 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag 845-227-2306 bartonorchards.com Pumpkin picking through Oct. 31, 9am-5pm weekdays; 9am6pm weekends. Children’s playground open daily.

Harvest festivals on weekends through Nov. 1 featuring live entertainment, hayrides, petting zoo, haunted house, corn maze, gemstone mining, and family fun park. Old Country Store on-site with fudge, ice cream, crafts, and produce. Bakery open on weekends.

Dykeman Farm 823 W. Dover Road, Pawling 845-832-6068 dykemanfarm98@gmail.com dykemanfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins in October and on Columbus Day, 10am-5pm weekends

only. Free hayrides available.

Farm stand open daily with a variety of fresh homegrown vegetables, sweet corn, and local produce and apples in season. Refreshments and face painting available. Free parking. Field trips for nursery schools and elementary schools in early October; call to arrange. New kids play area open every weekend.

Fishkill Farms 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction 845-897-4377 info@fishkillfarms.com fishkillfarms.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples in October, 9am-6pm daily. Harvest festival weekends mid-September through mid-October with hayrides.

Farm store on-site featuring organically grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and other local products.

Fraleigh’s Rose Hill Farm 19 Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook 845-758-4215 info@pickrosehillfarm.com pickrosehillfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins in the fall. Call or visit website for an updated schedule. Farm stand with pre-picked produce, and baked goods on-site.

More than 30 varieties of pickyour-own apples, pick-yourown pumpkins, baked goods, apple cider, pasture-raised pork, and eggs on-site. Open 10am-6pm weekends.

Greig Farm 221 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook 845-758-1234 greigfarm.com Pick your own pumpkins and apples through October, 9am6pm daily. Hudson Valley farmer’s market on Saturdays 10am-3pm.

Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/pumpkins

WHERE-TO GUIDE

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes, and Pumpkin Activities ›› Research by Jonathan Perry

Whether you’re looking for something spooky or just outdoor fall fun this Halloween season, these haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin blazes, and autumn activities in New York and Connecticut are sure to make this Halloween one to remember.

through it. Admission is for a good cause: $1 from each ticket is donated to Swim Across the Sound, an organization Plasko chose on behalf of a customer’s cancer survival (and his own).

SOUTHEAST NEW YORK Westchester County

The Great Pumpkin Festival 2725 Main St., Stratford boothememorialpark.org You’ll want to hit this festival to see the Great Pumpkin Carving Contest, where entrants whittle 100-pound pumpkins into unforgettable works of art. Children are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in face painting and horse-drawn hayrides.

The Enchanted Castle 739 Old Post Road, Fairfield 203-384-3600 enchantedcastle.org Kids who love costumes of the non-scary sort will love this haunted house alternative, which includes storybook-themed rooms inhabited by characters from each tale. Past rooms themes include Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, and The Little Mermaid. All admission proceeds benefit the Ahlbin Rehabilitation Centers at Bridge40

October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

port Hospital, which has been running the event for more than 22 years.

Wells Hollow Creamery/Farm 656 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton 203-926-0101; wellshollowcreamery.com While the corn maze at Wells Hollow Farm is open from late September through October during the day and at night (Reminder: Bring your flashlight!), you’ll want to save time to savor one of more than 50 flavors of ice cream from the creamery on the 3,000-square-foot patio. Look out for seasonal fall flavors.

Plasko’s Farm 670 Daniels Farm Road, Trumbull 203-268-2716 The corn maze at this beloved farm (which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year) changes annually, but it becomes no less popular—owner John Plasko says nearly 300 kids a day navigate

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze 525 S. Riverside Ave., Croton-On-Hudson 914-366-6900 hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze Thousands travel to Van Cortlandt Manor each year for this massively popular event, which features more than 7,000 illuminated jack-o’-lanterns, plus theme areas such as Jurassic Park and the Undersea Aquarium. Sound effects and synchronized lighting make it even more impressive; parents who are Howard Stern fans will love that the original soundtrack is provided by the show’s own Richard Christy, a self-described Halloween fanatic.

Scared by the Sound, Rye Playland 1 Playland Parkway, Rye 914-813-7010; ryeplayland.org The park closes down its rides for this event, back for its 17th year. More than 100 actors help to make the crypt walk, morgue, and haunted wine cellar creepy without lots of gore; don’t miss the giant outdoor graveyard behind the haunted house.

The Haunt at Rocky Ledge 1402 Old Orchard St., White Plains hauntatrockyledge.com Started in the mid-1980s (and known in the 2000s as Haunted Dead End on Gainsborg Avenue), the original haunted house has grown into two houses on 5 acres of land, complete with a haunted trail, woods, and a corn maze. The scares you’ll experience come from humans, not

machines: The event employs actors to create them, and some have been with the event for more than 20 years.

to take home and make your own jack-o’-lantern. Plus, apple cider and cider doughnuts are available.

Outhouse Orchards 139 Hardscrabble Road, Croton Falls 914-277-3188 outhouseorchardsny.com After visiting this family-owned farm (lovingly called ‘home of the happy apple’) for your munching and baking needs, learn about them as you help your kids navigate through the corn maze. The map provides interesting facts about apples, as well as hidden puzzle clues.

Pure Terror Scream Park 299 Museum Village Road, Monroe pureterror.com For Halloween freaks who can’t get enough, Pure Terror Scream Park offers six haunted houses for the price of one—past attractions have included clowns and a slaughterhouse. Best for preteens; supervision required for children younger than 10.

Schuyler Farms 1124 Route 29, Schuylerville 518-695-5308 schuylerfarms.com Corn maze enthusiasts will love this 7-acre version, which is open during the day as a ‘regular’ maze and at night as the ‘Field of Screams,’ which features masked men and ghouls around every turn. Remember to bring a flashlight!

Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown 914-631-4481 visitsleepyhollow.com Fans of classic monster movies will love touring this gothic Lyndhurst mansion, which pays homage to The Mummy, The Phantom of the Opera, and Bride of Frankenstein through actor performances and decorations. Designed for adults and teens, it is also suitable for younger children.

Rockland County The Orchards of Concklin 2 S. Mountain Road, Pomona 845-354-0369 orchardsofconcklin.com The children’s activities at this orchard include a halfacre mini corn maze and haunted house, as well as inflatable slides and bouncers. Pick a pumpkin or two

Annual Halloween Parade Main Street and South Broadway, Downtown Nyack 845-353-2221 This annual event doesn’t include a corn maze, jack-o’lanterns, or haunted house, but since it’s the largest Halloween parade outside of NYC, it still deserves a place in our roundup. Expect marching bands, stilt walkers, and floats. Here’s hoping for a repeat of last year’s zombie apocalypse crawl.

NEW YORK CITY Queens Queens County Farm Museum 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park 718-347-3276; queensfarm.org This ‘maize’ maze is produced by the American Maze Company—its first three corn mazes made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Arrive early for the ‘stalk talk,’ which features puzzle-solving tips to prepare you and your kids for the challenge of navigating the 3-acre labyrinth.

Halloween Harvest Festival 32-01 Sculpture Park at Broadway, Long Island City 718-956-1819 socratessculpturepark.org At this free event, make your own Halloween costume, dance to live music, get crafty with art projects, ghoul up with some

spooky face paint, and enjoy locally harvested treats! Got a cute canine that loves to dress up in costume? Enter them in the Annual Juried Canine Costume Contest.

Rockaway Fall Festival Bay 32nd Street and Beach Channel Drive, Rockaway 718-318-4000 Now in its 10th year, this (free!) festival offers a pumpkin patch, pony and hayrides, and other seasonal entertainment.

Brooklyn Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel 186 Jay St., DUMBO 718-260-5588 gravesendinn.org Produced by City Tech’s theatrical troupe, Theatreworks, as its annual fall production, this visually stunning haunted house is high-tech as well; sensors react to visitors’ movements.

Luna Park Halloween Harvest 1000 Surf Ave., Coney Island 718-373-5862 lunaparknyc.com Not only can you see one of NYC’s largest pumpkins here (and win up to $1,000 if you guess its weight!), you can pick and paint a (smaller) pumpkin of your own to take home, or enter a carving competition.

Other offerings include a dog costume parade and free trickor-treating.

Ghouls and Gourds Brooklyn Botanic Garden 150 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights 718-623-7200; bbg.org While pumpkin-related crafts are involved, there’s so much to do at this annual 6-hour celebration you might end up skipping them. Enjoy book signings from renowned authors and illustrators, waltz with woodland creatures, and witness a flying flea circus.

Costumes are essential: You’ll

want to wear them to the day’s closing parade.

Puppetry Arts 12th Annual Haunted Halloween Carnival 1st Street Recreation Center, 1st Street at 4th Avenue, Park Slope puppetryarts.org The first 200 children to attend this Halloween-day carnival receive a free trick-or-treat bag! Expect Star Wars characters roaming around, puppet crafts, live music, and games.

The carnival helps to give Halloween costumes to families in need through partnerships with local shelters and foster care programs.

Manhattan Museum of Natural History 21st Annual Halloween Celebration Central Park West at 79th St., Upper West Side 212-769-5100 amnh.org Technically this isn’t a haunted house, but we’ll let that slide: It’s a chance to experience the Halloween version one of NYC’s most iconic buildings.

Magic, zombie shows, origami, and trick-or-treating are some of the top attractions; be sure to say hello to Clifford and Curious George if you see them roaming the halls!

Central Park Conservancy Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Sail 14 E. 60th St., Upper East Side 212-310-6600 centralparknyc.org After pre-registering for your ‘flotilla,’ bring your pre-carved pumpkin or jack-o’-lantern for a sunset journey across the Harlem Meer (Note: Arrive early before it reaches capacity!). Other festive activities include spooky mask making and live carving demonstrations, as well as arts and crafts.

Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/haunted-houses

Where Everyone Is an Artist ››

A visit to Crayola Experience offers a day of colorful fun for kids—and adults—of all ages. By Shara Yolku

T

here’s a reason the Crayola brand has been around for more than 100 years: It is simple yet innovative, and gives kids the tools for unleashing their wondrous artistic creativity. The same can be said about the company’s attraction in Easton, PA, Crayola Experience.

Formerly the site of a Crayola crayon factory, it was redesigned in 2013 as a family activity destination that will delight young artists and non-artists alike, especially those ages 2-10. With 26 interactive exhibits and more than 60,000 feet of creative adventures, plan to spend the day there expressing your own inner artistry along with your little scribblers.

The Nuts and Bolts

Approximately a 2-hour, 30-minute drive from Fairfield, Crayola Experience is the perfect day-trip distance for families with young kids. Parking is easy, with either street meters ($1 per hour, maximum 2 hours) or the lot right behind the Crayola building ($3 per hour).

The fun starts before you even enter the building, where children can play on and pose with the enormous marker and crayon sculptures in front of the building. Inside, there’s a coatroom to dump your stuff (jackets, snacks, etc.) before you

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get started. Regular tickets are $19.99 per person ($16.99 if you buy online in advance), and it’s free for kids younger than 2. Each ticket gets you one goodie bag containing two tokens that you’ll need for two of the activities, and the bag will hold all the cool stuff the kids make. Additional tokens are available for purchase at vending machines near the activities.

Highlights to Hit

It’s smart to have a plan as you head in, because during peak times or seasons it can get crowded, which makes it harder to move quickly between all of the exhibits. Plus, the exhibits vary by wait time, energy level, and cool-factor. So while you might be tempted to do each activity in order on every floor, here are some attractions to prioritize in order to get the best out of your visit: The Crayola Factory on the second floor is a good place to start to get the kids excited, and it offers a bit of a Crayola education. Crayola keeps the factory-visit spirit alive with a cute theatrical show featuring two animated crayons and a live Crayonologist who teach the kids how crayons are made with fun facts and demonstrations.

Right outside the theater is Wrap It Up, where they can “buy” a crayon with a token, name it with a custom label, and then wrap it with a special tool. On the third floor there’s a large space for non-structured art and play. Kids can cut, color, paint, and glue at the Activity Studio and Paint Palette, at which staff regularly rotates the projects, and then switch to the Color Playground in the center of the room to burn off some energy climbing and sliding. (The younger set can play safely at Toddler Town on the second floor.) Kids can use the provided chalk to draw on the floor of the playground, or use dry-erase markers to decorate the whiteboard-material animal figures.

Next door, the dimmed lighting at Doodle In The Dark will help bring their energy level back to normal as they experiment with light, color, and interactive media. Kids can doodle on light boards with neon markers, dance in front of a special screen that displays an animated crayon guy mimicking their every move, or play on the floor screen on which projected objects move when stomped on.

At this point, you’ll probably be ready for a lunch break! Cafe Crayola on the first floor is quick and easy, as long as you’re OK with typical kid-friendly fare. There’s also the option to bring lunch and picnic on-site, or if you’d like to venture out to one of the restaurants nearby, make sure you get your hands stamped for re-entry.

After re-fueling, the second floor has high-tech activities to satisfy your post-millennial Picassos. Your older ones will love creating a computerized 4-D animated adventure of their own drawing at Color Magic, and you can bring the little ones to Be A Star, at which they can make a coloring page using their own image. Down the hall they can get their sensory groove on at NYMetroParents.com/ Modeling Madness, which features Crayola’s unique foam-like version of play-dough. Token and cash vending machines sell the Model Magic in almost every color, and kids can sculpt away at tables set up with tools.

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If You Have Extra Time

The highlights explored above usually have little or no wait time involved. But if your kids have the patience to wait on line, the fourth-floor activities are fun, too. At Melt & Mold they can turn a crayon into a keepsake (a ring, dinosaur, or crayon guy), and the Drip Art station is good ole’ spin-art using melted crayon wax. The third activity on the floor generally has less of a line, so if you have another adult with you, it might be worthwhile to split up and have one wait on one of those lines while the other goes to Meltdown with the kids, at which they can paint with melted crayon wax.

If you still have some steam left, and the thought of bringing your kids to a store doesn’t make your head explode, visit the Crayola Store on the first floor. Along with its ubiquitous branded products, it sells cool Crayola souvenirs unique to the site, customizable crayon and marker sets, and T-shirts and puzzles made from creations you colored earlier.

At the end of your Crayola Experience, the goodie bags are filled with projects and keepsakes, you’ve all majorly scratched your coloring itch, and you can still make it home in time for dinner.

Shara Yolkut is a former music business executive who can now be found gallivanting in and around NYC with her three young kids who share her adventurous spirit and insatiable need for variety.

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Fairf ieldParent 43

Estée Pouleris

The author’s daughter, having a blast at Rocking Horse Ranch’s indoor water park

Dude Ranch Lite ››

What you can expect from a visit to Rocking Horse Ranch By Estée Pouleris

R

ocking Horse Ranch is a delightful all-inclusive family resort located approximately 90 minutes from Stamford. This little resort in the town of Highland, NY, was started by the Turk family in 1958, and the family still runs it. Situated on 600 rolling acres in the Hudson Valley, the hotel and grounds are charming, with a ranch theme that is not hokey or tacky. There are 113 guest rooms, which allows for an intimacy and authenticity that is maintained throughout your stay. We visited twice—once in winter and once in summer—and also gathered some information on what goes on there in the fall.

Our Winter Visit

Skiing It was a five-minute walk from our room to the ski rental door.

We were on skis, being towed by rope up the first bunny hill, within 30 minutes of putting on our ski clothes. After skiing a couple of runs on the smaller hill we headed up the magic carpet to the taller hill. This is steps away and very easy to navigate. We skied down the bigger hill for several runs before our daughter couldn’t keep her eyes off the other activities and wanted to try something else.

To be clear, these are hills, not mountains. Also, the skis are shorter than normal skis and do not come with poles. None of 44

October 2016 | fairfieldparent.com

this was a problem for me personally, as my goal was to share this experience with my daughter. She is just beginning to ski, and this was the perfect place for her to practice her skills.

Bungee Jumping The bungee jumper was one of my favorite activities. This area offers four jumping stations. Each station has a trampoline and a harness connected to bungee cords that suspend you, allowing you to jump much higher than a regular trampoline. My boyfriend, daughter, and I all practiced doing flips on this playful contraption.

We visited this area several more times on our trip. There is also a rock-climbing wall in this area, which we didn’t try. There is no minimum size requirement for the bungee jumper; however there is a minimum weight of 45 pounds for the rock wall.

The Fun Barn The Fun Barn was a huge hit with my 4-year-old and her friend.

This area is located behind the bungee jumper. It’s a barn filled with fun kid activities, including a bouncy house, a climbing structure with shooting balls and a slide, badminton, ping pong tables, and a treadmill-style climbing wall. There are also tables and chairs at which parents relaxed while their kids enjoyed the freedom of running from station to station.

Snow Tubing After dinner we changed back into our ski clothes and returned to the winter fun area for the highlight of our trip: nighttime snow tubing. This took place at the same hill on which we skied, but this time we rode up the magic carpet with tubes. We began the evening by partnering adults with kids on the runs, but by the end of the night the kids were brave enough to go down alone. We ended the night roasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate at a fire pit set up at the base of the hill.

Estée Pouleris

Water Park The next morning we finally made it to the highly anticipated water park. The kids took no time jumping in and splashing each other under the ranch-themed splashing structure in the center of the indoor pool. They also loved the area in the deeper end of the pool in which they walked across floating buoys while holding onto ropes above them.

The upper deck of the water park was their favorite section. This area has a splash pad with three small slides and several geysers for little kids to play in. The highlight is a 250-foot-high tube slide that begins inside, takes you outside in several loops, then returns you back indoors with a splash. This feels like an adult slide but participants as short as 36 inches were bravely making the ascent up the stairs and smiled as they reemerged at the bottom. The water park was a lot of fun, but is relatively small, feeling more like an indoor pool with a big waterslide than a full-fledged water park.

Our Summer Visit

We returned to Rocking Horse Ranch during the summer to see how the resort is different from our previous wintertime experience—and, of course, to re-experience some of the fun year-round activities we’d enjoyed during the winter. The range of activities we tried during our second visit was wide and exciting. Here’s what we did: • Went horseback riding • Jumped on the bungee trampolines • Swam in indoor and outdoor pools, both with a slide • Rode a banana boat several times • Enjoyed a chocolate fountain for dessert • Rode inflatable tubes down a track at night • Went mining for gems • Went fishing • Played in a bouncy house • Played in a ball pit climbing structure • Went rock climbing • Shot BB guns • Tried archery • Won prizes in the arcade All of the activities were free with the exception of a nominal fee for the mining of gems and some of the arcade games.

Fall at Rocking Horse Ranch

This fall, the resort has a fun lineup of activities, including Fall Fest, Ghost Town, and viewing the beautiful fall foliage of the Hudson Valley.

During Fall Fest, guests can partake in wine samplings and tastings from local farms, and receive apple-picking coupons for nearby orchards. There is also a shuttle that takes you to the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, NY, where you can take in fantastic views of the foliage. Ghost Town begins on Columbus Day weekend and offers a very scary experience for brave souls who choose to go through the live haunted house.

Rocking Horse Ranch also offers trick-or-treating, costume contests, and pumpkin painting on weekends during October.

Tips on Visiting Rocking Horse Ranch A ‘pony’ ride at Rocking Horse Ranch

Horseback Riding The minimum age to participate in the main trail rides is 7 years old, so we didn’t experience any of these. Instead we opted for several ‘pony rides’ for the kids, which were actually done on fullsized horses. These rides were led near The Fun Barn by patient staff members who carefully suited up the kids in helmets and helped them into the saddles.

We had actually already had a special encounter with the horses earlier that morning. Since my daughter is such an early riser, we were walking the grounds at 7am when we spotted all 112 horses walking from their stables across the street to enter the riding stables in the resort area. We met the barn manager, TJ, and watched him greet each animal by name as it entered the barn.

TJ took the time and introduced us to a couple of the beauties.

In addition to horses, there is also a small wildlife area at which you can see a zebra, camel, donkeys, and goats.

• The food is good, with plenty of options, including vegetarian. If you have specific dietary needs, the kitchen is very accommodating.

• Easy access for strollers in common areas.

• Pool towels are provided, so no need to pack your own.

• For summer visits bring sunscreen, bug spray, and hats.

• The activities are designed for kids ages 2-14.

• Everything on the resort is close by so you don’t waste time shuttling all over the property—it’s all within a short walking distance.

here are activities and entertainment for all ages, but mostly T this resort caters to families with young children. Since this resort is all-inclusive, you never have to pull out your wallet, unless you’re in the gift shop, the arcade, or ordering cocktails.

Estée Pouleris is the creator behind the blog familyroadtraveled.com. She lives in NYC with her boyfriend and their daughter.

Fairf ieldParent 45

Courtesy Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park

WHERE-TO GUIDE

Guests can relax and meander along Congo Bongo Adventure River, which spans the length of the indoor facility, at Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park.

Indoor Water Parks in the Northeast ›› Research by Jonathan Perry

N

ormally the appeal of slipping-and-sliding water park fun is at its peak in the warmer months. But to the joy of children everywhere, in 1994 the Polynesian Resort Hotel & Suites in the Wisconsin Dells opened its doors as the first indoor water park in the world. Since that time, the tradition is still growing strong, and there is no reason why your family shouldn’t jump on board and enjoy the fun. While it may be chilly outside, there are plenty of parks in the Northeast that are just waiting to be explored by a water-loving clan, so slide on in no matter how cold it is!

Cascades Indoor Water Park 2000 NYS Route 392, Cortland, NY 866-764-7017; cascadesindoorwaterpark.com As part of the Hope Lake Lodge, Cascades is the first indoor water park of the Finger Lakes region, with 41,000 square feet of water attractions. Swim through the Whitewater Wave Pool with more than 67,000 gallons of water that filters in through a 13-foot waterfall, or race down one of four water slides. There is also an area for kids to play with water blasters and buckets. For those who want more sports, The Cove features a 1,000-squarefoot basketball area with custom-themed hoops.

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The Great Wolf Lodge 1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, PA 800-768-9653; greatwolf.com/poconos/waterpark Part of another large chain of North American Indoor Waterpark resorts, the Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos is the brand’s closest location to New York City. Just like its sister properties scattered across the U.S., there are tons of wet thrills to be had here. Boasting up to 380,000 gallons of water, the park has 11 huge slides, six pools, and even a 12-floor fort for the family to explore. Crooked Creek is an endless lazy river for those looking to relax. For others looking for more excitement, Coyote Cannon is a 436-foot enclosed slide that makes your wet journey dark! Hydro Plunge is another favorite, and with its 52-foot vertical drop, it’s the hybrid of a waterslide and rollercoaster in one. The Whopping Hallow mini slide Cub Paw Pool will keep kiddies enticed all day long.

Rocking Horse Ranch Resort’s Big Splash Indoor Water Park 600 State Route 44/55, Highland, NY 845-691-2927; rockinghorseranch.com While the family-owned Rocking Horse Ranch Resort embraces the winter season outdoors with activities such as

nymetroparents.com/where-to

skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, ice-skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, it also provides a summer-inspired retreat indoors. The Big Splash Indoor Water Park boasts a balmy 85-degree temp all year round and a variety of activities for water lovers, including water slides such as the 250-foot-long Gold Rush Flume. For the competitive type, there’s the Dynamite Alley Water Walk Challenge, at which children and adults attempt to pull themselves over a net on tubes without falling off. And for little ones there’s the Fort Geyser Aqua Station, a Western-themed wading pool area that houses slides, dumping buckets, and interactive fountains and geysers.

Sahara Sam’s Oasis Indoor Water Park 535 N. Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 856-767-7580; saharasams.com Even when it’s snowing outside, it is always 84 degrees inside Sahara Sam’s. Eleven water rides make Sam’s 60,000 square feet chock-full of fun, and kids will be pleased to meet the park’s camel mascot, Sam. Lizard Lagoon is the hangout for the little ones, while teens will love Sam’s Cyclone Flow Rider, the only ride of its kind in New Jersey. Snake Eyes features two 8-foot wide slide barrels that offer up twists, turns, and thrills. Mount Kilimanjaro is a family rafting ride that is nearly 50 feet above the ground and 400 feet long.

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark 89 Six Flags Drive, Queensbury, NY 518-824-6060; sixflagsgreatescapelodge.com Featuring more than 38,000 square feet, White Water Bay is the indoor water park inside the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge located near Lake George. Families who spend the day here can surf the waves on the Boogie Bear Surf or climb the Tall Timber Treehouse that has more than 160 interactive water features for splashing about. A favorite for all family members is Avalanche, a raft ride for the entire group. The Tip-A-Kanu-Beach is a shallow activity pool area designed for the little ones.

Split Rock Resort & Golf Club 428 Moseywood Road, Lake Harmony, PA 800-255-7625; splitrockresort.com Spilt Rock, a 1,200-acre property on Lake Harmony, features the relatively new 53,000-square-foot, $19 million indoor water park appropriately named H2Oooohh. The rainforestthemed park has lots of enticing features, including Flow Rider, a simulated surfing experience called the Komodo Dragon. Hurricane Cove, H2Oooohh’s wave pool, satisfies body surfers all day with breaking waves that are up to 6 feet high. In total darkness, Amazon Blast is a family tube ride that brings twists and turns in a milder fashion than Viper/Piranha, two colorful single slides for the thrill seeker in the family. For those who crave a gentler water park experience, the Jungle Falls, a three-story tree house play area, drenches visitors with water and fun. Firing cannons, dumping water buckets, spouting geysers, and other wet water toys can be found on all levels of the tree house.

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Meet the Health Care

PROFESSIONAL

To be in this section, call 914-397-0200 or email nympads@davlermedia.com Dr. Maria Karayiannis, D.M.D. MY SMILE Orthodontics 865 River Road, Suite 307, Shelton 72 Park St., Suite 97, New Canaan 731 Main St., Unit 104, Monroe 203-538-5014; mysmilect.com

Andrew J. Parker, M.D. Parker Ear, Nose and Throat 148 East Ave., Suite 2-I, Norwalk 203-866-8121 611 Post Road E., Westport 49 Locust Ave., Suite 104, New Canaan parkerent.com

Dr. Parker’s expertise and extensive training in pediatric ENT is your assurance that he is the right doctor to help you make important decisions about your child’s ears, tonsils, and adenoids. He and his friendly, professional staff, are ready to help care for your child at their three convenient offices in Norwalk, Westport, and New Canaan. Please call the office for an appointment or go online at parkerent.com. When you’re at the office, please pick up a complimentary copy of “What Every Parent Should Know About Tonsils, Adenoids and Ear Tubes.”

Sara Ysaac-Garcia, D.M.D. Board-certified pediatric dentist 999 Silver Lane, Trumbull 203-590-1588 56 Garden St., 2nd floor, Seymour 203-590-1578; ilovemypediatricdentist.com

After earning her doctor of dental medicine degree, Dr. Sara completed a post-graduate residency at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, PA. She then practiced dentistry in community health centers, and was a clinical instructor at the University of Connecticut Health Center Advanced Education in General Dentistry.

Dr. Sara received her postgraduate certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Connecticut Health Center, and is now a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Most of all, she cherishes the relationships she’s formed with her pediatric patients.

Dr. Karayiannis graduated from McGill University where she received her B.S. in physiology, as well as her D.M.D. Dr. Karayiannis moved to Long Island to further her dental education at Stony Brook University where she received her A.E.G.D., and her post-graduate certificate in orthodontics. A free consultation will give you the opportunity to learn more about orthodontics and Invisalign®. State-of-the-art equipment, including the iTero® scanner for digital impressions, keep patients more comfortable while delivering precise imagery quick! Children and adults welcome. Trusted and experienced—you will love your smile.

Pediatric Dentistry @ Westport Dental Associates 22 Imperial Ave., Westport 203 635-7070 pediatricdentistryofwestport.com drahn@westportdental.com

Dr. Ahn graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and completed her pediatric specialty training at Columbia University Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Ahn’s goal is to provide exceptional and professional dental care in a fun, friendly environment. She believes that a lifetime of healthy, bright smiles starts at an early age, and she encourages parents to start their children’s dental care at the age of 1. She is excited to become a part of the Westport community and is looking forward to meeting your children’s dental needs.

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Pediatric Dentistry @ Westport Dental....................... 48

Bounce! Trampoline Sports........................................ 19

Landmark of Ridgefield Academy............................... 29

TMK Sports & Entertainment........................................ 2

Chelsea Piers - CT..................................................... 52

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TMK Sports & Entertainment........................................ 2

Discovery Museum..................................................... 29 Flash Pointe Dance...................................................... 5 Just Wee Two............................................................. 25 Landmark of Ridgefield Academy............................... 29 Whimsies Dollhouse Shop.......................................... 17

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FITNESS Bounce! Trampoline Sports........................................ 19 Chelsea Piers - CT..................................................... 52 JumpOff CT.................................................................. 7

PLAY SPACES Bounce! Trampoline Sports........................................ 19 Rockin’ Jump...............................................................11

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Whimsies Dollhouse Shop.......................................... 17

Children’s Dentistry of Trumbull, PC........................... 48 Dental Care Kids........................................................ 21 Licenders...................................................................... 7

SPORTS Stamford Twin Rinks................................................... 23

DANCE

MedExcel USA.............................................................. 3

Chelsea Piers - CT..................................................... 52

My Smiles Orthodontics-Connecticut................... 25, 48

THEATER

Flash Pointe Dance...................................................... 5

Parker, Andrew Dr....................................................... 48

Curtain Call Inc............................................................. 7

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