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Local Things to Do with Kids, Teens, and Families


Macaroni Kid is your resource for things to do with kids and teens! Keep up with great local happenings by subscribing to our weekly newsletter. The calendar is full of fall activities for families, kids, and teens. Check out October for Halloween events like corn mazes, haunted hayrides, and more!

Macaroni Kid is also on FacebookTwitter, and PinterestFacebook is a great way to find out about last minute additions to the kid-friendly calendar. I post fun finds for local Connecticut info and kids crafts and more on Pinterest

    

School Lunch Ideas--What to Pack for Kids


Lunches seem to be one of the things that us parents fret about over and over again. Between trying to include healthy foods, and picky eaters, sometimes we're at our wits end.

I have one child who eats peanut butter and jelly or hard-boiled eggs. I have another who takes something from the freezer to microwave at school (usually things that are about the same quality as the cafeteria food) or turkey wraps. My littlest also enjoys the same food day after day: slices of deli meat, a slice ...


Boring School Lunch? Nope! Packing Fun Lunches


Bento Lunches--Fun to Eat

As the school year approaches, I know I am going to be packing a lot of lunches!  My kids get tired of the same old things each day, so I've decided to get creative.  I discovered the art of packing Bento lunches and thought it looked like so much fun.

However, my kids are picky.  There is no way they'd eat any of the traditional Japanese foods--not even the rice.  But I loved the concept of packing lunches in reusable containers- no plastic bags to throw away, no ...


Ideas for Toddler and Preschooler Tooth-brushing


Tooth-brushing Tricks for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Turn nighttime fights into nighttime fun (usually)

Pajamas, potty, brush teeth, bed, story, and songs. That's our nighttime routine (now that my little is potty trained anyway). It seems simple, but it is rarely so.

Although I let them brush their own teeth as soon as they can, it is important for mommy or daddy to get a turn to make sure their teeth are well-cleaned. This is true for a long while--until the age of 5 or so depending on the child.

I have never been sure why ...


Allergies in August--Allergies and Kids


Allergies can affect school performance but you can help!

Did you know that Ragweed begins to bloom in mid-August, making August 15th the unofficial start of Ragweed Season?    36 million people across the country are seasonal allergy sufferers.  Once exposed to ragweed, allergy sufferers often experience sneezing, runny noses and swollen, itchy, watery eyes. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, commonly called "hay fever," can have a major impact on a person's quality of life including their ability to function at school or work. Facts!
  • A Ragweed plant produces one billion pollen grains per season
  • Grains can travel up to ...

Back-to-School Check List


Make sure you've got everything your child needs

No matter where you live, if you have kids in the public school, and most private schools, they are going back to school next week.

Time is short. Most of you have probably accomplished the majority of the back-to-school preparations. If, like me, you still have a few things you've been waiting to finish, here is a bit of a master-list to check against.

Schoolwork in Summer?

  • Check the school-recommended summer reading list and make sure your child read at least one of them.
  • Finish any outstanding summer assignments ...

Tax Free Week in Connecticut 2011--August 21-27


Now that all clothing is taxed at the 6.35% sales tax (that was a change in the tax bill passed by Governer Malloy and the legislature--clothing items and shoes under $50 used to be exempt from sales tax), a tax-free week for clothes shopping can put a little money back in your pocket.

The tax-free clothing week in Connecticut lasts from today, Sunday, August 21st, through Saturday, August 27th. Almost all clothes and shoes under $300 will be exempt from sales tax for this week only. 

Combine that with ...


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"Like" us and "Follow" us to find out about updates!


Region 12, Region 14, Region 15, Oxford


Here are some important links for public school students.

For Region 12 students of Bridgewater, Roxbury, and Washington:

For Region 14 students of Woodbury and Bethlehem:

For Region 15 students of Middlebury and Southbury:

  • Bus Routes--only available in the Voice News Back to School insert. I hope you saved yours! If you are not sure about bussing, call your local school.
  • School ...

Emergency Preparedness for Parents


Some special things to consider as parents in an emergency

I have detailed some things my family is doing to prepare for Hurricane Irene.

Check if any of those are a good idea for you, too. It's more detailed than the generic ideas that have been populating news reports.

Macaroni Kid is your resource for things to do with kids and teens! Keep up with great local happenings by subscribing to our weekly newsletter of events for kids and teens. The calendar is full of nearby activities for families, kids, and teens.


Macaroni Kid is also on FacebookTwitter ...


Macaroni Kid is also on Facebook and Twitter!


"Like" us and "Follow" us to find out about updates!


Pink Eye


September is Children's Eye Health Month

According to the American Journal of Infection Control, more than 164 million school days are missed annually in U.S. public schools due to the spread of infectious diseases. An astonishing 3 million of those school days are lost as a result of acute conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye.”
In recognition of September’s “Children’s Eye Health Month,” the American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to teach parents and educators how to prevent the spread of pink eye in the classroom.


“Pink eye is all too common amongst children ...


This Week's Picks:


August 25th through August 30th

Thursday, August 25 through Thursday, August 25 - Rainforest Reptiles at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, CT

Rainforest Reptile Shows features exotic crawlers, unusual slithers, and fascinating creepers, all of which are creatures of the rainforest. Experience direct contact with live animals, artifacts, and fascinating stories about these unusual animals and their natural habitats. Rainforest Reptiles’ rare albino alligator, one of only 30 known in the world, will be on display in its own special exhibit during the four days the show is at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. Limited engagement performances from Thursday, August 25 through Sunday, August 28. Thursday and Friday shows will be at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday will be at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. 
Where: Beardsley Zoo 1875 Noble Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06610  
When: 11:00 AM - 11:45 PM (End time is approximate.)
Who: Everyone
How: Head to the zoo!
Cost: Free with paid admission to the zoo (or check out the Zoo museum pass from your library, if available, for free admission).

Saturday, August 27 through Saturday, August 27 - Lakeshore Learning Store Free Craft for Kids in Hamden, CT

Lakeshore Learning Store's Free Weekly Craft Honey Bee Hive! Guaranteed to create a buzz among kids, this made-to-hang honey hive is swarming with worker bees!
Where: 2335 Dixwell AvenueHamden, CT 06514203-287-0900
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: For kids ages 3 and up
How: Just drop in!
Cost: Free

Saturday, August 27 through Saturday, August 27 - POSTPONED! Meet Nathan Kress and Watch a Back-to-School Fashion Show at the Westfield Trumbull Mall in Trumbull, CT

POSTPONED due to the hurricane. New date is not yet announced. Check out the latest looks and trends at our back-to-school fashion show.
Don't miss a special appearance by Nathan Kress — "Freddie" from Nickelodeon's iCarly. 
Saturday August 27th11amLord & Taylor Court
After the show, meet Nathan and grab an autograph at our fan Meet & Greet 11:30am-3pm.
Where: The Lord & Taylor Court Westfield Trumbull Shopping Mall 5065 Main St Trumbull, CT 06611  
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Fashion show at 11 AM, Meet & Greet with Nathan Kress from 11:30 AM to 3 PM)
Who: School-aged kids interested in fashion and/or love iCarly
How: Just show up!
Cost: Free

Tuesday, August 30 through Tuesday, August 30 - Astronomy Class in Southbury, CT

Learn about Earth, the moon, the sun, our solar system and beyond!  This 20 week course is a conceptual-level survey course that talks about planets, meteors, stars, nebulae, galaxies, black holes, and more. More detail available at turnerclasses.com. Class meets Tuesdays starting August 16th through December. Observation through the 10" telescope after lecture if weather permits.
Where: 1611 Georges Hill Rd. Southbury, CT
When: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM (End time can vary depending on observation conditions)
Who: For children (and their parents!) aged 8 through high school.
Cost: $150 for all 20 weeks or pay $40 a month. That's $2.50 an hour!

This Week's Calendar:


August 25th through August 30th

Thursday, August 25 through Thursday, August 25 - Musical Tranformers: Household Objects at Instruments at the Oxford Library

Kids ages 3-8 use their imaginations to make everyday objects make wonderful noises.
Where: Oxford Public Library 468 Oxford Road Oxford, CT 06478
When: 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM (End time is approximate.)
Who: Children 3-8
How: Call (203) 888-6944 to register. Registration is required.
Cost: Free

Thursday, August 25 through Thursday, August 25 - The Kenny Lee Band--Free Summer Concert on the Southbury Green

Bring a blanket or chair, the kids, and maybe even a picnic.
Where: The Southbury Green on Main St. In front of Shoprite and Gap Kids
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Just show up
Cost: Free

Friday, August 26 through Thursday, September 1 - Super 8 at Edmond Town Hall Theater in Newtown, CT

SUPER 8 (PG-13) - In 1979 a group of local school kids filming a home movie witness a spectacular train wreck, an event that triggers a series of mysterious happenings in their small Ohio community. The film is a nostalgic tribute to the early works of Steven Spielberg and is directed by J.J. Abrams.
Running Time: 1:52
Starring: Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler, Zach Mills, Noah Emmerich, Amanda Michalka
FRI. AUG. 26 thru THURS. SEPT. 1Fri. thru Thurs. 7:00 & 9:00pmMatinees: Fri. thru Mon. 1:00 & 4:00 pmTuesday 1:00pm
Where: Edmond Town Hall Theater 45 Main Street Newtown, CT 06470 Film Info 426-2475 (for movie recording)
When: n/a
Who: The film is rated PG-13 and would be most appropriate for older kids.
How: Just go to the theater. Park on the street in delineater parking spots or pull behind the town hall. Show up early because the movies get crowded!
Cost: $2 per ticket.

Friday, August 26 through Friday, August 26 - Monroe Farmer's Market has Live Entertainment along with Fresh Food

Monroe, CT Singer and guitar player Sam Blanchette will perform a blend of Rock, Blues, Jazz and Reggae music. Enjoy this free outdoor concert while you shop the market. The Monroe Farmers Market is a seasonal market offering fresh, locally-grown vegetables and fruits, organic baked goods, fresh eggs, cut flowers, herbs, handmade soaps and lotions, handcrafted jewelry, grass-fed meats, goat’s milk products, raw honey, maple syrup, jam, pies, fresh seafood, homespun yarn and more. 
Where: 7 Fan Hill Rd. Monroe, CT
When: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Free off-street parking
Cost: free
For more info: All of the products are produced in Connecticut by people who care deeply about the land and make thoughtful, conscientious choices for its stewardship. Our mission is to support local farmers and to provide the community access to locally sourced, healthy food that is grown and sold with integrity, heart and soul. The market is a community gathering place where the simple pleasures in life are abundant. 

Friday, August 26 through Friday, August 26 - 50-Cent Fabulous Fridays at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT

50-Cent Fabulous Fridays - (after 5 pm), Rides, Pepsi, Cotton Candy and Hot Dogs $.50.(Final 50-cent night of 2011 season is Sept. 3)
Where: Quassy Amusement Park 2132 Middlebury Road Middlebury, CT
When: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Who: Everyone--Quassy has rides even for toddlers.
How: Call 203-758-2913 for more information
Cost: $0.50 for each

Friday, August 26 through Saturday, August 27 - Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours of the Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT

Home-made Peach Shortcake, Peaches and Cream Ice Cream, photos and maps of the famous Hale Peach Farm of Oxford and Seymour.
Where: Mark Twain House Hartford, CT
When: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (There are tours every hour at 6, 7, 8, and 9 PM)
Who: Children 10 and over.
How: Reservations required: 860-280-3130.
Cost: Admission $18 (members $15); children under 16, $13.  Tours are not recommended for children under 10 years of age. 

Friday, August 26 through Friday, August 26 - Spirits at Stowe at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Hartford, CT

Did you know that Harriet Beecher Stowe attended séances and visited mediums to communicate with departed family members?  Like many 19th-century Americans, she had an open mind about connecting with those who were no longer living.

Stowe’s interest in spiritualism helped to ease the pain of losing four of seven children during her lifetime. The paranormal occasionally showed up in her writing as well; she included a ghost story in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, her most famous work written in 1852.

More at the website.
Where: Harriet Beecher Stowe House Hartford, CT
When: 7:30 PM - 8:15 PM
Who: Tour is recommended for ages 12 and up.
How: Reservations are strongly suggested. Find out more calling 860.522.9258x317. 
Cost: Cost is $15 per person
For more info:

Friday, August 26 through Saturday, August 27 - Wicked at the Bushnell in Hartford, CT

Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for "the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time" (USA Today).
Where: The Bushnell 166 Capitol Avenue Hartford CT 06106 Administration Offices 860-987-6000 Toll-free 888-824-2874  
When: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM (End time is approximate.)
Who: Most appropriate for older children, ages 8 and up are likely to enjoy.
How: Call or order tickets on-line.
Cost: Tickets vary from $33 to $150 depending on seat, show date & time.

Saturday, August 27 through Saturday, August 27 - Wicked at the Bushnell in Hartford, CT

Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for "the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time" (USA Today).
Where: The Bushnell 166 Capitol Avenue Hartford CT 06106 Administration Offices 860-987-6000 Toll-free 888-824-2874  
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (End time is approximate.)
Who: Most appropriate for older children, ages 8 and up are likely to enjoy.
How: Call or order tickets on-line.
Cost: Tickets vary from $33 to $150 depending on seat, show date & time.

Saturday, August 27 through Saturday, August 27 - A Midsummer Night's Dream-a Vintage Shakesperience Performance at McLaughlin Vineyard in Newtown, CT

Enjoy a live performance for the whole family.
Where: McLaughlin Vineyard14 Alberts Hill RoadSandy Hook, CT  06482
When: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (End time is approximate.)
Who: The whole family
How: Call  (203) 754-2531 for more information.
Cost: Adults $12Kids Under Twelve $6Family of 4 $30

Monday, August 29 through Monday, August 29 - Lullabies and Bedtime Stories at the Oxford Library

Come hear a story before bed!
Where: Oxford Public Library 468 Oxford Road Oxford, CT 06478
When: 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM (End time is approximate.)
Who: Everyone
How: Call (203) 888-6944 for more information. No registration necessary.
Cost: Free

Tuesday, August 30 through Tuesday, August 30 - All Ages Storytime at the Oxford Library

Stories, songs, and a craft.
Where: Oxford Public Library 468 Oxford Road Oxford, CT 06478
When: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM (End time is approximate.)
Who: Everyone
How: Call (203) 888-6944 for more information. No registration necessary.
Cost: Free

Tuesday, August 30 through Tuesday, August 30 - Outdoor Concert at Pomperaug Woods in Southbury, CT

This Month at Pomperaug Woods: August Outdoor Concert SeriesPomperaug Woods is hosting its annual outdoor concert series in August. You’re invited to enjoy the musical styling of some of the August 30 – Willie Nininger
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Pomperaug Woods will have complimentary hot dogs, chips and soda for sale, or concert-goers can bring their own picnic dinner. Each concert starts at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Gazebo at Pomperaug Woods 80 Heritage Rd. Southbury, CT 06488
When: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM (End time is approximate.)
Who: The concerts are offered to the public at no charge and your friends are welcome. 
How: If you would like to learn more about the concert series, call (203) 262-6555, ext. 111.
Cost: The Outdoor Concert Series is a fundraiser for the Southbury Food Bank. Guests are invited to bring a non-perishable food item or tax-deductible donation.

Teen Scene:


August 25th through August 30th

Thursday, August 25 through Thursday, August 25 - Teen Craft: Ice Cream Earrings at the Woodbury Library

Join us to create Ice cream Earrings. We will then have tasty ice cream cones for a snack! 
Where: Woodbury Public Library
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (End time is approximate.)
Who: Teens
How: Register at the desk or by calling (203) 263-3502
Cost: Free

Friday, August 26 through Friday, August 26 - Write On! at the Southbury Library

Calling all aspiring teen writers: Join us for an informal writing club. Try new prompts and share your work. 
Where: Southbury Library 100 Poverty Rd. Southbury, CT
When: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Grades 6 and up
How: Registration is required.
Cost: Free

Tuesday, August 30 through Tuesday, August 30 - Teen Advisory Board at the Southbury Library

Teens are invited to become part of the Southbury Public Library Teen Advisory Board (TAB). Let your voice be heard.
Where: Southbury Library 100 Poverty Rd. Southbury, CT
When: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Teens in grades 6 and up
How: Registration is required.
Cost: Free

Plan Ahead:


August 31st through September 6th

Wednesday, August 31 through Wednesday, August 31 - Region 12 First Day of School!

The first day of school! Get those cameras ready.
Where: .
When: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Region 12 public school students
How: .
Cost: .

Thursday, September 1 through Thursday, September 1 - Southbury Farmer's Market at Town Hall Green

A farmer's market with local vendors from soaps, flowers, and, of course fruits and vegetables.
Where: Town Hall Green 501 Main St. S. Southbury, CT
When: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Anyone
How: Come between 2 PM and 6 PM
Cost: Free to attend

Thursday, September 1 through Thursday, September 1 - Junior Friends of the Library: Animals for Life Drive at the Southbury Library

Both a club and community service organization, the Junior Friends are a volunteer group comprised of middle and high school students that balances service to the library with social events.
Where: Southbury Library 100 Poverty Rd. Southbury, CT
When: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Grades 4 and up
How: Registration Required to join Junior Friends of the Library
Cost: Free

Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5 - $35 Carload Weekend at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT

Carload Weekend - $35 Carload Weekend all Labor Day Weekend (up to 10 persons in your car) at Quassy! Support the Campership Fund as a portion of the weekend proceeds helps to send kids to camp!
Where: Quassy Amusement Park 2132 Middlebury Road Middlebury, CT
When: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Open until 11 pm on Friday night)
Who: Everyone--Quassy has rides even for toddlers.
How: Call 203-758-2913 for more information
Cost: $35 for everyone in the car

Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5 - Finish up the Quassy Ready to Read Program with a Visit from the Very Hungry Caterpillar at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT

The Ready to Read program at Quassy finishes off the summer with a visit from the Very Hungry Caterpillar over Labor Day weekend. You can meet the caterpillar at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Kids who participated in the Ready to Read program and read three books, could earn a ride pass.
Where: Quassy Amusement Park Lake Quassapaug Rt. 64 (2132 Middlebury Road) Middlebury, CT 06762
When: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM (End time is approximate.)
Who: Everyone
How: For more information, call 203-758-2913
Cost: Admission to the park

Saturday, September 3 through Saturday, September 3 - Astronomy Class on Saturday Evenings in Southbury, CT

Learn about Earth, the moon, the sun, our solar system and beyond!  This 20 week course is a conceptual-level survey course that talks about planets, meteors, stars, nebulae, galaxies, black holes, and more. More detail available at turnerclasses.com. Class meets every other Saturday starting August 20th through May 2012. Observation through the 10" telescope after lecture if weather permits.
Where: 1611 Georges Hill Rd. Southbury, CT
When: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM (End time can vary depending on observation conditions)
Who: For children (and their parents!) aged 8 through high school.
Cost: $200 for all 20 weeks only payable in advance. That's $2.50 an hour!

Monday, September 5 through Monday, September 5 - POSTPONED!! to 10/9/2011--Newtown Labor Day Parade 2011

Newtown is fairly famous for its Labor Day Parade. A large endeavor that includes more than 7 bands, including fife and drums, pipes, and drum band. The 2nd Governers Horse Guard will march along with the CT Rebels of '76, and the 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery (Civil War group). There will be fire trucks, army vehicles, more firetrucks, and classic cars.
Where: The parade marches down Rte 25 in Newtown.
When: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Who: Anyone
How: Get into town before the roads are closed at 9:15 AM.
Cost: Free
For more info: Parking is available at Hawley School, Caraluzzi/Ace Hardware, Big Y, St Rose School and Lexington Gardens. The local roads will be closed by the police at 9:15 am and will stay closed until after the parade, approximately 12 noon. The parade will begin at 10:00 am with the Escort Division led by the Newtown Police. It is recommended that spectators find their seats by 9am.

Monday, September 5 through Monday, September 5 - St. Jude Parish Church Family Labor Day Concert in Derby

The Nutmeg Symphonic Pops Orchestra will play Broadway and Beyond music. There will be food (hot dors, hamburgers, lemonade, french fries) and vendors (crafts and more) and children's games. There will also be a large tag sale. Bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the music.  
Where: St Jude Parish Church 71 Pleasant View Road Derby, CT
When: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Call 203-735-8725 for additional information
Cost: Free for admission and free parking

Tuesday, September 6 through Tuesday, September 6 - Oxford First Day of School!

The first day of school! Get those cameras ready.
Where: .
When: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Oxford public school students
How: .
Cost: .

Tuesday, September 6 through Tuesday, September 6 - Region 14 First Day of School!

The first day of school! Get those cameras ready.
Where: .
When: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Region 14 public school students
How: .
Cost: .

Tuesday, September 6 through Tuesday, September 6 - Region 15 First Day of School!

The first day of school! Get those cameras ready.
Where: .
When: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Region 15 public school students
How: .
Cost: .

Tuesday, September 6 through Tuesday, September 6 - Story Time Sign Up Begins at the Middlebury Library

Sign up for fall story times.
Where: Middlebury Library 30 Crest Rd. Middlebury, CT 06762
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Call 203-758-2634 for more information.
Cost: Free

Highwire Deer and Animal Farm in Woodbury, CT


I've never been myself, but just off of Woodbury's Main Street is a zoo. I've often driven by it because it is such a curiosity. I never seem to know when it's open. Thanks to Voices, which just reported the hours.

Highwire Animal Farm in Woodbury, CT Hours

August: Thursday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM

September: Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM

You can stop by and visit with some unusual animals in your backyard.


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