Where we explore together....naturally

Family Fun Days

Save the Dates for the following Family Fun Days

When: Saturday, April 24, 2009
What:  Celebrate Arbor Day
Details to be posted in the coming weeks

When: Saturday, May 9, 2009
What: Introduction to Letterboxing
Where:  CFPA's headquarters, Middlefield

The Fun: Join us for a fun-filled afternoon. We'll learn all about letterboxing, the adventurous treasure hunt of the trails. Bring a simple design (or we'll supply you with ideas) in order to create your own family letterbox stamp for use on the trails and to take home for other letterboxing jaunts. Venture on the John R. Camp Outdoor Classroom & Demonstration Forest to find your very first letterboxes after following a series of clues.

Family Adventure Packs

Engage a child on an outdoor journey of discovery! Borrow a Family Adventure Pack for fun activities that will help you safely discover Connecticut's outdoors.

Borrow a backpack from the main branch of the following public library:
Berlin, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Farmington, Glastonbury,Hartford, Manchester, Southington, Suffield and West Hartford. Enjoy children's books, information on safety and responsibility in the outdoors, and hands-on activities that your family can do to explore the local trails, parks, and forests together.

Packs will include measuring tools, observation techniques, field guides, bug boxes, binoculars, fun activities for the trails, maps and other trail information, journals, first aid kits, trash bags, disposable gloves, bibliography of suggested reading, and more.

Family Adventure Packs are funded through a grant from REI and circulated through the libraries in partnership with the CT Library Consortium. 

WalkCT Family Hikes

FREE! Held the last weekend of every month.
Bring the kids! Feel the fresh air and enjoy quality time outdoors together. Family Hikes, led by trained Family Hike Leaders, are part of Connecticut Forest & Park Association's initiative, WalkCT - the path to health and happiness. Family Hikes are free as a public service to the children and families of Connecticut. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Locations are subject to change; call CFPA at (860) 346-2372 and return to this page for additional Family Hikes. Babies in backpacks welcome.

To prepare for a safe and enjoyable time:
1. Bring water, snack, and your excitement;
2. Leave pets at home;
3. Wear sturdy shoes; and
4. Remember to bring your parents and caregivers.

Join us for the next adventure in your neighborhood:

DECEMBER

Trains, Lakes, & Marshes, Oh My! 

Where: Westwoods, Guilford

When: Saturday, 12/27 - last Saturday in December; 10 a.m. - 12:30 noon.

Who:  Families with children ages 8+

The Fun:  Take a break from the indoors and get outside to feel winter's crisp air during school vacation. We will see the Lost Lake Vista, carved rock sculptures, marshes and even passing trains.  Come for fun and burn off the winter blues by enjoying the blue skies. 

Directions: To Sam Hill Road in Guilford- From I-95 exit 57 head east on Route 1 approximately one and a quarter mile. At the second stop light make a right hand turn onto River Street. When the road ends turn right onto Route 146 (Water Street). Travel a little over a mile, and make a right hand turn onto Sam Hill Road just before the railroad bridge. The trail entrance with parking is immediately on your left.

Outdoor Adventures

Where: Case Mountain, Manchester

When: Saturday, 12/27 - last Saturday in December; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Who:  Families with children ages 6+

The Fun:   Let's get outside and enjoy a post-holiday hike.  What will we find on our adventure? Maybe see some deer footprints or other tracks in the snow. We will walk at a moderate pace up the "easier" side of Case Mountain. It's still uphill to the Lookout, but with a gentler slope than the steeper side. We'll maneuver ourselves over some steep and bumpy areas and enjoy the exercise. About 2-1/2 miles.  Rain or shine, but extreme weather cancels. End time is approximate.

Directions: Meet at the parking lot one-tenth mile from the intersection of Birch Mountain and Camp Meeting Roads, Manchester. If coming from Hartford area, take I-84 to I-384. At exit 4, take a left onto Spring Street, and a right onto Highland Street (which becomes Camp Meeting Road). In about one-half mile, take a right onto Birch Mountain Road, where the lot is on the right. If coming from the east, take I-384, exit 4, and turn right onto Highland Street. In about seven-tenths of a mile, turn right onto Birch Mountain Road, where the lot is on the right.