Winter in Connecticut. Sure, it’s quaint and cozy and every bit New England. But it can also feel endless. Let’s be real: by February, you and the kiddos may find yourselves climbing the walls.
Whenever the weatherperson predicts snow, you can hear the cries of joy from children, and the simultaneous sighs of resignation from the adults who know they’re going to have stir crazy kids at home.
Fear not, we have a bucket list sure to keep the entire family busy until spring. Whether you want to sled, ice skate, or if you’ve got a sweet tooth to satisfy, we’ve got something for you.
Skate Away – There is something so “New England” about skating on a frozen pond. And refreshing. And exhilarating. And magical. When the temps dip below freezing, lace up those skates and take the kids skating on the Duck Pond, Mondo Ponds, or Walker Pond.
Sip & Stay – Nothing warms the body and soul like a rich, creamy mug of hot chocolate. Cafe Atlantique at 33 River Street is the perfect place to take the kiddos for a hot chocolate treat on a cold day. Make it a full day by stopping at the Milford Public Library, or Duck, Duck, Goose.
Go Play – Spend an afternoon racing through Peppermint Forest, Licorice Lagoon, and Lolipop Palace to the lost Candy Castle at Hawkwood Board Game Café at 50 Broad Street. If you’re planning a visit with littles ones in tow, there’s a designated space for you with a child-size table, floor pillows, and puzzles. This is also where they keep games like Guess Who, Trouble, and Yeti in My Spaghetti, perfect for children new to board games (and under the age of five.) While you play, Hawkwood offers a fully stocked snack bar loaded with game-friendly goodies like warm gooey chocolate chip cookies, salted soft pretzels, and freshly popped popcorn.
Tinker Outside – Enjoy the magic of winter by taking a Tinkergarten class at Eisenhower Park. Each week, your kiddos will explore, problem solve, communicate, collaborate, and create together. These outdoor classes are a great way to spend time together outside and connect to nature as a family. Find out more at Tinkergarten.com.
Park Yourself – Come January, the seemingly endless cold and gray of Winter may be giving you a case of cabin fever. Our suggestion? Bundle up the family and head to one of our local parks. Winter brings its own magic to the local parks and preserves of Milford. Less crowds means more peace and quiet to enjoy your natural surroundings.
Take in a refreshing breath of cold air and see how many animal tracks you can find in the snow or just spend some time gathering materials to make an awesome ice suncatcher. Hike the trails at Eisenhower Park, Mondo Ponds, Beaver Brook Trail, and Wilcox Park. You can also explore nature indoors or out at Milford Audubon Center.
No snow? No problem! You don’t need snow shoes, skis, sleds to enjoy these parks and preserves – a pair of weatherproof boots and your winterwear should do the trick. So, disconnect from the screens and devices for an afternoon and reconnect with nature.
Go Sledding – That very first storm of the season creates quite a stir for those of us who excitedly await a winter wonderland. Sure, building snowmen and having snowball fights leave the kiddos breathless with fun, but it’s hard to match the thrill of holding tight to a sled while careening down a hill on a quest to be the one who finishes first and travels the farthest. For a truly great sledding experience, check out the hills at Jonathan Law or Foran High School.
Bounce Around – Meet for a playdate at Bounce Town USA. Conveniently located on the Post Road in Milford, this place boasts the title of largest indoor inflatable adventure zone and arcade. No reservations are required for open bounce time but be sure your kids wear socks. Grownups are not allowed on the inflatables (bummer) but your little ones will have endless fun.
