If it feels like it rains every weekend, you are (almost) right! According to the Previous Precipitation stats found on CT.gov, Fairfield County saw 43% more rain from June to September than ‘normal.’ In September, we saw more than double the amount of rain versus the norm. If that wasn’t bad enough, the Farmer’s Almanac forecasts above-average snowfall this year (although I’ll gladly take snow over rain!).
As we parents struggle to keep our little ones entertained and out of the house on those cold and gloomy days. Fairfield County has so much to offer to families, and I am grateful to be raising my daughter in Norwalk, where we have a growing list of facilities to keep our young ones entertained!
With that, I have compiled a list of 5 indoor activities in Norwalk for indoor fun!
1. RJ’s Gymnastics
My little one is 2.5 years old, but they also offer classes for older children. Three instructors are international champions, and most have been practicing gymnastics since their youth. We joined the Mommy & Me class on Saturday mornings (8:30-9:15 a.m.), where little ones can explore gymnastics basics and have fun! Bonus: they offer birthday parties, a great way to get your kids to burn some energy! RJ Gymnastics offers month-to-month membership options as well as a complimentary first class.
2. The Sono Collection
Connecticut’s newest mall is filled with wide, open spaces and is usually quiet compared to our neighboring malls. This allows our kids to wander freely and explore. The mall regularly offers free events such as “Movies at the Mall” in their Magnificent Room. One of my favorite destinations is Camp, a Family Experience Store that blends play and products in a magical setting with a magic door leading to an interactive play and shopping space.
3. Sky Zone
A massive arena with plenty of activities to keep your little ones busy (both young and older!) is found at Sky Zone. With locations in Norwalk and Trumbull, Sky Zone is the perfect activity for a gloomy day. With programs for young ones such as “Little Leapers” ($15 for an adult and child!), the arena is open for smaller children to play and run around to Glow, which has black lights and music for a fun evening activity. Sky Zone offers Sensory hours, providing “a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs, making our special needs playground the perfect place to have fun and feel included.” Lastly, they offer party packages with private rooms and areas to host your friends and family for some jumping fun!
4. Stepping Stones
This local treasure is a “museum that seeks to create an environment that inspires lifelong learning and supports parents, caregivers, and educators as facilitators of children’s explorations.” Stepping Stones offers plenty to children up to age ten, with regularly updated exhibits and play areas, an outdoor facility, a water arena, and two beautiful outdoor parks. The staff is warm and welcoming and has family-friendly facilities and a lunch area for purchase or to bring your own.
5. The Norwalk Library
Your local library is such a wonderful resource that most don’t take advantage of! We’re lucky to have four libraries here in Norwalk, and aside from books, here are some wonderful offerings (many can be found at other libraries as well!).
- Infant and toddler music classes
- Access to maker tools such as Cricut for our crafty kids (and adults!)
- Board games, DVDs & CDs
- Museum passes (including Beardsley Zoo, State Parks, discovery centers, and more!)
- Fun classes such as 3D printing, chess, and robotics
