Snorkeling is just one activity kids in New Haven can enjoy.
New Haven, less than an hour away from Hartford, offers a long list of activities for children of all ages to enjoy. Residents and visitors alike can participate in the activities for kids that the city has to offer. Whether its sports, games or a learning activity, kids in New Haven will find something to keep them busy throughout the year.
Library Activities
The "Children's Room" in the New Haven Free Public Library (no website; 133 Elm St., New Haven; 203-946-8130) is a place where kids can read books, play computer games and participate in programs, including toddler playgroups and story times, preschool story times, story/craft programs for older kids, the "Tween Book Club" and the annual summer reading program. Kids can also join the chess club in the main library.
Sports and Recreation
New Haven's Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees offers sports and recreational programs for children of all ages throughout the year. Children can swim or take swimming lessons in John S. Martinez School's swimming pool (no website; 100 James St., New Haven; 203-946-8027). Kids from the 5th to 8th grades can join the arena football team. Kickball and dodgeball games are organized for kids of all ages. A basketball clinic for boys and girls ages 8 to 12 is offered. Golf lessons are also offered, and kids can join a chess tournament in their age division.
Day Camps
During the summer, kids can join different six-hour day camps, where they'll go on trips and participate in activities. Children ages 7 to 13 can enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, special activities, trips, and sport in City Camp. Children ages 5 and 6 can join "Nature Pals" and participate in games, hiking, field trips, arts and crafts, swimming, and nature study. Other camps are Eco Adventure Camp for kids 12 to 15, Junior Adventure Camp for kids 8 to 12, College Coaches Girls Basketball Camp for kids 12 to 17, and Swinging Stars Theater Camp for kids 9 to 13. Three two-week sessions are available starting in June.
Outdoor Adventure
New Haven's Outdoor Adventure Program, in cooperation with the city's Park Rangers, offers outdoor adventure activities for kids of all ages. Some of the activities that kids can enjoy are canoeing, kayaking, archery, whitewater rafting, hiking and snowshoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, snorkeling and scuba diving. The program aims to teach team building, cooperation and communication skills, conflict resolution and eco-consciousness.
Park Programs
Kids can join Ranger Programs in the The West Rock Nature Center (no website; 1080 Wintergreen Ave., Hamden; 203-946-8016), Lighthouse Park (no website; 2 Lighthouse Road, New Haven; 203-946-8020), East Rock Park (no website; 41 Cold Spring St., New Haven; 203-946-6086) and Edgewood Park (no website; 379 Whalley Ave., New Haven; 203-946-8028). Children will learn about natural history and environmental responsibility through programs that include, geology walks, hiking and nature interpretation, snorkeling and touch-tank, seashore and
sea-life programs.
Tags: Camp kids, Park website, activities kids, activity kids, activity kids Haven
