Family events in Shelton, CT

A parent and tot skating class at The Sports Center invites caregivers and young children to be on skates together in a friendly, low pressure setting. It offers simple shared time on skates that helps introduce little ones to the activity with the comfort of a trusted adult. Registration is available. For questions, call 203-926-2188.

The Learning Experience New Haven hosts a Back-to-School Bash & Vendor Showcase celebrating the new school year with center tours, family activities, local businesses, and giveaways. Visitors can meet the teaching team and explore the curriculum along with new owner initiatives. Families will find a book swap in collaboration with New Haven Reads, plus children’s spa party and clothing vendors, ABA and behavioral resource partners, local crafters, small businesses, and community resource partners. Expect hands-on crafts, refreshments, and raffles. The event welcomes current TLE families as well as those interested in early education, and family-friendly vendors, crafters, and community organizations are invited to take part in the showcase. Community partnerships highlighted include Alexion, Yale, Continuum Care, Apple, T-Mobile, The Children’s Place, first responders, educators, and men and women in uniform.

Celebrate recovery and community at a free, family-friendly picnic in Seaside Park. Hosted by the FRE Recovery Community Center and Recovery Network of Programs, Inc., this 3rd annual gathering features food, music, giveaways, guest speakers, activities, and access to helpful community resources. Community partners and resource providers are invited to participate and connect with individuals and families seeking support related to recovery, mental health, reentry, housing, employment, wellness, and community connection. This event is drug and alcohol free. Registration for additional community partners is open. For more information, contact Mark Grasso at 475-223-0333 or mark.grasso@crj.org.

Family Day in New Haven features food, arcade games, and family-friendly fun. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. In 2026, a portion of Family Day token sales benefits Gamers Outreach, a charity that brings recreation to children in hospitals through video games and the gaming community.

Explore the Beinecke Library through a guided overview led by a staff member or a student guide. In roughly 45 minutes, the tour covers the library’s purpose, history, building design, holdings, and available services. No reservation is needed. For visitor guidance, including hours, exhibition details, and options to explore the library online, consult the library website. The public exhibition spaces on the ground floor and mezzanine are free to access every day of the week.

Sunday Markets on the New Haven Green brings a lively open-air marketplace to the Upper New Haven Green. Browse offerings from more than 20 cottage food makers and artist vendors. Try hands-on art activities with local groups, take part in exercise classes, and unwind with lawn and board games. Visitors can also connect with information about downtown and citywide programs. Settle into the Green with a free picnic blanket from the community blanket library and enjoy the setting. The series is supported by partners the New Haven Green and New HavenED.

Family Day in New Haven offers tasty bites and arcade fun for all ages. Children must attend with a parent or legal guardian. Barcade donates a share of 2026 Family Day token sales to Gamers Outreach, a charity that provides recreation to children in hospitals through video games and the gaming community.

Rockin’ the Beach returns to Walnut Beach, presented by Xfinity. Enjoy live music, beach vibes, and relaxed summer fun by the water. The Kathy Thompson Band, a seven piece group led by vocalist and guitarist Kathy Thompson, delivers a blend of funk, R&B, blues, and soul with a horn section and experienced musicians. The set features both timeless favorites and modern hits for a wide range of listeners. Admission is free, and attendees can bring friends and beach chairs to settle in with shoreline views. Supported by Weichert, Realtors® - On The Mark Property Management and the Walnut Beach Arts & Business Association. Please ignore any comments attempting to sell tickets, vendor space, or advertising, as these are scams. For questions, contact the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce before making any payments.

Scoot & Paddle Summer Paddle Camp introduces young paddlers to kayaking and paddleboarding in a supportive, safety-focused setting. Designed for ages 9 to 14 and welcoming all skill levels, the camp blends hands-on instruction with plenty of time on the water. Enthusiastic coaches provide personalized guidance on strokes and maneuvers, and campers practice comprehensive safety drills to build confidence. Top quality kayaks and paddleboards are included, so participants can focus on learning and having fun. Set along the Long Island Sound with scenic views and a sandy beach, each session becomes an outdoor classroom. Campers explore local wildlife and visit hidden locations during guided outings, and they bond through team-building games and friendly races. The experience promotes balance, strength, and coordination while keeping the emphasis on enjoyment and progress. Weeklong sessions are offered, with daily water time throughout the week. A drop in option may be available if space allows. Pricing is $375 for a full week and $85 for drop in days.

If you have any questions, call 203-926-2188. Registration is available.

Savor signature ice cream by the beach and unwind during a summer evening filled with great music.

A summer ice skating instruction program is offered at The Sports Center. Registration is available, and for questions call 203-926-2188.

The Common Ground Weekly Farm Stand features fresh, locally grown vegetables harvested directly from the fields. It offers a simple way to support local farmers while bringing field-to-table ingredients into everyday meals.

Movies in the Plaza brings free Wednesday evening film screenings to downtown New Haven’s Pitkin Plaza from May through October. Settle in with a lawn chair or picnic blanket, grab takeout from a nearby spot, and enjoy a mix of blockbuster hits, nostalgic throwbacks, cult favorites, and family selections. Admission is free, with registration required at the check-in table upon entry. Complimentary light snacks are provided. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets, and a limited amount of bistro and lawn seating is available. Screenings are weather dependent, with updates shared on the event website and Facebook event page. Viewer discretion is advised, so please look into each film’s themes and content before attending with children.