Family events in Waterford, CT

Young chefs can dive into a carnival-themed cooking class that blends hands-on fun with learning in the kitchen. Participants will make festive fair-style treats while building fundamental cooking skills in a supportive setting. Designed for ages 6 to 9, the session takes place at the Groton Community Center in Room C102. Please send an apron and a container so finished goodies can travel home. The fee is $45 for residents and $65 for non-residents. Class size is limited to keep the experience interactive.

A weekly Pokémon league welcomes participants in three age groups, with divisions for Juniors, Seniors, and Masters. Entry is $5, and prizes are awarded based on attendance and final standings.

Vettes at the Beach takes place at Ocean Beach Park and features a full day of food and music, raffle prizes, trophies, and takeaways that include a dash plaque, T-shirt, and goodie bag. Admission is &20, while spectators are free. The club with the strongest participation will receive a $1,000 donation directed to the charity it chooses. Presented in memory of Jan D. Christiansen. For details, contact Markcjan@yahoo.com or 860-705-3473.

Celebrate beluga whales at an all-ages gathering that connects the Arctic, where these whales live, with experiences close to home. Explore activity stations, try engaging projects, and discover everyday and larger steps that support community resilience. The program highlights ongoing research and conservation work in Cook Inlet, Alaska, showing how these Arctic whales can motivate action for a healthier planet. Admission is covered by regular Aquarium entry.

Explore New London’s connection to the sea on a walking tour that traces the people, ships, businesses, and pivotal moments that shaped this historic waterfront city. The route moves through downtown and along the shoreline, highlighting stories that span from Indigenous travel on local waterways and the Revolutionary War to privateers, whaling captains, naval figures, submarines, and the longstanding role of the United States Coast Guard. Along the way, hear about heroic rescues, notable vessels, periods of wartime service, and the men and women whose lives were influenced by the Thames River and the city itself. Suited for history fans, maritime enthusiasts, and the simply curious, this experience offers a respectful salute to a maritime legacy that continues today.

Stonington Pride partners with Bank Square Books for a welcoming Dungeons & Dragons campaign that celebrates creativity and inclusion. Hosted at Bank Square Books, the table is limited to seven players with a dedicated Dungeon Master, so registration is required due to limited capacity. Participants must be at least 12 years old, and both newcomers and seasoned adventurers are welcome. The bookstore is wheelchair accessible.

This supportive gathering brings together parents with newborns and young children to connect, share experiences, and find encouragement during the first two years of family life. Babies and partners are welcome and encouraged to attend.