Release the Artist in You at Weir Farm

My children enjoy going to Weir Farm in Wilton. This 60-acre national historic site is worth checking out for a morning, afternoon, or day-trip, especially if there is a lot of creativity burning to be released with colored pencils, pastels, or watercolor paints.

On Thursdays and Fridays, grab a mat, pastels or pencils, and a clipboard by the Visitor's Center. Then go find your favorite spot and draw. We love the picnic table made of stone, the secret garden, and the pond. Of note, watercolor paints are available on weekends.

During our last visit, I made a sketch of my own. The kids got a kick out of that, and I got inspired to use pencils and paper instead of my camera. I can't wait to do that again. Now I know why my kids keep wanting to come back.

Well, the other reason is because they want to wear their junior ranger badges that they earned when they found all but one of the letterboxes. This is a really fun activity. Don't forget to bring water, snacks, a hat, and apply sunscreen and bug spray, though. It can get really hot when the sun is out and you're moving about in the summer heat. A badge can also be earned by completing the pond activity (more involved and takes longer; may require a revisit).

When both activities are completed, a patch will be issued. We're working on that, but for now they are content with the badge. For more information about Weir Farm, please visit their website. We hope you'll enjoy your visits as much as we do.