Things to do in and Around Newtown for Spring Break

It's spring and there are so many great things to do. Most everyone knows about the infamous $2 movies at Edmond Town Hall, great hiking trails in the area, parks and recreation programs and Ice Cream Shop frequented this time of the year.  

Following are activities that are either special events or less known to many people in the area. I hope you will look over the list and find something you like.

Saturday, April 16 - Sunday, April 17

Five weekend classes available at the Brookfield Craft Center. Take your pick of  a unique class in fiber arts, glass, jewelry making, blacksmithing, or woodturning. There’s something for everyone. All of these classes are one to two day workshops and are designed for students who are just starting in each craft. For information and pricing on classes: www.brookfieldcraft.org

Saturday, Sunday, April 16, 17 and Friday, Saturday, April 22, 23

The Easter Bunny Express is at the Danbury Railroad Museum at 120 White St. The train departs every 30 minutes from 12:30pm - 3:30pm. Admission includes a ride on a vintage train through the rail yard and a visit  with the Easter Bunny in his special railcar. Reservations are suggested. For more information, go to www.danbury.org/drm or call 203-778-8337                                                                

Sunday, April 17

Open House & Vintage Glass and Bottle Exhibit at the Historical Matthew Curtis House on Route 25 in Newtown. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and it is free. Noel Thomas of the Museum of Connecticut Glass will discuss the art and history of glassmaking in CT. For more information, go to www.newtownhistory.org

Tuesdays through Sundays

Zip Line Canopy Tour, Tree Climbing, Map & Compass Scavenger Hunt take place at Empower Leadership Sports and Adventure Center  in Middletown. The activities are for anyone weighing between 58 and 285 pounds. Tree climbing minimum age is 10. The center is open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. The cost for tree climbing and scavenger hunt is $28 each. The zip line canopy tours are $47 a person. Reservations are required. For more information, go to www.leadershipsports.com      

Tuesday, April 19

Classic Car Night at Lake Zoar Drive-In offers family fun with menu specials, music, awards and 50/50 raffle. All proceeds go to Fernando DeAndrade Jr. Foundation. Hours are 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. For more information: www.lakezoardrivein.com  

Grow Your Own...Organically. The Naugatuck Valley Audubon Society, Inc., in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection’s Kellogg Environmental Center will host this program at 7:30 p.m. at the Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave in Derby. A donation of $4/adult and $2/student or child is requested. For further information, directions or to register, call the Kellogg Environmental Center at (203) 734-2513 or contact Dennis Kocyla at (203) 734-9325 or dennisk32@yahoo.com 

Wednesday, April 20 - Saturday, April 23

The annual Botsford Fire Dept. Carnival takes place at Newtown High School. Times are Wed-Thurs: 6 to 10 p.m., Fri: 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday: 2 to 10 p.m. Come support our volunteer firemen.

Friday, April 22

Comedian Demetri Martin at the Schubert Theater in New Haven. The show takes place at 8 p.m. and tickets are $38. There is also a pre-show beer tasting at 7 p.m. that costs $10 at the door.  For tickets and information: www.schubert.com

Saturday, April 23

Your young chef can Create an Easter Bunny Brunch. This event is for ages 5 - 10 and takes place at  the  Hunt Hill Farm, New Milford  11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $50    
This is a wonderful place to shop, visit the gallery or hike while your little one is in class. For more information, go to www.hunthillfarmtrust.org

I hope you all enjoy a great spring break.