UPDATE: For 2015, Enfield’s Vehicle Day will be Saturday, June 20th.
Cut to the chase. Take me to the Momsense.
It amazes me how everyday items can be so much more entertaining to my three-year-olds than any toy I could ever find. These day those “items” seem to be trucks and construction vehicles. Currently there is a lot of construction going on near my house, so getting a chance to see a backhoe or fork lift seems to be a daily occurrence. But getting a chance to actually sit in one of these exciting vehicles, is something that only happens at a touch-a-truck event.
Fortunately for my kids (and for our readers) there are lots and lots of touch-a-truck events happening in Connecticut over the next two months. Some are FREE and some are fundraisers for great organizations, but they all offer a chance to enjoy a pretty spring day with family and let the kids have their fill checking out all sorts of vehicles.
To help keep track of all these awesome events, we’ve set up a Touch-a-Truck Events page. I’m sure this list will expand as the weeks go on, but it’s a good starting point.
And, to give you an idea of what a touch-a truck event is all about, I thought I’d share some pictures from one we visited last year.
Each spring, the Enfield Public Library hosts a Vehicle Day event where they load up their parking lot with tucks galore and invite families to drop by and check them out. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 14th from 10:00 am – noon.
The event is FREE and is held in the library’s parking lot. Parking was a bit of a challenge last year (since most of their lot is filled with the event), but we found a space in the large parking lot next door (I think it was a school). It was a little bit of a walk across a field to get from that parking area to the event, so we were happy that we brought a jogging stroller for Sweetheart.
When we arrived, the library’s parking area was completely filled with all sorts of vehicles. Trucks, tractors, limousines, motorcycles, backhoes, etc. My kids had a blast climbing into each one and, of course, getting their picture taken. The kids also really, really, really like blaring the horns on each vehicle. That part wasn’t my favorite, but they sure loved it!
Now I don’t know if they do this every year, but last year they even had an ice cream truck handing out FREE ice cream to all the kids. Needless to say that was a hit as well!
There were also a few firetrucks at the event (very popular in my house) and not only could the kids go inside the fire truck, but the firemen were giving rides in the bucket lift! For that part I stayed on the ground with Sweetheart while my husband took the twins (who were 2 1/2 at the time) up in the lift. I’m not the most comfortable with heights, so I was thankful he was willing to take the trip.
The other great thing about this event, is the wonderful playground right next to the library. I’ve written about this accessible playground before, but it is perfect for my little ones.
The playground area also has a covered picnic area, so you can bring your lunch and make it a full morning adventure.
So, be sure to mark you calendars for Enfield Public Library’s Vehicle Day on June 14th or check out our full list of touch-a-truck events to find one that is perfect for your family!
Do you know about a touch-a-truck event that we left off our list? Let us know by leaving a comment below. Thanks!
Enfield Public Library’s Vehicle Day
104 Middle Road, Enfield, Connecticut
Hours:
- Saturday, June 14, 2014; 10:00 am – noon
Pricing:
- FREE!
Details:
- Stroller Friendly: YES.
- Coffee Mug Friendly: YES.
- Baby Changing Station: YES. One is located inside the library near the children’s section.
- Restrooms: YES. Inside the library.
- Parking: FREE parking is available at the library and in the parking lot next to the library.
- Food for Sale: NO. At least I don’t remember seeing any food for sale last year. They did have FREE ice cream for the little ones!
- Outside Food Allowed: YES. Bring food and enjoy it in the picnic area.
- Cash Required: NO.
- Dress Code: NO. But I would recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Evening/Weekend Hours: YES.
Tips & Things to Bring:
- As with any outdoor activity, when the weather is cold, bundle up and when the weather is warm, make sure to bring hats and suntan lotion for protection.
- Last year’s event included a variety of vehicles for the kids to check out, FREE ice cream from the ice cream truck and a FREE ride in the fire truck’s bucket lift.
- The library also has several standing features the kids can enjoy including their children’s section and outdoor accessible playground.
- 4D Vision Gym – A vision training center located in Cromwell, CT where Dr. Juanita Collier, MS, OD and her staff show members how to utilize Vision Therapy to correct visual issues and make learning and playing easier and more fun.
- The Independent Day School – Located on a rural campus in Middlefield, CT this private pre-school, elementary and middle school serves families from over 20 communities.
- Kathryn Deane Photography – A natural light photographer located in West Hartford, CT and specializing in maternity, newborn, child, family, and senior portrait photography.
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