PLEASE NOTE: This post was written in 2015, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it is also possible that it may contain some outdated information. Please check their website for the most current information, especially about things like hours and program schedules.
2015 Post:
Hi everyone!
Today we are so lucky to have another special post from our friend, fellow blogger and newest member of the Out and About Mom team, Ally Noel! You may recall her post from a couple months ago on the wonderful, family-friendly (and FREE!) programs at the Aldrich Museum in Ridgefield, CT. Well, today she is back with yet another creative, kid-friendly, and totally FREE activity that combines art and the great outdoors. What could be better, right?!
Enjoy!
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Ally Noel is a mom, a wife and an educator living in Norwalk, CT.
Her 3 year old daughter, Miss C, enjoyed all the comforts of home for about 10 days before her mother bundled her up and headed out on their first Out & About adventure.
As you drive on the winding roads of the wooded Wilton Hills, it’s easy to think you may be lost. There can’t possibly be a National Park nestled among these antique farm houses and manicured estates. But, that is part of the beauty of discovering Weir Farm: you feel as if you just stumbled upon a national secret. And you kind of have. Weir Farm is beautiful. The kind of beautiful that makes you want to leave it all behind, buy a farm, and live off the land. The kind of beautiful that makes you absolutely fall in love all over again with the New England Countryside. It is easy to see why so many artists come here seeking inspiration.
Weir Farm National Historic Site is the only National Park Service Site dedicated to American Painting.
Weir Farm has a rich history in the American Impressionist movement. The farm itself was home to Julian Alden Weir, a leading figure in American art and the development of American Impressionism. Although the site’s rich and vibrant history intrigues me (feel free to read more about it here) my three year old is interested in one thing: the beautiful set of pastels that is sitting in front of her. There are several ways to enjoy your time in the Park, but our favorite thing to do is pack a picnic and blanket, and grab one of the FREE artist kits (more about those later.)
Let me start off by saying, this park is, compared to other national parks, not that big. The entire site is 60 acres. Since there is not one clear-cut way to experience the park, I thought I would take a moment and point out some Mom Landmarks. Once you have parked your car, cross the street at the crosswalk, you will find the small Visitor’s Center.
Inside this building you will find park rangers six months out of the year. Speaking with one of them is a great way to get your bearings and plan your day. They handed me trail maps along with several kids activity books containing thoughtful activities that are probably aimed at older kids (like age 8+, maybe) but still might be fun to look through with your little one. There is a Letterboxing Trail at the park that I look forward to trying out with Miss C in a few years. There is also a Junior Ranger Program that looks amazing!
There is a small gift shop located inside the Visitor’s Center along with a gallery room and informational video depicting the history of the site.
The park offers several guided tours. It’s recommended that you call in advance to guarantee a spot. The Studio Tour can be geared towards pre-schoolers, so make sure you mention the ages of your group when you call. You can also take some of the brochures from the Visitors Center and do a self-guided tour.
The restrooms are located just up the path from the Visitor’s Center.
One of the more popular trails is the Weir Pond Loop. This mile long trail wraps along the picturesque pond. It’s just challenging enough to make a kid feel like she’s lost in the woods. There are plenty of stone walls, wooden bridges, tree stumps and other obstacles to entertain a child’s natural sense of adventure. The trail is not stroller friendly, so if you are planning on bringing a pre-walker along make sure you pack the carrier.
Usually our main reason for visiting Weir Farm is the “Take Part in Art” program. On the porch of the Visitor’s Center, you will see artist kits waiting- no begging- to be used. During the week you can pick-up some pastels or colored pencils. On the weekends there are totes filled with water colors. I have mentally filed these kits into my “too good to be true” category – they are professional grade artist materials and my daughter absolutely loves them. I absolutely love them! And, from my experience, there are plenty of them so don’t worry about getting there early enough to snatch one. I think what is most amazing to me is they are also absolutely FREE! The kits also include a clipboard and paper, and you do not need to check them out or anything– just literally grab it and go! (You do need to return them, of course 🙂 There is a clearly marked bin for returned kits. )
Through the Farm’s Take Part in Art program, visitors are encouraged to “experience first-hand the fun of plein air painting and sketching, while becoming a part of a unique and enduring artistic tradition.” Once we’ve got our hands on an artist’s kit, we head over to the field and start painting.
There is no restaurant or tables for eating at the park. You can set up a picnic just about anywhere, the rangers just ask that you take with you whatever you bring in.
I’m really looking forward to watching Miss C’s art evolve and change with each of our visits. We spent a magical summer day perched under the shade of a tree, just painting swirls and whirls of color. It was one of those rare moments in parenthood when everyone was calm. Nature certainly has that effect on children, and the park perfectly offers the backdrop to just sit, breathe, calm yourself, and admire the beauty of the Connecticut countryside.
Weir Farm National Historic Site
735 Nod Hill Road Wilton, Connecticut 06897
Find them on Facebook and Instagram
Hours (2015):
Grounds
Year-Round:
Grounds are open everyday from sunrise to sunset.
Visitor Center and Museum Store
May 1st through October 31st:
Open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Park brochures and a National Park Passport Cancellation Station are available on the visitor center porch during the winter season.
Weir and Young Studios
May 1st through October 31st:
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Weir House Tours
May 1st through October 31st:
Offered Wednesday through Sunday at 11:00 am, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm. Tours limited to 12 visitors, same-day registration is required and is first come, first served.
Take Part in Art and Junior Ranger
May 1st through October 31st:
Offered Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the visitor center (art materials will be available on those days).
Pricing (2015):
FREE
Details:
- Stroller Friendly: Not really
- Coffee Mug Friendly: Yes. Just bring your cup out with you
- Restroom: YES.
- Baby Changing Station: YES
- Parking: YES.
- Food for Sale: NO
- Outside Food Allowed: YES. You can enjoy a picnic anywhere around Weir Farms 60 Acres
- Cash Required: NO (unless you want to buy something at the gift shop)
- Dress Code: You may want to “dress for a mess” so to speak. These are real artist materials after all (as opposed to, you know, Crayola Color Wonder). Besides, it’s way more fun to get creative when you don’t have to worry about ruining your favorite outfit 🙂
- Age Recommendations: ALL AGES
- Evening/Weekend Hours: YES.
- Discounts: FREE FOR EVERYONE!
- To learn more about the Take Part in Art Program click here
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center – The state’s only free-standing hospital that offers comprehensive, world-class health care to children. Based in Hartford, Connecticut Children’s also provides services at several locations throughout the state.
- The Little Green Tambourine – Located in Canton, CT, this healthy living creative arts studio offers a variety of opportunities for kids to learn and play.
- Mandell JCC – The Mandell JCC, Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT, welcomes and serves families and individuals of all ages, stages, backgrounds and faiths. Our fitness, wellness and recreation, arts and culture, camp, early childhood education programs, classes, clubs and services are open to all. You Belong Here!
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