2023 Connecticut’s No Child Left Inside Program Schedule
Connecticut’s No Child Left Inside® (NCLI) Program is celebrating its joyous 18th anniversary! To mark this special occasion, Connecticut State Parks is introducing exciting new events throughout the state. Prepare to embark on a delightful mix of new events and cherished favorites, while also having the opportunity to meet new partners.
Be sure to use #CTNCLI2023 and/or #CTStateParks when posting any photos on social media.
No Child Left Inside® Library Pass
Visit your local library to pick up a No Child Left Inside® Library Pass.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is delighted to announce its continued partnership with the Connecticut Library Consortium. As part of this collaboration, CT State Parks’ Centers and Historic Buildings Day Passes will be available at the main library branch in each Connecticut town. This initiative allows Connecticut residents traveling in a Connecticut registered vehicle to enjoy state parks and forests without the need to pay a parking fee. It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of their state without any additional costs.
For questions, please email DEEP.NoChildLeftInside@ct.gov.
Connecticut’s No Child Left Inside Program Schedule
Families in the Parks Program 3
Memorial Day Weekend (May 27th and 28th). Visit CT DEEP Nature Centers, Museums and Historic Buildings over the holiday weekend. Spend the day visiting and learning at one or several of our DEEP locations:
- Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill
- Goodwin State Forest and Conservation Center in Hampton
- Meigs Point Nature Center in Madison
- Kellogg Environmental Center and Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby
- Fort Trumbull State Park Visitors Center in New London
- Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton
- Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam
- Putnam Memorial State Park Visitors Center in Redding
- Peoples State Forest Nature Museum in Barkhamsted
- Stratton Brook State Park Nature Center in Simsbury
- Chatfield Hollow State Park-Oak Lodge Nature Center in Killingworth
Families in the Parks Program 4 is CT Trails Day Weekend is June 3rd and 4th, Connecticut Trails Day Weekend. Get out on the trails in CT and explore new places with your family and friends.
Families in the Parks Program 5 is a Boating Day on June 10th at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington from 9 am to 3 pm. Join us for a day of boating out on the pond. No prior experience necessary. Water safety and boating education will be provided before taking out a canoe, kayak or paddle board. There will also be hikes, partner tables, arts & crafts and more.
Families in the Parks Program 6 is the week of June 19th. Summer Reading Kick-off Event(s). Visit your local library and DEEP Storywalks® (Summer Reading details and locations to follow)
Families in the Parks Program 7 is a Pop-Up Program(s) in July. Program details and location(s) to follow on social media-DEEP State Parks Instagram and DEEP State Parks Facebook page.
Families in the Parks Program 8 is a Boating Day on July 22nd at Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold from 9 am to 3 pm. Join us for a day of boating out on the pond. No prior experience necessary. Water safety and boating education will be provided before taking out a canoe, kayak or paddle board. There will also be hikes, partner tables, arts & crafts and more.
Families in the Parks Program 9 is Dino Day on August 5th at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill. Come learn about all things geology and dinosaurs. Visit the Nature Center, go on a walk and enjoy the Storywalk®.
Families in the Parks Program 10 is FREE Salt Water Fishing Day with Fish with CARE on August 12th at Fort Trumbull State Park (on the fishing pier) in New London, Connecticut. Enjoy time out on the fishing pier with friends and family. Fish with CARE staff and volunteers will be there with fishing poles, bait and will provide fishing instruction, if needed.
Families in the Parks Program 11 is a Boating Day on August 19 at Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent, Connecticut. Join us for a day of boating out on the pond. No prior experience necessary. Water safety and boating education will be provided before taking out a canoe, kayak or paddle board. There will also be hikes, partner tables, arts & crafts and more.
Families in the Parks Program 12 is a Pop-Up Program(s) in September (program details and location(s) to follow on social media-DEEP State Parks Instagram (please note that a log-in may be required to access instagram) and DEEP State Parks Facebook page.
Families in the Parks Program 13 is Hammonasset Day on October 7rd at Hammonassett Beach State Park in Madison, Connecticut. Celebrate nature and Native American culture. The event will be free, held behind the nature center where you will find many exhibitors sharing information about the wildlife found in CT; Native American dancing, and many special programs including live birds of prey
Families in the Parks Program 14 is a Forestry Day on October 21st (weather date of October 22nd) at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton, Connecticut.
Families in the Parks Program 15 is a Pop-Up Program(s) in November (program details and location(s) to follow on follow on social media-DEEP State Parks Instagram and DEEP State Parks Facebook page
Families in the Parks Program 16 is National Recycling Day-America Recycles Day on November 15th (program details and location to follow)
Registered families will be provided with weekly information and an agenda regarding the upcoming Families in the Parks Program. Our NCLI Mascot Nuts 2 and his friends will again this year be sharing their photos on social media through our DEEP State Parks Facebook Page and DEEP State Parks Instagram page every Wednesday.
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