Department of Energy and Environmental Protection No Child Left Inside®

NCLI® Families in the Parks Program 2023

Happy 18th Anniversary to No Child Left Inside® (NCLI)! To celebrate, CT State Parks is changing things up a bit. You’ll experience some new events (as well as enjoying some of the ole’ favorites) and meet some new partners. NCLI’s new Families in the Parks program expands on the Great Park Pursuit Family Adventure Program by reaching more families and youth, while also extending the season and locations of activities. You and the children in your care can enjoy a wide variety of FREE, fun and educational outdoor recreational opportunities. Visit State Park and Forest locations for boating, fishing, hiking, a StoryWalk®, Nature Center and Museum Days and much more. Or you can find us, along with “Nuts” and his friends, at library programs, pop-up events and other family-friendly sites. Join us for cool weekly or monthly outdoor discoveries including seasonal festivals, treasure hunts, self-guided challenges, and more. Enjoy time together and reconnect with the outdoors, nature and each other.

CT State Parks StoryWalk® Program

A StoryWalk® is a fun activity that engages families in literacy while engaging in walking or hiking. Pages from a children’s book are printed and placed in wood frames along a walkable path at a park. Families have fun reading aloud together and building children’s interest in reading while enjoying the outdoors. CT DEEP State Parks Education and Outreach Division and the the CT State Library are pleased to announce a joint partnership to build a statewide StoryWalk® program initiative. The CT State Parks StoryWalk® Program encourages children and families to visit multiple StoryWalk® across the state. Be sure to visit the StoryWalk® that is installed on the grounds of Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, CT. Three other StoryWalks® will soon be installed at Goodwin State Forest in Hampton, CT; Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, CT; and Osbornedale State Park in Derby, CT.

Outdoor Activities

Enjoy time outdoors in CT this summer with your family and friends. There are so many things to do outside in CT State Parks and Forests. Did you know that there are 110 CT State Parks and 32 State Forests all within 15 minutes of where you live. Whether you are looking to go on an adventure, watch the sun rise, learn a new skill, just looking to relax, or to find the perfect swimming or picnic location, there is something for everyone. Don't forget too, that our DEEP Nature Centers, Museums and Historic Buildings are welcoming visitors. Come spend your day with us!