NCLI Families in the Parks Program 2023
Thank you to all of our families and friends who joined us for the 2022 Great Park Pursuit. We are looking forward to the upcoming season with our returning families and friends and we look forward to meeting some new families and making new friends. See you soon!!
NCLI Families in the Parks Program 2023
Happy 18th anniversary to No Child Left Inside® (NCLI) Program! 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. Enjoy time together and reconnect with the outdoors, nature and each other.
NCLI's Families in the Park Program 2023 will get our families outside exploring, playing, learning, and reading, in our CT DEEP State Parks and Forests, at DEEP Nature Centers and Museums, at libraries and at pop-up events and programs between the months of May and December 2023. As in past years, CT DEEP State Parks staff and it's partners will host environmental themed programs which will include: Fishing, Boating, Birding/Wildlife, Hiking, Nature Centers, Historic Building and Museums, and a Family Day in the Park.
A new addition to this year will be the CT State Parks Storywalk® Program. CT DEEP State Parks and the CT State Library have partnered to build a statewide StoryWalk® program initiative. Storywalks® will be located at 4 locations throughout the state: Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, CT (open to all when Park in open); Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, CT (in the process of being installed), Osbornedale State Park in Derby, CT (in the process of being installed) and Goodwin State Forest in Hampton (in the process of being installed). More detailed information to follow for the Storywalk® launch event.
Between the months of May and December 2023 there will be a variety of activities, in-person events, pop-up events, library programs, and self-guided events and programs. Please visit this link regularly to see what other activities, events and programs will be added!
Families in the Parks Program 1 is the NCLI Kick-off Event. May 13, 2023-Free Family Fishing Day at Wharton Brook State Park in Wallingford, CT from 9 am to 3 pm. "Learn to fish with Fish with CARE" and take part in trout stocking.
Families in the Parks Program 2 is May 20, 2023-Family Wellness Day at Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury, CT from 9 am to 3pm. Join us for a day of fun, healthy family activities in the Park.
Families in the Parks Program 3 is 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, CT; Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton, CT; Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, CT; Putnam Memorial State Park Visitors Center in Redding, CT; Peoples State Forest Nature Museum in Barkhamsted, CT; Stratton Brook State Park Nature Center in Simsbury, CT; and Chatfield Hollow State Park-Oak Lodge Nature Center in Killingworth, CT.
Families in the Parks Program 4 is CT Trails Day Weekend is June 3rd and 4th 2023-CT 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 10, 2023 at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, CT 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 19, 2023-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 (please note that a log-in may be required to access instagram) and DEEP State Parks Facebook page.
Families in the Parks Program 8 is a Boating Day on July 22, 2023 at Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold, CT 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 5, 2023 at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, CT. 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 12, 2023 at Fort Trumbull State Park (our on the fishing pier) in New London, CT. 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, 2023 at Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent, CT. 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 7, 2023 at Hammonassett Beach State Park in Madison, CT. 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, CT.
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 (please note that a log-in may be required to access instagram) and DEEP State Parks Facebook page
Families in the Parks Program 16 is National Recycling Day-America Recycles Day on November 15, 2023 (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.
Be sure to use #CTNCLI2023 and/or #CTStateParks when posting any photos on social media.
For more information contact:
Kristen Bellantuono, NCLI Coordinator
(860-424-3917
We look forward to providing our participants with 8 months of fun-filled activities, adventures and experiences, all while learning and playing out in nature.
Content updated May 2023