Downtown Middletown – a Great Place for Kids and Families

Downtown Middletown is becoming such a hip place for dining, nightlife and shopping that it’s easy to forget the really great things for kids around here. When it comes to Middletown, many parents naturally think of R/C theater for movies, KidCity (which should be a staple in every parent’s activity arsenal), and Amato’s (which has such an extraordinary selection of toys, crafts, games and puzzles, not to mention trains that it is always a family favorite), as well they should. But there is so much more to Downtown Middletown than that!

Green Street Arts Center, an initiative of Wesleyan University, provides every student with the opportunity to discover new things about the world and themselves through carefully crafted classes, workshops and lessons.  As one of the only educational organizations offering classes across five disciplines of the arts - Music, Movement, Media, Visual and Drama - Green Street also hosts events, gallery shows, film screenings and recitals. Their after school program is available for grades 1-8 and lets students pursue and discover their passions. They offer arts classes, academic enrichment, an arts school for middle schoolers called junior school, and musical mentoring, which is a great way to learn an instrument.

The Buttonwood Tree is a performing arts and cultural center in Downtown Middletown and offers concerts and shows on a regular basis. In addition, they offer karaoke and plenty of ways to perform, engage with art or just watch others. They have tons of events each month, so check out their calendar online at http://www.buttonwood.org/events/ or plan to join in for an open mic night every Monday at 7:30 pm.

Let your kids explore their creative sides or hone their fine art skills with Middletown Art Academy’s art summer camps and art classes for ages 5-18. Summer camp sessions meet once a day for four consecutive days. Students receive individual instruction and work at their own pace in a non-competitive environment. Many students find their skills progress very quickly in camps because of the steady practice a daily class can offer. For more info and price list call (860)344-0554 or visit them online at middletownartacademy.com.

With lots of open skate times, theme nights and extended hours during school vacation weeks, Middletown Roller Skating Rink is a great choice of activity for kids. Parents can join in or just sit back and watch their kids go round and round. It’s a great way for them to get some exercise in a fun way. For more information, call 860-704-0064.

Vinnie’s Jump and Jive features a Mommy and Me Pre-K Movement class for kids 18 months to 5 years and a parent or care provider. Since toddler and preschool kids are bursting with energy, what better way to get some of it out than by wiggling and giggling together! Kids learn colors, numbers, pretend to be animals and stimulate their brain in ways that is important for these developmental stages in life. For information on the program, contact Vinnie’s at (860) 347-6971, ext. 3777 or vinnies@chc1.com.

NEAT, the North End Action Team, is another great resource for activities for kids and families. With their community music initiative, their new hiking club, and McDonough Garden Club, there is lots for kids and families. Add to that, the North End Farmer’s Market which is a great place to take kids to learn about food, and NEAT is a super resource for families. For information about all that NEAT has to offer, visit their website at neatmiddletown.org.

KidCity is Middletown’s children’s museum, and a fine one at that, drawing visitors from all over Connecticut. With age appropriate activities and plenty for your little ones to explore, it’s a favorite of local moms! The Toddler Sea Caves, reserved for children age two and younger, is a wonderful safe place to let these little ones explore without being trampled by older kids. Plus, there is just so much to occupy the older kids – the Clubhouse, the Video Theater, Musical features, the Clipper Ship, the Farm and more. You’ve got to check it out if you haven’t for some reason yet. For more information, visit www.kidcitymuseum.com or call them at 860-347-0495.

Amato’s is a classic toy store at its finest and that’s why it’s been a Middletown staple for so many years. With a train display on their lower level and toys bursting from its seams, this is a kid’s paradise. Plus, their toy selection is quite different than some of the bigger national name toy stores you’re familiar with. You’ll find a huge selection of model trains, puzzles, crafts and games, plus loads of toys for all ages. It is a must shop in Downtown Middletown. For information, visit their website at http://www.hobbysurplus.com/amatosmiddletown.html or call 860-347-1893.

Russell Library near Downtown Middletown has lots more than books. While its children’s book section offers a huge selection of books for your kids, you’ll also find movies and music to check out, and you can check out the activities and events they offer as well. Age appropriate story times from infants to 5 year olds, craft activities, a gardening group, and even introduction to Kenpo Karate. For information, visit their website at http://www.russelllibrary.org/kids/kids_events_progs.html or call them at 860-347-2528.

Just beyond Downtown Middletown, you’ll also find Oddfellows Playhouse which offers a variety of different classes and opportunities to perform for kids of all ages – and shows your whole family will enjoy, including the annual Children’s Circus of Middletown, for kids ages 8-14. Check out Oddfellows Playhouse’s website for more information at www.oddfellows.org.