October Fun in Stamford

October is a busy month at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center and many family fun activities to celebrate the fall are planned. On October 13 for example, the Stamford Nature Center is planning a scarecrow-making contest that will take place from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.  Families are invited to create a life-size scarecrow that will be exhibited and entered in the scarecrow contest at Harvest Festival on Oct. 19 & 20. Materials are provided but families are encouraged to bring clothing or accessories to help with their creation.

On Monday, October 14 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. visitors are invited to explore the lives of the Woodland Indians that lived in Connecticut, as well as native cultures throughout the country.  Start the day off with a tour of the galleries and the newest exhibition, By Her Hand, to view Native art and the photographs of Edward S. Curtis. Stories will be told and a special hike on the trails will be offered that will highlight how Woodland Indians used the land, what food they ate and even how they brushed their teeth! Kids can create their own totem animal necklace, pinch pot and talking stick. The day will end around a campfire with a favorite campfire treat – S’mores!

On Friday, October 18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Museum and Nature Center will host an Oktoberfest on the Meadow that will feature Oktoberfest brews, Oktoberfest food favorites from Old Heidelberg, and live music from The Bavarian Boys, everyone’s favorite oompah band!  Each advance ticket purchased includes a commemorative SM&NC Oktoberfest 2013 pilsner glass. Advance tickets must be purchased by midnight on October 17.  In advance:SM&NC Member: $60 | Non-Member: $75 at the door: SM&NC Member $70 | Non-Member $85.  This event is for adults only.

The Harvest Festival is taking place this year on Oct. 19 and 20 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and celebrates the fall season with a multitude of autumn themed events. Apple cider demonstrations, a scarecrow contest, pumpkin carving, a costume parade, and an apple slingshot contest are sure to provide fun for the whole family. Farm animal demonstrations, face-painting, live music, storytelling, children’s crafts, hayrides and much more round out the fun.  New this year at the Festival are food trucks including: Cowabunga, Hot off the Grille, LobsterCraft, Maddy's Food Truck, Skinny Pines and The Spud Stud. Daily Admission Fees: Members: $5 per person. Non-Members: $10 per person. Family PLUS and Director’s Circle Members and all children 3 & under: Free.

On Friday, October 25, the SM&NC will host a Spooktacular Animal Adventure from 6-6:45 for ages 3-6 and 7:15 – 8:15 for kids 6 and older.  Naturalists from Animal Embassy will introduce kids to some of the animals that haunt their dreams, make their "skin crawl," and the hair stand up on the back of their necks!  Naturalists will demystify these amazing creatures and help families to cross the line from fear to respect and appreciation. Members $5 per person/ Non-members $8 per person. 

On Sunday, October 27, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. don your Halloween costume and head up to Heckscher Farm to trick or treat with your favorite farm friends! Grab a map and head off in search of different “treats” at the trick or treating stations around Heckscher Farm and find out what Dakota the Clydesdale, the calves Moose and Monty, or the new little piglets have to offer. Then, celebrate all things creepy and crawly at the annual “Ick Fest” at Overbrook Nature Center building where you can visit snakes, tarantulas, lizards, worms and other animals!

Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Stamford Museum & Nature Center, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art and popular culture, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity and interaction, seeking to inspire creativity, foster self-discovery, promote environmental stewardship and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that enhance the visitor’s experience of its unique site.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center is located at 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT (3/4 mile North of Merritt Parkway Exit 35.) For more information call 203.322.1646 or visit www.stamfordmuseum.orgwww.stamfordmuseum.org.

Hours: Heckscher Farm, daily 9 am – 5 pm; Animal Embassy, Tues. – Sun. 10 am – 2 pm; Nature’s Playground, daily 9 am – 5 pm; Bendel Mansion (main building), Mon. – Sat. 9 am – 5 pm; Sun. 11 am – 5 pm.