guides

2023 Back-to-School Fall Programs & Activities

Music, Dance, Theater, Sports, STEM, Horseback Riding, Private Schools and More!

By Meghan Friedland, Publisher/Editor, Macaroni Kid Greater Danbury, CT August 11, 2023

Welcome to the 2023 Macaroni KID Back-to-School Guide! We're rounding up a listing of programs and activities that are being offered by local businesses and organizations this fall. Be sure to check back often as we are adding programs as we receive it each week. Don't forget to share this guide with your friends and let these businesses know that you read about them in Macaroni KID! When you mention us, it helps reinforce to our sponsors that parents turn to Macaroni KID to help plan their family fun during every season of the year. 

Would you like your program to be added to this guide? Email meghanf@macaronikid.com.

For more detailed information about each of the programs, just click on its title in the Guide below or visit their web site via the Register Now or Learn More buttons!




Affinity Esports, Newtown
Through our recreational programs, your children are introduced to the world of esports, full of new and emerging career paths, experiential learning, and highly engaging social activities. Each of these programs has been structured to reinforce critical life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving. Through their time with us, we will guide your children to build healthy habits and harness their passion with an extreme commitment to balancing wellness, education, mentality, competition, and socialization. Esports have been linked to powerful outcomes, such as improved social and emotional skills, problem solving, future career viability, and academic performance. 

  • Dates: Session I runs 9/18- 10/28; Session II runs 11/6 - 12/23
  • Boys and Girls ages 7-17 at all skill levels
  • Choose from classes in: Gaming Foundations, Beginner and Intermediate Game Creation, Modding and Coding as well as Beginner and Intermediate Content Creation and Streaming
  • SAVE 15% with code MACKID15 PLUS, get 1 FREE Month of Membership!
  • Ask about Trial classes, Academy and Club Teams, Weekly Game Nights and more

REGISTER





Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum 

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is open Sundays and Weekdays from 12pm-5pm (closed Tuesdays) and on Saturdays from 10AM-5PM. The Museum is one of the few independent, non-collecting institutions in the country and the only museum in Connecticut solely dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art. Join us this fall for Story Time for Kids: I Sang You Down from the Stars on Saturday, September 16 from 10:30 to 11:30am, a Family Workshop and Tours: Indigenous Peoples’ Day - Creating Coil Pots on Monday, October 9 with Open Studios from 12 noon to 5pm and Tours at 1pm and 3pm as well as Story Time for Kids: I Really Want the Cake on Saturday, October 21 from 10:30 to 11:30am. Also, visit the Museum for FREE the third Saturday of every month as part of our Third Saturdays program.

  • Dates: Special events on Sept. 16, October 9 and October 21; Museum open M/W/Th/Fri from 12-5pm, Sat. from 10-5. Closed on Tuesdays.
  • All ages
  • Free admission on the third Saturday of every month.

REGISTER





Bach to Rock Ridgefield

Bach to Rock is THE music school for kids, teens and adults of all ages. We start them young with music, rhythm and motion that supports cognitive development, learning and motor skills. We use an innovative approach to music instruction based on the belief that everyone learns faster playing the music they like, whether it’s rock or Bach, the technical foundation is the same. From Bach to Blue Oyster Cult, from Mozart to Mayer, Cash to Clash and Puccini to Perry (Katy or Steve), Bach to Rock (B2R) offers a wide variety of lessons in all music genres for all ages. We teach guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keyboard, brass, strings, ukulele and even a DJ program. As students progress, we take music education a step further by placing kids and teens in bands and providing performance opportunities with gigs in the local community!

  • Dates: Ongoing enrollment
  • Ages: 5- Adult
  • Individual and group lessons available
  • Performance opportunities in the community!

REGISTER





Danceline Bethel

Danceline Bethel is a local dance studio in the heart of Bethel, CT. We offer classes in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theater for all ages. We are dedicated to forming well-rounded, knowledgeable, and creative dancers. We offer smaller classes which allows for students to receive individualized time and attention. This creates a more personalized learning environment for each student which better suits their learning needs. Despite our hometown feel, we have the skills, passion, and work ethic to provide training that is comparable to larger dance studios. There is something for everyone this fall at Danceline from ballet, tap and musical theater to jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop!

  • Dates: September through January
  • Ages: 3-18
  • Recital in January for family and friends!

REGISTER











EverWonder Children's Museum, Newtown

The museum offers hands-on exhibits and programming to spark imagination in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math -- great for after-school exploration and enrichment learning. EverWonder also provides field trip style visits for home school groups from Pre-K to 6th grade. The program options work well with various curriculum, particularly those rooted in STEM. This school year, Newtown residents can take advantage of their Early Dismissal program where students ride the bus to EverWonder! Also, EverWonder is evaluating the options for after-school care including a possible After-School STEM Lab until 6PM. Fill out the survey here

  • Dates: Open Tuesday through Sunday; Closed Mondays. Online reservations required.
  • Ages: 5-12
  • Early Dismissal program available for Newtown students who can ride the bus from school to EverWonder

LEARN MORE  





Kratos Gymnastics, Bethel 

Kratos Gymnastics provides a gymnastics program in a caring environment which sparks kids to have fun while learning the sport they love! At Kratos, they'll learn lessons which can carry them through life; allowing them to grow inspired, resilient, kind, empowered, humble, and self-loving. If you are looking for a program which is “athlete centered” offering quaint class ratios instructed by coaches with elite experience who are excited to illuminate the champion within every student, we are the place for you!  We are now taking enrollment for both Summer & Fall offering preschool-elementary school gymnastics, tumbling, flexibility, and even fitness for Moms!  

  • Dates: Session 1:  Aug. 28th - Sept. 24th; Session 2: Sept. 25th - Oct. 22nd; Session 3: Oct. 23rd - Nov. 19th
  • Ages: 3-17  
  • Both recreational and competitive programs available as well as private lessons and clinics!

REGISTER 




Movement Dance Studio, Danbury 

Movement is committed to developing well-rounded dancers that possess passion and dedication. Our goal is to empower students to express their emotions through movement while nurturing their respect for dance. Movement offers a variety of classes for all ages from 2.5-18. Classes include Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Acro and Creative Movement for students both at the recreational and competitive level. Now enrolling for fall!

  • Dates:  Ongoing enrollment
  • Ages:  2.5 - 18
  • Classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Acro and Creative Movement

REGISTER  









Music Together of Greater Danbury 

Join us for the Bongo Song Collection this Fall! The songs include lots of upbeat, active songs like "See How I'm Jumping," our take on the timeless nursery rhyme "Hey, Diddle, Diddle," and beautiful melodies such as the Japanese song "Hotaru Koi" and "Walking through the Woods." In addition to your weekly classes, your tuition includes recordings and materials for you to use at home, a family newsletter with more at-home music-making ideas, and online access to the songs through the Music Together app. Join us for our fall session and bring music into your family's life! Fall classes will be held outdoors at Brookfield Town Hall. Classes are once a week, are 45 minutes long, and run for 8 consecutive weeks.

  • Dates: Thursdays or Fridays at 10AM beginning Sept. 14
  • Ages: 0-5
  • Tuition includes a CD and Songbook

REGISTER











Newtown Community Center

The Newtown Community Center is a multi-generational hub that enhances our community by promoting social interaction, health and wellness, creative opportunities, and personal growth. The Center includes a community recreational pool and flexible modular community rooms for programming. Register now for Fall programs that include something for just about every interest: music, circus, arts and crafts, swimming, cooking, cartooning and more! Also registering for Kids Club - an after-school program for grades K-6. Join us for one day or five days with half-day and no-school day options. Kids will receive homework help and enjoy art and crafts, STEAM activities, indoor/outdoor play and swimming. 

  • Fall session begins September 11th 
  • Ages: 3-13
  • After-school Kids Club: $20/day; school dismissal through 6pm. Transportation and sibling discounts available.

REGISTER





Once Upon a Child, Danbury 

Save big on Back-to-School shopping at Once Upon a Child! Save 60-70% off typical retail prices on gently-used clothes. You'll find name-brand items from jeans, shorts, dresses, shirts, tees, skirts hoodies and jackets at incredibly low prices. Plus, save even more during tax-free week August 20 - 26! Inventory changes DAILY so you never know what you'll find! Remember, recycling your child's gently used toys, clothing and gear is a great way to earn cash while helping to keep your home clutter-free! Turn your gently-used items into cash at Once Upon a Child. They are now buying for all seasons!  

  • Save 60-70% retail prices!
  • Ages: 0-18
  • Now buying by appointment only: gently used clothing (all seasons), Halloween costumes and coats!

LEARN MORE 





Regional YMCA, Brookfield 

The Regional YMCA has lots of programs for the entire family this fall season. Members get priority registration for classes, access to the Outdoor Pool open swim hours, the full fitness facility and reduced fees on programs and services offered at the YMCA. Plus other perks like free group fitness classes, special family night events, access to the wellness center and fitness equipment/classes for your teens, drop-in child care while you work out, four free guest passes per year and much more! Let the Y help bring good health back into your routine as you get back to school! See the fall program guide here.  

  • Health & Wellness, Aquatics, Youth Sports & Fitness, Family Night Events and More!
  • Ages: Adults, Teens, Children
  • School's Out Child Care Program available (based on Brookfield School District Calendar)

LEARN MORE 









Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool
Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool is a private co-ed day school educating students in Preschool - Grade 8. The Ridgefield Academy community celebrates childhood, pursues excellence, and cultivates kindness. An intellectually inspiring educational program fosters joyful learning and mutual respect. Each student is empowered to rise to their authentic self, preparing confident graduates who shape their future with ingenuity and integrity. With the right balance of challenge, individual attention, and support, students emerge from their RA/LP academic journey with the knowledge and confidence to achieve success in high school and beyond.

  • Dates: Ongoing enrollment
  • Ages: PK - Grade 8
  • A broad-based, challenging curriculum enhanced by a wide variety of extracurricular activities in athletics, the arts, and community service.

LEARN MORE





Rising Starr Horse Rescue, Wilton 

Rising Starr Horse Rescue saves, rehabilitates, retrains and rehomes abandoned, neglected or abused horses and educate about at-risk horses and the importance of protecting them. By giving America's horses a second chance at life we give the community the chance to experience the love, patience and compassion horses have for humans. Our Fall Riding Program lessons include ring work, occasional trail riding, ground horsemanship, medical and barn lessons. We have found from experience that students progress further and have more fun in small group lessons with peers although private lessons are also available. New students will receive a free 30-minute evaluation for placement in a class. Lessons run rain or shine. If we cannot ride due to cold, wind, or extenuating weather conditions, unmounted instruction will be given indoors. Come visit us and experience horse ownership and friendship! 

  • Dates: September 11, 2023 - December 3, 2023 (Due 8/15); December 4, 2023 - March 4, 2024 (Due 11/5, Barn Closed 12.24 to 1/1); March 11, 2024 - June 3, 2024 (Due 2/15)
  • Ages 6+; Group and Private lesson options available
  • No experience necessary

REGISTER




Sports Center of Connecticut, Shelton

SportsCenter of Connecticut has grown into the premier Family Fun Entertainment Center in New England. Situated on over 20 acres, The SportsCenter consists of over 150,000 square feet of indoor entertainment venues coupled with numerous outdoor activities. We are now enrolling for fall learn-to-skate, figure skating, synchronized skating, speed skating and developmental hockey programs including the Learn to Play hockey with the NY Rangers! Come skate at Connecticut's #1 hockey rink -- The Fun Starts Here!

  • Dates: Programs run September through October or November (dates vary)
  • Ages 3+
  • Registration open now 

REGISTER










Wooster School, Danbury 

Can you see learning happen? We think so. Visit our campus and you will see students personally invested in their education and teachers creating meaningful interactions that empower students to think critically and communicate effectively. As students work to gain understanding in the classroom, we work to help them understand themselves and how they learn. This approach to developing the whole child yields graduates with strong learning and thinking skills as well as confident communicators who go on to successful careers in college and beyond. Set on a pristine country hillside in Danbury, Wooster's campus encompasses over 100 acres. We welcome the opportunity to have you visit Wooster to see for yourself that ours is a unique and wonderful learning community.

  • Dates: Ongoing enrollment
  • Ages: Grades 5-12
  • Schedule a Tour or Attend the Open House on November 4th at 10AM

REGISTER



ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING AVAILABLE AT OUR LOCAL PARK & RECREATION DEPARTMENTS:

Danbury Youth Sports, Bethel, Ridgefield, Redding, Newtown, New Fairfield, Brookfield, New Milford 

List your business here and reach thousands of local parents! Email meghanf@macaronikid.com for Back-to-School Guide pricing information.

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Macaroni Kid Greater Danbury is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in our local area specifically: Danbury, Bethel, Ridgefield, Brookfield, Redding, Newtown, Sandy Hook, New Fairfield, New Milford, Sherman and Bridgewater, CT. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, event and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more.