Rainy Day Ideas in Darien

NNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Not aNOTHer day of rain!!!!  Since the beach is out of the question, I thought I’d gather together some ideas about alternative, indoor places to entertain the family around town, and invite you to add your suggestions if you have some.

If you haven’t already done so, check out the Darien Library calendar of programs for kids, teens and adults: the fabulous new library offers a seemingly endless variety of planned activities and/or opportunities for unstructured amusement.  From storytimes to movie screenings and a computer lab to die for, the Darien Library should be top on your list of places to drop by – especially on a rainy day.  If you don’t want to stay, you can take home a new pile of books for reading to the kids, educational videos, classic movies, and more.

Hands On Pottery is another option for some local indoor fun for all ages and a great way to knock out a few birthday or Christmas gifts ahead of time.  Don’t worry if you don’t think you’re artistically inclined: the staff is friendly and creative and will help you create something beautiful.  AND, if you have a Distinction Card, you can enjoy $2 off studio time Mondays through Thursdays.

Another crafty indoor entertainment location, just up the street from Hands On Pottery, is Beadz Boutique.  Many people aren’t aware of the fact that Beadz is as much a ” beading bar” as it is jewelry gift shop: there is a big table at the back of the store with comfortable chairs where anyone, of any level, is invited to sit down and create a beaded work of art.  Suzanne, Amanda and Barbara are easy-going, experienced jewelry designers who will guide you step-by-step through the creation of a custom masterpiece — the time flies and everyone has fun.

You can always kill a good 45 minutes cruising through the Darien Nature Center, visiting its current inhabitants and/or enjoying the current exhibit … And make it a point to stop by with the little ones to The Darien Toy Box, where delightfully friendly and knowledgeable toy enthusiast and owner, Bill Jensen, is likely to read them a story or offer some other form of entertainment.  The Darien Toy Box is as much an “experience” as it is a store, especially for the kids.

And don’t forget about a good old fashioned night out at the movies: The Darien Playhouse offers early evening showings on weekdays, and reduced ticket prices on Tuesdays.

So hopefully that is a helpful start: if anyone has ideas to add, feel free to leave a Comment.  For ideas about things to do outside of Darien, check out my friend Meg’s suggestions at FairfieldCountyChild.com.

Category: Around Town