Kids' Stuff
In addition to the many arts and recreational events at Lakeside, there are several educational activities that offer enrichment for children of all ages. Read below to learn about these free educational opportunities offered during the summer. For information about God Squad and Middle Grade Ministries, visit the Kids' Stuff page on the Religion home page.
Nature Programs
Junior Naturalist Program
The Junior Naturalist Program invites children to study nature topics with area experts. The session for ages 7-12 meets from 9-10:20 am Friday. Check the weekly Lakesider newspaper for more details.
Fun with Nature Program
The Fun with Nature program engages young children to explore nature topics with stories and crafts. Children ages 4-6 meet from 9-10 am Friday in the Lower Pavilion Room with Gretchen S. Curtis as the leader. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Music Programs
Fun with Music
Led by Connie Dieterich, Fun with Music welcomes children ages 4-8 to learn about musical performance and instruments. The program meets from 10:30-11:10 am Tuesday-Thursday at Bradley Temple. There is a live performance for families and friends at 11 am Friday at Bradley Temple.
Ring & Sing
Led by Connie Dieterich, Ring & Sing welcomes children ages 8+ to learn about musical performance and instruments. The program meets from 11:15 am-12 pm Tuesday-Thursday at Bradley Temple. There is a live performance for families and friends at 11 am Friday at Bradley Temple.
Where in the World?
Kids have the opportunity to travel the globe through projection slides, stories and crafts. This program, led by teachers Bev Bartczak and Joan Price, meets 9-9:45 am for ages 3-6 and 10-11 am for ages 7-10 at the Lakeside Women’s Club, 161 Walnut Avenue.
Intergenerational Learning Seminars
This program for intergenerational learning will be offered on six Fridays during the summer season from 10:30 a.m. - noon in the Fountain Inn Green Room. Designed for ages 10 to 100, the sessions will explore a variety of nature, history and playful topics in a relaxed, interactive environment. Proceeding the summer regular schedule, a preview program will be presented on Memorial Day weekend.
Lakeside Chautauqua Young Readers Program (YRP)
In addition to operating The Fine Print bookstore, Bev Bartczak and Joan Price are collaborating with Lakeside on a project called the “Lakeside Chautauqua Young Readers Program.” Similar to a summer reading club at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, youth ages 9-13 are encouraged to read six books over the summer from an identified list. Weekly programs highlighting the books’ themes are schedueld at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Upper Room. For more information on the program, please stop by The Fine Print or email Bartczak at bevbartczak@gmail.com.
Lakeside Laboratory
Take part in a hands-on science experiment. There will be a different experiment each week. Sign up will be at the Rhein Center from 1-3 p.m. on Sundays, for children ages 7-12.
Bicycle Rodeo & Safety Inspection
Children are invited to this safety class to learn about basic bicycle skills. Participants will practice starting and stopping, the safe way to exit a driveway, how to look for traffic and other safety precautions. The program is sponsored by the Lakeside Association, Lakeside Security & Recreation Departments and Danbury Police. The class meets from 1-3 p.m. on Mondays, in Bradley Temple. Please bring a bicycle, helmet and a parent or gaurdian to sign the permission slip. Youth ages 4-12 years are encouraged to attend.
Preschool Story Time
Children ages 3-6 are invited to listen to stories and participate in interactive activities at 3 p.m. on Thursdays in the Upper Room, located on Second Street above World Next Door.
Story Time for Kids
The Lakeside Women’s Club offers story time for kids ages 4-10 at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays at Green Gables Cottage, 161 Walnut Ave., near the basketball court.
