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Articles

West Hartford is a vibrant and family-friendly community located in Hartford County, Connecticut. It is widely regarded as an ideal place for raising children, offering a plethora of educational and entertainment opportunities for families. The town takes great pride in its exceptional public school system, which consistently ranks among the top in the state. The schools provide a nurturing and academically rigorous environment, with dedicated teachers and a wide range of extracurricular activities to cater to every child's interests. Additionally, West Hartford is home to several prestigious private schools, ensuring that families have ample choices when it comes to their children's education. Beyond its outstanding educational institutions, West Hartford boasts an array of family-focused attractions and activities. The town features numerous parks with playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Elizabeth Park, one of the town's highlights, is renowned for its stunning rose gardens and hosts various events and concerts throughout the year. When it comes to entertainment, West Hartford offers a diverse range of options for kids of all ages. The Children's Museum is a popular destination, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs that engage children in science, arts, and exploration. For a dose of culture and creativity, families can visit Playhouse on Park, a local theater that showcases family-friendly productions and workshops. In terms of dining and shopping, West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square are bustling commercial areas that cater to families. These pedestrian-friendly districts are filled with upscale boutiques, diverse restaurants, and vibrant cafes, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Overall, West Hartford's safe neighborhoods, exceptional schools, and abundance of educational and entertainment opportunities make it an idyllic place for families to call home.

Local Events

Dec01-3012:30 PM
SUNDAY FAMILY MOVIE IN HARTFORD event image
Dec2710:00 AM
Drop in Play Group event image
Dec289:30 AM
Join The Shabbat Experience event image
Dec28-2919:00 PM
Scavenger Hunt Bridgeport event image
Dec3111:00 AM
Noon Year’s Eve Party event image
Dec3111:00 AM
Pinstripes Noon Years Eve Party! - NORWALK, CT! event image
Dec3111:00 AM
Countdown to Noon Year’s Eve at David M. Hunt Library event image
Dec3111:30 AM
Noon Year's Eve Party at Greenwich Library event image
Dec3112:00 PM
Kids Countdown to New Years event image

Local Activities

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a person dancing on a stage

that makes Playhouse on Park the wonderful place it is. Playhouse on Park is managed by Playhouse Theatre Group, Inc. and is Greater Hartford's own professional theatre, offering inspiring and enjoyable productions that audiences love and talk about. Our in-residence dance company, stop/time dance theater, produces a full scale production as part of our Main Stage series. We were even honored with Broadway.com's Best Professional Theater in Connecticut award in 2013! Our talented team is dedicated to making Playhouse on Park the extraordinary place it is.

a man and a baby playing in water

At the Mandell JCC, everyone is welcome to join the vibrant community of people from all ages, stages and beliefs. Not only will you make new friends and strengthen existing relationships, but you can also benefit from the many offerings at the main campus and satellite facilities. You can get fit in the state-of-the-art fitness center, explore a variety of cultures in the cultural center, learn something new in the preschool, take a dip in the aquatics center, watch a show in the theater, enjoy some family time in the family room, admire beautiful art in the gallery, attend lectures in the hall and get physical therapy in the center. All of this is available right here in the Mandell JCC neighborhood.

a person playing a violin

Dongbin Shin is an extraordinary violinist and instructor. His musical roots stem from his family, as he began playing piano at five and switched to violin at an early age. As part of a string trio formed with his two sisters, they gained attention from local media outlets such as King5. He goes on to serve as a concert soloist and concertmaster at the Hartt Symphony Orchestra and the Waterbury Chorale. Dongbin is also a passionate chamber musician, and his expertise is showcased in his teaching role as the violin technique class instructor at The Hartt School. He also shares his knowledge with private students at local schools and his own home studio.

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CFT is a place where children and their families are celebrated and encouraged to be their very best. Our goal is to create an environment that is both positive and safe, where each student is encouraged to reach their fullest potential. We are proud to provide our students with a place to not just learn, but to grow and develop their abilities as they prepare to take on the world. With a staff and faculty that is passionate and dedicated to the students, CFT is a place where children can truly flourish.

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Every week in our classes, babies, toddlers, and young children have the opportunity to explore music and movement together. Caregivers are able to witness and participate in their children’s exploration of music and how it helps them grow into confident music-makers. Our classes are filled with songs that will have everyone singing and moving in no time. Music Together in West Hartford and Farmington Valley is the perfect family activity! Come join us for a fun and educational music and movement class for young children and their families! Our Music Together classes are designed to be enjoyable and engaging for babies, toddlers, young children, and their caregivers. Everyone in the family will love playing musically together and discovering the joy of music and movement. Our classes also feature songs that will have you singing and moving along in no time. Music Together in West Hartford and Farmington Valley is the perfect way to spend time with your family!

a group of people in clothing on a stage

The West Hartford Summer Arts Festival (SAF) is an exciting opportunity for young people to explore their creative side. Founded over 40 years ago by Executive Producer Haig Shahverdian, SAF is a collaboration between the West Hartford Department of Leisure Services, the West Hartford Department of Fine & Performing Arts, and the SAF Endowment Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. The festival puts an emphasis on musicals, with professional designers and directors from the greater Hartford area participating and helping to create a learning experience for those interested in the various aspects of musical theater. From acting and singing, to dancing and technical theater, the West Hartford Summer Arts Festival provides a platform for kids to express themselves and develop their talents in a safe and inclusive environment. SAF is a great way for young people to discover their passions and gain valuable skills that will last a lifetime.

a boy and girl sitting on the ground

Visitors to the Buena Vista Golf Course will appreciate the convenient 9-hole executive-style layout. With a total yardage of 1,832, this moderately hilly terrain offers traps strategically placed, and takes approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete. Both men and women play either the short course with a par-31 or the long course with a par-32. Three sets of tees and a practice green for chipping and putting make this course great for golfers of all ages and abilities. Rental clubs and carts are available, and no tee times are required. This welcoming atmosphere makes Buena Vista the perfect place for juniors learning the game, golfers looking for a quick 9-holes, and seniors seeking a moderately challenging round. So grab your clubs and head to Buena Vista Golf Course for a great day of golf!

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Trying to find something new and exciting to do with family or friends? Look no further than Muse! Combining a bar and restaurant with painting instruction, you can get creative and have fun, all in one place. No matter your artistic ability, everyone is welcome! Not only that, but you can join us virtually or in our studio, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. We are passionate about bringing art to our communities, but at the same time, we don’t take ourselves too seriously, so it’s all about having a good time! If you’re looking for an evening of entertainment that’s different from the usual, try Muse! Here you can paint and socialize in one place, and the best part is that no art experience is needed. Whether you come to us in person in our studio or join us virtually, you’ll be guided through each step of the way with our top-notch painting instruction. We’re passionate about bringing art to our communities, but at the same time we’re all about having a great time, so come along and get creative with us!

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At West Hartford Center, we have been a proud member of the community for over 25 years. Our small business thrives on the regulars who have grown up right before our eyes. We take pride in giving back to our community through a series of programs and events. We invite you to join us for your next fundraiser. We would be honored to collaborate with you to create a fun and creative way to raise money for your non-profit. We are also happy to provide donations for your fundraising event. All donation and fundraising requests must be submitted below. Thank you for your continued support!

a group of boys in orange shirts

Our Soccer Shots program emphasizes character development and fun! Our coaches create a positive environment with a focus on healthy competition and good sportsmanship. Through our curriculum, your child will learn the fundamentals of soccer while building character and having fun! We are committed to helping your child grow, both on and off the field, in a safe and supportive environment.

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At the Montessori School of Greater Hartford (MSGH), we provide a nurturing environment for children from 15 months to 15 years old. Our school is accredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), and is recognized by the AMI. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared responsibility, with a focus on developing each child’s individual gifts, passion for learning, and independence. We believe that by providing a safe and stimulating environment, we can help children develop into confident, compassionate world citizens. At MSGH, we recognize the importance of diversity and strive to create a community that celebrates each family’s unique culture. We embrace all families and are dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential. Our school is committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence set by AMI. We are proud of our legacy of providing quality education and look forward to continuing this mission for many years to come.

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Kindermusik International has been a leader in musical learning for more than 40 years, offering fun and developmentally specific music and movement classes to children, parents, teachers, and caregivers in over 70 countries. Parents love that the experience extends beyond the classroom, with home materials including favorite songs, stories, and learning activities that can be enjoyed at home. At our local studio, Kindermusik classes are a special time for families to sing, dance, and play instruments together, all supported by the expertise of early childhood music experts and the latest research. We also help parents to support their child’s development by providing them with tools, tips, and resources to use music and movement throughout the week.

a person playing a guitar

Our team of instructors offers lessons for anyone 5 and up, so no matter what your age, you can find an instructor to help you master your craft and have fun. The #1 provider of music lessons nationwide, we take pride in our 2 million lessons taken every year from our hand-selected instructors. With such a wide variety of lessons for all ages and abilities, our veteran instructors can help you learn how to play an instrument and become your best. By providing a fun, friendly, and compassionate environment, we make sure our students have a great experience.

a woman holding a man

The Moxie Dance Company is a dynamic troupe whose mission is to bring together movement, activism, and performance. Through this powerful combination, they seek to foster meaningful connections between people and explore the complexities of the human experience. The Moxie Dance Company is committed to creating an open and honest platform for movement. Their goal is to build bridges between people of all backgrounds and to journey into the depths of humanity so as to understand our collective existence. The end result is an exploration of what it means to be human.

kids holding tennis rackets

At World Cup Cheer, we believe that cheerleading should be a fun and inclusive experience for all athletes. We strive to promote diversity and inclusivity in our sport, and we are committed to providing our athletes with the highest level of cheerleading training in a safe and positive atmosphere. Our staff are all background checked, safety certified, and credentialed to the highest level, so you can rest assured that your child is in the best hands. Our team is experienced in working with youth, middle, and high school athletes, as well as all-star cheerleading. We focus on safe progressions and having fun while learning, so our athletes can make the most out of their cheerleading experience. Our goal is to provide our athletes with the best cheerleading experience possible, so they can reach their highest potential. At World Cup Cheer, we are committed to providing our athletes with the best cheerleading experience possible. We strive to promote diversity and inclusivity in our sport, and we are dedicated to providing our athletes with the highest level of cheerleading training in a safe and positive atmosphere. Our experienced staff are all background checked, safety certified, and credentialed to the highest level, so you can be sure your child is in the best hands. We work with youth, middle, and high school athletes, as well as all-star cheerleading, and focus on safe progressions and having fun while learning, so our athletes can make the most of their cheerleading experience.