WESTPORT–Wakeman Town Farm is welcoming fall with a lineup of kids’ programs that blend outdoor exploration, creative expression, and hands-on learning. Designed to nurture curiosity and connection to the natural world, these offerings invite children to dig in—literally and figuratively—to the rhythms of farm life.

“From the kitchen to the garden to the easel, there’s something for every child this fall,” says Christy Colasurdo, events director at Wakeman Town Farm, which is rolling out a fresh slate of kids’ programs designed to spark creativity, build skills, and connect young learners with gardens and animals.

All ages

One of this season’s most charming new additions is Books + Cooks, a weekly culinary-literacy experience for children ages 3–5 and their caregivers. In this cozy kitchen-meets-classroom setting, little ones enjoy storytime before rolling up their sleeves to prepare a simple, seasonal recipe. It’s a joyful way to encourage early reading skills, fine motor development, and healthy eating habits—all while bonding over books and bites.

For budding young chefs, the Farm’s Fall Kids’ Cooking for the Minis (grades K–2) and Sweater Weather Suppers (grades 2–6) bring the harvest to the table. In these lively classes held in Tim’s Kitchen, kids learn age-appropriate cooking techniques while exploring the flavors of late-season produce. From chopping to seasoning, each step is hands-on, and every dish is a celebration of the season’s bounty.

Painting

Creativity blooms in the open air this September with Kids’ Plein Air Painting (grades 1-5). Guided by local artist Michele Hankin, students set up their easels in the Farm’s gardens and fields, capturing scenes of animals, flowers, and farm life under the autumn sky. As an extra treat, young artists can choose to showcase their work at the Farm Stand art show, offering a real-world glimpse into the joy of sharing art with the community.

Classics

These new programs join Wakeman Town Farm’s year-round favorites like Little Farmers classes (ages 0-3), Curious Sprouts (ages 3-5) preschool sessions, Fantastic Farmhands (ages 6-10), and Green Teen Club (ages 11-14), as well as inclusive offerings in a popular new Neurodiverse Farmer Program  (ages 3-11+). 

Let kids “blossom”

Education coordinator, Noelle Slomich, notes, “We try hard to create experiences for kids to get their hands into the dirt and let their imaginations blossom.” Together, these offerings create warm, welcoming experiences where children can connect with nature and animals, learn practical skills, and develop a sense of stewardship for the land.

From kitchen to canvas, and garden to barn, Wakeman Town Farm reports that fall programming is a reminder that education can be joyful, tactile, and rooted in the changing seasons. Registration is open now, and spots are expected to fill quickly. Families can explore all offerings and sign up at wakemantownfarm.org.