Action-Packed Relaxation with Kids in Mind

By Holly Leibrock

Summer is finally here and no one understands a “Norfolk Summer” better than the town’s children.

Tobey Pond is the town’s centerpiece throughout the dog days of summer. Officially opened on June 6, Tobey Pond provides a great place to swim, fish or picnic. The designated swimming area includes a lap lane at its farthest edge and two floating docks that can only be reached through the water. The “little dock” is smaller in size and closer to the beach; the “big dock” is not only slightly larger in size but also farther out in the swimming area.

The coveted “dock test,” Tobey’s unspoken rite of passage, unites all the children as they cheer one another on and encourage friends to gain access to the “big” and “little” docks. Lifeguards, who know each child by name, are on duty from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. One Saturday in August (date yet to be determined) the lifeguards host Tobey Day—a daylong picnic BBQ with water games, beach-theme challenges and a sunken-treasure hunt.

For treasure hunts on dry land, Norfolk offers Dennis Hill and Haystack Mountain, where friends can gather to hike and enjoy letterboxing. Blending the beauty of hiking with puzzling clues to hidden treasures throughout the trails, letterboxing has become a popular pastime. Hikers hide a waterproof box—containing a stamp, stamp pad and guest book—in various locations along public hiking trails. They then log its location on the respective venue’s website with clues to finding it. Children will enjoy the thrill of navigating Haystack and Dennis Hill in quest of unique letterbox stamps to add to their collection. Visit www.letterboxing.org to find coordinates and clues that correspond to each letterbox hidden throughout the region.

The Norfolk Farmers Market, always a lively scene, features a different musical act each week. On August 6, the market will also resound to the sound of laughter and squeals of joy at the market’s Kids’ Day. Local organizations will contribute to organizing events for the entire family.

The summer months at Infinity Hall seem to attract more and more talented young musicians on Thursday’s open mic nights at 7 p.m. Performers of all ages take the stage in the Bistro to showcase their talent, but it’s always the children who steal the show.

The Norfolk Library hosts a summer reading program as well as a series of weekly cultural events. Connecticut’s Summer Reading Challenge 2016 is “On You Mark, Get Set, Read!” a theme to promote exercising your body and mind. Miss Eileen, the children’s librarian, has coordinated events that complement this theme on Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. throughout the summer. Also, don’t miss out on the annual book sale on August 27 and 28. Book donations will be collected until the end of July, and there is always a large selection for young readers.

Summer water adventure continues at the top of Ashpohtag Road. Wood Creek is the perfect place to cast a line, wander the walking paths or go on a paddling exploration through the shallow waters.

Great Mountain Forest boasts a large network of trails for outdoor recreation in addition to summer programs that correspond with the season. On July 23, Alesia Maltz and Jean Bronson will be offering a “Dyes from Plants” workshop where parents can join older children in experimenting with the process of naturally dyeing wool. Great Mountain Forest and the Norfolk Land Trust’s combined 8,700 acres provide unsurpassed terrain for hiking, mountain biking and outdoor adventure. Trail guides and maps can be purchased at Town Hall on Maple Avenue.

Weekend in Norfolk, August 5, 6 and 7, will epitomize the town’s lively spirit. Events include a Music Shed children’s concert at the Yale Summer School of Music, an ice cream social at the Battell Stoeckel Estate, craft demonstrations in front of the Artisans Guild on Station Place, leaf printing, a scavenger hunt, children’s games, a Boy Scout encampment, Norfolk Fire Department’s Touch-a-Truck, Lost Ruby Farm tours, live music and much more. It is a weekend of smiles, familiar faces and resounding pride throughout the town’s closely knit community.

Norfolk’s idyllic hillsides and cultural flair provide the ultimate playground for summertime adventures. Grab a towel, hop on your bicycle and race alongside your children to a place of reprieve. Let the Norfolk summer enliven the youthful spirit in us all.

Photo by Bruce Frisch: At Tobey Pond, lifeguards keep a watchful eye on the children, who have to pass a swimming test to be allowed to go out to the docks.