No Child Left Inside

A stream in the woods.

Welcome to No Child Left InsideSM, a special initiative of Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, coordinated by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection to encourage Connecticut families and visitors alike to enjoy all the recreational resources and outdoor activities available in Connecticut's state parks, forests and waterways. From Kent Falls in Kent to Stratton Brook in Simsbury to Fort Trumbull in New London, it's time to discover the great outdoors!

Visit Gillette Castle and Osborne Homestead Museum for a Brilliant Holiday Experience

 
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam
Come and enjoy the holiday decorations designed and created by local volunteers. William H. Gillette’s famous 24-room home, perched on the southernmost of seven hills on the east bank of the Connecticut River will be decorated in holiday finery for visitors to enjoy during the festive season ahead.
 The Castle will be open for the holidays from November 28 through December 20, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Three Friday evening showings will take place from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on December 4, 11, and 18.
 The Castle will be closed December 25, 26, and 2. It will re-open during school vacation week on Monday, December 28 through Wednesday, December 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. There will be special  programs designed for children.
For more information please contact Gillette Castle State Park at (860) 526-2336.
 
Osborne Homestead Museum, Derby
Visit the rooms of the Osborne Homestead Museum decorated in the holiday spirit to the theme of “The Wonders of Nature.” Experience rooms festooned with pinecones, stars, birds, greens and icicles as you learn about conservation history in Connecticut. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a traditional holiday celebration during a special guided tour.  
       The Wonders of Nature” exhibit will be open from November 27 through December 20, Thursday - Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Museum docents will provide a special holiday guided tour. On the Friday evenings of December 4, 11, and 18 the museum will present “Twilight Tours,” highlighting the special glow of the decorations in the evening hours, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Group tours for adults and youth programs are available during the weekdays; please call (203) 734-2513 if you wish to schedule a group of 8 visitors or more and for more information.
 
For more information please contact Kellogg Environmental Center at (203) 734-2513.