[newbie2ct]

We just moved here and I wanted to find either a place to swim for the kids or a park that didn't cost...everything i've found in Torrington you pay for...i'm not used to that....can anyone help me out? I have 2 children under 5 that I need to find things to keep them busy, thanx for all replies.

[JayCT]

I beleive that there are free summer concerts offered at Coe Park and swimming is available at Besse Park for a modest fee to city residents. Also, there are a number of playgrounds in the city for young children. Not sure which ones would be closest to you. There are also a couple of state parks in Torrington. Check out the link below for more information. Jay

Torrington, CT - Parks Department

[KH02]

I used to live their with my two young children.
The best park i found was Brodie Park in New Hartford, CT Not very far at all from the Burrville section of Torrington.

Thankfully i have moved since as it is a bit in the middle of nowhere as far as shopping and things to do.

Their is an animal farm in a neighboring town..a wildlife type park but it DOES cost money...

[hdzup3]

i live in winchester... its hard to find stuff to do... everything cost money and imo nothing is really great..... burr pond is nice but it gets crowded at lunch time with not so nice people sometimes. i love brodie park too but i have my daughter in camp there, and she loves it but i have heard that the people from newhartford snub the out of towners and i experience that myself... but thats little.. we spend alot of time walking. lucky we live in a nice area for walks. im trying to sell my home just for the reason of lack of lifestyle and how expensive to not have a lifestyle... i will miss the beauty of the area. but not the cold and not the cost of everything.

[MRC79]

i also live in torrington, CT and have 2 children under 4. I grew up in this town and ready to get out! CT is so expensive....so i completely understand your frustation.
The only place I swim is Mt. Tom in Bantam, CT. It's gorgeous, the water is clean and when the kids get older, you can hike up to the tower and see for miles.

Mt tom is free if you arrive prior to 10am and I believe Burr Pond in Burrville is the same. Admission on week days after 10am is $5.

On Rt 202 towards litchfield is White Memorial Park. You can go hiking, walking, have a picnic, boating etc. They also have a museum there as well but I think the kids may be a little young for that.

My kids love to fish (although my oldest has just graduated to an actual hook on his pole!) so we take them to Stillwater pond on Norfolk Rd/Rt 272. Stillwater has the boat ramp which you can fish off of but there are also numerous other beaches, entrances in which you can go as well. People swim at the beach area, although we do not.

Another kid friendly idea is fruit/vegetable picking. My kids loved it last year and my daughter was only 1 at the time. So I was able to get fresh, healthier and cheaper food for my family and my kids got to pick it. It kept them busy and lots of area to run!

There are tons of local playgrounds in torrington too. If you need specifics, let me know what part of town your in and I can tell you the nearest park!

Also, check the internet for "moms" groups as they are several around here although I don't know much about them.

good luck

[ShadowGod]

White Memorial in Litchfield is great. Lots of nature trails and a nice museum/gift shop. Just got married there last week, great place for a wedding btw and inexpensive to rent for the entire day.