The Parks & Rec Clubhouse provides a space to meet and make new friends through specialized activities for various ages. Participate in different & unique activities while our staff helps guide you through your adventures. And the best part is that we clean up the mess!
Our activities range from seasonal activities, science/learning activities, sensory learning and other messy crafts & activities!
These programs will be held at 561 Main Street South in Southbury, CT in the Parks & Recreation Building- Multipurpose Room.
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Educational Hands-on Experience Series!
Ball Python & Snakes Lab (Ages 5 & up)
This lab offers a fun way of learning about certain snakes as pets and in the wild, including all the different snakes in Connecticut. Each lab offers something different and each class ends with hands-on experience with pet ball pythons.
Morphs 101: Unlock the fascinating world of ball python genetics in this educational class designed for reptile enthusiasts, breeders are also welcome to come. The goal is to share some common genetics with the class and what they look like (color and/or pattern alternating gene). Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding, this class will provide a solid foundation in the basic principles of genetics as they apply to ball pythons.
You’ll learn how to interpret genetic traits, understand morphs (color and pattern variations), and explore how genes are inherited from parent to offspring. The course will cover dominant, recessive, and co-dominant traits. We will discuss 1 unique pairing through breeding where the possibility is a BEL (Blue-Eyed Leucistic).
This class is taught by reptile enthusiasts who are new to learning genetics and morphs, and not geared to starting your own breeding projects. The goal is to share knowledge of the different colors and patterns, geared towards an audience that wants to know the different colors and/or patterns of a ball python to get as a pet, or to learn the amazing world of science and DNA!
Snakes 101: Identifying different snakes (venomous vs. non-venomous), a brief introduction to most snake's anatomy, and how to read the body language of a snake (when they may bite you). Each Snake 101 class offers a different craft or activity at the end of each class!
Husbandry 101: Learning how to take care of pet snakes, including their temperatures, supplies needed for their enclosure, feeding and more! The snakes that will be discussed are sand boas, ball pythons, corn snakes, hognose snakes, Burmese pythons and garter snakes). Most of these snakes are found in pet stores and considered beginner snakes, while some snakes are for more experienced owners.
Ball Python 101: A class all about ball pythons, from handling, feeding, patterns, and more! This class will end with a live demonstration of snake feeding (with frozen/thawed food, not live). We will do this towards the last 10 minutes of class and warn those who do not wish to see it. We cannot promise that the ball pythons will take the food. (December's class will not offer feedings).
Ball Python 102: In this class, we take up to 4 families (1 child and 1 parent/guardian), so each family is paired with 1 of our ball pythons. Each family will hold each ball python and interact with them before pairing up.
One of these classes (labeled Ball Python 102 + FEEDING) will allow the participant to feed their snake at the end of the class (with an instructor's assistance)! If you do not want to feed your snake, you can have more handling/bonding time with the snake.
We encourage all ages to attend: children, teens, adults, and seniors!
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Pumpkin Lab (Ages 2 & up)
All participants will carve their own Jack-O-Lantern! Parks & Recreation will supply the pumpkin, a tea light candle, and all materials needed to carve a pumpkin! The best part is our instructors will clean up the mess, so you won't have it in your home! Children ages 2 - 7 must have a parent/guardian on-site to supervise them and use carving tools with them.
Holiday Lab (Ages 2 & up)
All participants will make their own snowman handprint ornament and create a second ornament with a clear ornament and a variety of materials, including paint, glitter, ribbon, and more.
Parks & Recreation will supply all materials to make these projects and assist with assembly as needed. Children ages 2 - 7 must have a parent/guardian on site to supervise and assist with acrylic paints and other small pieces for crafts.
Family Lab (Ages 5 & up)
Join our instructors, Tess & Kiara, for an evening with activities, crafts and games for all ages. This is a drop-in program: stop in between 5:00 - 8:00 pm to do a variety of crafts, or board games at your leisure. Starting at 6:15pm Tess & Kiara will run camp competitive games, such as survivor-themed challenges and minute to win it. We will end the evening with a glow stick dance party starting at 7:30pm.
There is no limit to the amount of crafts you can do. This evening is geared towards family bonding, through unlimited crafts, games and activities.
All family members that are participating, need to register for this program!
Children under 5 years of age are welcome to come, however, families should be aware that almost all games and crafts are not for that age group.
Tie Dye Lab (Ages 2 & up)
All participants will be able to make a tie-dye shirt to take home. We provide all materials to tie dye, EXCEPT a shirt! Bring a shirt, sweatshirt or hoodie with you to tie dye.
Our instructors will demonstrate different ways to fold a shirt and provide assistance when applicable. Participants will get to take home their tie dye shirt in a bag, with instructions on washing.
ICY Tie Dye Lab (Ages 2 & up)
This lab is the same as the tie-dye lab, however, we will use ice and more materials for an awesome watercolor effect!
Please come dressed down (in clothes to get messy). If you get tie-dye on your clothes or shoes, it will stain! Children ages 2 - 7 must have a parent/guardian on-site with them to help with the shirt folds and assist with dying.
VOLCANO LAB (Ages 4 & up)
All participants will make their volcano during this class with materials and some toys! At the end of the class, participants will add baking soda and vinegar (with our instructor supervision) to their volcano and watch it erupt!
SLIME LAB (Ages 5 & up)
All participants will make 2 different types of slime to take home. Participants can add scents, colors, charms and/or little pieces of decor.
Sensory Lab! (Ages 2 & up)
This lab will feature different sensory bin buckets (with pluffle, kinetic sand, water beads, and more) for children to play in. At the end of the program, children will make their own I Spy Jar or a Sensory Bag to take home. Children ages 2 - 5 need to have a parent/guardian present.
This lab is great for all ages, even seniors, adults and teens!
In order to serve you better, Southbury Parks and Recreation's programs are subject to change. All Parks and Recreation programs are covered by the Universal Disclaimer.