You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.

Look for the kids’ planner each week, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box.

Family Best Bets

Audubon Greenwich  - 613 Riversville Rd., Greenwich, CT; (203) 869-5272 - Fireflies: Nature's Mini-Fireworks

• When: Friday, July 1 from 8:30 - 9:30 pm.
• Why Go: An ideal time of the year to learn about this special insect. Learn about how and why the firefly flashes and then try your skills at telling the species apart by looking at the different patterns made by the different firefly species. All ages. Space limited. RSVP to Ted at ext. 230.
• Pricing: Admission for Audubon Members: Free; Nonmembers: Adults $3, children/seniors $1.50.

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Schooner SoundWaters Sails - SoundWaters - Brewer Yacht Haven Marina - 41 Bateman Way, Stamford CT.

• When: Fireworks Sail on Saturday, July 2 from 7:30 - 11 pm; Afternoon Sail on Sunday July 3 from 3 - 5 pm and a Sunset Sail on Sunday July 3 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
• Why Go: Come sailing during several sails this coming weekend! Afternoon Sails - Great for Families! Help hoist the sails and discover what inhabits the underwater wonderland of the Sound. Suitable for Adults and Children ages 5 and up. For Evening Sails, bring abroad dinner and drinks and relax!
• Pricing: Tickets are $75 per person for the Fireworks Sail and $30 per person for Afternoon and Sunset Sails.  Click here to purchase online.

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Big Apple Circus - Mill River Park, Mill River & W. Broad Streets, Stamford, CT.

• When: Closing Week and Weekend! Daily shows now through July 4th: 
  Thursday, June 30th - 12:00pm
  Friday, July 1st - 12:0pm & 7:00pm
  Saturday, July 2nd - 12:30pm & 4:30pm
  Sunday, July 3rd - 12:30pm & 4:30pm
  Monday, July 4th - 12:30pm & 4:30pm
• Why Go: The spectacular Big Apple Circus leaps into its 33^rd Season with a thrilling All-New Show, Dance On! The World’s Greatest Circus artists swing into action in the spotlight under our intimate Big Top, where no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring! Invited to the dance: an awesome troupe of monocyclists and lasso twirlers from China! A mind–bending group of Mongolian contortionists! A kinetic collection of Kenyan athletes who shimmy up a pole as though gravity were a joke! A herd of hoofers — twelve miniature horses in an equine chorus line! And an Ethiopian juggler with a lively up–tempo act that’s hard to beat! Your Host is our charming and charismatic Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, aided with antic abandon by star clowns Rob Torres and of course, our leggy, lovable laugh–riot Grandma! With live music by the Big Apple Circus Band, there’ll be cavorting in the aisles — and even you and your family will be dancing in your seats!
• Pricing: New discounts just announced! Save up to $15 per  ticket on select shows: use promo code APPLE11. Click here to purchase tickets or call  (800) 922-3772 Monday -Friday  10:00 am -6:00 pm.

Greenwich Department of Parks and Recreation - Fourth of July Fireworks - Greenwich Point and Binney Park

• When: Saturday July 2 (Rain date Sunday July 3); 6 pm picnic and fireworks at sundown at both locations.
• Why Go: What's the 4th of July without fireworks?
• Pricing: Free, however beach cards and parking stickers are required to access Greenwich Point, which will be closed to vehicular traffic at 8:30 pm.

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Independence Day Association Flag Raising - Greenwich Town Hall - 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT.

• When: Monday, July 4; 9:00 am
• Why Go: The Independence Day Association was created to reinforce the patriotic meaning of the Fourth of July, promoting the historical significance of the holiday in the minds of the children of Greenwich. Each year, the group gathers on the steps of Town Hall to raise the first American flag, parade the flags of the original thirteen colonies, read passages from the Declaration of Independence, honor the Greenwich citizens who fought and died in the Revolutionary War, and present Good Citizen Awards to deserving students. Light refreshments will be served. Click here for flyer.
• Pricing: Free

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Greenwich Library - Stories in the Park at Bruce Park Playground

• When: starting Wednesday July 6; 10:30 am (throughout July and through August 10th)
• Why Go: Drop-in Story Time in Bruce Park playground across from the Bruce Museum. Meet in the Gazebo. In case of inclement weather, story time will be held in Greenwich Library Children’s Room (decision made by 9:30 am.)
  Families welcome. For information, call the Children’s Room 203-622-7940.
• Pricing: Free