It’s August, and you’ve nearly made it. That magical stretch where the sun’s still blazing, the popsicles are still dripping, and the kids are this close to heading back to school. You’ve done the splash pads, you’ve hit every playground, and your summer activity list has more things crossed off then left to do.

Now’s the time for the unconventional. The quirky kind of outings.

Because sometimes the best memories come from the places you least expect, like the whoosh of a car wash tunnel, the clink of coins at the bank, or a walk through a cemetery that sparks curious questions and unexpected conversations.

So before the backpacks come out and the bedtime battles return, here are the delightfully weird and totally kid-approved spots to explore before summer's out.

🚗 Car Washes

You’re trapped in the car with your kid anyway, why not turn it into an event? Try one with spinning brushes or rainbow soap for extra wow. Russell Speeders with locations in Avon and Farmington are a cash wash complete with a light show tunnel that’s practically a mini rollercoaster.

💰 Bank Coin Machines

Let your kid dump a jar of coins into a machine and watch their eyes light up as it sorts and counts like magic. Coinstar kiosks are the most common option, but you can also find them at community banks or credit unions which are free for depositors or for a small fee for non-customers.

🪦 Cemeteries

Hear us out. Cemeteries like Hop Meadow Cemetery in Simsbury or Memento Mori in Farmington offer quiet paths, cool old gravestones, and a chance to talk about local history or just let your kid ask endless questions about names from the 1800s.

🛍️ Weird Thrift or Antique Stores

Not the ones just full of clothes, we mean places overflowing with vintage kitchen gadgets, dusty board games, and mysterious old tech that leads to serious “what is that?” moments. Try Favarh Thrift Shop or Antiques on the Farmington, both in Canton for maximum treasure-hunt energy.

🐮 Stew Leonard’s

Part grocery store, part animatronic theme park. Dancing milk cartons? Mooing cows? Free samples? Yes, yes, and yes. You’ll have to drive to Newington, but in past summers they’ve hosted kids' concerts, ice cream socials, and even petting zoos; check their events page to see what’s coming.

Mark your calendar for these can't-miss happenings around the Valley.

Next up in your sunshine-ready stack: a feel-good story with heart, healing, and just a touch of magic. If you're craving something cozy, but meaningful, this one’s a perfect pick for a quiet afternoon or a warm evening on the porch.

💘 The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett

A darkly comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush while bringing his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death.

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.