Trivia Answer
In our last newsletter, we asked which major event didn’t rely on tools from Canton’s own Collins Company. The answer? C) The building of the Eiffel Tower. High fives to Shawnalee from Canton for nailing it! To everyone else: don't fret. More trivia, and more bragging rights, are coming your way soon. Just keep reading.
Cool Spots for Hot Days 2026
You know that feeling when time is at a standstill because it’s just too hot to function? When you sink into a chair, all you want to do is stay put…and then immediately realize the humidity has you stuck there like glue? Outside of living in air conditioning 24/7 (and, let’s be honest, I could do that, but I wouldn’t have many friends), there’s really only one cure: a little water and a lot of chaos.
We put together this list last year, and honestly, it still works. Rivers, splash pads, and all the little sticky, splashy moments in between; just one new addition for 2026: the Westwoods Recreation Complex splash pad in Farmington. Add it to your rotation, pack the sunscreen, grab a snack from Carol’s Lunch Box right at the complex, and reclaim a little sanity under the summer sun.
Whether you’re chasing chaos or serenity, here are the Valley’s top spots to beat the heat:
💦 Splash Pads
Westwoods Recreation Complex – Farmington (New & Free!)
14 interactive water features with nearby bathrooms for easy refreshes
Perfect for kids of all ages; grab a snack from Carol’s Lunch Box right at the complex
Mills Pond Park – Canton
Part of the town’s pool facility; daily admission $5 residents / $8 non-residents (free with resident pool membership)
Enjoy both the splash pad and full pool area in one stop
West Hartford Splash Pads (Free!)
Fernridge Park: Fenced in and toddler friendly, with shaded playground and benches perfect for snack breaks.
Wolcott Park: Recently reopened, all ages, fenced, playground, picnic tables, courts, and open lawns. Basically, everything.
Beachland Park: Lively all-in-one with splash pad, playground, and walking trail.
Kennedy Park: A quieter Elmwood gem—less flashy, less crowded, simple and reliable with a nearby playground.
🛶 Paddle Spots & Rentals
Collinsville Canoe & Kayak – Canton
Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards; ideal for beginners or a mellow float down the Farmington River.
Main Stream Canoes & Kayaks – New Hartford
Guided trips down scenic rivers; equipment delivery and shuttle available. Rentals start around $65.
Farmington River Tubing – New Hartford
Thrill-seekers rejoice: three sets of natural rapids, minimum age 10, life jackets required, guaranteed to get soaked. Shuttle included, $30 cash only.
Farmington River & Connecticut River – Simsbury & Glastonbury
Got your own gear? Launch at Curtiss Park or Riverfront Park for a peaceful float with wildlife spotting: herons, turtles, and the occasional paddleboard yoga class included.
💌 Spread the fun! Forward The Valley Verve to friends who love discovering the Valley.
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July 20 - 26:
The Week Ahead
Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!
Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages
Date & Time | Event Name | Location |
Tue, Jul 21 6 - 8 PM | Town Green, Avon | |
Wed, Jul 22 1 - 3:30 PM | Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton | |
Thu, Jul 23 5:30 - 8:30 PM | Talcott Mountain Collective, Simsbury | |
Thu, Jul 23 6:00 PM | Rosedale Farms & Vineyards | |
Fri, Jul 24 8 PM | Bridge Street Live, Canton | |
Sat, Jul 25 8 AM | 🌞Yoga | The Flower Bridge, Simsbury |
Sat, Jul 25 10 AM | Moscarillos, West Hartford | |
Sat, Jul 25 10 AM - 12 PM | First Church of Christ, Farmington | |
Sat, Jul 25 & Sun, Jul 26 10 AM - 2 PM | The Coffee Spot, Simsbury | |
Sat, Jul 25 6:30 - 8 PM | Mills Pond Park | |
Sun, Jul 26 2 - 7 PM | Sub Edge Farm, Farmington | |
Sun, Jul 26 4 - 5:30 PM | Hill-Stead Museum, Farmington | |
Sun, Jul 26 8 - 9:15 PM | Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton |
Booked in the Valley: Your Library Connection
BookWyrm Fest is Back
Dust off your cloaks and sharpen your swords because BookWyrm Fest is returning to the Noah Webster Library on Saturday, July 25, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This is West Hartford’s annual celebration of all things fantasy, board games, and live action roleplaying, and it is easily one of the most unique community events of the summer. You can learn genuine swordplay from a knight, jump into a quick tabletop adventure, grab a custom magic wand from local artisans, or just eat fudge while listening to live bard music. It is entirely free, perfect for all ages, and costumes are highly encouraged.
Library Events
Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.
Date & Time | Event Name | Library |
Mon, Jul 20 5:30 - 7:30 PM | Farmington | |
Tue, Jul 21 5:30 - 7:30 PM | Farmington | |
Wed, Jul 22 3:00 - 4:00 PM | Avon | |
Wed, Jul 22 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM | West Hartford (NWL) | |
Wed, Jul 22 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Farmington | |
Thu, Jul 23 6:30 PM | Canton | |
Fri, Jul 24 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Simsbury | |
Fri, Jul 24 6:00 - 7:00 PM | Farmington | |
Sat, Jul 25 9:30 - 10:15 AM | Farmington |
