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Stamford Parks and Recreation
About Stamford Parks and Recreation
It is the mission of the Stamford Parks & Recreation Services to create and offer comprehensive and inclusive leisure opportunities and experiences for the youth and adult population of Stamford. We strive to build a strong sense of community, increase the social, cultural, enrichment and wellbeing for all through our programs, parks, facilities and more!
Upcoming Events!
Stay and Play Preschool Program for Ages 3 &4 2027 - 2028
Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan Ave
September 2027 – June 2028 (Following Stamford Public School Calendar)
Tuesday Wednesday & Thursday - 3 year old program – Sess. 01
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday – 4 year old program – Sess. 02
Time: 9:15AM – 12:15PM
$4,700.00 per year ( 3 Year olds / 3 times per week ) Can be paid in 4 payments of $1,175.00
$6,000.00 per year ( 4 year olds / 4 times per week ) Can be paid in 4 payments of $1,500. 00
A $700.00 Non - refundable deposit is due at the time of registration & the deposit will be deducted from your final payment. Registration is open until the program fills
Instructors: Beth Covino, Preschool Instructor & Victoria Eldridge, Preschool Instructor
Our exciting preschool program specifically designed for 3 and 4 year old's. Children will gain independence and self-confidence in our play based approach to early learning focused on socialization and cooperation. This hands on, active environment will encourage exploration and discovery. Activities will include creative expression, dramatic play, music and movement, large and small motor activities, early literacy, sensory activities, math readiness and outdoor play. We also offer a “Lunch Bunch” option for students two days a week that will extend the school day until 1:30pm on those assigned days. Families will be required to sign up on a monthly basis and pay in advance. This will begin in October 2027 and run through June 2028 for the four-year-old program. The Lunch bunch will also be available to the three year olds starting in January 2028. To schedule a visit call 203-977-5018 or @Skassouf@stamfordct.gov All students registering for the program must be 3 years old by October 1, 2027 to be eligible for the program.
September 2027 – June 2028 (Following Stamford Public School Calendar)
Tuesday Wednesday & Thursday - 3 year old program – Sess. 01
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday – 4 year old program – Sess. 02
Time: 9:15AM – 12:15PM
$4,700.00 per year ( 3 Year olds / 3 times per week ) Can be paid in 4 payments of $1,175.00
$6,000.00 per year ( 4 year olds / 4 times per week ) Can be paid in 4 payments of $1,500. 00
A $700.00 Non - refundable deposit is due at the time of registration & the deposit will be deducted from your final payment. Registration is open until the program fills
Instructors: Beth Covino, Preschool Instructor & Victoria Eldridge, Preschool Instructor
Our exciting preschool program specifically designed for 3 and 4 year old's. Children will gain independence and self-confidence in our play based approach to early learning focused on socialization and cooperation. This hands on, active environment will encourage exploration and discovery. Activities will include creative expression, dramatic play, music and movement, large and small motor activities, early literacy, sensory activities, math readiness and outdoor play. We also offer a “Lunch Bunch” option for students two days a week that will extend the school day until 1:30pm on those assigned days. Families will be required to sign up on a monthly basis and pay in advance. This will begin in October 2027 and run through June 2028 for the four-year-old program. The Lunch bunch will also be available to the three year olds starting in January 2028. To schedule a visit call 203-977-5018 or @Skassouf@stamfordct.gov All students registering for the program must be 3 years old by October 1, 2027 to be eligible for the program.
Birthday Parties for Ages Pre K - 4th Grade
Birthday Parties for Ages Pre K - 4th Grade with Stamford Recreation
Stamford Recreation Services is pleased to offer Birthday parties at our Star Recreation Center on Friday nights 6:00pm – 8:00pm and Saturdays 2:00PM – 4:00PM. Our parties include 70 minutes of instructed time and 50 minutes of social time food, presents and cake. Children can pick from the following Themed Parties: Classic Party ( Games, arts & crafts and other activities) Sports Party ( You pick the sport) Zumba Party/Dance Party) a Hula Hoop Party or talk to our staff and design a theme that works for you. Cost is $325.00 per party which includes staff, equipment, goodie bags, decoration, balloons and a gift for the birthday child. The fee covers the cost of 20 total children up to 25 children for an extra $10.00 per child. For more information, contact Dante Statum @ Dstatum@stamfordct.gov or call 203-977-4644.
Stamford Recreation Services is pleased to offer Birthday parties at our Star Recreation Center on Friday nights 6:00pm – 8:00pm and Saturdays 2:00PM – 4:00PM. Our parties include 70 minutes of instructed time and 50 minutes of social time food, presents and cake. Children can pick from the following Themed Parties: Classic Party ( Games, arts & crafts and other activities) Sports Party ( You pick the sport) Zumba Party/Dance Party) a Hula Hoop Party or talk to our staff and design a theme that works for you. Cost is $325.00 per party which includes staff, equipment, goodie bags, decoration, balloons and a gift for the birthday child. The fee covers the cost of 20 total children up to 25 children for an extra $10.00 per child. For more information, contact Dante Statum @ Dstatum@stamfordct.gov or call 203-977-4644.
Take Great Photos with your Smartphone for Adults.
Take Great Photos with your Smartphone for Adults.
Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan Ave
Thursday, November 12th, 2026
6:00PM – 9:00PM
$80.00 per person
Instructor: Peter Glass Photography
www.peterglass.com
This class will cover methods for both iPhones and Androids
This class is for those interested in producing high-quality images with their smartphone cameras. That means learning and understanding the camera controls, as well as when and how to use them. Doing so will put the photographer in better control of their camera. And that will mean significantly improved photographs. Please note: This class will not cover the taking of selfies. Registration now open at www.stamfordrecretaion.com
Everything necessary for taking great smartphone pictures will be addressed, including:
-Learning how to use the camera controls on your specific smartphone
-Basic photographic theory
-Discussing and, if desired, installing other smartphone camera apps
-Suggestions for hand-holding your camera
-Specific steps to follow when taking a picture
-Useful accessories for your smartphone camera
-And, how to compose your photographs to produce truly wonderful results
Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan Ave
Thursday, November 12th, 2026
6:00PM – 9:00PM
$80.00 per person
Instructor: Peter Glass Photography
www.peterglass.com
This class will cover methods for both iPhones and Androids
This class is for those interested in producing high-quality images with their smartphone cameras. That means learning and understanding the camera controls, as well as when and how to use them. Doing so will put the photographer in better control of their camera. And that will mean significantly improved photographs. Please note: This class will not cover the taking of selfies. Registration now open at www.stamfordrecretaion.com
Everything necessary for taking great smartphone pictures will be addressed, including:
-Learning how to use the camera controls on your specific smartphone
-Basic photographic theory
-Discussing and, if desired, installing other smartphone camera apps
-Suggestions for hand-holding your camera
-Specific steps to follow when taking a picture
-Useful accessories for your smartphone camera
-And, how to compose your photographs to produce truly wonderful results
Magical Friday Night Halloween Event
Magical Friday Night Halloween Event (Gr. K-5)
Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan Ave
October 23, 2026
Friday
6:00PM – 8:00PM
$20.00 per child
Instructor: Recreation staff
Come join us for this exciting Friday night Halloween Party featuring The Magic of Dan Bowen “Stage Fright” Show, a costume contest, Ice Cream Sundae's and a goodie bag for all to take home. All participants should come dressed in a costume for and prizes awarded for the top costumes. Limited to 100 students. You must preregister and no tickets sold at the door.
Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan Ave
October 23, 2026
Friday
6:00PM – 8:00PM
$20.00 per child
Instructor: Recreation staff
Come join us for this exciting Friday night Halloween Party featuring The Magic of Dan Bowen “Stage Fright” Show, a costume contest, Ice Cream Sundae's and a goodie bag for all to take home. All participants should come dressed in a costume for and prizes awarded for the top costumes. Limited to 100 students. You must preregister and no tickets sold at the door.
The 26th Annual Hay Ride With Santa At Cove Island Park
The 26th Annual Hay Ride With Santa At Cove Island Park
Where: Cove Island Park - Ride starts by the Pavilion.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 - Day 1
Saturday, December 12, 2026 -Day 2
Time: 10:00AM -1:00PM & 2:00PM - 4:00PM - Both Dates
Fee: $8.00 per person (all riders must have a ticket)
Staff: SANTA, and The Recreation Services Staff
Come join us for the 26th Annual Hayride with Santa at Cove Island Park. This wonderful family event is open to Stamford residents. Bring the family or come with friends, and enjoy a horse drawn trip around Cove Island Park. Santa will sing holiday songs with the children and at the end of each ride they will get to sit on Santa’s lap and receive a small treat. After the ride, participants can enjoy holiday music, cookies, and cocoa under the decorated pavilion. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday event. Let us help your children create memories that last a lifetime. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event & will go on sale November 2, 2026, online. The event has sold out for the past 25 years. Note: Tickets will be sold per half hour slot and there will be a maximum of 26 tickets per ride sold. A max of 10 tickets per family may be purchased and no tickets will be sold the day of the event. Children cannot sit on parents laps all participants must have a ticket.
Where: Cove Island Park - Ride starts by the Pavilion.
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026 - Day 1
Saturday, December 12, 2026 -Day 2
Time: 10:00AM -1:00PM & 2:00PM - 4:00PM - Both Dates
Fee: $8.00 per person (all riders must have a ticket)
Staff: SANTA, and The Recreation Services Staff
Come join us for the 26th Annual Hayride with Santa at Cove Island Park. This wonderful family event is open to Stamford residents. Bring the family or come with friends, and enjoy a horse drawn trip around Cove Island Park. Santa will sing holiday songs with the children and at the end of each ride they will get to sit on Santa’s lap and receive a small treat. After the ride, participants can enjoy holiday music, cookies, and cocoa under the decorated pavilion. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday event. Let us help your children create memories that last a lifetime. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event & will go on sale November 2, 2026, online. The event has sold out for the past 25 years. Note: Tickets will be sold per half hour slot and there will be a maximum of 26 tickets per ride sold. A max of 10 tickets per family may be purchased and no tickets will be sold the day of the event. Children cannot sit on parents laps all participants must have a ticket.
After School Club
After School Club at the Star Center (Gr. K-5 ) 2026 - 2027 School Year
Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan Ave August, 2025 - June 2026 School Year Monday- Friday
2:45PM– 6:00PM( 12:30pm start on half days ) Fee: 3 days a week: $215.00 per month
4 days a week: $245.00 per month
5 days a week: $270.00 per month
Stamford Recreation will be offering an After School
Program for Children Grades K – 5 at the Recreation Star Center located at1170 Shippan Avenue. Gym time,
playground and out-door time, arts and crafts, and home work time (each day except on Fridays). Transportation provided by the Stamford Board of Education to the After School Club at the Star Center for the Catholic Elements School, Charter School of Excellence, and all Stamford Public Schools BOE. You must arrange for transportation through the BOE at your child's/children school ahead oftime. We will follow all OEC and CDC guide lines at the start of the school year. Space is limited each month! We follow the Stamford Public School Calendar and will be open on all half days. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year begins May 20th, 2026.
Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan Ave August, 2025 - June 2026 School Year Monday- Friday
2:45PM– 6:00PM( 12:30pm start on half days ) Fee: 3 days a week: $215.00 per month
4 days a week: $245.00 per month
5 days a week: $270.00 per month
Stamford Recreation will be offering an After School
Program for Children Grades K – 5 at the Recreation Star Center located at1170 Shippan Avenue. Gym time,
playground and out-door time, arts and crafts, and home work time (each day except on Fridays). Transportation provided by the Stamford Board of Education to the After School Club at the Star Center for the Catholic Elements School, Charter School of Excellence, and all Stamford Public Schools BOE. You must arrange for transportation through the BOE at your child's/children school ahead oftime. We will follow all OEC and CDC guide lines at the start of the school year. Space is limited each month! We follow the Stamford Public School Calendar and will be open on all half days. Registration for the 2026-2027 school year begins May 20th, 2026.
Activities
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