Free Community Events All Year
East Haddam Youth and Family Services offers a variety of programs and events for youth and families throughout the year — and every one of them is completely free to residents of East Haddam and Moodus. For questions regarding our programming, you can reach out to Taylor Setzler at taylor.setzler@ehyfs.org or 860-873-3296.
Summer Programs
East Haddam Youth and Family Services annually offers 2 weeks of summer programming between the last day of school and the 4th of July holiday. These programs are free to all community members of East Haddam/Moodus, serving over 50 youth every summer! Programs are generally recommended for ages 7-12 years old, but may differ depending on the program. Programming includes:
- Cupcakes and Canvas
- Gamer Retreat
- Juneteenth Movie Day
- Paper Bead Work Shop
- Myth Busters Science
- Tie Dye
Family Nights
During the school year, EHYFS offers “Family Nights” for a free, fun opportunity for youth and their families to spend an evening together. Family Night is recommended for youth ages 10 and under and their families, but everyone is welcome! Snacks are provided along with themed crafts and games.
- Legos and Ice Cream Family Night
- Friendsgiving Family Night
- Valentines Day Family Night
- Spring Family Night
Baking Club
For 4th and 5th graders
In collaboration with Nathan Hale Ray Middle School, EHYFS offers a free annual 4th and 5th grade after school Baking Club during Spring in the Middle School culinary room. Youth will learn the basics of baking, how to use kitchen utensils, and try delicious treats from cookies to muffins over 4-6 weeks.
Unplugged
Families of all ages are welcome!
East Haddam Youth and Family Services and East Haddam Local Prevention Council annually coordinates a free night of “unplugged fun” in collaboration with East Haddam Parks and Rec, East Haddam Library System, and First Church Congregational. “Unplugged” is a night without technology and screens to promote reconnecting with family, friends, and the community with activities around town. Activities include:
- Bingo
- Dodgeball
- Ice Cream Social
- Crafts and Board Games
Husky Ticket Project
Thanks to the Husky Ticket Project, EHYFS is able to provide free tickets to Uconn sports games throughout the year! Including baseball, basketball, football, and more! Tickets are limited, and first come first serve, keep an eye out on our Facebook page for the next available tickets!
Summer Palooza / SeptemberFest
SeptemberFest (previously known as Summer Palooza) is an annual free family fun festival held by East Haddam Youth and Family Services in September. Offering pizza, games, crafts, music, and more. In collaboration with East Haddam Local Prevention Council, we have been able to expand this event to include a Health and Wellness Fair! Inviting local organizations with focus in Mental Health Services, Substance Misuse Services, and Social Services.
Project Safe Halloween
Project Safe Halloween is an annual event held by East Haddam Police, Parks and Rec, and East Haddam Youth and Family Services. This event takes place every October 31st at the Municipal Complex, giving youth and their families a fun and safe environment to enjoy Halloween and Trick or Treating. Offering candy, themed hallways, and hay rides. Project Safe Halloween celebrated its 30th anniversary in East Haddam in 2025.
Kids Night on the Green
Kids Night on the Green is an annual event by East Haddam Parks and Rec, East Haddam Library System, and East Haddam Youth and Family Services in early December. This event takes place at the municipal complex, and is a themed holiday event for youth and their families. Starting off with a special tree lighting on the green, followed by hot cocoa, letters to Santa, making reindeer food, and a special visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
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Graduation Ice Cream Social
Every year, East Haddam Youth and Family Services provides an Ice Cream Social to the graduating class of Nathan Hale Ray High School after their final graduation rehearsal. Ice cream is provided by our local Moodus Ice Cream Parlor!
Movie Days
During select school days off and summer dates, EHYFS offers youth friendly movie days! Snacks are provided, and youth are welcome to bring a stuffed animal and/or blanket to relax with during the movie. These movie days are recommended for youth ages 7-12.
Where Community Comes Together
The strength of any community lies in its young people. EHYFS youth programs provide children and teens with the tools, experiences, and connections they need to grow into confident, engaged members of society. But the impact goes beyond the individual — when youth are supported and families are connected, neighborhoods grow closer, trust deepens, and the whole community is lifted up. Our programs are more than events on a calendar; they are the threads that weave East Haddam and Moodus together.
Your Family Belongs Here
New programs and events are happening throughout the year. Stay in the loop and bring the whole family — because the more, the merrier. And did we mention? It’s always free.