Are you living with a jokester? Then take your little Jack Benny over to the Kids Comedy Club and Open Mic Night at the Fairfield Public Library. Kids should bring a short skit, joke or riddle, or choose something there, but hold off on the entire stand-up routine — there's a maximum of three minutes — to try out on the audience. Comedian "Miss B" (Dottie Bengoian) will give pointers on finding good jokes, delivery and audience rapport. And if your kid would rather just be on the audience side of the mic, that's okay too. For 2nd-5th graders, and remember to register. 7 p.m. on Aug. 17

If your youngster has a favorite teddy bear, come celebrate the little guy at the Teddy Bear Fest. The Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport is hosting a day of children's crafts and storytelling focusing on Bear Awareness. Kids will learn the facts about real bears, and if they bring their teddy bear to the Teddy Bear Clinic, admission is free (sorry, adults have to pay). 12 - 3 p.m. on Aug. 20

Or maybe your child prefers comedy on paper. Then catch the current exhibit at the UConn Stamford Art Gallery, “Faster Than a Speeding Bullet… an Exploration of Funnies, Superheroes and Comic Book Art by Regional Artists.” In addition to Beetle Bailey, Betty & Veronica, and other favorites, there will be a 60 foot long mural depicting the history of America’s most famous comic characters by billboard artist Russell Rainbolt. And mark your calendars: on September 10, the Artist’s Alley gives cartoon, comic strip and comic book fans the chance to meet and greet these exhibitors in person, some of whom will sell original art, books, and sketches. They'll also be available to sign autographs. Aug. 4 - Sept. 10

If you've never experienced the Behind-the-Scenes tour at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, now's your chance. Meet at 8:15 a.m. before the Aquarium opens to see how the staff feeds over 2,000 resident animals. Your tour will include the "fish kitchen" where 18 tons of fish a year is prepared, and you'll see the "jellyfish nursery". You may even get a chance to hand-feed the cow-nosed rays. Children must be 10 and older, and the tour is limited and popular, so reserve early. 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. on Aug. 20

If your family is keen on kayaks, crazy over canoes or intrigued by stand-up paddle boards, head over to the Outdoor Sports Center in Wilton and spend the day on their beautiful water sport demo pond. The folks there will give you pointers and let you try your hand at any of these fun water activities. 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturdays
 
Dog days of August got you down? Then pull out that winter hat and lace up those skates, the ice rink at Stamford Twin Rinks awaits you. It's open to all on Saturdays and Sundays in summer.