Asking questions is how science germinates. Why is there no grass under this tree? Why do ants like living underneath flat rocks? Where does this path go? If I move this what happens?

As someone fortunate to grow up with a big backyard (a former cow pasture) with apple and pear trees, a garden – and parents (plus an older sister and aunts) who led the way for days spent at fairs, parks, the river, the shore, beaches, mountain hikes, along back roads (where does this go I wonder – let's find out) plus many other interesting places. Take my word for it – children remember nearly everything from outings and roadside picnics. Making memories takes creativity and some gumption – now more than every young people need to connect with land and real life.

Here's some opportunities too good to miss – as summer is fleeting – and there is a touch of September in the morning air.

The Brooklyn Fair is on through Sunday, Aug. 24 in Connecticut. A major fair with plenty to see, do, eat, watch. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a stroller, stay the day. Children will like Playland, a free play area for children with farm flavor – toy tractors, scarecrows, cow milking (not a real one of course), and a corn pit. There's a country store and museum with old farming equipment and a vintage farm kitchen. Also check out the working blacksmith’s shop. Competitions, live music, displays. Admission $10; Friday only, ages 65 and older, $6.

The Chester Fair is in full swing through Sunday, Aug. 24. A smaller fair with all of the large fair offerings – this is one our our all-time favorites. There's livestock pulls, a midway, live music, great food, barns and exhibits. Fun. (Don't miss the friendly goats to pat.) The grounds are mostly level – should you have older people in the family who love fairs but can't do hills – or small fry who get tired fast. Admission is $8, less for seniors and children.The people behind the scenes who produce the event are members of the Chester Agricultural and Mechanical Society. They do all that it takes to operate the fair and care for the 17-acre fairgrounds – at no charge to the community. Special event: Beekeeping workshops during the fair, Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, 10:30 a.m. and noon, with Mark Creighton, state apiary inspector.

Founded in 1948, the Terryville Country Fair is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Terryville Lions Club. Find fun for the entire family through Aug. 24 at the Terryville Fairgrounds.

The Bison: American Icon is all about bison, its habitat, the people who depended on the species – and includes artifacts, objects, images. On exhibit through Oct. 18 at the Pequot Museum, near Foxwoods Casino Resort. Summer hours Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.pequotmuseum.org; admission ranges from $12 to $20 for museum (well worth the visit), which includes this special exhibit.

Everything it seems, is rooted in the soil. “Late in 1880, brothers Charles and Augustus Storrs offered the state of Connecticut a former Civil War orphanage, 170 acres of farmland and a few barns to establish an agricultural school for boys. The gift also included $5,000 to purchase equipment and supplies. On April 21, 1881, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to establish the Storrs Agricultural School. It opened five months later on September 28, 1881, with three faculty members and 12 students.”

Today it is known as the University of Connecticut, the state's flagship institution of higher learning – and that idea has grown to include 13 schools and colleges plus five regional campuses. Self-guided tours of the Storrs campus can soak up a day – animal barns are open to the public – and there is that delicious ice cream produced right on location. Walk the spine of Horsebarn Hill, then stop in for double-dip cone.

“A good night sleep, or a ten minute bawl, or a pint of chocolate ice cream, or all three together, is good medicine.”

― Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine

Explore the outdoors at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Division office and exhibit area, open Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (not on holidays), located in Burlington, Conn. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset. For more information about events, call Hillary Clifton, (860) 675-8130.

“The biggest threat facing Connecticut's wildlife species is the loss of habitat. As more land is developed, there is less land that wildlife can call home.”

The Connecticut Forest & Park Association offers a bevy of informative and fun programs.

Here's the link to additional information and listings to hit the trail and explore more of life.