In order to be more inclusive, many of Connecticut's top attractions for families have begun to offer special sensory-friendly programs or opening times for children on the Autism spectrum or who have sensory sensitivities. These sensory-friendly programs offer smaller crowds, dimmed lights, less loud noises, and other accommodations. In most cases, the whole family can participate and some programs even offer free or reduced admission. 

Read on to discover great sensory-friendly programs for kids everywhere in Connecticut. For more Connecticut museums with free admission and other special programs, check out our Guide to Connecticut Museums for Kids and Families.

There's no shortage of beautiful wineries in New England, and many of them are located right here in Connecticut. Families will find rolling hills, mountains, and vast acreage at these scenic locations that welcome children while parents enjoy a glass of vino. Aside from tastings, there are opportunities to tour vineyards, walk the rows with your family, and picnic outside together. Many vineyards in Connecticut have regular live music and also serve food.

Consider one of these kid-friendly wineries in Connecticut for a quick day trip, and be sure to check out our rundown of Family-Friendly Breweries in Connecticut.

Imagine this scene: the kids are anticipating a trip to a new playground and you're anticipating a few moments of peace and quiet, only to pull into the parking lot and see old swings, steep climbing towers, and unprotected play areas. Finding a great playground isn't always easy, and preschoolers need play spaces that are fun, safe, and age-appropriate. With that in mind, here's a list of the best toddler playgrounds in Connecticut for little ones to explore.

From castles and fire trucks to music installations and more, preschoolers will have a blast at these Connecticut tot lots. For more great outdoor spaces for kids, visit our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds in Connecticut.

Most kids look forward to getting outside and playing at summer camps in Connecticut. Budding athletes can sign up for sports summer camps in Connecticut, and kids who crave connection with nature can attend summer camp at the beach or summer camp at Connecticut parks. Some kids may want to learn a foreign language, while others may be interested in all of the above. We've rounded up the most affordable and even free summer camps in Connecticut for kids, hitting all of those marks without breaking the bank.

For more summer camps in Connecticut, including picks for Sleepaway Summer Camps and the best STEM summer camps, be sure to bookmark our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for summer camps by type, age, and town. 

Play detective, CIA agent, or Indiana Jones while the whole family bonds over a fun and exciting challenge. A Connecticut escape room can accomplish all of those things and more, and we’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing, kids’ birthday party, or weatherproof indoor activity.

Most Connecticut escape rooms have rotating themes, so we recommend checking websites before arrival. Escape rooms usually cater to older kids, so if you're bringing little ones, be prepared to help them out. For more great places to have a blast inside, browse our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces.

Note: Due to Covid 19, most escape rooms have begun employing cleaning routines between groups and limit the number of participants to a group as well as require masking. Keep in mind, many themes include mature topics that are not suitable for all kids.

February vacation for Connecticut schools might be a little shorter this year, but many districts still have at least a couple of days off. Besides all of the awesome winter activities that make this time of year so fun, options abound for events and activities over February break that let children switch gears and explore different areas of interest. Read on for the best ways to get creative, connect with nature, and burn off some energy while school's out.

Looking to turn the February break into a quick family getaway? Take advantage of the weather with a family ski trip, or ignore it altogether at one of these awesome indoor water parks. For more ideas to have fun all winter long, don't miss our Winter Activities Guide.

After the holidays, when the decorations are all put away, the cookies have been eaten, and the new toys have lost their novelty, moms and dads start looking for fun things to do with their kids. But what if they could find something fun and FREE? Look no further, because we have done all the footwork to collect a wide-ranging list of things for you do with your little artists, astronomers, and historians this winter.

To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters—and discover all the free events and activities near you in our Connecticut Free Things To Do with Kids Guide.

A one-of-a-kind destination has opened in Northern Connecticut that is unlike anything else your kids have ever seen, offering reptile encounters and more. For kids who love reptiles, you can now find tropical slithering snakes, ambling turtles, and sauntering alligators all in one place. This serpentarium—a living reptile museum—offers exhibits, educational programming, live shows, and a chance to hold reptiles.

For more places to see animals up close, explore our list of petting zoos and farms.