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Set a course for fun things to do in with kids as June 2025 lands in Connecticut! Downtown Milford's Annual Pirate's Day. Photo courtesy of the event.
Best Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids June 2025
The kids can hang out and have fun with the top free things to do in Connecticut! Earthplace photo by Zoe Brown, courtesy of the center.
100 Free Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids
GUIDE
Connecticut Kids Summer Guide: 591 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things To Do
Summer camps help kids learn new skills and make new friends
GUIDE
Connecticut Summer Camp Guide
Nominate your child to step into the American Eagle Production Booth at a memorable Yard Goats game.
SPONSORED
Enter Your Child to Be the Next Junior Announcer at a Yard Goats Game–It’s Unforgettable!
Our ultimate Connecticut bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut with kids! Mystic Seaport photo by author Kelly Patino
Ultimate Connecticut Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in CT
Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens
By land, by sea,  by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Hop aboard for a trip through Litchfield County and fun things to do with kids! Naugatuck Railroad photo courtesy of the Railroad Museum of New England.
25 Things to Do With Kids in Litchfield, Connecticut
Find beautiful fields of flowers in Connecticut, with pick-your-own flowers and beautiful scenery! Photo courtesy of Halfinger Farms
Spring Flower Fields in Connecticut: Pick Your Favorites, Stroll the Fields
Don't sweat the weather, because the best indoor water parks in New England are waiting for year-round fun! Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
GUIDE
Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
New England Family Travel Guide
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
Photo courtesy of Just Hatched
Best Baby Boutiques for Cool Baby Clothes in Connecticut
Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Connecticut
As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut
Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Canva
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants for Every Day of the Week
Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
A Dozen Short Hikes in Connecticut for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT
25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids
Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
  VIDEO
25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Take a spin around Connecticut this weekend with the top things to do with kids! Fairy Frolic photo courtesy of the event.
Juneteenth, Fairie Frolic, and More Fun Things To Do in CT This Weekend
FIND AND BOOK ACTIVITIES
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This Week In
Connecticut
Summer Solstice at Strong Family Farm
Strong Family Farm - 10:00 AM Pick
Trades Day at Whitfield Museum
Henry Whitfield State Museum - 10:00 AM Pick
Mistick Strawberry Festival
Olde Mistic Village - 11:00 AM Pick
International Festival of Arts and Ideas
New Haven - various times Pick
Stamford Town Center Summer Block Party
Stamford Town Center - various times Pick
A Tea Dragon Society Party at Fairfield Public Library
Fairfield Library Main Library - 4:00 PM Pick
Creative Flow Workshop for Kids at Pinehurst Farm
Pinehurst Farm - 10:00 AM
Summer Movie Lineup at Mystic Luxury Cinemas
Mystic Luxury Cinema - 11:00 AM
Cruise Night at CT Valley Brewing
Connecticut Valley Brewing Co. - 3:00 PM
Monday Night BOGO at IT Adventure Ropes Course
It Adventure Ropes Course - 4:00 PM
Food Explorers: Tiramisu Pies for Kids at Mystic Noank Library
Mystic Noank Public Library - 3:30 PM Pick
Yoga on the Terrace at The Matt
Mattatuck Museum - 9:00 AM
Storytime at RJ Julia Booksellers
RJ Julia Bookdsellers - 10:00 AM
Creative Flow Workshop for Kids at Pinehurst Farm
Pinehurst Farm - 10:00 AM
Toddler Jump at Funcity Trampoline
Fun City Trampoline - 10:00 AM
Peanut Butter Jam Concerts at the Sherman Green
Sherman Green Gazebo - 10:15 AM Pick
Torch Tales on the West Haven Green
West Haven Green - 12:00 PM Pick
Firefly Frolic at Roaring Brook Nature Center
Roaring Brook Nature Center - 1:00 PM Pick
Teen Art Program at Yale Art Galley
Yale Art Gallery - 3:00 PM Pick
Skateport Skating on the Waterfront in Bridgeport
Knowlton Park - 6:00 PM Pick
Children's Performing Series; Princesses in the Park at Wickham Park
Wickham Park - 11:00 AM Pick
Orange Street Promenade in New Haven
Orange Street - 6:00 PM Pick
International Festival of Arts and Ideas
New Haven - various times Pick
Windsor Locks Fire Dept. Carnival
Veteran's Memorial Park - various times Pick
Toddler Jump at Funcity Trampoline
Fun City Trampoline - 10:00 AM
Town of Killingly Red, White, and Blue BBQ and Fireworks
Owen Bell Park - 5:00 PM Pick
Trumbull Day (& Fireworks)
Trumbull High School - 6:30 PM Pick
Movies in the Park at Mill River
Mill River Park - 6:00 PM Pick
Barnum Seaside Park Fireworks
Seaside Park - 9:00 PM Pick
Rose Arts Festival in Norwich
Historic Downtown Norwich - various times Pick
Colonial Crafts for Teens and Tweens in Glastonbury
Glastonbury Historical Society - 9:30 AM Pick
Cockpit Experience - "Excambian" at New England Air Museum
New England Air Musem - 10:00 AM Pick
Beyond Van Gogh, Beyond Monet in Hartford
Connecticut Convention Center - 10:00 AM Pick
SONO Saturday Market in Norwalk
SONO Market - 10:00 AM Pick
Minecraft Party at Belden Public Library
Belden Public Library - 11:00 AM Pick
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Fun Things to do With Kids in West Hartford, CT

2/3/17 - By Pam Hegner

West Hartford constantly receives accolades as a wonderful place to live and raise a family. In recent years, Family Circle magazine listed it as one of the "Top 10 Towns for Families." Here you will find a diverse, highly-motivated community that cares deeply about education and culture. Known for excellent schools and a vibrant economy, this Hartford area town is not only a fantastic place to call home, but also a great destination for a day trip.

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West Hartford is the birthplace of Noah Webster, the influential author who wrote the American Dictionary of the English Language and the Blue-Backed Speller.  You can visit the Noah Webster House, his childhood home, and enjoy hands-on exhibits and several children's programs throughout the year.

About a mile up the street, a statue of Mr. Webster greets visitors outside the Noah Webster Library at Blue Back Square. Can you tell he's West Hartford's favorite son? The library has a large children's section with a mini bank, puppet show, and well-equipped play area. There are also two smaller libraries: Faxon Branch in the Elmwood (south) section of town, and the Bishops Corner Branch on the north side. Blue Back Square is home to the main branch, and is a lovely place to stroll around with shops and restaurants. An outdoor pergola is popular for free, live music in the summer.   

Across the street from Blue Back, you'll find "The Center," the bustling heart of this community. Several shops, boutiques, pubs and eateries welcome you as you stroll down Farmington Avenue and Lasalle Road. Get creative at the Claypen, a paint-your-own pottery studio that all ages will enjoy. The Toy Chest has been the go-to toy store since 1956 and offers classes and free gift wrapping. Shopping will make you hungry, so for a delicious sandwiches, soups, and desserts at Elmwood Pastry Shop. If you need a cocktail or a great meal, check out Max Burger, which can accommodate every dietary need and provides a great child-friendly atmosphere and menu. For the best pizza in town, check out Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana on New Britain Avenue.

A short walk from the center you'll find The Children's Museum of West Hartford. Here you'll find several hands-on permanent and traveling exhibits, a planetarium, live animals, and more. The museum needs a bit of a face lift, but it is still worth a trip; if you plan on visiting more than once, a yearly pass is a must since admission for a family of four will cost you nearly $60.

The Park Road Association holds the annual Park Road Parade in October, a favorite among families. Effie's Place is an institution on Park Road, known for delicious breakfasts, and Greek and Italian specialties. Just up the road from Effie's you'll find Playhouse on Park, an intimate professional theater that features several children's shows each year. A.C. Petersen Farms is conveniently located next door, offering delicious treats since 1940, including milkshakes, specialty sundaes (think warm chocolate molten lava cake topped with your choice of ice cream), and pies.

On the north side of town, near Bishops Corner, you'll find Westmoor Park, an environmental and education center open to the public. You can explore (for free!) the farm, barns, fields, gardens, ponds, and trails. Year round, the park hosts nature programs and camps through the town's Leisure Services department for very reasonable rates. 

There is no shortage of recreation and natural beauty in the town rated #1 overall by Hartford Magazine. Veterans Memorial Skating Rink prides itself on public lessons, ice time, and DJ Skate. Several parks and town pools are available, including newly-renovated Fernridge Park (AKA Fern). Fern has two playscapes, tennis courts, baseball fields, a splashpad, and an infinity pool.  The Metropolitan District Reservoirs boast more than 3,000 acres of woodlands to hike, bike, run, snowshoe, or cross country ski. On the Hartford border, you'll find gorgeous Elizabeth Park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In June, the world-famous rose garden comes alive with thousands of plants in different varieties and colors. The weekly, free, outdoor summer concert series captures the spirit of the West Hartford as children run and play, while great music lingers in the flower-scented air.

Originally published 1/19/14.

 

City Guides Preschoolers Kids Tweens & teens Hartford West Hartford Connecticut

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