Cozy up to some holiday fun in Connecticut as December 2024 brings a little joy to the Nutmeg State! Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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Connecticut is full of happiness, joy, and free Christmas and holiday activities, like Santa at Cabela's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass pro Shops
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Raise a hand if you're excited for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut! Magic of Lights photo courtesy of the XL Center
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Get into the spirit of the season with holiday activities like Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Photo courtesy of XL Center
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Polar Express trains are coming to towns all over New England for Christmas 2024! Essex Steam Train Railroad photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
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Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
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Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
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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
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Groupon's online marketplace offers tons of discounts on activities for kids and families.
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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
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Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
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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
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Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
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Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
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Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
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Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
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Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
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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
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Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
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Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
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Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
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Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
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Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
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The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
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Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
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'Tis the season for holiday fun and more things to do in Connecticut this weekend. Kid's Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
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Activities To Get You Out of the House this Weekend in Connecticut

Get hopping on the Frog Hopper. Photo courtesy of Quassy Amusement & Waterpark
Get hopping on the Frog Hopper. Photo courtesy of Quassy Amusement & Waterpark
4/21/21 - By Ally Noel

We've definitely gained a deeper appreciation for getting outside after this past year! There are plenty of fun ways to enjoy the fresh air this weekend in Connecticut. Quassy Amusement Park has its season opener this Saturday after being closed last year, and this weekend is filled with Earth Day celebrations all around the state. It’s Opening Weekend at the Hollister House Garden in Washington, there’s the Spring into Nature Festival in Darien, or you can celebrate all week during Earth Week at Niantic Children’s Museum. 

Learn about the history of aviation at the New England Air Museum, or get out of the house to hit the trail with these short hikes around Connecticut. We're also looking forward to getting the kids back to summer day camps around Hartford this coming season. Learn more about local and virtual summer camps with our upcoming Online Camp Fair happening this April.

Please remember to maintain social distancing and wear your mask while exploring this weekend. If you arrive at a crowded event, try using the "nearby" search feature on our events calendar to find something else to do. 

 

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Sign up to take a family tour (masks required) at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Photo courtesy of the museum.
Sign up to take a family tour (masks required) at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Photo courtesy of the museum.

What To Do this Weekend in Connecticut with Kids

Opening Day at the Hollister House Garden

Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24 — Washington
Celebrate spring and opening day at Hollister House Garden. The early garden is gentle with only a hint of exuberance to come later in the season. READ MORE

Osprey & Eagle Cruise

Friday, April 23- Sunday, April 25 — Haddam
Join the RiverQuest crew for a special spring cruise along the river and enjoy what spring is all about. Naturalists on board will share information about the birds, their habitat, and the river's ecology. READ MORE

Spring Splash at the Mystic Aquarium

Friday, April 23- Sunday, April 25 — Mystic
Visit the Mystic Aquarium and check out live music from local musicians, artisans, arts and crafts, and more. Non-perishable goods for the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and Uniting for United will be collected.  READ MORE

Season Opener at Quassy Amusement Park

Saturday, April 24 — Middlebury
Quassy Amusement Park opens for the season on Saturday, with opening day discount specials.  READ MORE

Earth Week at Niantic Children's Museum

Saturday, April 24 — Niantic
Celebrate Earth Week at the Museum by making a masterpiece of recycled materials and get your picture on their “Recycling Wall of Fame!” READ MORE

Spring Into Nature Festival

Saturday, April 24 — Darien
Join the Darien Nature for fresh air family fun. Activity and information stations will be set up throughout Cherry Lawn Park that will inspire sustainable living habits throughout the community. READ MORE

Habitat Enhancement Tour

Saturday, April 24 — Sherman
Join conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni at Deer Pond Farm for a tour of three habitat enhancement areas. This will include the Bird & Pollinator Garden, the Fall Migration Rest Stop, and the Cathedral Trail Bird Ecotone. Plantings, nest box program, and invasive species management will be discussed. READ MORE

Independent Bookstore Day at RJ Julia

Saturday, April 24 — Madison
In addition to authors, live music, cupcakes, scavenger hunts, kids events, art tables, readings, barbecues, contests, and other fun stuff, RJ Julia is offering exclusive books and literary items that you can only get on that day. READ MORE

Earth Day Weekend Walk: Etuaptmumk

Saturday, April 24 — Washington
In recognition of Earth Day, join IAIS educators for an ecology walk along the museum's trails. Following the walk, participate in a discussion in the Replicated Algonkian Village and learn how people can incorporate this “Two-Eyed Seeing” concept into their daily lives. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. READ MORE

New Canaan Nature Center's Sounds of Spring Night Hike

Saturday, April 24 — New Canaan
Come explore the magic of spring and Earth Week with an early evening nature hike at the New Canaan Nature Center. Journey through the woods and into the meadows in search of some awesome invertebrates, birds, and bats. Preregistration required. READ MORE

Trash to Treasure Hunt

Sunday, April 25 — Weston
For the first time, residents will be able to walk the farm’s new one-mile nature trail to enjoy Lachat’s animals, woods, and vernal pond. As a special thank you for attending, each family will receive a free native tree sapling to plant at home, courtesy of the Weston Garden Club in support of the Weston Pollinator Pathway. READ MORE

Family Tour at the Wadsworth

Sunday, April 25 — Hartford
Enjoy art and culture right in downtown Hartford. The Family Tours at the Wadsworth Atheneum are intended for families and adults with younger children.  READ MORE

Sunday Fun Day Crafts at IAISM: Owl Edition

Sunday, April 25 — Washington
Throughout the spring, the IAIS Education Department is offering private craft workshops. Sign up for a time slot with your family and friends. Express your creativity while learning about the world around you and connecting with a culture that has thousands of years of history in the area. Join an IAIS Educator to make a birch bark owl of your very own, as you learn about these mysterious and fascinating creatures in a program that’s sure to be “a hoot.” READ MORE

Let's Celebrate Trees

Sunday, April 25 — Trumbull
Learn about these important oxygen producers and observe both native and non-native trees at the Trumbull Nature & Arts Center. Each family will receive one Dogwood tree plug to plant at their own homes. READ MORE
Tulips at Colorblends House & Spring Garden in Bridgeport, CT. Photo courtesy of colorblends.com
Tulips at Colorblends House & Spring Garden in Bridgeport, CT. Photo courtesy of colorblends.com

More Things To Do in Connecticut this April

Spring Activities Guide for Connecticut Kids

Find the best seasonal events and activities for Connecticut kids. READ MORE

25 Spring Staycations and Day Trips from Connecticut for Families

These spring staycations and day trips let the whole family soak up springtime vibes. READ MORE

12 Pocono Cabin Rentals with Big Perks for Families

Pools, game rooms, and plenty of lake access make these cabins a hit! READ MORE

Connecticut Summer Camp Guide

Find a great summer camp in Connecticut for your child! READ MORE

The Most Irresistible Dessert Board Recipes for Kids

These easy desserts have a little something for everyone. READ MORE

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