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Make tracks to a train show during the holiday break. Photo by the author
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Celebrate New Year's Eve in daylight hours at the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Ice Castles New Hampshire makes for a great winter day trip. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
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Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Enjoy glorious views on the Walkway Over the Hudson. Photo by Fred Schaeffer/courtesy of the Walkway.
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14 Free Fun Things to Do in August with Connecticut Kids

7/26/19 - By Kelley Heyworth

Lucky for those of us with long school shopping lists to tackle this month, there's plenty of free fun for Connecticut kids to have in August! Mommy Poppins has put together a list of our very favorite FREE family events happening in August in Connecticut, and there's something for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids, from stargazing nights to hot air balloon festivals. And of course, don't forget to close out your fun summer with more ideas from our CT Summer Guide.

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Close out this month with a hot air balloon fest in Hartford County. Photo courtesy of the Plainville Fire Department
Close out this month with a hot air balloon fest in Hartford County. Photo courtesy of the Plainville Fire Department

Free Family-Friendly August Activities in Connecticut

Kent's Annual Sidewalk Festival

August 1-4 - Kent
Merchants offer sales on their porches, under tents, and in their stores as well as drawings for gift certificates and merchandise. Some shops host demonstrations and tastings, and the Kent Memorial Library holds an outdoor book sale. READ MORE

Get Into It Free Evening at Stepping Stones

August 1 - Norwalk
Families are invited to visit the museum for free the first Thursday evening of every month.    READ MORE

Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival in Hartford

Aug 3 - Hartford
Authentic Caribbean cuisine, cool island beverages, island rhythms, and spectacular costumes and dance bring a festive Caribbean atmosphere to the riverfront, during a free, day-long, family-friendly festival.  READ MORE

Nimble Arts Circus

Aug 4 - New London
This small circus troupe's show has become an annual New London summer happening. Smart, funny, and sophisticated, Nimble Arts will surprise you with their award-winning circus arts: trapeze, juggling, comedy, acrobatics, with new acts this year. READ MORE

Melissa and Doug Children's Concert Series at the Levitt Pavilion

Wednesdays through Aug. 21 - Westport
Every Wednesday, kids rule at the Levitt Pavilion! Kids are welcome to visit the Melissa & Doug Hospitality tent for kids and enjoy complimentary face-painting while supplies last. On-site activities begin at 6. READ MORE

Astronomy at Grace Farms | Perseid Meteor Shower

Aug. 13 - New Canaan
As Earth passes through the path of Comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseid Meteor Shower lights up the sky. Join experts to learn about the famous and bright shower, search the sky, and look for the bright Perseids. READ MORE

Movie Night with the RCA

Wednesdays through Aug 21 - Rowayton
Bring your whole family and set up a picnic blanket to enjoy a screening of Moana at the Rowayton Community Center. Enjoy music from the WEBE-108 van and food trucks including John the Baker, Crazy Taco-Mex, and Kona Ice. READ MORE

Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival in Hartford

Aug 17 - Hartford
Celebrate Asian and Pacific Island cultures through traditional music and dance, hands-on art activities, food, and martial arts. Dragon boat races are back this year. Come cheer on your favorite team! READ MORE

Dinosaur State Park Day in Rocky Hill

Aug 17 - Rocky Hill
 Dinosaur State Park, CT State Parks No Child Left Inside® (NCLI), and the Friends of Dinosaur Park & Arboretum are hosting Dinosaur State Park Day which is the 59th anniversary of over 1,800 Eubrontes dinosaur tracks discovered here in 1966. READ MORE

Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival

Aug 23-25 - Plainville
Enjoy this visual spectacle of hot air balloons floating by in the sky. Fireworks, craft fair, live music and a car show all weekend. READ MORE

Tomato Tasting

Aug 24 - Wilton
Enjoy an epicurean morning at Ambler Farm while tasting and learning about a variety of fresh heirloom, hybrid, and garden variety tomatoes. Take a tour of Ambler Farm's  production garden, where you will see first-hand how to grow tomatoes. READ MORE

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About the Author

Kelley Heyworth
Kelley Heyworth is the regional editor for Mommy Poppins, covering Boston, Connecticut, and the rest of New England. She has covered parenting and health topics for nearly two decades, as an editor for Child Magazine and Fitness Magazines and a contributor to Parents Magazine, Mommy Nearest, and other national publications and websites. Previously, she was a writer and editor at Sports Illustrated and Philadelphia Magazines. A mom of three boys outside of Boston, Kelley also writes a blog, Happy Healthy Kids, and loves hiking, running, cooking, gardening, and spending time at beaches in Nantucket, Connecticut, and New Jersey with family and friends.
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