Free Outdoor Fun for Kids in Connecticut

 
Get out and see some amazing CT sights with these top free things to do. Heublein Tower Trail at Talcott Mt. State Park. Photo by Bryan Sereny via Flickr

1. Talcott Mountain State Park - Simsbury 

Hike the trails of central Connecticut's Talcott Mountain State Park and find the majestic Heublein Tower.

2. Wooster Mountain State Park - Danbury

Danbury's Wooster Mountain State Park has acres of family fun, for free!

3. Osbornedale State Park - Derby

Home to hiking trails and more, the park features the Osborne Homestead Museum, where admission is always free.

4. Connecticut Trails Day - Statewide

Over 100 events across Connecticut celebrate the outdoors with hiking, biking, trail-running, and more!

5. Steep Rock Preserve - Washington Depot

The cliffs, tunnels, and woods at Steep Rock Preserve are waiting for explorers.

6. Bear Mountain Reservation - Danbury

Danbury's Bear Mountain Reservation is perfect for a family hike.

7. Bartlett Arboretum - Stamford

Surround yourself with nature at Stamford's Bartlett Arboretum. Almost 100 acres of landscaped trails await you.

8. Earthplace - Westport

The outdoor grounds at this nature sanctuary are open to the public year round for free. Admission to the indoor natureplace is only $5 for children, seniors, and students.

9. White Memorial Conservation Center - Litchfield

The center has miles of trails for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing.

10. Devil's Hopyard State Park - East Haddam

Look for the holes in the falls that local claim are the work of the devil. Then, expect the kids to sleep in your bed for a month.

 
There is free fun to be had on the water in Connecticut. Quaddick Lake, Quaddick State Park. Photo courtesy of Mystic Country CT via Flickr

11. Quaddick State Park - Thompson

There is a parking fee on weekends and holidays, but every other day, this beautiful park is free.

12. Sleeping Giant State Park - Hamden

Kids will love the lookout tower at this state park named for a massive mound.

13. Fort Trumbull State Park - New London

New London's Fort Trumbull State Park has a massive fortification that is super-fun to explore.

14. Mashamoquet Brook State Park - Pomfret

Mashamoquet Brook State Park has space for hiking, swimming, fishing, and more!

15. Wadsworth Falls - Middlefield/Middletown

Head to Wadsworth Falls to see one of Connecticut's coolest waterfalls.

16. Coastal Center at Milford Point - Milford

The Audobon Society's Coastal Center at Milford Point is free for the general public.

 
Some of CT's top free things to do are downright gorgeous! Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden in Elizabeth Park, photo by Susan DeMark, via Flickr.

17. Elizabeth Park - West Hartford

Elizabeth Park in West Hartford has some stunning beauty and fun outdoor spaces, like the lovely Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden.

18. Chatfield Hollow State Park - Killingworth

Head to this state park in Killingworth to look for Native American caves while hiking the trails.

19. Tarrywile Park - Danbury

The grounds of Tarrywile Mansion are free for little explorers—and big ones too! 

20. Bushnell Park - Hartford

Hartford's Winterfest, complete with free ice skating, is just one example of the free fun to be had at Bushnell Park.

21. Connecticut College Arboretum - New London

The lovely 700+ acres of the Connecticut College Arboretum in New London are open to the public, every day of the year, for free!

22. Topsmead State Forest - Litchfield

Go for a hike at this beautiful state forest in Litchfield. On e the summer estate of Edith Morton Chase, the manicured grounds have trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.

23. Silver Sands State Park - Milford

The sandy beaches of Silver Sands State Park in Milford invite Connecticut families for free fun on the boardwalk. 

24. Milanus River Park - Greenwich

Milanus River Park is an ideal spot for birdwatchers looking to spot a bald eagle.

25. Boothe Park - Stratford

This combination park and museum is open year-round. The displays educate and entertain kids, showing what life was like on a Connecticut farm in days of yore.

26. Connecticut Audobon Society - Pomfret

Open to the public, this Quiet Corner nature center and sanctuary has over 700 acres of free things to do, with hiking, art exhibits, and more.

 
Some of these free things to do are laid back and easy-breezy. Photo courtesy of the Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust

27. Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust - Woodbury

Explore thousands of acres of natural beauty that span four towns. All in all, there are seven nature preserves, some with farm animals.

Free Indoor Things To Do in Connecticut

28. Connecticut Air and Space Center - Stratford

Full of cool air and space memorabilia, the CT Air and Space Center in Stratford is always free for kids 5 and under.

29. Yale University Art Gallery - New Haven

New Haven's Yale University Art Museum has striking works of art and cool indoor spaces.

30. Housatonic Museum - Bridgeport

This art museum at Housatonic Community College offers free admission to the general public.

31. New Britain Museum of American Art - New Britain

Art lovers will enjoy swinging by the New Britain Museum of American Art. The museum is free on the third Saturday of every month, from 10am to noon.

 
Visitors are allowed to touch the massive amber-colored crystal from Namibia. Photo by Robert Lorenz, for the Yale Peabody Museum

32. The Yale Peabody Museum - New Haven

Recently renovated and better than ever, the Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven offers free admission to all guests. That means free dino-sized fun for Connecticut families.

33. Eli Whitney Museum - Hamden

This historic site hosts free activities, such as Mr. Gilbert's Railroad during the holidays. Check the Museum's calendar for fun free things to do!

34. Submarine Force Library and Museum - Mystic

Free admission, free parking, and free self-guided tours. What more can you ask for? Oh, right—cool submarine stuff!

35. Lyman Allen Art Museum - New London

The Lyman Allen Art Museum is free for visitors on the first Saturday of each month. It is also free for kids 12 and under, and always free for New London residents.

 
Give a big hand to the Ballard Institute and Museum! Photo courtesy of the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry

36. Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry - Storrs

Take the family to Storrs to see Connecticut's cool puppet collection. Always free, the museum also stages puppet performances.

37. Mark Twain House - Hartford

Children ages 2 to six can visit the Mark Twain House in Hartford for free and they are open 6 days a week!

38. Mattatuck Museum - Waterbury

The Mattatuck Museum is always free for kids under 5.

39. Connecticut Museum of Culture and History - Hartford

Kids 5 and under get free admission. And EVERYBODY gets free admission on the first wekend of every month (as well as select dates throughout the year).

 
Free museums help kids get a close look at some interesting works of art! Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins

40. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum - Ridgefield

The third Saturday of each month brings free admission to this museum filled with extraordinary art and fun spaces.

41. New Britain Industrial Museum - New Britain

Free to visitors 12 and under, this museum features two centuries of priceless industrial artifacts from the hardware city of the world.

42. Hill-Stead Museum - Farmington

The grounds of Farmington's Hill-Stead are open (and free!) to the public. Tours of the museum are free for kids 6 and under, as well as for members.

43. Knights of Columbus Museum - New Haven

Also known as the Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, this free museum has permanent and visiting exhibits, most of which have a connection to the Knights of Columbus.

44. Bruce Museum - Greenwich

Admission to the Bruce Museum, one of our faves, is free on Tuesdays from 10am to 5pm. Visit the Bruce and see art and science under one roof.

45. Discovery Museum - Bridgeport

Admission to the Sacred Heart University Discovery Science Center and Planetarium is free for Bridgeport residents on Wednesdays, and always free for kids under 2.

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Head to Rockville to learn about New England's role in the Civil War. Photo courtesy of the New England Civil War Museum

46. New England Civil War Museum - Rockville

Free for every visitor, this museum sheds light on the Civil War experience of everyday New Englanders.

47. Florence Griswold Museum - Old Lyme

This Old Lyme Museum, with its beautiful grounds, is free fior kids 5 and under, as well as for active duty military and SNAP/EBT cardholders.

48. National Helicopter Museum - Stratford

Stratford's National Helicopter Museum has photo exhibits covering the history of helicopters.

49. Mystic Museum of Art - Mystic

The Mystic Museum of Art offers free admission throughout the year.

50. Fairfield University Art Museum - Fairfield

Admission to the Fairfield University Art Museum is always free.

51. Stamford History Center - Stamford

Learn about the history of Stamford, alongside rotating exhibits, at this free museum.

 
Photo courtesy of the Husky Heritage Sports Museum.

52. Husky Heritage Sports Museum - Storrs

The J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum celbrates the history of UConn sports. From National Championships to notable alumni.

53. Mashantucket Pequot Museum - Mashantucket

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum is free for kids under 5.

54. Fairfield Museum and History Center - Fairfield

This museum, packed with hands-on exhibits, is free for kids 5 and under (and age 3 to 22 is only three dollars). Parking at the museum is also free.

55. Eric Sloane Museum - Kent

This museum, dedicated to local author Eric Sloane, is free for kids 5 and under.

56. Stamford Museum and Nature Center - Stamford

Encouraging public transportation, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center is free for visitors with bus passes or bus tickets.

Free Events, Fairs, and Festivals in Connecticut

57. Free Ice Skating at Winterfest - Hartford

Bushnell Park's Winterfest is full of family fun, like FREE ice skating time at the seasonal rink!

58. Annual Greater Hartford St. Patrrick's Day Parade - Hartford

Everyone is Irish for one day a year, and the FREE parade in Hartford is a chance for some St. Paddy's Day family fun.

59. Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival - Plainville

Marvel at the sight of hot air balloons taking flight at this free Connecticut festival.

60. Stamford Fireworks - Stamford

Connecticut has free 4th of July fun all over the state, like the Independence Day fireworks display in Stamford.

61. Saint Ann Feast - Norwalk

This summer festival celebrates the city of Norwalk and the surrounding communities.

62. Harvest Moon Festival - Naugatuck

Welcome the Autumn with a free festival in Naugatuck featuring crafts, food, and entertainment! 

63. Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival - Hartford

Hartford's free summer festival celebrates Asian and Pacific Island cultures. Kids will love seeing the dragon boats on the river!

64. International Festival of Art and Ideas - New Haven

New Haven's annual International Festival of Art and Ideas is a vibrant street-fest that will delight families.

65. Glastonbury Apple Harvest and Music Festival - Glastonbury

Every fall, Glastonbury hosts a free fall festival packed with fun for Connecticut kids. It's free fall fun!

66. Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz - Hartford

This annual music festival in Hartford fills Bushnell Park with FREE live music!

67. Norwalk Art Festival - Norwalk

This two-day festival features a wide variety of artists and performers, as well as free children's activities and a community mural.

68. Movies in the Park at Mill River - Stamford

Stamford has free movies every summer, for budget-friendly family fun under the stars!

69. Shakespeare on the Sound - Rowayton

The Shakespeare on the Sound players perform every summer season. These free shows include shorter kids versions of Shakespeare's classic plays.

70. Rose Arts Festival - Norwich

This free annual music festival is among the largest of its kind in New England!

71. NICE Festival - Norwalk

Norwalk celebrates its diversity with music, dancing, and free family fun.

72. Halloween Parade in Mystic - Mystic

Local towns converge in Mystic for a spooktacular parade and trunk-or-treat.

73. Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular - Stamford

One of the largest holiday parades in America, the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular ushers in the season for Connecticut families.

74. Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park - Meriden

Every year, Meriden's Hubbard Park is aglow with a spectacular holiday light display.

75. First Night Hartford - Hartford

Connecticut's biggest New Year's celebration is packed with free fun, like two fireworks displays, so all ages can enjoy the festivities.

Free Arts, Culture, and Learning Activities in Connecticut

 
Head to Storrs for some free barnyard fun in Connecticut! Animal Barns photo courtesy of the UConn Facebook page.

76. UConn Animal Barns - Storrs

Okay, the ice cream at the Dairy Barn isn't free, but seeing dairy cows (and other friendly farm animals) up close is a whole lot of free family fun.

77. Museum of Connecticut History - Hartford

Hartford's Museum of Connecticut History is always free. Exhibits shed light on how Connecticut has grown through the years.

78. New London Black Heritage Trail - New London

Learn about the African-American experience in New London and beyond with this self-guided tour.

79. Old State House - Hartford

Connecticut's Old State House hosts free events, such as concerts and family day tours. The Old State House also offers free admission to kids 5 and under, as well as veterans and active-duty military personnel

80. Soundwaters Coastal Education Center - Stamford

This free education center shows families the rich diversity of nature in Long Island Sound. Live animals include horshoe crabs and terrapins. The center has a touch-tank—always a hit with the kiddos.

81. Governor's Mansion - Hartford

Take a stroll past the Governor's Mansion. Say "hi" for us if you see the Governor.

82. Harriet Beecher Stowe House - Hartford

Hartford residents enjoy free admission to the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, as do kids six and under.

83. SoNo Switch Tower - Norwalk

The SoNo Switch Tower and Museum is a unique building and a cool spot for kids to learn about trains.

84. New Canaan Nature Center - New Canaan

The New Canaan Nature Center provides free stimulating exhibits and events, such as the Fall Fair and the Thanksgiving Weekend Waddle.

85. Dinosaur State Park - Rocky Hill

Kids under 6 are always free at Dinosaur State Park!

86. Fort Stamford - Stamford

This Revolutionary-era site is situated on 5 acres. Look for mounds that mark where the original fort once stood.

 
The top free and fun things to do get CT families out in nature! Photo courtesy of Weir Farm National Historic Park

87. Weir Farm - Wilton

This National Historic Park, straddling Wilton and Ridgefield, has attracted generations of artists to its natural beauty. Connecticut families can come explore the grounds of Weir Farm for free.

88. Liberty Rock - Milford

Another fun Revolutionary site, the rock was used as a lookout point by American forces.

89. Captain’s Cove Boardwalk - Bridgeport

Head to the waterfront for a fun stroll at Bridgeport's Captain's Cove.

90. Olde Mystick Village - Mystic

This recreation of a vintage New England hamlet has plenty to explore—for free! There are seasonal events and displays that families will love, from holiday lights to Easter egg hunts.

91. Ansonia Nature Center - Ansonia

The Ansonia Nature Center offers 2 miles of trails and more, free to the public. The center has free programs where kids can encounter animals and other natural wonders.

92. Wadsworth Athaneum - Hartford

The Wadsworth Athaneum is free for families on the second Saturday of each month. The last hour of each day has a "pay what you like" policy.

93. Nathan Hale Homestead - Coventry

Free for children 6 and under, the Natan Hale homestead sheds light on the Revolutionary War and the life of a Connecticut Patriot. 

94. Noah Webster House - West Hartford

The Noah Webster House is free for kids 5 and under. 

95. Explore the streets of Mystic, Connecticut

Spend the entire day strolling through the quaint Connecticut town of Mystic.

96. Litchfield Historical Society - Litchfield

The museums and library of the Litchfield Historical Society, open from the spring through the fall, offer Connecticut families a free peek at the history of the town, the county, and the state.

97. CT Antique Machinery Association - Kent

This museum is full of cool machines that are sure to delight kids. Admission is always free, though donations are encouraged.

98. Gilette Castle State Park - East Haddam

Pretend to be Harry Potter (or Merida, or Cinderella, or Gandalf) while you explore this extraordinary castle with grounds that stretch from East Haddam to Lyme.

99. Westport Astronomical Society - Westport

Explore the heavens for the low-low price of nuthin'. A five dollar donation is suggested.

100. Connecticut State House - Hartford

Explore the Nutmeg State Capitol and its grounds.

Free Fun for Kids in Connecticut FAQ

Q: What are the best free family activities in Connecticut?
A: Parks, museums with free admission, outdoor concerts, and cultural events offer plenty of no-cost family fun across Connecticut. Outdoor spots like Bartlett Arboretum and Nature Centers like the Ansonia Nature Center are great spots for family activities.

Q: What can kids do for free on weekends in Connecticut?
A: Check local libraries, rec centers, and community calendars for free crafts, shows, and seasonal festivals. And Connecticut libraries with great play spaces for kids are always a hit with the little ones.

Q: Are there free museums or attractions for kids in Connecticut?
A: Yes! Many museums have free admission days or ongoing free exhibits — perfect for rainy days. Check out our guide to Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Connecticut. Yale's Peabody Museum is always free and always a blast.

Q: What are some free things to do in CT with toddlers?
A: Storytimes, splash pads, indoor playgrounds, and nature walks are all toddler-friendly and free. Try one of the best toddler lots and playgrounds in Connecticut.

Q: What’s the best time to visit free attractions in CT?
A: Mornings on weekdays are often least crowded; summer weekends can be busy, so plan ahead for parking and shade.