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Free Fun Things to Do with Connecticut Kids in January

Courtesy J. Carter
Courtesy J. Carter
12/29/18 - By Jennifer Coe

Now that the holidays are over and we are settling into the darker and colder months, that's no reason to stay in and miss out on all of the fun! There are still lots of things to do this winter, even FREE things. Here's a list of our favorite free events this January, and don't forget to browse through our Winter Guide for more winter fun.

 
 

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Hartford

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Tuesday January 1- Saturday January 6 - Hartford
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

First Day Hike in Burlington

Tuesday January 1 - Burlington
Get the new year off to a healthy start with a 5.5-mile hike through the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area. Participants should bring water and dress appropriately. READ MORE

Immigrant After School Youth Enrichment

Tuesday January 1 through June 27 - Hartford
This is an after school program aimed at immigrant youths. Session times are 2pm to 3:30pm and 3:30 to 5pm. Times can vary, check the website for full schedule. READ MORE

Family Program: Charting Your Story: Maps

Friday January 5 - Hartford
Discover the exciting story of mapmaker Bernard Romans! Explore the exhibit War, Maps, Mystery: Dutch Mapmaker Bernard Romans and the American Revolution and then participate in hands-on map-making activities and crafts. READ MORE

Read With Gizmo

Friday January 5 - Hartford
Do you have a reluctant reader at home? Come to the Hartford Public Library on the first and third Saturday of each month to meet with Gizmo and her handler. READ MORE

Ice Fishing Class at Winding Trails

Saturday January 19 - Farmington
The Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) Program offers a free in-depth ice fishing class that introduces you to the wonders of water, fish, and fishing during the winter. The morning class includes a video, hands-on demonstrations with the equipment, how to stay safe on the ice, and additional activities that will teach and entertain youths and adults alike. READ MORE
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels

Southern Connecticut

New Year's Day Hike at Ansonia Nature Center

Tuesday January 1 - Ansonia
Start the year with a breath of fresh air; join a Nature Center naturalist who will ring in the new year by leading an invigorating hike along the woodland trails. If snow covers the ground, you may even break out the snowshoes. READ MORE

Christmas in Europe

Tuesday January 1 - February 9 - New Haven
Christmas is celebrated around the world, and the Knights of Columbus once again pay homage to traditional holiday festivities. Christmas in Europe includes more than 100 items, including nativity scenes. READ MORE

Tot Shabbat in New Haven

Friday January 25 - New Haven
Come celebrate Shabbat with Rabbi Michael at Temple Emanuel with songs and stories! Perfect for children under 5 and their families. READ MORE

DEEP CARE Family Ice Fishing Workshop

Saturday Januray 26 - Litchfield
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Fisheries Division sponsors this program for the seventh consecutive year. READ MORE

Screening of the Film Straws

Wednesday January 9 - Wilton
STRAWS, an award-winning documentary that illuminates the problems related to straws and other single-use plastic pollution that inundate our waterways and oceans. Doors open at 6:30 and screening begins promptly at 7 p.m. After the screening, there will be a short panel discussion and Q&A session with Charlie Taney of the Norwalk River Valley Trail and Members of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association as well as Bridget Cervero and David Hudson of The Maritime Aquarium. Advance registration is recommended. READ MORE
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels

Eastern Connecticut

Killingworth First Day Hike

Tuesday January 1 - Killingworth
Start the new year on the right foot (and left foot) with a moderate 2.5 mile hike through Chatfield Hollow State Park. The trail is rugged in places and not suitable for strollers. Bring snacks and water. READ MORE

Shoreline Ringers Handbell Concert

Friday January 5 - Old Saybrook
Shoreline Ringers, a community handbell choir based out of southeastern Connecticut, awes and inspires audiences with their ringing. READ MORE

Fire & Ice Festival

Saturday January 19 - Old Saybrook
This winter event is open to the public and fun for all ages, hosted on the waterfront at the Waterfront Terrace and Grand Ballroom of the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa. READ MORE
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels

Central Connecticut

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden

Tuesday January 1 - Meriden
Witness the illumination of more than 350,000 twinkling white lights. Enjoy more than 200 figures and buildings decorated with lights in this spectacular display.  READ MORE

New Year's Day Open House at Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown

Tuesday January 1 - Middletown
The Annual New Year's Day Open House will feature docent tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, and light refreshments.  READ MORE

Love Heals All Wounds at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford

Friday January 11 - Wallingford
Movement artists Lil Buck and John Boogz perform with an ensemble cast. Through dance, they address social issues like racism, violence, and the environment. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: