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50 Awesome Free Things To Do in Connecticut This Summer with Kids

Free things to do this summer include fun, creative activities! Photo courtesy of the Rose Arts Festival
Free things to do this summer include fun, creative activities! Photo courtesy of the Rose Arts Festival
5/26/24 - By Jennifer Coe

Having fun this summer does not need to take a lot of money and we can prove it! Mommy Poppins has collected a list of FREE activities for the whole family for the sunny summer months that include fairs, hot air balloons, hiking, movies, music and, well, ducks! 

If you're looking for more free fun on rainy days, check out Free Things To Do Indoors in Connecticut. Search our calendar for free activities, including many of the top Summer Fairs and Festivals in Connecticut for Families.  To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.

 

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Free Things To Do in Connecticut in June 2024

Torrington Strawberry Festival

Torrington
Saturday, June 1
Enjoy a day of fun and, of course, delicious fresh-made strawberry shortcake and other strawberry treats. Food trucks will provide delicious food, and entertainment for the kids includes the Strawberry Festival Express Train. READ MORE

SOLD OUT - Hot Air Balloon Glow at Lyman Orchards

Middlefield
Saturday, June 1
SOLD OUT Gather the whole family on June 1st for an unforgettable evening, the Hot Air Balloon Glow at Lyman Orchards Golf Club! Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, and the vibrant colors of hot air balloons at dusk. A unique experience to cross off your bucket list. READ MORE

Connecticut Trails Day

Statewide
Saturday & Sunday, June 1 & 2
Connecticut is home to the largest Trails Day celebration in the country. More than 100 events are planned for the weekend, with activities that include hikes, trail runs, bike rides, paddles, and historic strolls all over the state. READ MORE

Naugatuck Duck Race and Festival

Naugatuck
Sunday, June 2
See hundreds of ducks "race" at this family event that supports local organizations. Enjoy food trucks, craft vendors, roaming railroad, strolling entertainment, bounce house and mini golf. READ MORE

Goshen Stampede

Goshen
June 7-9
A down-home, country-style event, right here in Connecticut! Enjoy rodeos, truck pulls, demo derbies, carnival rides,  kids rodeos, a petting zoo, food, and more. READ MORE

Annual CT Sea Music Festival

Essex
June 7-9
The Connecticut Sea Music Festival is an event put on by the Maritime Music & Tradition Society to enact its mission of preserving and encouraging maritime and traditional music through education, research, performance, and community. Through the festival they share and teach stories, roots, and culture behind the wonderful and expansive world of maritime music, from deepwater sailing to inland waterways. READ MORE

Little Poland Festival in New Britain

New Britain
Sunday, June 9
Experience a taste of Europe in New Britain's unique Little Poland district. Enjoy live music, mascots, kids' activities, leaping folk dancers, ethnic food, arts and crafts, and shopping. READ MORE

Celebrate! West Hartford

West Hartford
Saturday & Sunday, June 8 & 9
Attracting nearly 40,000 people, Celebrate! West Hartford (CWH) is a family-oriented, two-day community festival on the grounds of Town Hall in West Hartford, with carnival rides, games, and music for all ages, plus a food court offering gourmet cuisine and festival food favorites.  READ MORE

Shakespeare On The Sound: Romeo and Juliet for Kids

Rowayton
June 12-25
Audiences of all ages can enjoy this Shakespeare classic performed with kids in mind, in picturesque Pinkney Park. The half-hour show is performed immediately before the grown-up version afterwards. Tuesday evening performances are designed for kids and are "Pay What You Will".  READ MORE

International Festival of Arts and Ideas

New Haven
June 14-29
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas is an extravaganza of performing arts, lectures, storytelling, music, and conversations that take over theaters, town green, and open spaces in New Haven. The 2024 schedule runs from June 14 through June 29, and most events are free. READ MORE

Juneteenth at the Hillstead

Farmington
Tuesday, June 11
Hill-Stead is once again hosting this event as part of a month-long series of Juneteenth celebrations taking place throughout the region. Inspired by Juneteenth picnics, join them for an evening featuring a musical performance by Voices of Hartford. READ MORE

New Horizons Village Strawberry Festival in Unionville

Unionville
Tuesday, June 13
Music, food trucks, live entertainment, and more highlight the Annual New Horizons Strawberry Festival.  READ MORE

Miss Susans Supper and Campout at Pequot Library

Southport
Friday, June 14
Enjoy a picnic on Pequot Library’s one-of-kind Great Lawn and live music by the Merwin Mountain Band.  Take part in lawn games including badminton, ping pong, and spinnaker. READ MORE

Symphony in the Park in Hartford

Hartford
Saturday, June 15
Join the Hartford Symphony and the remarkable Melissa White at Symphony in the Park, becoming a cherished tradition bringing the community together through the power of music. Bring a blanket or chairs for sitting as this is an outdoor concert. READ MORE

Annual Monroe Strawberry Festival

Monroe
Saturday & Sunday, June 15 & 16
This annual town-wide favorite event brings together more than 75 juried exhibitors and local artists, plus strawberry shortcake, strawberry pies, baked goods, children's games, and live entertainment.  READ MORE

Trumbull Day (& Fireworks)

Trumbull
Friday & Saturday, June 28 &29
Trumbull Day is a two-day,fun-filled family event with food, vendors, carnival rides and games, children's entertainment, a main stage featuring local bands, and fireworks.  READ MORE

Rose Arts Festival in Norwich

Norwich
Friday & Saturday, June 28 & 29
New England's largest free music and art festival, Rose Arts is not to be missed. Featuring family-friendly interactive activities, exciting art installations, and more than 75 performances spanning day and evening programs, this is a wonderful way to spend the day.  READ MORE

Summer Saturdays at Fairfield Museum

Fairfield
Saturdays in July
Explore all of the historic properties and try hands-on activities on the Museum Commons, home of the Fairfield Museum. More than 400 years of diverse stories can be found in the Victorian Barn, Sun Tavern, and Victorian Cottage, which has a dedicated early childhood space. READ MORE

Classic Car Cruise Nights at Ocean Beach Park

Mystic
Monday Nights in June
The WNLC 98.7 Classic Hits Cruise night is a well-established weekly event synonymous with summer. There are lots of classic and super cool cars on display.  READ MORE
Celebrate different world cultures at the NICE Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
Celebrate different world cultures at the NICE Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival

Free Things To Do in Connecticut in July 2024

Movies in the Plaza

New Haven
Wednesdays in July and August
Movies in the Plaza is back, bringing you Wednesday night fun May through July starting May 3 with Everything Everywhere All At Once. Every Wednesday evening after sundown visitors can enjoy their favorite films under the stars in downtown New Haven. READ MORE

The NICE Festival in Norwalk

Norwalk
Saturday, July 6
Dancers, musicians, vendors, and local international restaurants are the center of a celebration that encourages the community to spend the day together and celebrate Norwalk's diversity. READ MORE

Free First Saturdays at Westport Museum for History and Culture

Westport
Saturday, July 6
First Saturdays are a great opportunity to experience what the Museum has to offer free of charge on the first Saturday of each month. Young visitors can enjoy a scavenger hunt in the museum, the diorama of Westport featuring an audio tour by Joanne Woodward, coloring pages, colonial games and more. READ MORE

CT Open House Day at NBMAA

New Britain
Saturday, June 8
Enjoy FREE general admission to the New Britain Museum of American Art on CT Open House Day. Enjoy a free coffee until 2:30 too! READ MORE

Rowayton River Ramble

Norwalk
Saturday, July 13
Enjoy live music, relax at the water’s edge with amazing food & drink from the Grill Boys, Raw bar, and the famous Beer Boys and Girl. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, water slides, dunk tank, balloon twisters, face painting, hair braiding, kid’s games, Kona ice truck, cotton candy and the cakewalk tradition. READ MORE

Hartford Festival of Jazz

Hartford
Friday & Saturday, July 19 & 20
The Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, New England’s largest free public jazz festival, over a dozen performers. Bring a blanket or chair and plan to relax with some great music. This is a three day event. Go to the website for a full list of performers.  READ MORE

Vernon’s Annual Summer Days Carnival

Vernon
July 24-27
New Location in 2024! Enjoy rides, games, and carnival food at the annual Vernon Summer Days Carnival. Wristbands are available. Admission and parking are free. READ MORE

Fun Saturday Mornings at Mill River Park

Stamford
Saturdays in July
Join the Mill River Park Collaborative for Fun Saturday Mornings throughout July. Enjoy a variety of performances and artists at the Carousel Pavilion, and take a spin on the merry-go-round as well. READ MORE

Open Farm Days at Common Ground in New Haven

New Haven
Saturdays in July
Open Farm Day is a self guided experience and staff are available to welcome visitors and answer questions. There are lots of opportunities for play and exploration! Visit the farm animals, taste and smell in the children’s garden, look for frogs in the wetland, make a pie in the mud kitchen, or build a fort in the woods. READ MORE

Summer Saturdays at Fairfield Museum

Fairfield
Saturdays in July
Explore all of the historic properties and try hands-on activities on the Museum Commons, home of the Fairfield Museum. More than 400 years of diverse stories can be found in the Victorian Barn, Sun Tavern, and Victorian Cottage, which has a dedicated early childhood space. READ MORE
There's more than just oysters at the Milford Oyster Festival. Photo by A.K. Thornton
There's more than just oysters at the Milford Oyster Festival. Photo by A.K. Thornton

Free Things To Do in Connecticut in August 2024

North Branford Potato and Corn Festival

North Branford
August 2 -4
The PoCoFest is back in 2024 and it's still a free and fun family event. Highlights include a car and bike show, carnival rides, food, live entertainment, and more. READ MORE

Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival in Hartford

Hartford
Saturday, August 3
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

Stonington Village Fair

Stonington
Saturday, August 3
The Stonington Village Fair is a regional time-honored tradition drawing thousands annually. Traditions of the fair include a pottery tent, artisan booths, children's activities, live music, and delicious food vendors. READ MORE

Sunday Fundays at the Whittingham Discovery Center

Stamford
Sunday, August 4
Join Mill River Park for their Winter Sunday Funday on Sundays at 10 AM as you read books: a new one each week! The first 25 participants will get a copy of the book. READ MORE

Free Friday Flicks

South Windsor
Thursday, August 8
Enjoy family friendly movies on a big screen. Come to the green at Evergreen Walk. All movies begin at 8:45pm. Bring folding chairs or blankets. READ MORE

Movies Under The Stars at Aspetuck Park

Easton
Friday, August 9
Set up your blankets and lawn chairs to watch a feature movie presentation at Movie Nights Under The Stars. The movies will be presented once a month. READ MORE

Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival in Hartford

Hartford
Saturday, August 17
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

Milford Oyster Festival

Milford
Saturday, August 17
Enjoy great food and fabulous entertainment for adults and children alike. More than 30,000 oysters & clams are brought to you by East Coast Shellfish Growers Association & the Annual Milford Oyster Festival.  READ MORE

The Brooklyn Fair

Brooklyn
August 22-25
Make memories at one of the oldest continuously run fairs in the United States. Fireworks, baking contests, truck pull, racing pigs, animal competitions, and an entire kids' stage all await.  READ MORE

The Naugatuck Food Truck Festival on the Green

Naugatuck
Saturday, August 24
Enjoy your pick of yummy treats from food trucks as well as other food vendors on the Green. For kids there's touch-a-truck, music, and entertainment.   READ MORE
Free live music is coming to CT this summer! Twin Brooks Concert photo courtesy of Trumbull Parks and Recreation
Free live music is coming to CT this summer! Twin Brooks Concert photo courtesy of Trumbull Parks and Recreation

Free Summer Concerts in Connecticut: Outdoor Music Festivals for Families

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park Concerts in Greenwich

Greenwich
The Wednesday Night Concert series begins on June 26 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park (unless otherwise noted). All Concerts Start at 7 p.m. READ MORE

Summer Concerts on the Square in Storrs

Mansfield
These free musical performances are open to the public and take place in the Mansfield Town Square. Performers have yet to be announced. READ MORE

Norton Park Summer Concerts in Plainville

Plainville
This weekly concert series at Norton Park has a night for everyone's taste in music. Meet at the Norton Park Band Shell and bring a chair. READ MORE

Free Concerts at Washington Park in Groton

Groton
The summer is right around the corner and so is our Concerts in the Park music series for 2024. The concerts are designed to be appealing to families for a fun, inexpensive night out. Spectators are encouraged to bring their families and enjoy the food trucks and concession stand.  READ MORE

Walnut Beach Summer Concerts 2024

Milford
Bring your dancing shoes for a late afternoon concert on the shore. The Walnut Beach Assoc. presents its annual summer series, consisting of 6 weeks of shows. READ MORE

Summer Concerts at Twin Brooks Park

Trumbull
Live music is presented by Mallet Trust in nine concerts running till the end of the summer, right on Main Street. READ MORE

Windsor Concerts on the Green 2024

Windsor
The Town of Windsor and FirstTownDownTown present the summer 2024 concert series for free, every Thursday night on the green.  READ MORE

Southington Concerts on the Green

Southington
Music on the Green begins on May 29 and goes until September 4, every Wednesday night. Admission is Free. READ MORE

Summer Concert Series in Newtown

Newtown
The following is the summer line-up for family concerts to be held Thursdays, 6:30-8pm. READ MORE

Redding Concerts on the Green

Redding
The free concert on the green series begins on June 16. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Bushnell Park
Historic Downtown Norwich
Fairfield Museum and Historical Center
Westport Museum for History and Culture
Bushnell Park and Downtown Hartford
Fairfield Museum and Historical Center
Downtown Milford, along Milford Harbor
Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
Betsy Paterson Square
Devon Rotary Pavilion at Walnut Beach