Kick off 2025 with fun and free things to do in Connecticut this January! Family Day event photo courtesy of the Yale University Art Galleries.
Fun Free Activities for Kids in January 2025: Free Things To Do in CT with Kids
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
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
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
100 Things To Do in Connecticut Before Kids Grow Up
Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
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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
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
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Groupon's online marketplace offers tons of discounts on activities for kids and families.
Save On Top-Rated Connecticut Outings and Experiences for Kids and Families
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
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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Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
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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.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
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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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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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We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
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Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Canva
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There's winter fun to be had with the top things to do this weekend in Connecticut! Winter fun in Connecticut photo by Clara S. via Flickr 2.0
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New Year's Parties, Fireworks, and Other Connecticut Celebrations for Kids

Take part in daytime fun with these family-friendly New Year's celebrations for Connecticut Kids! Countdown to Noon photo courtesy of the Niantic Children's Museum
Take part in daytime fun with these family-friendly New Year's celebrations for Connecticut Kids! Countdown to Noon photo courtesy of the Niantic Children's Museum
12/22/24 - By Kelley Heyworth

Say "goodbye" to 2024 and "hello" to 2025 with New Year's Eve events and family-friendly celebrations for kids in Connecticut! Enjoy time as a family by visiting one of the terrific light displays that are running through the New Year, like Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven or Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden. Your kids will love the Mad Hatters Part New Years Eve at the Clock and Wall Museum! There are plenty of fun daytime celebrations for New Year's, like the Countdown to Noon with Niantic Children's Museum and Countdown to Noon at Stepping Stones.

This New Year's Eve, think of planning a New Year's adventure with our list of great Winter Day Trips To Take in Connecticut. And if the weather outside is frightful, check out our guide to New Year's Eve with Kids: 15 Ideas for Family Celebrations at Home.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Get out for First Night in Hartford for New Year's fireworks and more! Photo courtesy of First Night Hartford
Get out for First Night in Hartford for New Year's fireworks and more! Photo courtesy of First Night Hartford

New Year's Eve Celebrations for Kids - Hartford, New Haven, and Central, CT

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford - FREE
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 Night Hartford 2025

Hartford
First Night Hartford is Hartfords New Year's celebration. The day includes two spectacular fireworks shows in Bushnell Park at 6 PM and 12 AM Midnight viewed throughout the city by thousands of visitors and residents, multi-cultural activities, events, and performances READ MORE

Fantasy of Lights at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven

New Haven
The Fantasy of Lights has become a holiday tradition for thousands of families from all over Connecticut and New England. The mile-long route features over 60 displays and 100,000 lights. Many of the displays are animated and some are fitted with LED bulbs, making them more colorful and vibrant.  READ MORE

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden

Meriden - FREE
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 Eve at Spare Time in Windsor Locks

Bristol
Join Spare Time to welcome 2025 with epic celebrations, all day and night long! All of our New Year’s Eve parties include bowling and shoe rental, hand-tossed pizza, soft drinks, AND a $10 Game Zone arcade play card for each guest. READ MORE

Children's Mad Hatters Party New Year's Eve at the Clock and Watch Museum

Bristol
Don't be late for this very important date! Join the fun at the American Clock & Watch Museum for a children's Mad Hatter's New Year's Eve tea party. There will be crafts, snacks, tea, and the chiming and ringing of the bells at noon, of course. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Party at Messy Hands Happy Hearts

Hamden
Join MHHH to celebrate and get ready for a new year with our little mess makers. Kids will be painting disco balls, playing in the sensory stations, having fun at the photo booth, and more. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve For Kids in Windsor Locks

Windsor Locks
It's the Noon Year's Eve Party for Kids at D'n'A Art and Event Studio. Join for a fun-filled celebration as we count down to noon instead of midnight. Let your little ones enjoy exciting activities, games, and crafts to welcome the new year in style. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Kids Party at CaveCT

Bethel
Celebrate the Noon Year with CaveCt. Ticket includes Mini-Golf, Glow Necklaces, Noise Makers, Countdown to New Year at noon with balloon drop. Special Guest appearance, Prizes, Music & Fun! READ MORE

First Day Hike at Meigs Point Nature Center

Madison
Join Bob Kuchta and Ranger Russ at Hammonasset Beach State Park on New Year's Day for an informative and fun hike. This hike takes place along the Cedar Island trail.      READ MORE
Tell the kids it's time to party like it's 2025! Countdown to Noon photo courtesy of Stepping Stones Museum
Tell the kids it's time to party like it's 2025! Countdown to Noon photo courtesy of Stepping Stones Museum

New Year's Eve Celebrations for Kids - Fairfield, Litchfield, and Western CT

"Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer" 4D at the Maritime Aquarium

Norwalk
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D uses the same stop motion animation as the beloved television classic to deliver a visually brilliant experience true to the story that has charmed audiences for generations.  READ MORE

Holiday Express Train Show

Fairfield
Young and old alike delight in the large and small scale model trains winding around spectacular winter villages and beautiful holiday scenery.  READ MORE

Kent Gingerbread Festival

Kent - FREE
The beloved Kent Gingerbread Festival is back, bringing holiday cheer and the irresistible scent of gingerbread to town! With 23 participating businesses showcasing 13 delightful gingerbread creations, this year’s festival promises to be sweeter than ever. READ MORE

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Hours at Ski Sundown

New Hartford
Ski in the New Year with Ski Sundown. Lifts and trails will be open beginning at 8:00am.  READ MORE

Countdown To Noon at Stepping Stones

Norwalk
We’re having a rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve party at Stepping Stones! Star Factory’s DJ Lou will be in the house as we say goodbye to 2024 and ring in 2025 with great fanfare. Dance, sing and countdown to noon with us as we watch New Year’s Eve celebrations from around the world. READ MORE

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Hours at Ski Sundown

New Hartford
Ski in the New Year with Ski Sundown. Lifts and trails will be open beginning at 8:00am.  READ MORE
Be enchanted by the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village. Photo courtesy of Riley's Outdoor Decor
Be enchanted by the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village. Photo courtesy of Riley's Outdoor Decor

New Year's Eve Celebrations for Kids - Eastern Connecticut

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Mystic - FREE
Olde Mistick Village has created an old fashioned Holiday Light Spectacular for you and your family. In fact, this event will be the largest holiday lights display in southern New England! READ MORE

Holiday Magic at Florence Griswold Museum

East Lyme
The Florence Griswold Museum's annual Holiday Magic celebrations return. The museum tries to make every Christmas really special because it was Miss Florence's birthday. This year there will be over 250 palettes on four stunning palette trees in the Krieble Galleries. READ MORE

Kids Countdown to New Years at Mystic Seaport

Mystic
Join Mystic Seaport Museum for a family friendly musical countdown to the New Year. Kids can make their own party hats starting at 12:00 pm, then watch a holiday  performance and ring in the new year at 3:00 pm with sparklers and confetti cannons. READ MORE

Merry Days and Jolly Nights in New London

New London
The City of New London is proud to announce the commencement of its holiday season with a calendar of events celebrating the diverse array of faiths and culture in New London.  READ MORE

Countdown to Noon with Niantic Children's Museum

Niantic
Ring in the New Year a little early with a 300+ balloon drop at noon! Join the Museum and East Lyme Parks & Recreation for southeastern Connecticut’s premier New Year’s event for children and families. READ MORE

First Day Hike at Fort Griswold

Groton
Join along New Year's Day for a First Day Hike of Fort Griswold Battlefield. Meet your guide at the front gates at noon. Please dress for the weather and bring all friends. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Meigs Point Nature Center- Hammonasset State Park
Fairfield Museum and Historical Society
Kent Chamber of Commerce
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park