Connecticut may be small, but it boasts hundreds of art museums, historical homesteads, science museums, children’s museums, and cultural centers—most of which are open (with COVID-19 safety policies in place) in 2021. Best of all, most of Connecticut's greatest museums and cultural attractions are free for little (and in some cases, all) kids. From the Aldrich Museum in Ridgefield to the Wadsworth Antheneum in Hartford, there's something for every interest and age group. 

Museums were allowed to reopen in June with masking and social distancing rules. Timed tickets and reservations are the current norms. Still craving more? Check out our complete Connecticut museum guide, or venture out on winter day trip with kids.

Connecticut Museums Free For All Kids

• Aldrich Museum
• Bellarmine Museum of Art - scheduled to reopen on January 22, 2021
• Stepping Stones Museum for Children - closed due to Covid-19
• Weir Farm National Historic Site
• Yale University Art Gallery - closed due to Covid- 19 
• Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry - open on Saturdays by reservation only 
• Eli Whitney Museum
• Submarine Force Library 

Connecticut Museums Free For Kids under 1

• Kidcity Children's Museum - closed due to Covid-19 
• The Lutz Museum
• Niantic Children's Museum 

Connecticut Museums Free For Kids under 2

• The Children's Museum 
• New England Carousel Museum

Connecticut Museums Free For Kids under 3

• Peabody Museum of Natural History  - closed for renovations 
• The Maritime Aquarium 
• Stamford Museum and Nature Center
• New England Air Museum
• The Discovery Museum - closed due to Covid-19 
• The Barker Character and Comic Museum - currently open by appointment only

Photo courtesy of New Britain Museum of American Art

Connecticut Museums Free For Kids under 5

• Bruce Museum of Arts and Science - closed for renovations 
• Lyman Allyn Art Museum
• New Britain Museum of Art
• Mashantucket Pequot Museum - scheduled to re-open Spring 2021
• Harriet Beecher Stowe House  - closed due to Covid-19 
• Eric Sloan Museum
• Dinosaur State Park - exhibit closed due to Covid-19 

Connecticut Museums Free For Kids under 6

• Mark Twain House -  closed due to Covid-19 

Connecticut Museums Free For Kids under 12

• Florence Griswold Museum 
• Mattatuck Museum

Connecticut Museums Free For Kids under 18

• Wadsworth Atheneum