Things To Do in New Haven - Museums and Arts

Yale University in New Haven has world-class museums. Photo courtesy of Nicolas Boullosa/CC by 2.0

1. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

Walk among the dinosaurs in the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and get up close to the museum’s collection in the Discovery Room. 

2. Yale Marsh Botanical Garden

Explore the Yale Marsh Botanical Gardens and see carnivorous, tropical, and desert plants.

3. Yale Old Campus

Stroll through the campus of Yale University to admire the architecture and, for good luck, touch the foot of the statue honoring the president of Yale from 1846 to 1871, Theodore Dwight Woolsey.  FREE 

4. Connecticut Children's Museum

Explore the rooms of the Connecticut Children's Museum. Exhibits focus on music, nature, math, language, and more. 

5. Shubert Theater

Catch a show at the historic Shubert Theater where some of the biggest names in theater got their starts, or get lost in the sounds of music at New Haven Symphony, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. 

6. International Festival of of Arts and Ideas

Enjoy free performances on the Family Stage, special programs for kids, and pop-up neighborhood celebrations during the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, a 15-day extravaganza of performing arts, lectures, and conversations throughout the city each June. Check the Mommy Poppins CT Event Calendar before you go for the festival’s most family-friendly programs. 

7. Yale Center for British Art

Take home a little piece of British pop culture from the Yale Center for British Art’s gift shop. Before you explore the museum’s galleries, ask for a children's activity kit at the information desk.

8. New Haven Symphony Orchestra

Be amazed by extraordinary performances geared towards families, including concerts featuring Broadway hits and Hollywood staples.

9. Yale University Art Gallery

Pick up an architecture guide or felt art kit for the kids at the entrance desk of Yale University Art Gallery and go exploring. Be sure to visit the Ancient Art Gallery and sculpture terrace, then head outside to relax in the sculpture garden. Check the Gallery calendar for family programs before your visit. FREE

10. Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium

See stars at the Planetarium’s free planetarium shows and telescope observations  (Tuesday nights only.) FREE

11. Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop

Build something awesome at the Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop. Run an American Flyer train from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. 

Things To Do in New Haven - Indoor Fun

12. Shops at Yale

Check out the Shops at Yale to work up an appetite - you will not regret it! 

13. It Adventure Indoor Ropes Course

Get your adrenaline fix with a visit to one of our favorite indoor play spaces in New Haven County. Swinging beams, cargo nets, suspension bridges, rope ladders, and plank-walking are just some of the attractions.

14. Escape New Haven

Challenge your mind and solve a series of puzzles that will help you to Escape New Haven; the escape room, that is.

15. Atticus Bookstore/Café

Find your old favorite recordings – on actual records – and new favorite books at Atticus Bookstore/Café. The aroma of coffee, fresh bread, and the café’s legendary black bean soup will beckon you to stay a while as the kids browse the excellent children's book selections.

Restaurants in New Haven

The white clam slice is worth the wait at Frank Pepe's in New Haven. Photo courtesy of the pizzeria

16. Frank Pepe's

Get a taste of history and some of the most famous pizza in America at Frank Pepe's. The signature White Clam Pizza has been ranked No. 1 in America by The Daily Meal. 

17. Ashley's Ice Cream

Cool off with a scoop (or three) of Ashley's Ice Cream, where the whipped cream is made fresh in the store daily. The kids will love the Frisbee décor and the story of Ashley Whippet. 

18. Heirloom

Don your reading glasses and head to Heirloom at The Study for an elegant but kid-friendly dinner. Be sure to peruse the art gallery when you visit the restrooms (though you may want to vet the artwork first before sharing it with the kids).

19. Claire's Corner Copia

Join the revolution at Claire’s Corner Copia, a haven for vegans and gluten free diners. Dessert is a special process: you choose the cake, then pick special ingredients and frosting. Did anyone say Lithuanian Coffee Cake?

20. Armada Brewing

Pop in for a pint at a local spot with a family-friendly atmosphere (and some kid-approved food).

Things To Do in New Haven - Outdoor Fun

Lighthouse Point Park has a beach with wide sandy spaces and lighthouse views. Photo courtesy of Versageek/CC by 2.0

21. Lighthouse Point Park

Head to Lighthouse Point Park in the summertime to take a spin on the antique Lighthouse Point Carousel (weekend and holiday afternoons), cool off on the splash pad, perambulate along the beach on the boardwalk, and admire the lighthouse (a parking fee applies). Fantasy of Lights turns the park into a winter wonderland from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.

21. East Rock Park

Perfect for a picnic, East Rock Park has wonderful views of New Haven and Long Island Sound.

23. Saint Patrick's Day Parade

Every March, New Haven takes to the streets to celebrate all things Irish!

24. Edgewood Park

Spend an afternoon in Edgewood Park running through the Sundial Sprinkler, playing on the playgrounds (there’s a separate Tot Playground), walking along the pond on the Sensory Trail, crossing the footbridge, skateboarding, watching a game, and visiting the inhabitants of the Duck Pond. Visit the Ranger Station to meet amphibians and reptiles, go on a guided nature walk, or participate in a nature program. FREE

25. Yale Bulldogs

If sports are your thing, catch a Youth Day at one of the Yale Bulldogs' games.

Originally published 6/12/15, 8/19/18.