Spring Activities in Connecticut for Kids

1. Visit a farm

Farms in the springtime mean one thing—BABY ANIMALS! What kid doesn't love getting up close and personal with little chicks and lambs? Flamig Farm in Hartford County is an especially fun spot.

2. Take a Spring Hike

If your crew isn't already hitting the trails, let this be the year you start a tradition of family hikes. After a wet season, Connecticut's waterfalls are especially beautiful.

3. Weekend Getaway

Get the kids out of the house and take a short trip to somewhere fun in New England. 

RELATED: Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways

 
You can always tell everyone the fish you caught were huge. Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins

4. Go Fishing!

Connecticut has lots to offer the budding angler, so go catch your dinner in a nearby lake, pond, or reservoir—we know the best spots to fish with kids!

5. Hit the Playground

Check out awesome outdoor play spaces in Hartford, Fairfield, and beyond.

6. Eat Ice Cream

Enjoy your first ice cone of the season—we love these spots in the Best Ice Cream in Connecticut.

7. Put a Springtime Fair on Your Calendar

There is probably a Spring fair near you in April or May where you can get fresh flowers and enjoy your local community.

8. Beardsley Zoo

Connecticut's only zoo has rare Amur leopards and other exotic animals. 

RELATED: Farms and Pick-Your-Own Connecticut Guide

 
Spring means the start of amusement park rides around New England! Photo courtesy of Lake Compunce

9. Lake Compounce

Starting on or around Memorial Day weekend, head to the oldest continuously-operating amusement park.

10. Harriet Beecher Stowe and Florence Griswold Homes

Go on a literary or artistic adventure. The homes of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Florence Griswold feature beautiful landscapes and gardens and are child-friendly. 

11. Mini-Golf

The slow pace, imaginative courses, and relatively short duration make mini-golf an activity that's great for the whole family—check out putt-putt golf in Fairfield and Hartford Counties.

12. Go on a Boat Ride

Several places in Connecticut offer rides on the water. See nature up close or experience history on one of these great boat rides.

13. Canoeing and Kayaking 

Paddle down a river or across a lake in a canoe or kayak.

RELATED: Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids

 
Get out and have fun in Connecticut this spring! Photo courtesy of the Glastonbury Parks and Recreation Department

14. Skateboard

There are several skateboarding parks in the Fairfield area for families to enjoy this old-school past-time.

15. Elizabeth Park

Some 800 varieties of roses begin blooming here in early June, stop by to take in their beauty and aroma.

16. Ropes Course

Stretch your muscles and zip-line through one of the many outdoor ropes courses. 

17. Institute for American Indian Studies 

This amazing cultural institution is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 

18. Ansonia Nature Center

Motor on over to the Ansonia Nature Center with your kids to see nature and have a ball on their cool playground.

RELATED: Zip Lines and Ropes Courses in Connecticut for Outdoor Family Adventures

 
Take a swing at spring fun with Connecticut baseball in Hartford. Photo courtesy of the Hartford Yard Goats

19. Baseball

Head to the ballpark. Take your kids to a game played by one of Connecticut's three minor league baseball teams.

20. Full Moon Hike

Get out under moonlit skies and enjoy a full-moon hike at Northwest Park and Nature Center.

21. Maple Sugaring

Have a sweet tooth? Visit one of the many maple syrup farms here in Connecticut and bring some of nature's sugar home.

22. Celebrate Earth Day 

Earth Day comes in April and many places hold annual events where kids can honor the earth and learn to take better care of it!

23. Essex Steam Train

Spend a day with Thomas the Train and hang with the whole Sodor gang. But get your tickets early, because they sell out fast!

24. Earthplace

Stop by for an animal-themed story time or check out their Winged Wonders event on the first Sunday of each month.

25. Find an Indoor Open Play Time

Take advantage of an open playground (indoor) at local gymnastics businesses like Playstrong in Windsor.

26. Go Bicycling

Kids are ready to stretch their legs again, so why not take them on one of these family-friendly bike paths?

27. Spring Day Trip

After the long months of winter, spring is the time to break free from cabin fever and get out and about with a spring-themed day trip.

RELATED: Connecticut Day Trips Guide

 
Go back in time at Dinosaur Place. Photo courtesy of Natures Art Village

28. Dinosaur Place

This 60-acre outdoor adventure park and nature trails filled with life-sized dinosaurs is a great springtime destination. 

29. Action Wildlife Foundation 

Ready to see some unusual animals in a bucolic New England setting? Head to Action Wildlife Foundation in Goshen, home to some 250 animals, including the famous "zonkey."

Happy Spring!

An earlier version of this article was first published in 2018.