Cozy up to some holiday fun in Connecticut as December 2024 brings a little joy to the Nutmeg State! Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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Connecticut is full of happiness, joy, and free Christmas and holiday activities, like Santa at Cabela's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass pro Shops
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Raise a hand if you're excited for the best holiday lights drive-thrus and Christmas light shows in Connecticut! Magic of Lights photo courtesy of the XL Center
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Connecticut
Get into the spirit of the season with holiday activities like Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Photo courtesy of XL Center
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Connecticut for Kids
Polar Express trains are coming to towns all over New England for Christmas 2024! Essex Steam Train Railroad photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
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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
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
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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
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Groupon's online marketplace offers tons of discounts on activities for kids and families.
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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
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Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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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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Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
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Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
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Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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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.
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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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Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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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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The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
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Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
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'Tis the season for holiday fun and more things to do in Connecticut this weekend. Kid's Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
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New Year's Weekend Best Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids: Bowling, Hiking, and Wagon Rides

A hike is always more fun when a scavenger hunt is involved. Photo courtesy of New Canaan Nature Center
A hike is always more fun when a scavenger hunt is involved. Photo courtesy of New Canaan Nature Center
12/30/20 - By Ally Noel

Buh-bye 2020, hello, 2021! I don't know about you, but we are so excited to turn the calendar and welcome in a new year. Even though all of our worries may not disappear at the stroke of midnight, let’s start 2021 off right by getting some fresh air with First Day hikes in Enfield or Sherman, or try out an outdoor scavenger hunt at the Nature Center in New Canaan. Or, take a step back (before leaping forward) in time: It's the last weekend to learn about ancient civilizations at Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed exhibit at the Connecticut Science Center.

Looking for more ways to celebrate the New Year? Grab a thermos of cocoa and hit the road for one last chance to check out Connecticut homes with spectacular holiday lights and decor. For some at-home fun, check out our Poppins@Home pages, including a new Virtual Escape Room series, a planting workshop, and a LEGO art and design workshop. If you're out and about, just remember to bring your mask and practice social distancing.  Keep tabs on our Connecticut Winter Fun Guide for even more local happenings, and if you're snuggling in, check out these virtual storytimes, events, and classes to stream from home.

While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and maintaining appropriate distance. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our events calendar to find something else to do.

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The goats are welcoming at the farm. Photo courtesy of Bradley Mountain Farm
The goats are welcoming at the farm. Photo courtesy of Bradley Mountain Farm

Things To Do New Year's Weekend in Connecticut

Ring in the New Year with Wagon Rides

December 29-January 3 - Franklin
Continue your holiday celebrations with a tractor-drawn wagon ride. Bring your blanket and hot cocoa as you enjoy the scenic views of the Blue Slope Country Museum and Farm property. READ MORE

Kids Night Out at Newtown Community Center

December 31 - Newtown
Take the night off while your kids enjoy a full evening of fun! Dinner is not provided, we will have snacks available for purchase. READ MORE

New Year's Eve at Mystic Seaport

December 31 - Mystic
Enjoy live music on the Thompson Building’s Benet Deck with the band Sharks Coe Cruisin’, and food and drinks at the Social Café. Kids can make their own party hats and play a scavenger hunt. Instead of waiting until midnight to celebrate, ring in the new year at 3 p.m. with noisemakers, a countdown, and cannon firing on the McGraw Quad! READ MORE

Spring on the Hill

December 31 - Farmington
Balance screen time with some outdoor fun at Hill-Stead’s Spring afterschool program. Explore Hill-Stead’s expansive property, hike the trails, create natural artworks, and much more. READ MORE

IMAX Movies: Final Screenings at the Maritime Aquarium

Through January 17 - Norwalk
The Maritime's IMAX theater is slated for demolition in 2021 to make way for a federal railroad bridge replacement project. Sending it out in glory by watching a screening of as many as 22 fan-favorite movies from the past three decades! READ MORE

New Year's at Bowlmor Lanes

December 31 - Norwalk
Celebrate the New Year on your own lane with special packages for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day that the whole family will enjoy.  READ MORE

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

December 31 - New Hartford
Ski in the New Year with Ski Sundown. Lifts and trails will be open beginning at 8:00am.  READ MORE

New Year's at Nutmeg Bowl

December 31 - Fairfield
Spend New Year's eve at Nutmeg Bowl. Enjoy two hours of bowling complete with noisemakers hats, and more. Pizza, soft drinks, chips, and renal shoes are included. READ MORE

Make A Wish CT Surfside Hotel Polar Plunge

January 1 - Stratford
Join the Surfside Hotel for a socially distanced polar plunge on New Year’s Day to benefit Make A Wish CT. There will be a countdown at noon, prizes for plungers, and coffee & hot chocolate afterwards. READ MORE

First Friday Hike or Snowshoe

January 1 - Sherman
Start the new year with a hike or snowshoe excursion for fresh air, exercise and good company. Different trails and routes each month.   READ MORE

New Year's Day Hike

January 1 - Enfield
Come explore the 2.5 mile loop trail at Sciantic River State Park. This year your are encouraged to conduct their own self-guided hike. Dress appropriately for weather and proper footwear for conditions.  READ MORE

Goats N’ Pajamas

January 2 - Southington
Come with your family to put the herd to bed, cuddle with your favorite goat, and experience pure silliness together. You will be brushing the goats, feeding them, and putting pajamas, tutus, and other costumes on the goats. READ MORE

MAYA: Hidden Worlds Revealed

Through January 3 - Hartford
Step into the world of the ancient Maya and explore one of the world’s most complex and advanced civilizations. Explore Mayan art, culture, architecture, and more through hundreds of authentic artifacts, immersive environments, and plenty of hands-on experiences.  READ MORE

Holiday Season Scavenger Hunt

Through January 4 - New Canaan
Grab the entire family (and any lingering holiday visitors too!) and head on down to the New Canaan Nature Center! Enjoy a special holiday scavenger hunt around the nature center property: search forests, fields, and ponds for clues that will help you solve a fun holiday riddle. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland Walk at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Through January 6 - Bridgeport
This winter the Beardsley Zoo will transform the Zoo Grounds into a Winter Wonderland. Visit during regular Zoo hours to see and walk through 10 festive vignettes at the Zoo. Santa will make an appearance on Sundays for a socially distant "hello!"  READ MORE
Enjoy outdoor art, like Frank Stella's Stars at the Aldrich. Photo by Ally Noel
Enjoy outdoor art, like Frank Stella's Stars at the Aldrich. Photo by Ally Noel

Best Things To Do in Connecticut in January with Kids

Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey

Through May 9 - Ridgefield
Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey will be presented both in the galleries and the Museum's Sculpture Garden. READ MORE

World Peace: Fall Exhibition at MOCA Westport

Through January 17 - Westport
The works in World Peace reflect the culture of identity, and the divided and fractured political climate of America’s past and present. This timely multi-media exhibition contains photography, sculpture, video, site-specific installations, works on paper & protest art. READ MORE

When the Earth Shakes

Through January 31 - West Hartford
Find out what engineers do to keep our world safer…When the Earth Shakes! at The Children's Museum. Jump on the Quake Karaoke platform and match an earthquake seismogram! Build your structure, set it on a “beach,” and launch a wave in the 16-ft Tsunami Tank!  READ MORE

IMAX Movies: Final Screenings at the Maritime Aquarium

Through January 17 - Norwalk
The Maritime's IMAX theater is slated for demolition in 2021 to make way for a federal railroad bridge replacement project. Sending it out in glory by watching a screening of as many as 22 fan-favorite movies from the past three decades! READ MORE

Wildlife in Winter

Jan 16 - Sherman
Even in the middle of winter, there is still plenty of wildlife to see and learn about among the diverse habitats of Deer Pond Farm. Conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni will point out evidence of different wildlife species while discussing the strategies that plants and animals employ to survive a frigid New England winter. Information on what you can do to help them will be provided. READ MORE

Annual Holiday Train Show at the Connecticut River Museum

Through Feb 14 - Essex
There are more trains, more scenery, and lots of new surprises at this 31st annual family-friendly exhibit created by train artist Steve Cryan. Visitors can challenge themselves with an I-spy scavenger hunt through the display. Special Lionel and American Flyer train layouts allow even toddler-sized viewers to enjoy the magic. READ MORE

More Things To Do in Connecticut in January

New Year's Eve With Kids: 15 Ideas for Family Celebrations at Home

Countdown treat bags, time capsules, and more ways to welcome 2025 at home. READ MORE

Christmas Vacation in CT: 35 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids

Make the most of the school holiday break with these fun activities in CT. READ MORE

Online Winter Holiday Break Camps Kids Will Love

From theater and dance classes to cooking and STEM camps. READ MORE

50 Awesome Winter Activities in Connecticut for Kids

These fresh-air adventures and indoor ideas are a sure cure for cabin fever. READ MORE

Best Snow Tubing in Connecticut for Families

Winter fun awaits with snow tubing in and around Connecticut! READ MORE

Winter Day Trips in Connecticut for Families

Explore the best winter day trips in Connecticut, with indoor fun and outdoor activities! READ MORE

Northeast Ski Mountains for Families

Nearby ski areas are welcoming families for safe winter adventures. READ MORE

40 Outdoor Activities for Kids this Winter

These activities will have kids begging to play outside this winter! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Newtown Community Center
Bowlmor Lanes