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
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Get into the spirit of the season with holiday activities like Magic of Lights at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Photo courtesy of XL Center
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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Fairies, Giant Pumpkins, Spooky Family Fun

Corn mazes will be packed with puzzlers all weekend. Photo by Ally Noel
Corn mazes will be packed with puzzlers all weekend. Photo by Ally Noel
9/25/19 - By Ally Noel

Okay, there may have been Halloween candy in the stores for months already. But this weekend marks the beginning of the "Spooky Season," as my kids like to say, with haunted hay rides, haunted "isles", haunted graveyards, and other assorted things that go bump in the night...all happening in Connecticut this weekend!

For parents more interested in daytime or little-kid fun, check out the apacas in Voluntown, the Wee Faerie Village in Old Lyme, or Soupstock, an unexpected marriage of music and soup (yum!) There's also a fantastic, free outdoor movie night in New Haven, a celebration of New Canaan’s history at New Canaan History Day, and afamily-favorite Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off in Ridgefield.

To make sure that you don't miss any of the seasonal fun, bookmark our Connecticut Halloween Fun guide. You can also subscribe to our free weekly newsletters and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have some (spooky) fun out there!

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See if you can spy some elfin magic at work at Wee Faerie Village. Photo courtesy of The Florence Griswold Museum
See if you can spy some elfin magic at work at Wee Faerie Village. Photo courtesy of The Florence Griswold Museum

Things to Do in Connecticut All Weekend

Wee Faerie Village: Old Timey Town at Florence Griswold

Old Lyme
This year’s Wee Faerie Village theme is Yesterville: A Wee Old-Timey Town! Everyone has a history, including the wee faerie folk. Inspired by the living history museums in the human world such as Mystic Seaport, Greenfield Village, Sturbridge Village, and Colonial Williamsburg, Yesterville is just the place for the faeries to experience the joys of yesteryear. READ MORE

Haunted Attractions at Legends of Fear

Shelton
The Hallow comprises 7 frightening attractions intended for kids 12 and up. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold at the gate, so advance purchase is strongly recommended.  READ MORE

Annual Durham Fair

Durham
In 1916, the Durham Fair began a tradition. That tradition continues today during the last full weekend in September when the fairgrounds come alive and magically transform into Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair. READ MORE

Soupstock Music & Arts Festival

Shelton
Soupstock Music and Arts Festival is a two-day family-friendly celebration taking place at Veterans Memorial Park in Shelton. Guests will enjoy soup and other tasty treats, as well as musical entertainment and a huge Kids Zone with scheduled activities throughout the day. READ MORE

Stamford Greek Festival

Stamford
The annual Greek Fest at the Church of the Archangels in Stamford is known for its fabulous food, music and fun. This year, the event will offer delicious taverna-style Greek food, all ready to eat on-site or to take to-go.  READ MORE

Lisbon Fall Festival

Lisbon
The day’s events start with a 3.5 mile road race at the Lisbon Town Hall beginning at 11:30 am and finishing in front of the Lisbon Community Center. READ MORE

RetroWorld Gaming Expo

Hartford
It's the largest gaming convention in the state. All encompassing gaming expo featuring video games, cosplay, tournaments, kids freeplay area, live music, game shows, arcade and more. READ MORE

Phantom Fall Fest at Lake Compounce

Bristol
Get ready for two totally different Halloween experiences based on the time of day. Come early for kid-size thrills, then at 6 PM the fear kicks in gear.  During the day, bring the whole family and get ready to celebrate Halloween with the kids during the fun for all ages daytime event. Enjoy themed fall foods, several kiddie land rides and attractions throughout the park. Then, the night are for frights!  It's a whole different park after dark. With four haunted houses, three scare zones, and themed food and drinks, it's Lake Compounce as you've never seen before. Get ready... READ MORE

Foster Family Farm Corn Maze

South Windsor
Get lost among four miles of trails spread over two full corn fields at Foster Family Farm. While you're there, don't forget the tractor and farm playscapes, and the daily hay rides. READ MORE

43rd Annual Apple Festival

Trumbull
The Apple Festival features famous homemade pies, quiches, a huge variety of homemade baked goods, candy and caramel apples and a food tent serving breakfast and lunch. There will be mums, cider, pumpkins and a variety of locally grown apples available for purchase. READ MORE

West Haven Apple Festival

West Haven
Live music, food, children's rides, vendors, and family activities highlight the annual West Haven Apple Festival at the First Congregational Church of West Haven. The apple festival annually draws more than 15,000 visitors. READ MORE

Things to Do in Connecticut Saturday

Ansonia Harvest Festival

Ansonia ~ Free
Visit Ansonia's annual Harvest Festival in September. Enjoy a bounce house, batting cages, vendors, food and music to commemorate the changing seasons. READ MORE

Pumpkin and Craft Fair

Quaker Hill
Head to the Quaker Hill Baptist Church to check out local handmade craft items, pick through the white elephant tables, stay for lunch, purchase your dessert, pumpkins, mums, and more. READ MORE

National Alpaca Farm Days at Lavender Hill Farm

Voluntown
Visitors of all ages can enjoy feeding the alpacas hay while learning all about this super-soft animal. In addition to the 20 alpacas on the farm, there are also two horses, many chickens, and a popular turkey, named Mr. Birch. READ MORE
These big pumpkins look straight out of a storybook! Photo Courtesy of Ridgefield Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off
These big pumpkins look straight out of a storybook! Photo Courtesy of Ridgefield Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off

Things to Do in Connecticut Sunday

Ridgefield's Annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off

Ridgefield
Ridgefield's Ballard Park will be transformed into a fall festival where giant pumpkin and squash growers from around the region will compete for cash prizes. Come and see which one wins! READ MORE

New Canaan History Day

New Canaan
For the inaugural New Canaan History Day celebration, see the Acorn Printing Press in action and enjoy family friendly activities, including making corn husk dolls, lemonade and butter and playing games like hoop rolling and hopscotch. READ MORE

Puttin' on the Dog

Greenwich
Expect to see adoptable dog parades, fun demonstrations, entertaining competitions, a scavenger hunt and so much more at the 32 Annual Puttin' on the Dog Festival. READ MORE

Voluntown Farmers Market

Voluntown
Local farmers and artisans gather under the maple trees to sell their goods, including local crafts, produce, soaps, jewelry, and more. READ MORE

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