The fun is springing up all over Connecticut this weekend with the top things to do with kids! Earth Day photo courtesy of Canva
Sesame Street Live, Earth Day, and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend
Take a peek at all the fun things to do with kids in Connecticut for April 2024! Photo by Andrew Shirey for the National Park Service
Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids April 2024
Summer camps help kids learn new skills and make new friends
GUIDE
Connecticut Summer Camp Guide
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
Kids meet new friends as they jump, slide, and swing at the top indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Romp N Roll in Wethersfield
20 Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Connecticut
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
100 Things To Do in Connecticut Before Kids Grow Up
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
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
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
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
The pediatric health experts at Connecticut Children’s have you covered with answers to common children’s health questions.
Fever Facts, Ear Infections, and How to Identify Common Kids’ Illnesses
How To Throw a Taylor Swift Party
New England Family Travel Guide
Pediatric health experts at Connecticut Children’s share information on the most common health challenges around the holidays.
Help Keep Your Family Healthy This Holiday Season With These Expert Tips
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Connecticut
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
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
GUIDE
Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut
Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Connecticut Children's has created an online parenting toolkit that addresses challenges like choosing appropriate apps and understanding parental controls.
Technology and Kids: Screen Time Limits, Social Media Safety, Cyberbullying, and More Expert Advice
Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
A Dozen Short Hikes in Connecticut for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
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
25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Connecticut Childrens' latest Back to School Toolkit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate, expert advice to keep kids happy and healthy.
Expert Tips for Navigating Back to School Challenges and Tough Talks
Essex has genuine appeal for every family. Photo by Ally Noel.
Essex, Connecticut with Kids: Top 10 Things To See and Do
Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
  VIDEO
25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home
Explore The Wizard Realm, photo courtesy of Puzzle Theory
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
Make ponies the stars of your child's birthday party. Photo courtesy of The Little Party Ponies
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families
Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
125 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
Find a new children's book to read today. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Kids' Books Every Child Should Read Before They Grow Up
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Photo courtesy of the Hartt School Community Division
Dance Classes for Connecticut Kids: 20 Studios for Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, and More
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Staff members are on hand to explain the historic aircraft. Photo courtesy of the New England Air Museum
A Visit to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut with Kids
Photo by Liz Baill
GUIDE
Crafts & Games Guide: 100s of Activities for Kids
With a working farm, plenty of trails to explore, and hands-on programming, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a family-friendly wonderland. Photo courtesy of Stamford Museum & Nature Center
Stamford Museum & Nature Center: 7 Family-Friendly Things To Do
The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps to Learn Programming Skills
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Use recyclables and household objects to build a better bridge.
25 STEM Activities Easy Enough for Preschoolers
Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
Free Museums in Connecticut To Visit with Kids

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Spooktacular Science, Autumn Festival, Fall Hikes

Photo courtesy of Connecticut Science Center
Photo courtesy of Connecticut Science Center
10/16/19 - By Donald Eng

We have reached mid-October, and the fall weather has turned crisp as a Braeburn apple. The rustle and crunch of fallen leaves makes the perfect background noise for all the fall fun Connecticut has to offer. The Ansonia Nature Center is hosting its annual Autumn Festival, featuring horse-drawn wagon rides and a chance to meet spiders, bats, and other creepy crawlies. In Mystic, get active with a self-guided spooky nature hike. And for sweets and science combined, stop by the Connecticut Science Center for its Spooktacular Science Weekend.

If the spooky spirit hasn't quite struck you yet, there is the annual Tower Toot festival and foliage hike in Simsbury. But if your kids can get enough of Halloween, you're sure to find some activities involving pumpkins, costumes, candy, and more in our Connecticut Halloween Guide.

To make sure that you don't miss any of the fun, subscribe to our weekly newsletters and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Read on for our highlights of events happening this weekend, and check our frequently updated daily event calendar for even more ideas.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Pick pumpkins at Warrups Farm. Photo by Ally Noel
Pick pumpkins at Warrups Farm. Photo by Ally Noel

Things To Do All Weekend

Spooky Nature Trail

Mystic
Join the  Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center for their annual Halloween event! Investigate the Nature Center trails on a self-guided tour past wild animals, Jack-o-lanterns and other frightful and delightful creatures. READ MORE

Tower Toot Festival at Heublein Tower in Simsbury

Simsbury
All are invited for this event during the Farmington Valley’s spectacular fall foliage. The way to the Tower is to walk up the Talcott Mountain State Park Trail (about 1 1/2 miles). READ MORE

Holidaze Exhibit at Henry Whitfield State Museum in Guilford

Guilford
Holidaze: The Real Story of Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas Exhibit about the origins and myths of the holidays. READ MORE

Harrybrook Park Haunted Trail

New Milford
Walk the park after dark and experience all that can go bump in the night, see what might be hiding in the trees and feel the terror! Not recommended for anyone under 12. READ MORE

Spooktacular at the Ct Science Center

Hartford
The Connecticut Science Center gets a little spooky and kooky for the annual Spooktacular Science Weekend and invited families to come and have fun. Come in costume and trick or treat. Free admission for kids in costume. Activities include: Special Guests the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus Member Kids’ Pumpkin Giveaway (Members Only) Last Chance to see the Traveling Exhibition Mummies of the World Creepy Crafts Photo Booth Ariel’s Under the Sea Dance Party LIVE! Science Spooky Storytime Potions... READ MORE
Run your tail feathers off...for the Penguins! Photo courtesy of Mystic Aquarium
Run your tail feathers off...for the Penguins! Photo courtesy of Mystic Aquarium

Things To Do Saturday

Run Walk Waddle for the Penguins

Mystic
This 5k road race, or a two-mile walk, supports conservation efforts for the endangered African penguin. Your registration fee helps these amazing birds and gives you some pretty cool perks. Age group winners will take home a unique painting created by an African penguin.  READ MORE

Spooktacular! at the Discovery Museum

Bridgeport
A spooky time at the Discovery Museum. Guests will experience STEM Team Punkin' Chunkin', spooky science, mythology planetarium shows, Mad Science demonstrations, games, crafts, and more. The day will be filled with spooky activities and fun for the entire family.  READ MORE

Library Scavenger Hunt

Wethersfield
Drop in on Saturdays to complete a fun, indoor scavenger hunt around the library. New clues each month. READ MORE

Harvest Market & Dog Costume Parade

Fairfield
The Fairfield Harvest Market & Dog Costume Parade is a day filled with family fun. Featuring 80 vendors offering artwork, crafts, pet products, jewelry, upcycled and rustic furniture, home décor items, and beauty products.  READ MORE

16th Annual Pumpkin Festival

Prospect
The 16th Annual Pumpkin Festival, sponsored by the Office of the Mayor and the Parks and Recreation Department, will be held on the town green. Decorated pumpkins will be displayed around the Green for judging and everyone's enjoyment. READ MORE

Putnam's Great Pumpkin Festival

Putnam
A town-wide celebration including food, music, contests, live music, crafts, art, children's activities and so much more. Families can enjoy live music and a variety of performances. Don't miss the star of the show -- official Great Pumpkins!  READ MORE
Photo courtesy of the Bruce Museum
Photo courtesy of the Bruce Museum

Things To Do Sunday

United Nations Day at Stepping Stones

Norwalk
October 24 is United Nations Day. At 11:30 each day the Stepping Stones Museum will host a "How Does It Work" demonstration about global challenges including poverty, environmental degradation, and more. READ MORE

Rowayton Community Center Halloween Celebration

Norwalk
Come in costume and explore the hay maze, take a pony ride, parade with your peers and enter the costume competition. READ MORE

Cider Making Demonstrations

Mystic
Take a break from the ordinary and come visit a National Historic Landmark and see the 6th generation of Clyde family making cider just like B.F. Clyde did in 1881. READ MORE

Family Gallery Tour

Greenwich
A Museum educator will lead an interactive, discussion-based tour of the Museum’s current exhibitions specifically for families. READ MORE

12th Annual Stamford Charity Chili Cook-Off

Stamford
The 12th Annual Charity Chili Cookoff benefits the The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Inc. Taste some great chilis, browse the offerings of some local vendors, and a mini touch a truck event will be set up for you to explore. READ MORE

State Museum Sunday

Guilford
Free admission for Connecticut residents at any of the four State Museums on the third Sunday of the month. Hosted by the Henry Whitfield State Museum. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: