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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.

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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

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