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
Goat Snuggles photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
Sesame Street Live, Earth Day, and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend

Weekend Fun: Carnivals, River Glow, and Waterskiing

Kids settle in after fair activities to watch the River Glow. Photo courtesy of River Glow Pawcatuck
Kids settle in after fair activities to watch the River Glow. Photo courtesy of River Glow Pawcatuck
7/31/19 - By Donald Eng

It is hard to believe but August is here, which means it's time to start maxing out on weekend fun before school-year activities and sports take over. With the state agricultural fairs still a few weeks away, this weekend would be a great time to head out to some fun on-the-water activities like a waterski show in Litchfield, a model yacht regatta in Mystic, and the annual floating bonfires of River Glow in Pawcatuck. There are also fundraising carnivals in Easton and Orange, and an outdoor circus performance in New London.

Don’t forget to bookmark our Summer Fun Guide for even more ways to enjoy the heart of the season. The heat seems to be sticking around, but plenty of great low-cost swimming pools and no-cost spraygrounds are just a drive away.  

We update our Events Calendar frequently so be sure to check back for even more great suggestions. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our free newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

All Weekend

Model Yacht Regatta

Mystic
The International One-Meter yachts return to the Mystic Seaport Museum with boats expected from New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. READ MORE

North Branford Potato and Corn Festival

North Branford
The PoCoFest is back in 2023 and it's still a free and fun family event. Highlights include a car and bike show, carnival rides, food, live entertainment, and more. READ MORE

Easton's Annual Fireman's Carnival

Easton
This old fashioned, much beloved local carnival has attractions that appeal to all ages. READ MORE

Orange Volunteer Firemen's Carnival

Orange
The Firemen's Carnival is a fun-filled day with rides, fireworks, free prizes for children, carnival treats, and delicious food. Parking and admission are free. Fireworks are Friday and Saturday night. READ MORE

Norwalk Seaport Association Haunted Lighthouse

Norwalk
You won’t have to wait until October for spine-tingling, ghost-hunting adventures. Ghosts, ghouls and goblins will be waiting for you on Sheffield Island during the Norwalk Seaport Association’s ''Haunted Lighthouse” weekend. READ MORE

Water Ski Show at Bantam Lake

Litchfield
Every year the Bantam Lake Ski Club comes together to put on an awe inspiring Cyprus Gardens style ski show. You'll see pyramids, ballet lines, boat O's, jumping, mixed doubles, barefooting, trick skiing, wake boarding, surfing, kids lines and more. READ MORE

SoNo Arts Fest

Nowalk
More than 100 juried fine art and craft artists and vendors are expected for this annual street fair in Norwalk. There will also be live music and a puppet parade winding through the city streets. READ MORE

Saturday

Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival in Hartford

Hartford
Authentic Caribbean cuisine, cool island beverages, island rhythms, and spectacular costumes and dance bring a festive Caribbean atmosphere to the riverfront, during a free, day-long, family-friendly festival.  READ MORE

Kent's Annual Sidewalk Festival

Kent
Merchants offer sales on their porches, under tents, and in their stores as well as drawings for gift certificates and merchandise. Some shops host demonstrations and tastings, and the Kent Memorial Library holds an outdoor book sale. READ MORE

Things That Go Bump in the Night

Litchfield
Join Gerri Griswold for a night walk. Learn to identify all of those insect, owl, and frog voices that lend such beautiful ambience to a summer evening. READ MORE

Annual Sharon on the Green Arts and Craft Fair

Sharon
Over 100 Crafts people. artists and artisans from far and wide make this event a “must attend” show. The show uses all of the Upper Green from the library to the Methodist Church. (The length of Upper Main Street). READ MORE

Stonington Village Fair

Stonington
The Stonington Village Fair is a regional time-honored tradition drawing thousands annually. Traditions of the fair include a pottery tent, artisan booths, children's activities, live music, and delicious food vendors. READ MORE

Green Corn Festival

Washington
Corn was a cause for celebration among many of the native American people. Celebrate the corn harvest with dancing, music, food, and more such as activities including drumming, dancing, children’s activities, flute music by Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe), Native Nations Dance Troupe, vendors and stories.  READ MORE

Sunday

Nimble Arts Circus

New London
This small circus troupe's show has become an annual New London summer happening. Smart, funny, and sophisticated, Nimble Arts will surprise you with their award-winning circus arts: trapeze, juggling, comedy, acrobatics, with new acts this year. READ MORE

Sanctuary Summer Series :A Fungus Among Us

Newtown
Hike the sanctuary in search of a myriad of mushrooms! Learn the difference between edible vs. non-edible mushrooms, different kinds of fungus and their uses, and other wild edibles in the area. READ MORE

Shakespeare on the Green & Green Expo

Ridgefield
Bring the family for a free, outdoor day of fun! An annual summer tradition, Shakespeare’s classic play comes to life in a family-friendly production –  outside, under a tent on the baseball field adjacent to The Playhouse. READ MORE

The Last of the Shark Hunters

Greenwich
Keith Cowley, shark advocate and Curator of the Living Sharks Museum, will discuss the legacy of legendary shark sport fisherman Captain Frank Mundus. READ MORE

Launch Party: Tippy Goes to the Doctor

Simsbury
Tthe Storyteller’s Cottage will hold a free party celebrating the launch of Simsbury resident Amanda Bannikov’s latest children’s book, Tippy Goes to the Doctor. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: