'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
Princess Tea, Carriage Rides, and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend
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
19 Best Things To Do in Connecticut December 2024 with Kids
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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families
Connecticut is full of happiness, joy, and free Christmas and holiday activities, like Santa at Cabela's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of Bass pro Shops
20 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Connecticut for Kids
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.
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New England 2024
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
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
Groupon's online marketplace offers tons of discounts on activities for kids and families.
Save On Top-Rated Connecticut Outings and Experiences for Kids and Families
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
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
New England Family Travel Guide
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
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.
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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
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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.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
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
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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
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
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
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
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
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
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The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
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
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Mostly Free and Fun Things to Do in CT With Kids This Weekend April 6-7: Autism Awareness, Scavenger Hunts and Expos

4/4/13 - By Pam Hegner

April is Autism Awareness Month, and according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects 1 in 88 children, making it the fastest-growing developmental disability in the country, with no cure. The CDC also reports it can cost a family an average of $60,000 a year.  I know several wonderful children who have been diagnosed, and their parents want awareness, research and resources to help their young ones live long, meaningful lives.

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Saturday is Autism Friendly Day at the Mystic Aquarium. The aquarium will open early, only for families affected by Autism so they can get acclimated and enjoy exhibits. There will also be a quiet room, outdoor free-play zone and special volunteers for an extra hand. Get one free child admission with each full paid adult when you go on the aquarium’s website and print a flyer.   Also on Saturday, head to Storrs for the Autism Speaks U UConn/Tau Kappa Epsilon 5K run/walk. Proceeds benefit Autism research, treatment and prevention.

The Greater Danbury Road Races take place this weekend. Distances include a Half Marathon, 5K and kids fun run, with entry fees raising money for Newtown Police Union's First Responders to the Sandy Hook tragedy. There will be a post-race party with live music.
 
With the weather finally feeling like spring, you'll want to spend more time outside, so if you need some new ideas, check out our review of Best Playgrounds, Skatepark and Playscapes in New London County. 
 
Submit your child's best poem or short story for their chance to be highlighted and matched up with a celebrity reader at this year's 8th Annual Celebration of Young Writers in Washington, Connecticut. The deadline for submissions is April 10th. All children living in Western CT are encouraged to participate.
 
We have created a wonderful resource for you so you can plan ahead for family fun this month. It is a guide for Best Things to do in Connecticut for April. Many of our picks are free or inexpensive, so it will save you some cash! You might need it for summer, as vacations and camps can get costly. Our CT Summer Camp Guide will help you narrow down the choices, as they can get overwhelming. Also, consult our recent posts on Horseback Riding Camps in Fairfield County, Summer Horseback Riding Camps in New Haven County, Sports Camps in New London County,  New Haven County Drama and Dance Camps, and New Haven County Science and Nature Camps. Don’t wait until the last minute, as they fill up quickly!  
 
R&B Sportsworld in Winsted will host a Mini Golf Fundraiser to benefit the Beardsley and Memorial Library. Enjoy a round of golf for just five dollars! 
 
In case you didn’t get enough Easter fun last weekend, Naugatuck is hosting their 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. The Easter Bunny, clowns, magicians will also be on hand for this celebration for all ages. 
 
Make-a-Painting Sundays start this weekend and run through December at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. They provide the supplies, you just show up, head outside and start painting plein air. All skill levels are welcome! There will be other art projects, games, scavenger hunts and a puppet variety show to complete your day.  
 
Children and families can take part in the Dig New Haven Family Program at the New Haven Museum. Participate in an archeological dig celebrating New Haven’s 375th birthday. Prizes will be given for completing the scavenger hunt.  Another exciting exploration will be the Family History Scavenger Hunt in Ridgefield. Grab a booklet at the Keeler Tavern Museum and travel to over twenty historical sites around town, and win prizes.
 
Project Storefonts in New Haven is hosting Family Dance Party, so get your boogie on, while DJ Hu-Man spins the tunes. 
 
Take a prehistoric trip to the ERTH's Dinosaur Petting Zoo at the Bushnell in Hartford. Feed, water and interact with life-like dinosaurs in this educational and thrilling performance. You won’t believe your eyes!  
 
Budding chefs will want to check out the free Kids in the Kitchen program at the CT Historical Society. Explore the exhibit "Cooking by the Book: Amelia Simmons to Martha Stewart”  and then make and decorate a chef’s hat or apron to take home. 
 
Try on a space suit, meet R2D2, build and fly a robot at the New England Air Museum’s Space Expo. This action-packed day will teach your kids about space exploration with interactive exhibits.  Former Astronaut Jerry Ross set a record for seven NASA space shuttle launches, and he will be there to talk to visitors about his experiences. 
 
Check our events calendar often because we add new events daily, and sign up to get our updates on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
 
Have a wonderful weekend!