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30 Awesome Winter Activities in Connecticut for Kids

Hit the slopes and enjoy the winter weather! Photo by Ally Noel
Hit the slopes and enjoy the winter weather! Photo by Ally Noel
1/16/22 - By Clementina Verge

Winter in New England: It can feel cozy, yes, but also incredibly long. Here is some inspiration for winter activities in Connecticut that will get your family out and about on some fresh-air adventures—or at least make indoor time a little more interesting. Whether you want to sled, ski, hike, collect some maple syrup, or explore the great outdoors at our fantastic nature centers, there are fun (and safe) ideas for kids of all ages.

If this isn't enough to keep your troops from a winter mutiny, you can find even more ideas in our Connecticut Winter Fun Guide—from Outdoor Activities You Can Do At-Home this Winter to the Best Snow Tubing Spots for Connecticut Kids and so much more.

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Be sure to check with the venue for its COVID guidelines and requirements before heading out to any event. Some events and activities are getting canceled or postponed at the last minute due to the latest COVID surge.

Winter Outdoor Activities in Connecticut with Kids 

1. Sledding

Cruise down our sledding favorite hills in Hartford or Fairfield.

2. Skiing and snowboarding

Conquer the slopes at a local ski and snowboard resort.

Look forward to a taste of fresh maple syrup later this winter.
Look forward to a taste of fresh maple syrup later this winter. Photo by Ally Noel

3. Maple sugaring

Learn how maple syrup was discovered and see how it is made at one of CT's many sugarhouses.

4. Cross country skiing

Try out cross country skiing with the family.

5. Winter at the zoo

Bundle up and see how the animals spend their winter at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, which is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Tubing offers the thrill of skiing minus the extra cost and gear at Powder Ridge.
Tubing offers the thrill of skiing minus the extra cost and gear at Powder Ridge. Photo by Ally Noel

6. Snow tubing

Enjoy the thrill of snow tubing down a well-groomed trail in a soft-sided inner tube.

7. Winter hikes

Hike the trails at the Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton. 

8. Winter Walks

Enjoy the crisp air and sparkling views that only a winter walk can offer.

Bundle up and board a winter cruise for some seal-spotting.
Bundle up and board a winter cruise for some seal-spotting. Photo by Ally Noel

9. See seals

Take a cruise on the Long Island Sound to see the seals with the Maritime Aquarium. 

10. Visit the farm

Explore art in the great outdoors and life at the farm at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. 

11. Ice skating

Lace up your skates and check out one of these outdoor skating rinks. 

12. Nature centers

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! So, bundle up and explore the great outdoors at one of these Nature Centers. 

Spot bald eagles at the Shepaug Nature Center.
Spot bald eagles at the Shepaug Nature Center. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel

13. See eagles

The Shepaug eagle viewing site has been showing kids the wonders of eagles for over 30 years. Specialists with telescopes will be available to help viewers spot eagles and other birds of prey.

Winter Indoor Activities in Connecticut with Kids 

14. Learn about local indigenous culture

Head to the Institute for American Indian Studies Museum and Research Center in Washington and learn about the contributions of indigenous cultures. 

It's a not-so-baby beluga!  
It's a not-so-baby beluga! Photo courtesy of mysticaquarium.org

15. Visit Mystic

Spend a day in Mystic greeting beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium and exploring maritime history at Mystic Seaport Museum.

16. Farmers Markets

It's always a beautiful day at the Westport Winter Farmers' Market, located in the greenhouses at Gilberties’ Herb Garden.

17. RPM Raceway

Speed seekers will be able to get their adrenaline pumping at RPM Raceway in Stamford.

IT Adventure boasts the largest indoor ropes course in the world!  
IT Adventure boasts the largest indoor ropes course in the world! Photo courtesy of Only in Your State

18. IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course

Check out the largest indoor ropes course in the world (yes! in the world...): IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course in New Haven.

19. New England Carousel Museum

Take a look at restored carousel horses housed at The New England Carousel Museum in Bristol.

20. Sample the best hot chocolate

Grab a hot chocolate at our favorite treat places in Fairfield County.

Have a rock climbing adventure.  
Have a rock climbing adventure. Photo courtesy of chelseapiersct.com

21. Adventure Center

Spend some time rock climbing and jumping in the trampoline room in the Adventure Center at Chelsea Piers CT.

22. Paint pottery

Create a painted piece of pottery at home or in the studio at Hands on Pottery. 

23. New England Air Museum

Snowy conditions won't prevent you from taking a family adventure at the New England Air Museum in South Windsor.

24. Maritime Aquarium

Pet jellyfish and stingrays at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

25. Obstacle courses

Build your very own indoor obstacle course without leaving the house. 

Chug over to check out the trains at the Connecticut River Museum 
Chug over to check out these amazing trains. Photo courtesy of the Connecticut River Museum

26. See trains

Check out the Holiday Train Show at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, open through Valentine's Day.

27. Indoor playgrounds

When the chilly weather keeps the kids inside, check out one of these Indoor Play Spaces. 

CT Science Center is warm all winter long.  
Spend the day steeped in science. Photo courtesy of the CT Science Center, Facebook

28. CT Science Center

Plan a day trip to the CT Science Center and take part in hands-on activities and experiments. 

29. Make frozen bubbles

When the temp drops, it's time to try one of our favorite science experiments.

Dive into an indoor pool 
Dive in, the water's fine! Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins

30. Go swimming

Pretend you are on a tropical vacation when you take a dip at one of these indoor swimming pools.

Originally published on December 8, 2017