If your child’s birthday falls during the summer months you have hit the jackpot in terms of party options. Let’s face it, keeping 20 little munchkins, or your entire extended family, happy outside is a much more appealing option than in your living room, right? If your own backyard isn’t suitable there are a plethora of choices for hosting an outdoor event such as a birthday party or family reunion in the Hartford area. From simple parks with great picnic set-ups to places that host more structured outdoor party events and take care of some of the planning for you, read on to find the right choice for you, and check out our Birthday Party Guide for even more options. 

Large Capacity Outdoor Parties

Wickham Park
Wickham Park in Manchester is a beautiful, 250 acre private park known for its many beautifully manicured, themed gardens. It has a large selection of outdoor rental areas to choose from, some with pavilions and/or picnic tables and charcoal grills, depending upon your needs. Reservation areas range in capacity from 30 to 225 people. The park also has tennis courts, volleyball courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, a playground, and an aviary, among other things.

1329 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06040

Winding Trails
Winding Trails is a private recreation area that includes a lake for swimming and boating, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, bocce courts, horseshoe pits, softball and soccer fields (sports equipment provided), playgrounds, various pavilion areas with grills, and 12 miles of nature trails. Its facilities can accommodate small groups as well as large parties of up to 300 people.

50 Winding Trails, Farmington, CT 06032

Northwest Park
This 473-acre, multi-recreational facility offers a nature center, 12 miles of trails, animal exhibits, a playground, and picnic facilities. The picnic pavilion has a capacity of 150 people; to reserve it, you must fill out a facility request form (available online) to be approved by the town of Windsor.

145 Lang Road, Windsor, CT 06095

Hill-stead Museum
The Hill-stead Museum grounds has three separate areas where you can book and host an outdoor event: the Sunken Garden, the Grass Court, and the West Lawn and Veranda. Each has a capacity of up to at least 200 people and can accommodate tents. This would be appropriate if you are looking to host a more upscale party that includes adults.

35 Mountain Road, Farmington, CT 06032

Farm Parties

Flamig Farm
This fun farm offers party packages that include rental of its outdoor pavilion area, which includes 8 tables that can each seat 12, entrance to the petting zoo, and grain to feed the animals. For an extra charge you can add a private pony for rides or a tractor-pulled hayride. (Flamig also offers rental of its indoor party room.)

7 Shingle Mill Road, West Simsbury, CT 06092

Auer Farm
Auer Farm hosts birthday parties in its outside pavilion (or the Learning Center Room) at the 4H-Education Center on the farm. Parties consist of one hour of farm teacher-led activities and one hour for cake, presents, etc. Choose from a variety of themed programs, including visiting and helping take care of the farm animals or making fresh ice cream using an old-fashioned, hand-cranked freezer. Check the web site for all options.

158 Auer Farm Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002

Westmoor Park
Westmoor Park is an educational center consisting of a small barnyard area with beloved animals, perennial gardens, wildflower meadows, and woodland trails. It is a very popular place for toddler and preschool birthday parties because of its manageable size and naturalist staff, although it can be rented for any age.

119 Flagg Road, West Hartford, CT 06117

Other Outdoor Options

Roaring Brook Nature Center
Another fun outdoor option for an outdoor birthday party is Roaring Brook Nature Center. Parties can be reserved for up to 2 hours: the first hour includes a guided program such as a live animal demonstration or nature walk while the second hour is open for cake, presents, parent-led activities, etc.

70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT 06019

Bushnell Park Carousel
This venue is currently closed for renovations (originally slated to reopen in Spring 2015, that date has been pushed back). I’m still including it, however, because it is such a fun and unique place to have a warm weather party. Parties are held in the pavilion and include two hours of free rides and a balloon for each child. Just behind the pavilion is a fun playground with a splash pad in the summer that partygoers can wander to. Keep it on your radar and we will update when it reopens.

1 Jewell Street, Hartford, CT 06103