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
GUIDE
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.
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
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
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
We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
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
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families
'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

Weekend Fun: Sunflowers, Ice Cream, and Festivals

7/17/19 - By Ally Noel

Believe it or not, we are just about half-way through summer vacation. But, don’t let those “back-to-school” displays get you down; there is still so much to do this summer! There’s still plenty of time to enjoy day trips, outdoor movies, and a little fun at the beach! This weekend, kids can soak up music in Thompson and Hartford, take a giant leap in Bridgeport, or welcome the sunflowers back to Griswold. 

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 newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

All Weekend

Summer Theatre of New Canaan Presents: Treasure Island

New Canaan
Chicago theater group Bros Do Prose have re-imagined this classic novel with high-energy creative storytelling and audience engagement. We meet the infamous pirate Long John Silver, his crew of cutthroats, and plenty of other colorful characters from the book. READ MORE

Sunflowers for Wishes at Buttonwood Farm

Griswold
Each year Buttonwood Farm plants over 14 acres of sunflowers and harvests approximately 450,000 blooms for your viewing pleasure to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut. Sunflowers are available while supplies last. READ MORE

Scout Appreciation Days

Hartford
Celebrate Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, STEM Scouts, and more at the CT Science Center every weekend in July. Scouts in uniform or who recite their pledge receive a free patch. READ MORE

Space Themed Mini Golf

Bridgeport
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing at the Discovery Museum. Space-themed mini golf course installed throughout the museum. READ MORE

Big Bounce Hartford

Hartford
The Big Bounce is the biggest inflatable theme park ever, with giant slides, ball pits, inflatable trucks and boats, climbing frames, and more. Add in a DJ, beach balls, and confetti blasts for good measure.  READ MORE
Jump into a potato sack race at Wakeman Town Farm Family Fun Day. Photo by Peter LaMastro
Jump into a potato sack race at Wakeman Town Farm Family Fun Day. Photo by Peter LaMastro

Saturday

Bethel Summer Fest

Bethel
Come to Downtown Bethel to the annual SummerFest celebration. There will be kids activities, food, live music and other fun throughout the day.  READ MORE

Life. Be in it. Extravaganza

Newington
The Annual Extravaganza will feature food vendors, musicians, paddleboats, entertainment, fireworks, games, craft beers, and many other family-oriented activities. READ MORE

Giant Leap Day

Bridgeport
The Discovery Museum is THE place to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing! Admission will be $5 per person, thanks to Museum sponsors NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium and Pitney Bowes. (Members and military families always get free admission!) READ MORE

Outdoor Movie at Calf Pasture Beach

Norwalk
Every Saturday through August 24, the Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department presents an outdoor movie and entertainment. Activities begin at 7pm, and the movie begins at dusk. Ice cream and refreshments will be for sale.  READ MORE

Animation Celebration at Mill River Park

Stamford
Watch an animated movie on the Carousel lawn on Saturday nights in July and August.   READ MORE

Family Cruise to Sheffield Island

Norwalk
The Seaport Association of Norwalk hosts a scenic boat trip to Sheffield Island, where there will be face-painting, volleyball and badminton competitions, potato sack races, and shell seeking opportunities for families. READ MORE

Wakeman Town Farm Family Fun Day

Westport
This annual down-home family event includes the Farmyard Olympic games, face painting, pickle making, birdhouse decorating, and other creative crafts. READ MORE
Kids can step into classic portraits. Photo courtesy of Henry Whitfield State Museum
Kids can step into classic portraits. Photo courtesy of Henry Whitfield State Museum

Sunday

National Ice Cream Day and Bluegrass Bash

Thompson
Enjoy complimentary cones of The Farmer’s Cow fresh Connecticut ice cream, listen to Blackstone Valley Bluegrass perform live music, and sample flavored milk and summer seasonal beverages. READ MORE

Sunken Garden Poetry Festival at Hill-Stead Museum

Farmington
Featuring award-winning poets and live music, the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival is held in the museum’s historic and beautiful Sunken Garden. 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

Hartford Festival of Jazz

Hartford
The Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, New England’s largest free public jazz festival, over a dozen performers. Bring a blanket or chair and plan to relax with some great music. This is a three day event. Go to the website for a full list of performers.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article: