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.
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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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Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
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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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
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Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
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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
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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
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

Top Things to Do in Connecticut This Weekend: Food Festival, Great American Campout

Take to the high seas. Photo courtesy of New England Science & Sailing Foundation
Take to the high seas. Photo courtesy of New England Science & Sailing Foundation
6/23/21 - By Ally Noel

Warmer temps have officially arrived in the Nutmeg State and we are here for it! Bring on beach trips, movie nights, and jumping into a lake. Start summer with loads of family fun by indulging in sweet treats at the North Haven “Fair” Food Festival, snorkeling at Summer Family Weekend Expeditions, or celebrating pride in Ridgefield. 

As always, keep tabs on our Connecticut events calendar for daily updates on happenings at favorite spots, and more local and virtual opportunities for family fun.

 

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things to Do in Connecticut All Weekend

Let's Play Shakespeare

Norwalk
Let's Play Shakespeare is a 30-minute socially distanced yet interactive play  introducing the works of William Shakespeare in a fun environment for kids of all ages.  READ MORE

North Haven "Fair" Food Festival

North Haven
Sample all your favorite foods will be in one place before the fair season starts. Try fried dough, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fried Oreos, cotton candy, pulled pork, the " BIG" donut, baked potatoes, kettle corn, fresh-cut fries, and so much more. READ MORE

New Bruce Community Mural

Greenwich
Help celebrate the wonderful “New Bruce” in the making by creating artwork to be displayed outside the Museum for all to see! This new in-person, drop-in Art Adventures program is designed for children ages 4 and up and their families.  READ MORE

Godspell at Center Stage Theatre

Shelton
Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Come see this live and in person production at the Center Stage Theater. READ MORE

Summer Family Weekend Expeditions

Stonington
Join NESS and explore the world of adventure sports and science at locations that may be otherwise inaccessible. Board the vessel NESSie with an experienced captain and educator that will guide you through an awesome adventure. Fish with an experienced angler, explore the underwater world by seining and snorkeling at Sandy Point, East Harbor, or Flat Hammock, or ride the waves by boogie boarding at Napatree! READ MORE
Mermaid Queen Bella Noche reads a story at the library. Photo courtesy of Drag Queen Story Hour
Mermaid Queen Bella Noche reads a story at the library. Photo courtesy of Drag Queen Story Hour

Best Things to Do in Connecticut on Saturday

We're In A Book: Julian Is A Mermaid

Stamford
This is not your average story time. The silliest of CAMP Counselors read and act out a magical story. Families work together to bring the story to life through whimsically guided playtime and some creative crafting. READ MORE

Ridgefield Pride in the Park

Ridgefield
Celebrate Pride at Ballard Park in Ridgefield. This family-friendly celebration has music, games, and much more. This is a great way to teach kids about inclusion and love. READ MORE

Midsummer Celebration Day

Weston
Ring in Lachat’s opening season with some good, old-fashioned summer fun! Take time to walk the trail and watch scenes from Shakespeare’s plays performed by local high school students. Listen to music in the meadow performed by local artists.  READ MORE

Drag Queen Story Hour

New Milford
Join Mermaid Queen Bella Noche and her friend Kaleidoscope Kali for an hour of reading their favorite books and playing fun games with children of all ages! READ MORE

Rose Arts Festival in Norwich

Norwich
New England's largest free music and art festival, Rose Arts is not to be missed. Featuring family-friendly interactive activities, exciting art installations, and more than 75 performances spanning day and evening programs, this is a wonderful way to spend the day.  READ MORE

Great American Campout

New Canaan
The Great American Autumn Campout is an evening full of fun & adventure by camping out in New Canaan’s favorite backyard – the New Canaan Nature Center. Enjoy an evening full of fun, camp tunes, a night hike, s’mores, and the adventure of camping  READ MORE
Enjoy a family tour at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Photo courtesy of the museum
Enjoy a family tour at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Top Family Events in Connecticut on Sunday

Nerf Wars

New Milford
Get ready for a battle of epic proportions! Bring a Nerf gun and eyewear to Bulls Field for a giant Nerf War. A limited number of safety glasses are available for purchase. READ MORE

Family Tour at the Wadsworth

Hartford
Enjoy art and culture right in downtown Hartford. The Family Tours at the Wadsworth Atheneum are intended for families and adults with younger children.  READ MORE

Ice Cream Sundays at the Adventure Park Storrs

Storrs
Join the Adventure Park in the month of  June for Ice Cream Sundays. Swing through the trees on select Sundays and get a free ice cream treat. READ MORE

The SM&NC Sunday Farm Market

Stamford
Head to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center for its Sunday Farm Market. Local vendors include many favorites, as well as new vendors offering a wide assortment of fresh goods you won't find anywhere else. READ MORE

Virtual Camps and Classes You Can Book Now

Shoe Tying Made Simple

The Shoe Tying Made Simple method is a simple, fun, and engaging way to find success learning this important life skill. The course is taught by a pediatric occupational therapist; enrollment includes a special instructional sneaker shipped to your home, digital handouts, and a one-hour virtual training session.  READ MORE

Soccer Stars @HOME for Preschoolers

Whether they are just learning or ready to improve their skills, kids can take their play to the next level with Soccer Stars @HOME's fully interactive virtual classes. Children can join the weekly class for the entire summer season from home, vacation, or wherever they are.  READ MORE

Preschool Science Through the Alphabet On Demand Video Classes

Preschoolers learn science and literacy in this custom program developed by a former NYC public school teacher. Each program focuses on a letter and a fun science topic. The prerecorded video lessons can be watched at home and enjoyed at any time.   READ MORE

Bucket List Summer Fun in Connecticut

17 Connecticut Area Beaches That Are Great for Families

Explore the best Connecticut area beaches for a great family escape on a summer day! READ MORE

Drive-In Movie Theaters in Connecticut for Outdoor Movie Nights With Kids

Head to a drive-in movie in Connecticut for a fun family evening. READ MORE

Splash Pads, Spraygrounds and Fountains for Kids in Hartford County

Kids can beat the heat at these splash pads around Hartford. READ MORE

10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids

Dive in to the calm waters and beautiful vistas of these lakes and ponds. READ MORE

40 Awesome Summer Day Trips for Connecticut Families

Explore our guide to summer fun that's only a short drive away! READ MORE

8 Fun Popsicle Recipes to Make with Kids

Make frozen treats inspired by July 4th, cake batter, hot cocoa and more. READ MORE

Ultimate Summer Bucket List: 100 Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids

100 ways to pack more play into your summer day. READ MORE

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