'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
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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.
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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
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Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
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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
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Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
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Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
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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
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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
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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
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Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
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Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend & Beyond: Wolf Moon, Groundhogs, Maple Syrup

Sign up for a family tour (masks required) at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Photo by Monica Jorge
Sign up for a family tour (masks required) at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Photo by Monica Jorge
1/27/21 - By Ally Noel

And just like that, the final week of January (and perhaps the longest January on record) is here! January isn't quite slipping away into the darkness quite yet, though; there may be one or two tricks up this month's sleeve! Bask in the light of the "Wolf Moon" on the beach in Norwalk, tap a maple tree in New Canaan, or get in on some early groundhog action in Canton. 

For virtual activities to round out your weekend, check out our Poppins@Home workshops, including Baby in Tune classes, the Happy Feet Soccer online series, Cartooning, and Magical Potions. 

Our Connecticut Winter Fun Guide will give you ideas of where to go on a cross country skiing or snowshoeing adventure, book a ski lesson, or glide down the slopes at a snow tubing park. Just remember to bring your mask and practice social distancing. As always, keep tabs on our Connecticut events calendar for daily updates on reopenings at favorite spots, and more local and virtual opportunities for family fun.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Who you calling a slug?! It's a Slug's Life at the Maritime Aquarium. Photo by Ally Noel
Who you calling a slug?! It's a Slug's Life at the Maritime Aquarium. Photo by Ally Noel

Best Things To Do in Connecticut this Week with Kids

Lunarfest

Lunarfest is a celebration of the Lunar New Year and Chinese culture, offering arts and cultural programs for adults and children throughout the city of New Haven and at Yale. This year’s festival celebrates the Year of the Rabbit. The celebration kicks off at 10AM with a parade down Whitney Avenue starting at the corner of Whitney and Grove Streets, with thrilling performances by lion dancers and martial artists.  READ MORE

Sweetheart Ball at Stepping Stones

Valentine’s Day is for sweethearts and what is sweeter than the love of families and friends? Stepping Stones invites all families and friends to glam-up and spend the early evening in a pre-Valentine’s Day swoon.  READ MORE

Virtual Second Saturdays for Families: Black Heritage Day

Celebrate Black heritage and culture by creating art with educator Lauren Little, listening to stories, and watching a virtual puppet theater show by artist Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins. READ MORE

You Can Walk With Us

Enjoy a stroll on the Shops at Farmington Valley's  wide sidewalks on weekdays. Their playground is a perfect spot to meet other parents and kids.  READ MORE

Westport Winter Farmers' Market

The Westport Farmer's Market's mission is to create and maintain a regional hub where real farmers connect with consumers over real food. READ MORE

Story & Animal Program at Earthplace

Join the staff at Earthplace for an animal-themed story and an encounter with one of our Animal Hall residents. READ MORE

Thursday Fun at Chester Hill Farm

Dress warmly for this outdoors horse program that focuses on riding (weather/footing permitting), grooming the horses, cleaning the stalls and any additional barn chores and horse care.  READ MORE

Kids Valentine's Cupcake Decorating Workshop at the Carriage Barn Arts Center

This workshop will instruct kids on how to create 3 adorable Valentine-themed cupcake designs that they will make and take home to share with family and friends. They will also have a chance to create their own design with supplied ingredients to show off their skills! READ MORE

Winter Scavenger Hunt at the CT River Museum

Head to the Connecticut River Museum to pick up your scavenger hunt bag and scour the area. Bring your treasures to the front desk through the end of February and receive a treat!       READ MORE

94th Annual Jumpfest Winter Festival

Valentine’s Kids Night Out

Drop the kids off and enjoy a night out.  Let the Newtown Community Center will take care of the rest. The kids will enjoy themed activities, arts & crafts, and of course, swimming. READ MORE

City Seed Winter Farmers' Market

 Join City Seed for a the walk-through socially distanced winter market. City Seed seeks to provide access to fresh, local food.  READ MORE

Ice Festival at Mystic Seaport

Enjoy three days of winter fun on the spacious grounds of Mystic Seaport.  Bundle up and celebrate the great outdoors in New England with ice sculpture demonstrations, games, crafts, visiting artists and live music. Step into a life-sized snow globe in the Treworgy Planetarium, then warm up next to a fire and roast marshmallows, grab some sweet treats and hot cocoa  READ MORE

Valentine's Family Day at NBMAA

Families can explore our galleries at their own pace, and discover the masterpieces of the Museum's permanent collection as well as special exhibitions NEW/NOW: Shantell Martin, and Helen Frankenthaler: Late Works,1990-2003.  READ MORE

Love Is In The Air Family Friendly Workshop

Select wood project from the available options in the Board & Brush gallery. All the materials and step-by-step instructions will be provided so you can create a beautiful piece for your home or for a gift. Choose from a variety of stain and paint colors in the workshop. READ MORE

Owl Love Family Painting

Join the Giggling Pig for a step by step painting on canvas. Paint together as a family and receive two (8 by 10) canvases. You may also paint individually on an 11 by 14 canvas. READ MORE

Make + Take Soap

Come to the farm to design goat milk soap your way. You will be able to choose your own fragrance and colors and can make one large box of soap that is enough for two personalized bars of soap to take home.  READ MORE

Winter Survival Program with Griffin Kalin

Join IAIS Museum Educator and Wigwam Escape Creative Director Griffin Kalin for an interactive and informative outdoor program, appropriate for all ages. Learn how Native Americans were able to start a fire in the snow, find food, or make shelter.  READ MORE

Everyone Pays Kids Price at the Ct Science Center

Plan a safe, fun adventure to the Connecticut Science Center when the kids are out of school. Everyone will pay the children's rate for specific dates in February.  READ MORE

Sunday Art Explorers

Add an art experience to your early Sunday visit! Stop by the outside of the Overbrook building (rear) to do a quick craft to take home!.Materials will not be shared and will be cleaned before reuse. The setup will allow for social distancing between families. Rain cancels. READ MORE

Go-at Painting

Unleash Your Inner Artist. Go-at Painting is fun for the whole family. Participate in a fun and easy painting session led by one of our "Van Goat artists". Work with your Van Goat to make a beautiful creation together. READ MORE

Valentines Day Hug a Horse

Get up close and personal with beautiful rescue horses. Get a few horse hugs in while learning more about the Horse Welfare and Rescue. A great event for the whole family or a wonderful Valentine's Day excursion for just the two of you. READ MORE

Valentine's Day Fun

Hop into a variety of virtual reality games that you can play together in a Room Scale VR. You can also try VR Escape Rooms designed for 2 or more players or race in VR Racing Sims. READ MORE

Family Friendly Valentine's at amis trattoria

Celebrate a Family Friendly Valentine with amis trattoria. Grab your friends and bring your kids - celebrating with a la carte specials & fun Valentine’s Day crafts for the children. READ MORE

Vacation Days: Animal Discovery Demos

Meet the Museum animals in educator-led demonstrations occurring randomly throughout the day. Free with Museum admission. READ MORE

Cookie Decorating Workshop

Kids can get creative while decorating freshly baked sugar cookies with sprinkles, candies and frosting. This one-hour tasty workshop is a perfect activity to get out of the house in a fun and safe way. READ MORE
The stars are out—inside. Photo courtesy of the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
The stars are out—inside. Photo courtesy of the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Best Things To Do in Connecticut in January with Kids

When the Earth Shakes

Through January 31 - West Hartford
Find out what engineers do to keep our world safer…When the Earth Shakes! at The Children's Museum. Jump on the Quake Karaoke platform and match an earthquake seismogram! Build your structure, set it on a “beach,” and launch a wave in the 16-ft Tsunami Tank!  READ MORE

New Canaan Car Scavenger Hunt

Through April 4 - New Canaan
Complete the challenges, solve clues and unscramble letters around New Canaan to earn a spot on the Wall of Fame and be entered to win a monthly prize! You will be provided a link to download your scavenger hunt immediately upon purchase. Link expires after 24 hours. READ MORE

Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey

Through May 9 - Ridgefield
Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey will be presented both in the galleries and the Museum's Sculpture Garden. READ MORE

Annual Holiday Train Show at the Connecticut River Museum

Through February 14 - Essex
There are more trains, more scenery, and lots of new surprises at this 31st annual family-friendly exhibit created by train artist Steve Cryan. Visitors can challenge themselves with an I-spy scavenger hunt through the display. Special Lionel and American Flyer train layouts allow even toddler-sized viewers to enjoy the magic. READ MORE

Find the Missing Snowmen

Through February 16 - Goshen
Each Town (Warren, Morris, Goshen) has 12 Missing Snowmen that need to be found. The Snowmen are hidden at focal points all around Town.   READ MORE

Feel the Love...There is Passion in Putnam

Through February 28 - Putnam
Feel the Love...There is Passion in Putnam is a month long installation of Love-inspired decor through the town of Putnam. Featuring lighted hearts over Cargill Falls, words of love on banners through town and an uplit building at 88 Main Street on the weekends of February 13 and February 20. READ MORE
Mohawk is offering private and group lessons now. Photo courtesy of Mohawk Mountain
Mohawk is offering private and group lessons now. Photo courtesy of Mohawk Mountain

More Things To Do in Connecticut this January

Best Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing Spots in Connecticut

These snowy activities are great exercise and simple to learn. READ MORE

10 Family Ski Resorts in or near Connecticut

No need to travel far to fit in some great family ski time. READ MORE

How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps

Trendy cocoa bombs deliver a sweet winter treat. READ MORE

30 Days of Indoor Activities for Kids

Games, baking projects, and crafts galore will entertain all ages. READ MORE

Winter Day Trips in Connecticut for Families

Explore the best winter day trips in Connecticut, with indoor fun and outdoor activities! READ MORE

Best Snow Tubing in Connecticut for Families

Winter fun awaits with snow tubing in and around Connecticut! READ MORE

50 Awesome Winter Activities in Connecticut for Kids

These fresh-air adventures and indoor ideas are a sure cure for cabin fever. READ MORE

40 Outdoor Activities for Kids this Winter

These activities will have kids begging to play outside this winter! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Shops at Farmington Valley
Gilberties Herb Gardens
John Satre Memorial Hill
Newtown Community Center
Conte West Hills School
Board and Brush Southington
The Giggling Pig Bethel
Institute for American Indian Studies
US Horse Welfare and Rescue
XPeriment Virtual Reality