40+ Free Things To Do In Connecticut
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If you’re looking to do things around Connecticut without breaking the bank, this list is for you. Believe it or not, there are a lot of free things to do around the state besides just hiking both for residents and non-residents. Whether you’re looking to check out a museum, a garden, or find a town to explore, this list has you covered.
Yale Art Gallery
A great free thing to do on Yale’s campus is the Yale Art Gallery. I’m not necessarily super into art, but I actually really enjoyed my visit. The building itself is gorgeous, but there’s also a variety of art from ancient art to contemporary art. My personal favorite was seeing two rooms from Connecticut historic homes on display in the museum. My second favorite was the ancient art.
Discover more things to do in New Haven: Things To Do In New Haven, Connecticut
Elizabeth Park
Elizabeth Park in West Hartford is home to the world’s oldest public rose garden and it’s completely free to visit. The park is about 100 acres and it features multiple gardens, a visitor center, a restaurant, a pond, and various trails to explore. In the spring, people flock to the park to see thousands of tulips in bloom. In the summer, people head to the gardens to enjoy the roses in bloom. But, it’s worth visiting year-round.
Discover more things to do in Hartford County: Things To Do In Hartford County in Connecticut
Lavender Hill Farm Alpacas
If you’re looking for something unique and family-friendly to do in Connecticut, check out Lavender Hill Farm Alpacas in Voluntown. This farm offers a chance to meet alpacas and shop handmade alpaca products. Farm tours are completely free, but donations are absolutely appreciated.
Learn more about visiting this farm: Lavender Hill Farm Alpacas in Connecticut
Seaside State Park
Seaside State Park in Waterford, Connecticut is the former site of the Seaside Sanatorium, which was a nationally recognized tuberculosis hospital. It has only been a state park since 2014, making it the state’s newest state park. This park with hauntingly beautiful historic buildings and coastal access is completely free to visit!
Learn more about visiting this park: The Unique Seaside State Park in Connecticut
Submarine Force Museum
This unique museum is located in Groton on the Thames River. The museum is home to the world’s finest collection of submarine artifacts and it’s also the home of the USS Nautilus, which was the first nuclear-powered submarine. There’s a museum section and you can tour the USS Nautilus. It is completely free to visit.
Discover more things to do in Groton: 10+ Things to do in Groton, CT
Buttonwood Farm Sunflowers
In the summer months, Buttonwood Farm in Griswold is a great spot to visit. This farm is known for its beautiful sunflower fields, farm fresh ice cream, and scenic charm. It is actually considered the “Sunflower Capital of New England.” The walking field is completely free to visit. If you’d like to cut your own, you will need to pay, but the money goes towards Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Learn more about Buttonwood Farm: Buttonwood Farm Sunflowers and Ice Cream in Connecticut
Gillette Castle State Park
Gillette Castle was once the home of William Gillette, who was known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Access to the grounds and Visitor Center are free. There are plenty of trails to explore and great river views from behind the castle. If you’re looking to tour the castle, you will need to pay.
Learn more about visiting this state park: Gillette Castle State Park
Ferry Landing State Park
Ferry landing state park in Old Lyme, CT is a beautiful place to visit. The park has a boardwalk where you can enjoy views of the Connecticut River. There are also several picnic tables where visitors can enjoy a meal by the water. There’s no parking fees or admission fees to visit the park. NOTE: Right now the boardwalk is closed while they work on the train bridge, but the park is accessible to the public.
Learn more about visiting this park: Ferry Landing State Park
Mohegan Park
Mohegan Park in Norwich is a beautiful park to visit that’s completely free. The park is over 200 acres and there’s plenty to do within the park. There are walking trails, a pond where you can fish, a rose garden, a small beach, playgrounds, and even a disc golf course!
Discover more things to do in Norwich: Things to do in Norwich, Connecticut
Yantic Falls
Yantic Falls in Norwich is one of my favorite local waterfalls. Viewing this waterfall is very accessible and it does not require a hike. You can enjoy views of the waterfall from multiple viewing platforms. There are also some old mill buildings you can check out within the park and there are bathrooms on-site. There are no fees for parking.
Discover more waterfalls in Connecticut: Don’t Miss These Stunning Waterfalls in Connecticut
Weir Farm National Historical Park
The Weir Farm National Historic Site is in Wilton. The home on the property housed three generations of artists, beginning with the Impressionist painter Julian Alden Weir in 1882. The house was restored to circa 1940. It’s open for tours seasonally and it contains many original paintings, furnishings, and decorative objects. Visiting the grounds completely free as well as the programs and special events at the park.
Discover more historic sites: Historic Sites In Connecticut
Walk The Fairfield Hills Campus
Fairfield Hills is the former site of Fairfield Hills Hospital, which was once a psychiatric hospital. The campus has since been redeveloped by the town of Newtown for municipal uses and private uses. There’s a trail system around the campus, sports fields, and the buildings that were once a part of the hospital. If you’re looking to spend some money, be sure to stop into Newsylum Brewing for some beer and pizza.
Fairfield Hills is said to be haunted. If you’re looking for more spooky places: Haunted Spots You Can Visit Around Connecticut
Lantern Hill
This hike in North Stonington is one of my favorite hikes with views in southeastern Connecticut. Lantern Hill offers a short, but steep, trail that leads to views of Lantern Hill Pond and Foxwoods Resort. On clear days, you can even see Long Island Sound in the distance! There’s no fee to park here.
Learn more about the hike: Lantern Hill Trail Hike CT
The Book Barn
Let me just start off by saying that the Book Barn in Niantic is a book lover’s paradise. This bookshop has a collection of over 350,000 gently used and rare books. But, this spot is also about the experience. There are gardens, fun games, and even farm animals! You can easily spend hours here. And, there’s no admission to experience all that it has to offer!
Discover more unique things to do in CT: Unique Things to do in Connecticut
Avery-Copp House
If you’re into historic homes, be sure to check out the Avery-Copp Museum in Groton. This beautiful home on Thames Street was built in 1800. The house is still filled with the family’s possessions, which is not typical for many house museums. Touring the home is free, but they do accept donations to help with the preservation of the home.
Discover more historic houses to tour in CT: 13 Historic Houses You Can Tour in Connecticut
Tarrywile Park
Tarrywile Park in Danbury was once and active dairy farm and fruit orchard. Today, it’s a park with 21 miles of hiking trails, two ponds, a lake, picnic areas, and even an abandoned castle. The park is open to the public daily at no charge.
Ledyard Up-Down Sawmill
The Ledyard Up-Down Sawmill is a historic water-powered up-down sawmill that you can actually see in action. The sawmill is open seasonally. You can see the saw cut through wood as well as the parts that make the sawmill work underneath. The park where the sawmill is situated is open year-round and it features a pond with a loop trail around it. While it is free to visit, donations are accepted to help with the preservation of this historic site.
Discover more things to do in Ledyard: Things to do and Places to Eat in Ledyard, CT
Nathan Lester House Museum
The Nathan Lester House in Gales Ferry is a historic home you can tour in Connecticut. The house was built in 1793. The docents of this house are very knowledge about the details of the house as well as the history. There are also hiking trails on the property that you can explore during your visit. The house and grounds are completely free to visit.
Discover more historic house museums in southeastern CT: Historic House Museums in Southeastern Connecticut
Hike At White Memorial Conservation Center
This conservation center in Litchfield features 40 miles of trails that are completely free to explore. It’s a short drive from Litchfield’s downtown. The most popular trail is the boardwalk trail, but there are really so many different trails to explore.
Discover more spots to hike around the state: 20 Connecticut Hikes With Great Views
Thomas Lee House
The Thomas Lee House in Niantic is right up the road from the entrance to Rocky Neck State Park. This house is one of the oldest wood frame houses in Connecticut in its primitive state. It was built in 1660. The docents here are very knowledgeable and kind! There’s also an old schoolhouse the property and a barn with various exhibits. While it’s free to visit, donations are accepted to help with the preservation of the house.
Discover more things to do in Niantic: Things To Do in Niantic, Connecticut
The Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge
The Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge in Simsbury is an example of a 19th century metal-truss bridge over the Farmington River that’s completely free to visit. It was originally designed and built in 1892 and it is 183 feet long. The bridge was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. While you can’t drive over it, you can walk across it and enjoy all of the flowers along the bridge.
Discover more things to do in Simsbury: Things To Do & Places To Eat In Simsbury, Connecticut
Hubbard Park
Hubbard Park is a large park that’s completely free to visit in Meriden. The main portion of the park features a pond, views of Castle Craig from below, and daffodils in the spring. For more scenic views, head up to Castle Craig, which also serves as an observation tower. You’ll get views of the main part of the park below and great views of the reservoir. You can hike up to Castle Craig or drive up during the regular season.
Learn more about visiting this park: Hubbard Park In Connecticut
Milford Historical Society
If you’re interested in New England history, the Milford Historical Society is a great place to visit. There are three historic 18th century homes by Milford Harbor that you can tour. It’s open on the weekends from June to September and admission is always free.
Discover more things to do in Milford: Things To Do In Milford, Connecticut
Fort Trumbull State Park
Fort Trumbull in New London has a legacy of service spanning two and a half centuries, from the American Revolution to World War II to the Cold War. It’s definitely worth a visit if you get the chance! While you do have to pay to go inside the fort and the museum, it is completely free to walk the grounds and admire the outside of the fort and the river views.
Discover more things to do in New London: Things To Do In New London, Connecticut
See A Show In The Wolf Den At Mohegan Sun
Did you know you can see free shows at Mohegan Sun in the Wolf Den? Seating is limited, so you might want to get there a bit early to make sure you get a seat. There’s actually been some pretty great bands that have played there in the past!
Discover more things to do at the casino: Mohegan Sun in Connecticut Is Not Just for Gamblers
Hewitt Farm
Hewitt Farm in North Stonington offers scenic trails that are perfect for a relaxing hike through open fields and woodlands. It’s an easy, family-friendly spot with plenty of natural beauty, history, and local charm. There are various trails to explore, including one that takes you to an old cemetery.
Discover more things to do in North Stonington: Things To Do In North Stonington, Connecticut
East Rock Park
East Rock Park in New Haven has a ton of trails to explore. There are multiple peaks you can hike to within the park. There’s a 5-mile loop you can take to really see most of the viewpoints in the park. You can also just hike to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, which has panoramic views of New Haven and Long Island Sound. If you’re not into hiking, you can drive to the top where the monument is or check out the Eli Whitney Museum.
Discover more parks around the state: Best Parks In Connecticut
Fort Shantok
Visiting Fort Shantok in Uncasville offers a peaceful blend of natural beauty and deep Mohegan tribal history. Scenic forest trails lead you to the historic fort site and views overlooking the Thames River. It’s located a couple miles from Mohegan Sun Casino.
Learn more about visiting this park: Fort Shantok Park in Uncasville CT
Walk Around Olde Mistick Village
Olde Mistick Village is a great place to walk around year-round. It’s a fun place to window shop, but there’s also a duck pond where you visit the resident ducks! In the winter months, the village is completely decked out with festive lights that are also free to enjoy.
Discover more things to do in Mystic: Things to Do & Places to Eat in Mystic, CT
The Connecticut College Arboretum
The Connecticut College Arboretum is a peaceful 750 acre park filled with natural beauty and native plant collections. With miles of walking trails and scenic landscapes, it’s perfect for nature lovers and casual explorers alike. It’s free and open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Discover more parks to visit in Connecticut: 13 Connecticut Parks Too Beautiful Not To Visit
Boothe Memorial Park
Boothe Memorial Park and Museum in Stratford is a cool spot to visit if you’re interested in historic buildings. This park features a collection of buildings and artifacts collected by the Boothe Brothers. This park is regarded as one of the most unique architectural building displays in New England. Additionally, there is a beautiful rose garden in the park to enjoy. The park is always free to visit!
Discover more things to do in Stratford: Things To Do In Stratford, Connecticut
Stoddard Hill State Park
Stoddard Hill State Park is one of my favorite spots to watch the sunset in southeastern Connecticut. This park is situated along the Thames River in Gales Ferry. You can enjoy the water views or explore the hiking trails at the park. There’s even an old cemetery you can check out towards the beginning of the trail. There’s no parking fee here.
Discover sunset spots in southeastern CT: 10+ Sunset Spots To Check Out In Southeastern Connecticut
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
This park in Groton is great to visit if you’re into war history. The historical park is the site of the largest Revolutionary War battle in Connecticut, the 1781 British massacre of colonial militia. You can walk the grounds, climb the monument, and check out the museum for free. However, if you’re not into history, it’s still great to visit since it offers great views of the Thames River.
Discover more coastal towns to explore in southeastern CT: Coastal Towns To Visit In Souteastern Connecticut
Brookside Farm Museum
The Smith-Harris House at the Brookside Farm Museum in Niantic is a beautifully restored Greek Revival farmhouse. The house was built in 1845 and it’s on the National Historic Register. The house museum features mid-19th century life and later through the story of the Avery, Smith, and Harris families. They often have free events here during their season and they also have some hiking trails to explore on the property. While it is free, donations are appreciated to help with the preservation of the house.
Discover more places in CT to step back in time: Connecticut Towns That Make You Feel Like You Stepped Back In Time
Explore A Walkable Historic Downtown
Connecticut has numerous walkable historic towns that offer a glimpse into the past. Places like Wethersfield, Mystic, and Guilford boast well-preserved architecture, charming town greens, and pedestrian-friendly main streets. While there are a lot of shops and restaurants in these areas where you can spend money, sometimes it’s nice to just window shop and enjoy the historic architecture.
Discover downtowns to explore: Walkable Historic Towns in Connecticut
Visit A Connecticut State Park
If you’re a Connecticut resident, all of the state parks are free to visit. The state has 110 state parks featuring a variety of landscapes and things to do. While some parks are great for hiking, some are historic sites with buildings you can actually tour or museums.
Discover some of my favorite state parks: 14 Connecticut State Parks with Water Views You Don’t Want To Miss
Hike At McLean Game Refuge
McLean Game Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary that is 4,415 acres large, spanning through multiple towns (Granby, Simsbury, and Canton). The refuge features a lot of forested area, streams, waterfalls, and meadows. I’ve hiked at a couple of their locations. The ones I can vouch for are the Pilfershire Abandoned Town Trail in Simsbury, which features multiple waterfalls, and Carpenter’s Falls, which is accessed from Broad Hill Road in West Granby.
Discover more hikes in Hartford County: Places To Hike In Hartford County, Connecticu
Colorblends House & Spring Garden
The Colorblends House & Spring Garden in Bridgeport is only open in the spring, but it’s definitely worth a visit. This spot features gardens with daffodils and tulips. Typically, the daffodils peak first and the tulips bloom second. There’s also a historic house on the property that features an art gallery. It’s a unique spot to visit!
Discover more spots to check out in the spring: Where To Find Flowers In Connecticut This Spring
Dividend Pond Trails and Archaeological District
This park in Rocky Hill has a lot of beauty and history. The park features a waterfall that’s only a short walk from the parking area. In addition to the waterfall, there are 3 miles of trails you can explore. There are also some informational signs about the water-powered industrial complex with various mills that once thrived here.
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
This library building is not only architecturally unique, but just overall super cool to check out whether you’re interested in books or not. The public is able to check out the ground floor and the mezzanine in the library. There’s an exhibition hall to check out that’s pretty interesting. It’s completely free to visit.
Sterling Memorial Library
This library in the heart of Yale’s central campus is the largest library at the university and one of the most iconic buildings on campus. The building was built in the Collegiate Gothic style to resemble a European cathedral. The building is absolutely gorgeous and it’s open to the public to explore.
Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center
Great Hollow Nature Preserve in New Fairfield is completely free to visit, although they do accept donations. There are 4 miles of hiking trails to explore year-round featuring streams and small waterfalls. In addition to hiking, you can visit their resident birds of prey that are now ambassadors due to sustaining permanent injuries that make them unable to survive in the wild. There are also picnic areas, an observation tower, and a pollinator garden to check out.
Yale Peabody Museum
The Peabody Museum in New Haven is a great spot to visit that’s completely free. In the museum, you’ll find dinosaur fossils, artifacts, and even some live animals on the third floor. Parking is very limited, but there are garages that you can park in if the lot is full. Their website has helpful parking information.
