Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Connecticut
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When I’m planning things to do with my sister, I’m always looking for activities that are fun, easy, and actually worth leaving the house for. Connecticut has a great mix of outdoor adventures, hands-on attractions, and seasonal experiences that keep kids engaged without feeling overwhelming. This list pulls together kid-friendly ideas that help families make the most of weekends, school breaks, and everyday outings.
Lavender Hill Farm Alpacas
Lavender Hill Farm Alpacas in Voluntown is a unique and family-friendly to do in Connecticut. This farm offers visitors a chance to meet alpacas up close and even feed them. Farm tours are completely free, but donations are absolutely appreciated.
Learn more about visiting this farm: Lavender Hill Farm Alpacas in Connecticut
Lavender Pond Farm
Lavender Pond Farm in Killingworth, Connecticut is a great spot to visit with kids. They have large yard games set up around the lavender fields and a train ride around the farm. There are plenty of things to keep kids entertained!
Learn more about visiting this farm: Lavender Pond Farm In Killingworth CT
Connecticut River Museum
The Connecticut River Museum in Essex, Connecticut offers a unique look at the history, culture, and ecology of New England’s longest river. Located right on the waterfront in Essex, it combines interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and stunning river views. You can also take a ride on the CT RiverQuest from the museum.
Discover more things to do in Essex: Things To Do In Essex, Connecticut
Niantic Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut in Niantic is a hands-on, interactive space designed to engage young minds in learning and exploration. With exhibits ranging from science and art to local history, the museum provides a fun and educational environment for children to discover and create. Its welcoming atmosphere and variety of activities make it a popular destination for families seeking both entertainment and enrichment.
Discover more things to do in Niantic: Things To Do In Niantic, Connecticut
The 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 and there are also swings.
Discover more things to do in Ledyard: Things To Do And Places To Eat In Ledyard, CT
Submarine Force Museum
This unique museum is located in Groton on the Thames River. This 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 (which you can tour while you’re there). The museum is operated by the U.S. Navy and it is completely free to visit.
Discover more things to do in Groton: 10+ Things to do in Groton, CT
Kent Falls
Kent Falls is a series of waterfalls located in Kent, Connecticut. The waterfall is the tallest in Connecticut, dropping over 250 feet in various cascades. The main part of the waterfall is visible from the parking area and it’s just a short walk to the base of the falls. But, it’s worth doing the short, but steep, hike along the brook where to see the other cascades that make up this large waterfall.
Learn more about visiting this park: Kent Falls State Park CT
Game On
Game On in Mohegan Sun is a great place to hangout in the casino if you have kids. There’s both a bowling alley and an arcade here. Additionally, it’s also a restaurant. If you’re looking to just check out an arcade without the bowling, you can also check out Kids Quest on the other side of the casino.
Discover more things to do at Mohegan Sun: Mohegan Sun In Connecticut Is Not Just For Gamblers
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors an up-close look at marine life. It features various marine-life, including beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, and many species of fish, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs. It’s a great place to spend the day with kids!
Discover more things to do in Mystic: Things To Do & Places To Eat In Mystic, CT
Mystic Seaport
The Mystic Seaport Museum is one of the largest maritime museums in the world, showcasing the history of America’s seagoing past. Visitors can experience life in a 19th-century coastal community, including interacting with costumed interpreters and exploring historic vessels, such as the Charles W. Morgan, the last surviving wooden whaleship in the world. There are also multiple areas dedicated to children such as the Susan Stucke Funk Children’s Museum and the Toy Boat Workshop.
Learn more about visiting: Spending The Day At The Mystic Seaport Museum In Connecticut
Pumpkintown USA
If you’re looking for some family fun in the fall, stop in at Pumpkintown USA! It’s located in the small town of East Hampton, Connecticut and is great place to spend a few hours during the fall season. There’s plenty to see and do for both kids and adults. They also have a Christmas Ride in the winter months.
Learn more about visiting: Pumpkintown USA CT
Tree House Arcade
The Tree House Arcade in Foxwoods Resort Casino has plenty of games to keep your kids entertained. It’s a fun time for the whole family to earn points towards cool prizes. There’s also the XD Dark Ride and Hologat virtual reality attractions that your kids will love!
Discover more things to do at Foxwoods: Experience Foxwoods Resort Casino
The Nature Center at Sherwood Island State Park
The Nature Center at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut is a great place to slow down, get kids curious about local wildlife, and enjoy the outdoors without needing a full day of planning. In addition, the park is also a great spot for a beach day!
Learn more about visiting: Sherwood Island State Park
Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonassett State Beach
The Nature Center at Hammonassett State Beach is home to a variety of native animals, including turtles, snakes, amphibians, crabs and fish. Most of the animals at the Nature Center cannot be released because of previous injuries or for other reasons, but they are well cared for. There is also a Touch Tank that allows some smaller sea creatures to be brought inside for up-close viewing and learning. After, you can walk the grounds or have a beach day at the park.
Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
This museum in Hartford, Connecticut has a ton of interactive exhibits that kids will love. This museum gives kids a chance to learn history, but in a fun way. There is even an area where children can dress up in period clothing.
New England Air Museum
The New England Air Museum in East Granby, Connecticut is a great spot for family fun. Kids can learn about aviation and space, while also getting to sit inside some of the planes and helicopters they have on display! The museum is large and you can easily spend the day here.
Ray of Light Farm
Ray of Light Farm is a non-profit animal rescue in East Haddam. The farm is open to the public and visiting is free. It’s a great spot to visit with children. There’s also a store that you can check out while you’re there.
The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village
The Dinosaur Place in Oakdale, Connecticut is a fun outdoor attraction where kids can walk among life-size dinosaur sculptures along forest trails. Families can enjoy splash pads, playgrounds, and hands-on activities that make it easy to spend several hours there. It’s a great stop for dinosaur lovers and younger kids who like to explore and play outdoors.
The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
This is a train ride and a riverboat cruise combo. You’ll take the historic Essex Steam Train to Deep River where you’ll depart to get on the Becky Thatcher riverboat. During the ride, you’ll see historic sites along the river such as Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and the Haddam Swing Bridge. During the winter months, they have Santa train rides and a Polar Express train ride that are super kid-friendly.
Kidcity Children’s Museum
Kidcity in Middletown is a hands-on children’s museum designed for kids to learn through play. It features interactive exhibits focused on science, culture, and everyday life in a fun, engaging way. The museum is especially popular with younger children and families looking for an educational outing.
Peabody Museum of Natural History
The Peabody Museum in New Haven is a great spot to visit with kids and it’s completely free. In the museum, you’ll find dinosaur fossils, some activities for kids, 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.
