Connecticut offers a wide range of activities and attractions for families, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway with kids. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or educational opportunities, Connecticut has something for everyone. From exploring museums to hiking in state parks, visiting aquariums to taking scenic train rides, there are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Connecticut this weekend.
Visit Lyman Orchards a family-owned and operated orchard located in Middlefield, Connecticut.
Established in 1741, Lyman Orchards is one of the oldest family farms in the United States. The orchard is famous for its delicious apples, which are available for pick-your-own in the fall, as well as a variety of other fruits and vegetables. In addition to apple picking, visitors can enjoy a range of seasonal activities, including corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin picking. Lyman Orchards also boasts two championship golf courses, a farm market, and a bakery, where visitors can indulge in fresh-baked pies, cider donuts, and other sweet treats. With its rich history and wide range of activities, Lyman Orchards is a must-visit destination for families looking for a fun and educational day out.
Visit Mystic Aquarium: Explore the world of underwater creatures and learn about marine life through interactive exhibits and shows.
Mystic Aquarium is a popular destination located in Mystic, Connecticut, that offers a variety of educational and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore the underwater world. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and beluga whales. Visitors can watch sea lion shows, participate in feeding demonstrations, and learn about conservation efforts to protect endangered species. Mystic Aquarium also features a 4D theater, a touch tank, and a variety of interactive exhibits that provide a hands-on learning experience for visitors of all ages.
Visit Mystic Seaport Museum is a living museum located in Mystic, Connecticut, that celebrates the rich maritime history of New England.
Mystic Seaport Museum features a recreated 19th-century seafaring village with historic ships, workshops, and exhibits that showcase the daily life of sailors, craftsmen, and fishermen. Visitors can explore the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world, and take part in hands-on activities, such as traditional rope-making and sail hoisting. Mystic Seaport also hosts a range of events and programs throughout the year, including concerts, boat shows, and maritime festivals. It is a popular destination for families, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the beauty and legacy of the sea.
Hop aboard the Essex Steam Train and enjoy a ride through the picturesque Connecticut River Valley.
Essex Steam Train is a historic railway that operates in Essex, Connecticut, offering scenic train rides through the picturesque Connecticut River Valley. The train consists of vintage coaches pulled by a steam locomotive, creating an authentic and nostalgic experience. Along the route, passengers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including rolling hills, forests, and rivers. In addition to the train ride, visitors can also explore the museum and gift shop at the Essex Station, which features a collection of historic artifacts and memorabilia. The Essex Steam Train is a popular attraction that offers a unique way to experience the beauty and history of Connecticut.
Visit the Peabody Museum of Natural History: Take a trip to the Peabody Museum of Natural History located on the Yale University campus. The museum boasts a variety of exhibits, including a dinosaur collection, Egyptian artifacts, and natural history specimens. Kids will love exploring the Discovery Room, which features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
Take a trip to Lighthouse Point Park: Head to Lighthouse Point Park and enjoy a day at the beach. The park features a beautiful sandy beach, a playground, and a vintage carousel that is sure to delight kids of all ages.
The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park is a unique historic facility. Besides housing the antique Carousel, the building provides ample space for private functions with beautiful views of New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound, especially at sunset. Come to Lighthouse Point Park, spend some time, ride the carousel, walk the boardwalk along the beach and enjoy a bite to eat at the Shore Shack.
Spend a day at the Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park and try rock climbing, zip lining, and water activities.
Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park is an outdoor adventure park located in Portland, Connecticut. The park features a variety of activities for families and thrill-seekers, including zip lines, cliff jumping, rock climbing, wakeboarding, and swimming. The park is built around a former quarry, offering unique opportunities to explore the natural landscape and water-filled caverns. Brownstone Park also offers equipment rentals, lessons, and guided tours for visitors of all ages and skill levels. With its beautiful natural setting and adrenaline-pumping activities, Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park is a must-visit destination for adventurous families looking for a fun day out.
Take a trip to Spend a day at Brown’s Harvest in Windsor and enjoy pumpkin picking, hayrides, and farm activities.
Brown’s Harvest is a family-owned and operated farm located in Windsor, Connecticut. The farm is a popular destination for families looking for fun fall activities such as pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes. The farm also offers a variety of seasonal produce, homemade pies, and locally sourced products. During the holiday season, Brown’s Harvest transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday gift items. The farm’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement make it a beloved institution in the Windsor area, and a must-visit destination for anyone looking for fresh produce and family-friendly activities.
Visit the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk and discover the diverse marine life of Long Island Sound.
The Maritime Aquarium is an award-winning aquarium located in Norwalk, Connecticut. The aquarium is home to a diverse array of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, seals, and jellyfish. Visitors can participate in interactive exhibits and activities, including a touch tank where they can interact with stingrays and other marine creatures. The Maritime Aquarium also offers educational programs, live animal demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes tours for visitors of all ages. In addition to its exhibits, the aquarium is committed to marine conservation and research, and partners with local organizations to promote sustainable practices and protect the health of Long Island Sound. With its engaging exhibits and commitment to environmental stewardship, the Maritime Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the wonders of the ocean.
Explore the Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill and see the impressive fossil tracks of prehistoric creatures.
Dinosaur State Park is a unique and fascinating park located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut. The park is home to one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America, featuring over 500 tracks made by prehistoric creatures over 200 million years ago. Visitors can explore the indoor exhibit center, which houses life-sized models of dinosaurs, interactive displays, and educational exhibits about the geology and ecology of the area. Outside, visitors can take a nature walk through the surrounding forest, go on a guided tour of the tracks, and participate in hands-on activities such as fossil casting and track molding. Dinosaur State Park is a great destination for families looking to learn about prehistoric creatures and the natural history of Connecticut.
Enjoy a day of beach and boardwalk fun at Ocean Beach Park in New London.
Ocean Beach Park is a beautiful beachside park located in New London, Connecticut. The park features a pristine sandy beach, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a variety of fun activities for the whole family. Children can enjoy a playground, a splash pad, and a carousel, while adults can relax in the shade of beach umbrellas and cabanas. The park also offers mini-golf, a boardwalk with a variety of food options, and live music and entertainment throughout the summer. With its beautiful natural setting and fun activities for all ages, Ocean Beach Park is a must-visit destination for families looking for a fun day at the beach.
Head to the Beardsley Zoo: See a variety of animals from all around the world and learn about their habitats and behaviors.
Beardsley Zoo is a beloved family-friendly attraction located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. It is home to over 300 animals, including tigers, monkeys, and wolves, as well as a variety of exotic birds and reptiles. The zoo offers a range of educational programs and events, such as animal encounters, guided tours, and conservation activities. Children will love the carousel, playground, and the colorful butterfly exhibit. Beardsley Zoo is committed to animal welfare, conservation, and education, making it an ideal destination for families who want to learn about the natural world and have fun at the same time.
Visit the Children’s Museum in West Hartford and engage in interactive exhibits and activities.
The Children’s Museum in West Hartford is a hands-on museum designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children of all ages. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits and activities, including a wildlife sanctuary, a planetarium, a dinosaur exhibit, and a giant indoor treehouse. Children can explore, discover, and learn through play, using their senses and imagination to make new discoveries about the world around them. The museum also offers educational programs and events, including summer camps, after-school programs, and workshops for families. With its focus on learning through play, the Children’s Museum is a beloved institution in West Hartford and a must-visit destination for families with young children.
Visit the Mark Twain House & Museum: Take a tour of the famous author’s home and learn about his life and work.
The Mark Twain House & Museum is a must-visit attraction for literature enthusiasts and history buffs located in Hartford, Connecticut. It was the home of renowned author Mark Twain and his family from 1874 to 1891, during which time he wrote some of his most famous works, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” The museum offers guided tours of the beautifully restored Victorian Gothic mansion, as well as exhibits and interactive displays that provide insights into Twain’s life, work, and legacy. Visitors can see original manuscripts, letters, and personal artifacts, and learn about the social and cultural context of the time in which Twain lived. The Mark Twain House & Museum is a fascinating and informative destination that offers a glimpse into the life and times of one of America’s greatest literary icons.
Explore the New England Air Museum: Check out vintage aircraft and learn about the history of aviation in New England.
The New England Air Museum is a premier aviation museum located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, that showcases the rich history and innovation of aviation in New England. It houses a vast collection of over 100 aircraft and helicopters, including historic military planes, commercial aircraft, and experimental prototypes. Visitors can explore the planes up close, climb into the cockpit of some, and even take a simulated flight in the flight simulator. The museum also offers guided tours, educational programs, and interactive exhibits that provide insights into the science and technology of flight. The New England Air Museum is a unique and exciting destination that will fascinate aviation enthusiasts and curious learners alike.
Visit the Connecticut Science Center: Engage in hands-on exhibits and activities that promote science, technology, engineering, and math.
The Connecticut Science Center is a world-class science museum located in Hartford, Connecticut, that offers a wide range of interactive exhibits, programs, and events for visitors of all ages. The museum features over 165 hands-on exhibits that cover a broad range of topics, from space and physics to health and the environment. Visitors can explore the human body, investigate the science of sports, and even fly a simulated helicopter. The Connecticut Science Center also hosts traveling exhibits, live science demonstrations, and special events throughout the year, making it a dynamic and engaging destination for families, school groups, and science enthusiasts. The museum’s mission is to inspire lifelong learning and curiosity about science and technology, making it an excellent place to learn, explore and have fun.
Go on a Hike: Connecticut is home to many beautiful state parks and trails that offer scenic views and outdoor adventure for the whole family.
Connecticut offers a variety of hiking trails and parks that are ideal for families with kids. Hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors and to explore the state’s natural beauty. Some of the best parks for hiking with kids in Connecticut include Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, which features a network of trails that lead to stunning viewpoints and rock formations. Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury offers hiking trails that lead to the Heublein Tower, which provides breathtaking views of the Farmington River Valley. Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth offers easy-to-moderate trails that lead to a beautiful swimming pond and a waterfall. Other great parks for hiking with kids in Connecticut include Hubbard Park in Meriden, Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, and West Rock Ridge State Park in New Haven. With so many parks and trails to choose from, families can enjoy a fun and healthy day exploring Connecticut’s great outdoors.
Spend the day at Lake Compounce: Connecticut’s premier amusement park offers rides, games, and attractions for all ages.
Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, located in Bristol, Connecticut. The park is known for its thrilling rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions. It is home to Boulder Dash, one of the world’s top wooden roller coasters, and has recently added new rides and attractions like Phobia Phear Coaster and Venus Vortex. The park also offers a variety of entertainment, including live shows and concerts, as well as dining and shopping options. Lake Compounce is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike, offering a fun and exciting day out for all ages.
Visit the Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Learn about Connecticut’s natural history through interactive exhibits and live animals.
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a unique and educational destination located in Stamford, Connecticut. It offers a range of indoor and outdoor exhibits and activities that showcase the natural world, art, and history. The museum features art and history exhibits that highlight the region’s culture and heritage, including galleries dedicated to local artists and artifacts from the colonial era. The nature center features a working farm, animal exhibits, and nature trails that wind through beautiful meadows and forests. Visitors can meet farm animals, explore a maple sugar house, and even attend a planetarium show. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is an excellent destination for families, school groups, and nature enthusiasts, providing an immersive and engaging learning experience for visitors of all ages.
Check out the Lutz Children’s Museum: This interactive museum offers exhibits and activities that engage children in learning about animals, nature, and culture.
The Lutz Children’s Museum is a charming and interactive museum located in Manchester, Connecticut, that offers a range of exhibits and activities for children. The museum’s exhibits feature hands-on displays that allow kids to explore the natural world, including a live animal collection that includes snakes, turtles, and rabbits. The museum also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, such as science workshops, art classes, and live animal shows. The Lutz Children’s Museum is a great destination for families with young children, offering a fun and educational experience that encourages curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.