Easy and Fun Things to Do With Your Baby in Connecticut

1. KidCity Children's Museum - Middletown

My kids (ages 7 and under) made a trip to KidCity two or three times a year. Always a hit, there is something new to see and do at every turn. Hop in a space ship, watch balls travel through clear tubes, take a peek at the train display, plant a crop, climb, slide and more. Babies will especially love the Toddler Sea Caves, a special place where older kids aren't allowed so babies can crawl and explore safely.  No strollers beyond the coat room, so you might want to wear  your tiny ones. 

2. Story Corner - Audubon Fairfield

There's a monthly story-time held at the Fairfield Audubon. Your child will hear a story read on a nature-subject and then meet one of the center's animal residents. Sells out!

3. Itty Bittys - Westport

Come down to Westport Library on Saturday mornings for this class specifically for children birth to 5. Enjoy music and movement led by library staff. 

4. Peek A Brew Cafe - Old Saybrook

This is the place where your kids can come play and you can geet a fancy coffee or tea - what is better than that?! Thre's a little Main Street and awesome toys mounted on the wall just at baby-level. You should know that the floor is not carpeted, so kids should be able to sit comfortably before they come.

5. Super Sensory Classes at Rooted in Play - Glastonbury

For babies ages 6 months and up, this play-based outing uses squishy, slimy and other sensory stimulation. Just keep an eye on kiddos who put things in their mouths! Rooted in Play offers an Open Play for babies, but it includes kids up to 6. 

6. Westfarms Mall - West Hartford

Bring baby to the mall to do some window shopping and mall-walking. Westfarms is one of the only malls left in Connecticut where I would walk around with a baby. It's also one of the only ones that opens at 10 am (most open at 11 am). The first floor has a charging station, a family bathroom, and stroller rental.  

7. Born to Read - Simsbury

The Simsbury library has a great children's room (wing, really). Born to Read is is on Tuesdays and starts as soon as the library opens. The event welcomes newborns and older babies to listen to stories, as well as other activities. This is for babies who are not yet walking. 

8. Family Programs at CT Museum of History and Culture - Hartford

Free every first Saturday of the month, the Family Programs at the museum are for kids of all ages. Developmentally appropriate for littles (using sight, sound, and hands on fun), these are worth the trip even if you just walk around and check out the museum. Do not miss the second floor, which is predominantly designed for kids. 

9. Roaring Brook Nature Center - Canton

This is probably my family's favorite nature center. As soon as you walk in, you feel like you are in the woods! This nature center has lots of wildlife and hidey holes for kids to crawl into, as well as a replica Native American long house! Carpeted, with books that are low, and tanks with windows at baby-height. Gardens are accessible with strollers, but trails are definitely not.

Find fun things to do for parents and babies in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Family Tree Yoga

Sanity Saving Activities for Parents

10. Fit4Mom - Fairfield

Fit4Mom offers moms several locations for exercise classes that include baby too! I bet Mom will love Stroller Strides, Stroller Barre, or RunClub; get some stretching, walking, and running in to give yourself some love and attention.

11. Children's Concert Series (Peanut Butter Jam)- Fairfield

This annual series of outdoor concerts for kids happens every summer. Kids are invited to Sherman Green to listen to music. For baby, bring a blanket or stroll on in for a sweet, fun, musical morning concert...and it's free!

12. Family Tree Yoga - Various locations

Moms know it's nice to be able to bring your baby while doing something good for themselves, too. Family tree offers "Yoga for New Moms" and "Play, Sign and Sing for infants and their caretakers." Ages 6 weeks to pre-crawling babies will stretch together with mom. Bring a soft blanket for he baby, as the floor is not carpeted or soft. 

13. Music Together (Soulshine Studio) - Woodbury/Newtown

The Babies Only class is the introduction class to Music Together at Soulshine Studio. This birth to 8 months class shows parents how to connect with their kiddos through music and movement. 

14. Prenatal and Postpartum Support Groups - Hamden

Free prenatal and postpartum support groups for mommas who would like to connect with others in their same life stage. This group meets once a week and is on ZOOM! Everyone is welcome. 

15. Understanding Your Newborn - Hartford

Held at Hartford Hospital, this class is offered to new parents and covers diapering, bathing, feeding and more. The facility also offer other classes like Fathering and infant safety.

Indoor Activities for Babies in Connecticut

16. Musikgarten - Brookfield

Music and movement was a must for me when my boys were little! Mommy and me Musikgarten classes offer music and movement for little ones (birth and up). Kids will get their wiggles out, listen to music, and do movements associated with the songs, as well as practice listening, rhythm, and attention.

17. Tumble Jungle - Norwalk

Work a Baboons Class into your baby's schedule. Ages sitting up to 3 are welcome to come explore the play area with tunnels, squishy floors, and cubes. Staff will help littles explore the different features in the play area, parachute, bubbles, music, and movement.

18. Romp and Roll - Wethersfield

Mommy and Me-style classes for babies and toddlers get you out of the house. These classes also give your kids a chance to play on their way to those earliest developmental milestones. Lots of balls, bright colors, and soft spaces will brighten your baby's eyes. There's an easy online booking system, and you pay as you go. 

19. MyGym - Various Locations

My Gym offers babies and their mommas a class called Tiny Tykes, where non-walkers can "play" with toys, sing songs together, and "meet" other babies. Let's be honest, this is a great opportunity for moms to meet one another too!

20. Busy Bees Play Hive - Norwich

If you're looking for a small, cozy spot where a little one can explore, this is it. With soft floor play mats, small equipment, and a calm and serene atmosphere, this provides a peaceful morning with your baby.

21. Stepping Stones Museum - Norwalk

Designed specifically for kids under 8, Stepping Stones has features that babies will love too. First of all, features like the Energy Lab water exhibit and Tot Town have hands-on fun for babies. Bring a change of clothes (maybe for you too!), because some of the water features are at baby-level. Children under 1 are free, and if naptime isn't happening, quiet hours are between 2 pm and 5 pm. Strollers are allowed in all areas except Energy Lab and Tot Town, and there are changing stations in the bathrooms.

Outdoor Activities for Babies in Connecticut

22. Nevers Park - South Windsor

It's a great playground, but it also has a long, paved walking path that winds among trees. It's flat and long. Afterwards, stop at a grassy place to have a picnic.

23. Windsor Locks Canal Trail - Windsor Locks

Find 5.4 miles of paved pathway running besides a historic canal. There is plenty of room for strollers, and the trail is used by bikers, walkers, and fishermen. Good parking is located where the trail starts. There aren't any bathroom facilities, but there are benches along the way and tons of wildlife.

24. Poquonnock River Walkway - Groton

This walkway, less than a mile and right next to the water, has a boardwalk and lots of serene nature to enjoy. This walk works well for strollers (both single and double) and it's free. There are several benches along the way (if you need a rest) and a playground at the end if you happen to bring an older sibling!

25. Flamig Farm - West Simsbury

This is the best little petting farm around; my son and I have been going annually since he was in a stroller! Flamig has everything from horses to pigs to chickens. And it's completely stroller-friendly. Grab a cup of feed and visit the animals together. The property is not too big, but it has a lot of fun to offer. It opens for the season in April and is very affordable.

26. Highwire Deer and Animal Farm - Woodbury

Have you ever seen a deer up close? Or a zebu? A lemur? This is a great strolling petting zoo, where you can see farm animals and more exotic animals (like a Wallaby). This is a wide open, pleasant place, And visitors under 2 enjoy free admission. Always call ahead or check their Facebook page.

27. Dinosaur State Park - Rocky Hill

The obsession with dinosaurs starts young, so you might as well not fight it. Dinosaur State Park has an indoor museum that is completely stroller-friendly (although you might want to avoid the animatronic dino as you pass). There is a hands-on science lab for kids, but if your baby is not interested, you can take the stroller outside onto the boardwalk path (not all paths are stroller friendly though). 

These baby-approved spaces have stimulating sights. Photo courtesy of Mystic Aquarium

Must-Do Baby Experiences in Connecticut

28. Essex Steam Train - Essex

Running May to December, the Essex Steam Train invites you to put baby on your lap and ride the rails! And OF COURSE, buy your tickets for the Day Out With Thomas every April and May. A huge Thomas will be your steam engine as you puff along. Strollers must be folded to be brought on board.

29. Beardlsey Zoo - Bridgeport

Connecticut's zoo, Beardsley is layed out in a stroller friendly loop that walks you past all the interesting animals such as bison, panda, and eagles! For your convenience, there are bathrooms (with changing tables) at the entrance to the loop, tons of nearby parking, and a place to grab some food (the Peacock Cafe). 

30. Mystic Aquarium - Mystic

With so many upclose tanks and experiences for baby to see, this is a can't-miss activity. Starting with the Beluga whale when you enter (it will most like come over to say hi), you'll see tanks upon tanks of turtles, fish, jellyfish and sometimes Mermaids! The path to walk outside is paved and wide, although your little one might not be able to see over the wall if they are in a stroller. Parking is free; there is a place for mother's to nurse and all the bathrooms have changing tables.

Seasonal Fun for Babies in Winter

31. Santa Claus Visit at Cabelas - East Hartford

While this is just one of the many, many places to see Santa, Cabelas is extra fun because of the amazing display right in the middle of the store. There's a literal mountain of animals that you can point out to your baby. There are also fish swimming in a tank that you can get really close to.

Seasonal Fun for Babies in Spring

32. Meigs Point Nature Center and Gardens - Madison

Located at Hammonasset Beach, Meigs Point offers all sorts of nature learning year-round. Around May or early June, once the ten gardens are planted and growing, there is beautiful landscaping. Most of the ten gardens are accessible with a stroller, although it might be a little bumpy as the paths are lined with mulch. Shoot for late Spring before it gets too hot. Inside the nature center see permanent displays with live animals. Admission is free and there is a bathroom inside.

33. Westmoor Park - West Hartford 

Westmoor's farm is open everyday of the week starting early. Once Spring and warm weather arrive, the animals are out and would love a visit! There may even be babies! Chickens, goats, a cow, and more will greet you. Westmoor park has walking trails, but I would say they are too rustic for strollers. There is a 1-mile, wheelchair accessible trail, which begins at the main building. 

34. Cherry Blossom Festival - New Haven

If the weather cooperates, and the cherry blossoms are in bloom, this festival is a great kick-off for Spring in New Haven. Wooster Park is entirely strolley friendly; in fact, lots of people just lay out on blankets to relax under the beautiful trees. This is just a relaxing afternoon with your family.

Seasonal Fun for Babies in Summer

35.  Jonathon's Dream - Bloomfield

Completely refurbushed, Jonathon's Dream Playground has top-of-the-line playground equipment for all-abilities, and that means babies too! There is an infant swing, a rocking boat parents can fit on, and a climbing tower you can bring your little ones onto with you. With supervision, kids under 1 can sit on the see-saw; all the floors are cushioned and bouncy. There isn't a permanent bathroom facility at Jonathon's Dream, so plan ahead.

36. Farm Day with Lutz Museum -  Manchester

This annual event is an outdoor fundraiser. there's plenty of space for strollers, and activities include face painting, animals, and wagon rides. Fish Family Farm and Creameryhosts the event. There isn't a ton of shade, so bring a little hat for your little one. There are places to picnic, see emergency vehicles, and more. It's a true small-town fair which happens at the end of summer. 

Seasonal Fun for Babies in Fall

37. Beardsley's Cider Mill and Orchard - Shelton

A great place to pick apples, Beardsley's also has a cidery and a bakery. Although the terrain is bumpy, it is possible to use a stroller as you pick some of their 17 varieties of apples. Take lots of pictures with your baby, then pick up a delicious pie or cider donuts to take home...and then take more pictures! 

38. Silverman's Farm - Easton

Your classic autumn pumpkin picking and wagon ride memories can be made here. There are tons of photo opportunities with the piles of orange pumpkins, as well as an on-site mini farm where kids can see goats, cows, emus, and more. No dogs allowed. Keep in mind that October is school field trip month, so some days may be busy with kids. 

39. Pumpkin Trolley at CT Trolley Museum - East Windsor

I bought tickets for the Pumpkin Trolley for years with my boys. Kids jump on one of the old trolley's that is manned by a conductor. Riders travel the rails for about a mile and stop at a big field strewn with pumpkins of all sizes. Each child is allowed to grab one and bring it back home. Strollers are probably more of a nuisance at this event; you don't really need them as you aren't walking too far. Make sure to get lots of pictures, both on the train and among the pumpkins!

Baby Activities in Connecticut FAQ

Q: What are the best things to do with a baby in Connecticut?
A: The best things to do with babies are things that are low-energy and low-prep so that mom and dad don't get overwhelmed! Check our calendar for recurring classes, easy music and movement classes and low-cost arts and crafts activities.

Q: Where can I find free baby-friendly activities in Connecticut?
A: Ah, I love FREE events! First stop should be the library. When my kids were little, we had a weekly day we hit the library. Other free things can be found at your local park, playground, and of course just connecting with a friend to spend time at one another's homes. We had a farm in town that had chickens and I often strolled my son right up to them to say hello.

Q: What indoor activities are good for babies in Connecticut?
A: Connecticut is just bursting with new indoor play places - these small, curated, well-thought out spaces offer a safe and clean place to play and meet new people. Nature centers and some museums are also good destinations on a rainy day.

Q: What outdoor activities are best for babies in Connecticut?
A: Pack up a bag, throw the stroller in your trunk and wheel around your local park, or stretch yourself a bit and go to one in the town over. Eventually, you'll hear through the grapevine which ones are the best. Look for playgrounds with infant swings, short toddler lize slides and that are well-maintained. 

Q: How can I make baby outings easier for myself?
A: Have I ever mentioned the time I totally forgot diapers on a trip to the mall? Woops. Keep your expectations simple. Schedule your plans around nap time and be aware when you get tired too! Bring formula if you use it and a bottle of water so you don't have to rely on tap water in who-knows-where. Meet up with friends at a location and also pack snacks for yourself.