The Brooklyn Children's Museum and North American Indigenous Center of New York host a two-day celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day. Photo by Winston Williams/courtesy of the museum
Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend in NYC: Harvest Fests, Halloween, and More Things To Do
The Little Red Lighthouse welcomes fall with an all-ages, waterfront festival on Saturday, October 4. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks
Halloween and More Things To Do in NYC with Kids October 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
GUIDE
Halloween Events & Activities for NYC Kids
Kids can go apple picking near NYC at Alstede Farms, where low-to-the-ground trees are perfect for little pickers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Apple Picking near NYC: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals for Kids
The Bronx Zoo celebrates Boo at the Zoo with family activities all October long. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher
Best Halloween Events in NYC 2025 for Kids and Families
Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Corn Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum
Best 2025 Fall Festivals and Fairs in NYC this September and October
Hit The High Line in costume to celebrate all things creepy and crawly on Saturday, October 25. Photo by Liz Ligon/courtesy of The High Line
Top Free Halloween Events in NYC in 2025: BAMBoo!, Great PUPkin, Labubu Fest, and More
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2025
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Tom's Restaurant is situated on a fairly sleepy corner in Morningside Heights despite its high-profile turn in Seinfeld. Photo by Jody Mercier
Lights, Camera, New York! Where to Find Iconic NYC Movie Sites with Kids
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
There's plenty of free fun to be had when we team up with Brooklyn Bridge Parents to host Playtopia at Atlantic Antic on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Playtopia at Atlantic Antic
Playtopia at Atlantic Antic, Blessing of the Animals, and More Things To Do this Weekend

14 Free Fun Things to Do in August with Connecticut Kids

7/26/19 - By Kelley Heyworth

Lucky for those of us with long school shopping lists to tackle this month, there's plenty of free fun for Connecticut kids to have in August! Mommy Poppins has put together a list of our very favorite FREE family events happening in August in Connecticut, and there's something for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids, from stargazing nights to hot air balloon festivals. And of course, don't forget to close out your fun summer with more ideas from our CT Summer Guide.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Close out this month with a hot air balloon fest in Hartford County. Photo courtesy of the Plainville Fire Department
Close out this month with a hot air balloon fest in Hartford County. Photo courtesy of the Plainville Fire Department

Free Family-Friendly August Activities in Connecticut

Kent's Annual Sidewalk Festival

August 1-4 - Kent
Merchants offer sales on their porches, under tents, and in their stores as well as drawings for gift certificates and merchandise. Some shops host demonstrations and tastings, and the Kent Memorial Library holds an outdoor book sale. READ MORE

Get Into It Free Evening at Stepping Stones

August 1 - Norwalk
Families are invited to visit the museum for free the first Thursday evening of every month.    READ MORE

Taste of the Caribbean and Jerk Festival in Hartford

Aug 3 - Hartford
Authentic Caribbean cuisine, cool island beverages, island rhythms, and spectacular costumes and dance bring a festive Caribbean atmosphere to the riverfront, during a free, day-long, family-friendly festival.  READ MORE

Nimble Arts Circus

Aug 4 - New London
This small circus troupe's show has become an annual New London summer happening. Smart, funny, and sophisticated, Nimble Arts will surprise you with their award-winning circus arts: trapeze, juggling, comedy, acrobatics, with new acts this year. READ MORE

Melissa and Doug Children's Concert Series at the Levitt Pavilion

Wednesdays through Aug. 21 - Westport
Every Wednesday, kids rule at the Levitt Pavilion! Kids are welcome to visit the Melissa & Doug Hospitality tent for kids and enjoy complimentary face-painting while supplies last. On-site activities begin at 6. READ MORE

Astronomy at Grace Farms | Perseid Meteor Shower

Aug. 13 - New Canaan
As Earth passes through the path of Comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseid Meteor Shower lights up the sky. Join experts to learn about the famous and bright shower, search the sky, and look for the bright Perseids. READ MORE

Movie Night with the RCA

Wednesdays through Aug 21 - Rowayton
Bring your whole family and set up a picnic blanket to enjoy a screening of Moana at the Rowayton Community Center. Enjoy music from the WEBE-108 van and food trucks including John the Baker, Crazy Taco-Mex, and Kona Ice. READ MORE

Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival in Hartford

Aug 17 - Hartford
Celebrate Asian and Pacific Island cultures through traditional music and dance, hands-on art activities, food, and martial arts. Dragon boat races are back this year. Come cheer on your favorite team! READ MORE

Dinosaur State Park Day in Rocky Hill

Aug 17 - Rocky Hill
 Dinosaur State Park, CT State Parks No Child Left Inside® (NCLI), and the Friends of Dinosaur Park & Arboretum are hosting Dinosaur State Park Day which is the 59th anniversary of over 1,800 Eubrontes dinosaur tracks discovered here in 1966. READ MORE

Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival

Aug 23-25 - Plainville
Enjoy this visual spectacle of hot air balloons floating by in the sky. Fireworks, craft fair, live music and a car show all weekend. READ MORE

Tomato Tasting

Aug 24 - Wilton
Enjoy an epicurean morning at Ambler Farm while tasting and learning about a variety of fresh heirloom, hybrid, and garden variety tomatoes. Take a tour of Ambler Farm's  production garden, where you will see first-hand how to grow tomatoes. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Kelley Heyworth
Kelley Heyworth is the regional editor for Mommy Poppins, covering Boston, Connecticut, and the rest of New England. She has covered parenting and health topics for nearly two decades, as an editor for Child Magazine and Fitness Magazines and a contributor to Parents Magazine, Mommy Nearest, and other national publications and websites. Previously, she was a writer and editor at Sports Illustrated and Philadelphia Magazines. A mom of three boys outside of Boston, Kelley also writes a blog, Happy Healthy Kids, and loves hiking, running, cooking, gardening, and spending time at beaches in Nantucket, Connecticut, and New Jersey with family and friends.
Recent Articles By Kelley Heyworth:
Read more articles by Kelley Heyworth.