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Fun Free Activities for Kids in January 2025: Free Things To Do in CT with Kids

Kick off 2025 with fun and free things to do in Connecticut this January! Family Day event photo courtesy of the Yale University Art Galleries.
Kick off 2025 with fun and free things to do in Connecticut this January! Family Day event photo courtesy of the Yale University Art Galleries.
12/29/24 - By Jennifer Coe

Free things to do in January are perfect for Connecticut families after a busy (and probably expensive!) holiday season. During January 2025, you can get in some free skating at Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford or explore nature on a First Day Hike at Meigs Point Nature Center. There is also a super special stargazing opportunity at the Quadrantids Meteor Show at Ansonia Nature Center. 

Later in January, take advantage of FREE Entrance Days in the National Parks or see the amazing (and free) Family Day at Yale Art Gallery.

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in Connecticut this January—we're adding more events to the Connecticut Events Calendar every day.

More Things To Do in Connecticut This Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Winterfest in Bushnell Park brings free fun to Connecticut this January 2025. Photo by Andy Hart, courtesy of Winterfest in Hartford.
Winterfest in Bushnell Park brings free fun to Connecticut this January 2025. Photo by Andy Hart, courtesy of Winterfest in Hartford.

Fun Free Activities in Connecticut January 2025

Mr. Gilbert's Railroad

Hamden
Saturdays & Sundays until January 19
The Eli Whitney Museum delves into New Haven's past to bring back a special tradition dating back more than 60 years: The AC Gilbert American Flyer Train collection. At 3/16” scale, a six-foot-tall person rises a mere inch and one-eighth above the ground. Can you imagine yourself in this miniaturized world? READ MORE

First Day Hike at Meigs Point Nature Center

Madison
January 1
Join Bob Kuchta and Ranger Russ at Hammonasset Beach State Park on New Year's Day for an informative and fun hike. This hike takes place along the Cedar Island trail.      READ MORE

First Day Hike at Fort Griswold

Groton
January 1
Join along New Year's Day for a First Day Hike of Fort Griswold Battlefield. Meet your guide at the front gates at noon. Please dress for the weather and bring all friends. READ MORE

Quadrantids Meteor Show at Ansonia Nature Center

Ansonia
January 2
Most meteor showers get their name from the constellations they are related to. However, the Quadrantids constellation no longer exists, except in memory. The name Quadrantids comes from the French astronomer Jerome Lalande after discovering the constellation Quadrans Muralis in 1795. Wear warm clothes and bring your chairs for this free family event. READ MORE

Three Kings Day in Hamden

Hamden
January 3
Join Hamden to celebrate Three Kings Day at Thornton Wilder. This will be an evening of music, dancing, food, and fun! READ MORE

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford
Until January 4
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

Dia De Los Reyes at Pope Park

Hartford
January 6
The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. at 95 Park Street, Hartford, and will end at Pope Park, Arroyo Center. Toy Distribution: Toys will be distributed starting at approximately 11:00 a.m. after the Three Kings arrive at 30 Pope Park, Arroyo Center. READ MORE

Bunny Book Group at Grace Farms

Canton
Tuesdays in January
Children are invited to gather on the SANAA-designed rabbit chairs in our Arts Studio to hear stories from our curated collection of children’s books exploring topics related to our ongoing programs and initiative work, and to take part in an arts and crafts activity. Held weekly. READ MORE

Clay Penguin Pin Party at Danbury Library

Danbury
January 9
Please join polymer clay artist, Deb Jaffe, as she presents making winter themed penguin pins or magnets. Using polymer clay, each participant will make a penguin pin or magnet that has as much personality as your child. READ MORE

X Files Investigations at Windsor Library

Windsor
January 16
Join the library for a new series of monthly program the "X-Files" investigations. Let's probe and discuss the stories of Big Foot, Bermuda Triangle, Ghosts, Aliens, Strange Diseases and so much more. READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Various Locations
January 20
On select days throughout the year, all national parks in the United States are open to the public with no admission fee.  READ MORE

Family Day at Yale Art Gallery

New Haven
January 26
On their annual Family Day, Yale invite families to explore our collections and buildings with storytelling and art-making activities for all ages. Enjoy learning more about the art right in New Haven.   READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jenny Coe
Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).
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