Only in Connecticut: Summer 2025

1. Slide the Slopes at Powder Ridge — Middlefield

Powder Ridge isn't just for skiing; the summer activities and events keep this Connecticut fun spot hopping all summer long. And Summer fun will be heating up with some cool plunges down the slopes of Powder Ridge!

2. Shore Line Trolley Museum — East Haven

Connecticut kids are lucky to have trolley fun at their doorstep, and East Haven's Shore Line Trolley Museum. There is a full calendar of summer activities and cool things to do.

3. Hike to the Top of Sleeping Giant — Hamden

This state park has one of the region's coolest natural features: 2 miles of mountain that look like a sleeping giant. The views of Connecticut from the lookout tower at the top of Sleeping Giant are stunning.

4. Indian Well State Park— Shelton

Take your pick from the waterfall (and its splash pool) or the sandy beach on the Housatonic (with the only public launch on the river), Indian Well is the coolest on a CT summer day.

5. Shakespearer on the Sound — Rowayton

Behold the Bard, live in Connecticut, as Macbeth for Kids at Pinkney Park takes the stage in Norwalk. The "Scottish Play" never sounded so good as when it echoes across Long Island Sound.

6. Lavender Pond Farm — Killingworth

Take a day trip to one of the most magical spots in the Nutmeg State, where perfume fills the air, and a purple train takes little ones through fields of lavender. Stroll the grounds and say "hi" to the chickens!

7. Southwind Farm — Watertown

See the cutest spot in Connecticut, where the "alpacalypse" is upon us! Visit Southwind Farm in Litchfield County, where over 50 adorable alpacas await on a beautiful, 23-acre farm.

8. White Memorial Conservation Center — Litchfield

Litchfield County is a Connecticut treasure, filled with natural beauty. And the White Memorial Conservation Center is the perfect place for families to hike, attend the many events and activities, and have loads of summer fun!

9. Explore Tide Pools in Connecticut — Various Locations 

Take advantage of Long Island Sound and eco-explore the coast. Find sea glass, wild life, and lots of outdoor fun in the summer sun.

10. Connecticut's Original Sunflower Maze — Middlefield

Summer wouldn't be complete without a ramble through Lyman Orchards' Sunflower Maze, and work up an appetite for some of the delicious food that the Orchard serves up!

11. PEZ Museum — Orange

Connecticut has a museum like no other, dedicated entirely to PEZ candy and the colorful themed dispensers that make PEZ special. This candy cathedral is one of the Best Roadside Attractions in New England.

 
See some amazing things this Summer 2025. Quartz Crystal from Namibia photo by Robert Lorenz, courtesy of the Yale Peabody Museum .

Top FREE Things To Do In Connecticut Summer 2025

13. Yale Peabody Museum — New Haven

Always FREE, visiting Yale Peabody Museum with kids is a dino-filled day of fun, and a great way to get out of the heat.

14. Submarine Force library and Museum — Groton

What's better than touching a truck? How about a real submarine?

15. Stamford Town Center Summer Block Party

The 5th annual Stamford Town Center Block Party features FREE live entertainment, with music, dancers, and more.

16. Splash Pads — Various Locations

Find a FREE way to beat the heat at the Best Splash Pads for Connecticut Kids in Summer 2025.

17. Museum of CT History — Hartford

Explore how Connecticut has grown through the years at Hartford's Museum of Connecticut History, where admission is always free .

18. New England Civil War Museum — Rockville

The New England Civil War Museum shares the experiences of everyday New Englanders. And the stories come to you with fre admission.

19. Talcott Mountain State Park — Simsbury

The striking Heublein Tower is the highlight of central Connecticut's Talcott Mountain State Park. Hike the trails and explore nature for FREE.

20. Housatonic Museum of Art — Bridgeport

Housatonic Community College has an amazing art museum that offers free admission to the public.

Step on over to these top CT attractions in Summer 2025. Stepping Stones Museum photo by Kelly Patino for Mommy Poppins

Top Connecticut Attractions To Visit Summer 2025

21. Beardsley Zoo — Bridgeport

Connecticut's zoo is especially fun in the summer, with a calendar full of events and activities!

22. Mystic Aquarium — Mystic

No summer in CT would be complete without visiting Mystic Aquarium with kids, and marveling at the amazing aquatic creatures.

23. Connecticut Science Center — Hartford

Hartford's Connecticut Science Center has acres of climate-controlled, STEM-based fun for kids of all ages.

24. Bruce Museum — Greenwich

The Bruce Museum in Greenwich has a delightful blend of art and science, perfect for a summer day trip.

25. Connecticut Beaches — Various Locations

There are miles and miles of beautiful Connecticut area beaches that are great for families looking for summer fun. Ocean Beach Park was just named one of the top beaches in the U.S.

26. Dinosaur State Park — Rocky Hill

Connecticut's Dinosaur State Park lets kids get a hands-on experience with real dinosaur fossils.

27. Maritime Aquarium — Norwalk

Visiting the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is an encounter with sea cretures large and small in a kid-friendly environment.

28. Discovery Science Center — Bridgeport

Fairfield County families love a summer day trip to the Discovery Science Center for fun and engaging exhibits.

29. Riverside Reptiles — Enfield

Get the kids away from screens and face to face with snakes, lizards, and more fascinating creatures at this Enfield education center.

30. Stepping Stones Museum — Norwalk

Visiting the Stepping Stones Museum is a perfect summer excusrsion for families with curious little ones, eager to explore the world!

31. Dinosaur Place — Oakdale

The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village brings visiors on a trip through time to the era of the dinosaurs. There are over one and a half miles of trails (complete with life-size dinos), play structures, and more to do at this 60-acre family fun park.

32. Mystic Seaport — Mystic

Connecticut's Mystic Seaport offers a different step back in time, to a replica 19th-century village. This living museum boasts a huge complex (encompassing 17 acres), where visitors can see 30 period buildings in the style of an earlier New England age.

33. Stamford Nature Center — Stamford

From the farm animals to the play structures, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center offers all kinds of summer fun. 

34. Mattatuck Museum — Waterbury

Explore both art and history at Waterbury's Mattatuck Museum.

Top Connecticut Attractions 2025 - Amusement Parks and More

35. Lake Compounce — Bristol

The oldest, continuously-operating amusement park in North America is Lake Compunce, and no Connecticut summer is complete without a trip here. Rides include the famed Boulder Dash coaster, a local fave.

36. Quassy Amusement Park — Middlebury

With rides for big kids and little ones, Quassy Amusemement Park has been creating warm summer memories for generations.

37. The Nissen Carousel at Mill River Park — Stamford

Make the most out of a day in Stamford with a twirl or two on this classic carousel!

38. New England Carousel Museum — Bristol

Need a few more spins? A visit to the New England Carousel Museum will spin you right round.

39. Connecticut Trolley Museum — East Windsor

With summer events and fun trolley rids, the Connecticut Trolley Museum is sure to please the choo-choosiest kiddos.

40. Essex Steam Train and Riverboat — Essex

The Essex Steam Train and Railroad hits the spot for train and boat enthusiasts. The journey takes a 2+ hour tour of the CT River Valley, with riders enjoying a vintage boat and classsic train cars.

 
See the skies of CT aglow for Summer 2025. Fireworks photo courtesy of the Greenwich Connecticut Gvt.

Best Kid-Friendly Events In Connecticut Summer 2025

41. Robin Hood's Faire 2025 — Harwinton

Take a trip back to Jolly Old England with a magical recreation of Sherwood Forest.

42. Downtown Milford's Pirate Day — Milford

Avast, there's treasure to be found on the streets of Milford, as Pirate Day comes swashbuckling back to town!

43. Little Poland Festival in New Britain

New Britain's Little Poland Neighborhood comes alive with food, music, and a celebration of heritage.

44. Summer Concerts — Various Locations

Summer 2025 has a calendar filled with fun (and often FREE) summer concerts in Connecticut.

45. Beyond Van Gogh, Beyond Monet in Hartford

Immerse your family in some of the most amazing works of art ever created.

46. International Festival of Art and Ideas — New Haven

New Haven's International Festival of Arts and Ideas runs from mid- to late June and features (mostly) free exhibitions of art, music, and more.

47. Trumbull Day (&Fireworks) — Trumbull

Local bands and children's entertainment take the stage in the day, while the summer night is all fireworks!

48. 4th of July 2025 Celebrations — Various Locations

Connecticut always celebrates the 4th of July in style. And your family can enjoy a summer tradition at these 4th of July Fireworks in Connecticut.

49. Annual North Stonington Fair — North Stonington

This annual agricultural fair features arts, crafts, tractor pulls, livestock pulls, and more!

50. Rowayton River Ramble — Norwalk

From water rides to live music and food, there's something for everyone at the Rowayton River Ramble.

51. Norwich Carnival & Food Truck Festival — Norwich

Dodd stadium hosts three days of summer fun, with carnival rides, games, and (of course) plenty of delicious food.

52. Riverfront Food Truck Festival in Hartford — 

Haven't had your fill? Hartford's Riverfront Food Truck Festival features diverse cuisine served up by over 30 food trucks.

53. Hartford Festival of Jazz — Hartford

Mid-July brings three days of live music to the Hartford Festival of Jazz, the third-largest in New England.

54. Pizza & Brew Fest in Bridgeport

Come for a few slices (and a cold brew for the parents) and see if you can pick the winners of this Connecticut culinary throwdown.

55. Vernon's Annual Summer Days Carnival — Vernon

This summer carnival features four summer days filled with rides, games, and fun.

56. Lebanon Country Fair — Lebanon

There is so much to enjoy at the Lebanon County Fair, with carnival rides, games, animals, food, and so much more.

57. Hey Stamford! Food Festival — Stamford

Late July brings this Stamford tradition back to Mill River Park, with food, live music, and plenty of family entertainment.

58. Summerfest 2025 in Ridgefield

Summerfest has plenty for Connecticut kids, with a train, rides, touch-a-truck, and more family fun.

59. Easton's Annual Fireman's Carnival — Easton

Easton's summer tradition returns, with plenty of food and fun rides.

60. Stonington Village Fair — Stonington

Locals and tourists come to the Stonongton Village fair for music, games, and food. 

61. Milford Oyster Festival — Milford

Every year, the rides, games, and family fun are upstaged by the thousands of delicious clams and oysters enjoyed by the festival's hungry visitors.

62. The Brooklyn Fair — Brooklyn

One of the oldest continually operating fairs in America, the Brooklyn Fair always delivers kid-friendly fun and games!

63. Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival — Plainville

Kids love balloons, and a summer sky full of massive hot-air balloons is sure to be a fun-filled day!

64. Woodstock Fair — South Woodstock

Agricultural shows, carnival rides and games, competions, music, and more entertainment await visitors to the Woodstock Fair.

65. Norwalk Seaport Association's Oyster festival — Norwalk

Dozens of bands take the stage at this beloved festival that features rides, games, crafters, and plenty of food.

66. Drone Shows at Lake Compounce — Bristol

The last weekend of August brings drone shows that light up the skies over Lake Compounce with synchronized displays!

Best Outdoor Activities In Connecticut Summer 2025

67. Farmington River Tubing — New Hartford

Try visiting Farmington River Tubing in New Hartford, and have a cool, kid-friendly adventure riding the river.

68. Brownstone Adventure Park — Portland

Portland's Brownstone Adventure Park offers even more aquatic adventure, with zip-lines, water obstacles, and more outdoor excitement on the water.

69. Hartfrod Yard Goats Baseball — Hartford

See the boys of summer (on their way to the big leagues) shine at Yard Goats games!

70. Woodcock Nature Center— Wilton

From feathered friends to snakes and spiders, the Woodcock Nature Center has animals that will enthrall visitors.

71. Connecticut Strawberry Fairs and Festivals — Various Locations

It wouldn't be summer in Connecticut without a bucket full of delicious strawberries.

72. Outdoor Summer Movies — Various Locations

Enjoy a summer movie under the stars, and many of them are FREE!

73. Sheffield Island Ferry Cruises — Norwalk

Cruise from Norwalk to Sheffield Island for a fun summer excursion in Connecticut.

Cool Fun in Connecticut Summer 2025

74. Great Wolf Lodge — Mashantucket

The new Great Wold Lodge brings indoor water park fun to Connecticut, just in time for Summer 2025!

75. Crocodile Cove at Lake Compounce — Bristol

Lake Compounce has wave pools, water slides, and more at Crocodile Cove. There are also areas designed for younger kids to enjoy some splash time.

76. Splash Away Bay Water Park at Quassy Amusement Park — Middlebury

Quassy's water park has slides, a rapid raft adventure, and a play scape complete with a gigantic dumping bucket. A special area for little ones features preschooler-approved pools and slides. 

77. The Dinosaur Place Splash Pad — Montville

The Dinosaur Place has a fun, watery playground for kids. And (of course) it has a dinosaur theme. There are around 30 dino water features, as well as a dedicated play area for infants and toddlers.

78. Head to Connecticut's Waterfalls — Various Locations

The wondrous, wild waterfalls in Connecticut have cool mist, shade, and even (sometimes) a place for a dip on a hot summer day. Kent Falls and Wadsworth Falls are two of our faves for cool hikes.

Top Wekend Trips and Getaways in Connecticut Summer 2025

79. Mystic

A weekend might not be enough to take in everything Mystic has to offer, with its amazing aquarium, Mystic Seaport, and many shops and restaurants.

80. New Haven

New Haven has so much to offer families on a summer getaway, from the museums at Yale to the world-class pizzerias.

81. Foxwoods — Mashantucket

Perfect for a mini-vacation, Foxwoods is even more family-friendly since the opening of the new Great Wolf Lodge.

82. Hartford

Connecticut's capital is bursting at the seams with summer activities and things to do with kids.

83. Niantic

A quaint coastal town, Niantic is perfect for a day trip, a weekend, or an extended vacation.

84. Boston MA

Head up to Beantown for a summer excursion filled with family fun, awesome museums, and historic sights.

85. Springfield MA

Springfield has so much to offer families, from kid-friendly museums (like Dr. Seuss') to the basketball hall of fame and Six Flags.

86. Newport RI

Come for the cottages, stay for the great food, cool events, and summer fun.

87. Providence RI

The Rhode Island capital attracts visitors with the quaintness of College Hill, the Italian eateries of Federal Hill, and the col attractions, like its world-class zoo.

88. New York, NY

There's nothing like summer in the city, and with the kids on break, a getaway to the Big Apple is in order!

89. Portland, ME

Maine's gem of a city has plenty of museums, shops, sights....but the food scene makes the drive to Maine so worth it.

90. FREE Entrance Day at National Parks  — Various Locations

Build a getaway around the free national park days in Summer 2025.