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There is totally cool fun in Connecticut for July 2025! Teddy Bear Fest at the Beardsley Zoo. Photo courtesy of the event.
There is totally cool fun in Connecticut for July 2025! Teddy Bear Fest at the Beardsley Zoo. Photo courtesy of the event.
6/29/25 - By Jennifer Coe

There are only a few important words to keep in mind for July in Connecticut: KEEPING COOL and FIREWORKS!  Some of the biggest fireworks shows in the state include: the Great American Boom in New Britain, The Hartford Yard Goats Game and Fireworks, and the 3-D Fireworks Spectacular at Quassy. Celebrate Independence Day with amazing displays all over the state; find our top picks with Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Connecticut 2025.

It's the 50th anniversary of Jaws; sink your teeth into JAWS Fest at Mystic Seaport on July 5. Also this month, head to Bushnell Park for free at the Hartford Festival of Jazz (always free!) or bring your fave plushie to the Teddy Bear Fest at Beardsley Zoo.

Looking to make the most of your limited summer budget? Check out 100 Unforgettable FREE Summer Activities for Kids in Connecticut 2025. 

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Check out JAWS Fest at Mystic Seaport in July 2025. Photo by Jaime Summersille, for Mommy Poppins.
Check out JAWS Fest at Mystic Seaport in July 2025. Photo by Jaime Summersille, for Mommy Poppins.

Best of July 2025: Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids

Ice Cream Train at the Railroad Museum of New England

Naugatuck
Specific Dates in July 2025
Take a break from the heat of summer and enjoy a 30-minute scenic train ride through the Naugatuck River Valley and over the Thomaston Dam. Cool off with your friends and family this summer in one of our historic passenger cars as you enjoy a large scoop of ice cream. READ MORE

Creator's Club: Art Journaling for TEENS at Danbury Library

Danbury
Mondays in July 2025
In this year's Creator's Club, Teens will make their own Art Journal! Journals and pens will be distributed at the first session, and art supplies will be available to add color and texture however you want. READ MORE

Lunch and Learn: The Chilling Chronicles of Ice Cream

Waterbury
July 2, 2025
Join The Matt for a delightful afternoon of good food and engaging conversations about local art and history. Order ahead from Sweet Bella @ The MATT or bring your own lunch to enjoy. READ MORE

Madison Fireworks

Madison
June 3, 2025
The annual Madison fireworks are set off from West Wharf Beach, but fireworks are viewable from most places on the water in Madison. The main viewing areas are East Wharf Beach, Surf Club Park, and West Wharf Beach.  READ MORE

Hartford Yard Goats Game and Fireworks at Dunkin' Donuts Park

Hartford
June 3, 2025
Take the family out to the ballpark and cheer on the Yard Goats as they take on the Rumble Ponies. Stay after the game for a spectacular firework show celebrating the 4th!  READ MORE

Norwich Harbor Fireworks

Norwich
June 3, 2025
Join Norwich as they celebrate our great Nation at the Norwich Harbor Fireworks on July 5, 2024 (July 8 rain date). Activities including music and food will start at 6 pm and fireworks will begin around 9:15 pm.  READ MORE

Fourth of July Bike Parade at Pequot Library

Southport
July 4, 2025
Celebrate the founding of our nation with the annual Pequot Library 4th of July Bike Parade. Bring your festively decorated bike, scooter, or wagon to Five Corners in Southport Village and parade to the Great Lawn for some fun and games. READ MORE

Independence Day Boat Parade in Essex

Essex
July 4, 2025
Join the Connecticut River Museum this Independence Day for an afternoon of excitement, learning, and fun! Enjoy a spectacle of dazzling boat displays and cannon fire after visiting the Museum exhibits and taking on a special scavenger hunt. READ MORE

July 4th Celebration and Townwide America250 Kickoff in Ridgefield

Ridgefield
July 4, 2025
This year's July 4th Celebration will be bigger than ever before! KTM&HC is excited to host the kickoff to the Ridgefield Commemorates America at 250 Commission's year of townwide initiatives to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. READ MORE

Great American Boom in New Britain

New Britain
July 4, 2025
The 2025 New Britain fireworks display is a “drive-in style” event and access to the event requires the purchase of a parking placard. Placards are $10, and pre-registration is required. READ MORE

3-D Fireworks Spectacular at Quassy

Middlefield
July 4, 2025
Spend the holiday at the park and then enjoy 3-D Fireworks after dark with special viewing glasses sold for $2. Proceeds benefit Give Kids The World Village.  READ MORE

Raspberry Festival at Lyman Orchards

Middlefield
July 5, 2025
The Lyman Orchards Raspberry Festival celebrates raspberry season with some fun for the whole family.  READ MORE

JAWS Fest at Mystic Seaport

Mystic
July 5, 2025
On July 5, "we're gonna need a bigger boat" to celebrate the 50th anniversary of JAWS! Whether you're an islander, a tourist, or a local, join us for JAWSFest at Mystic Seaport Museum, enjoy shark-themed fun for all ages including a shark cage photo op, crafts, and sea shanties. READ MORE

July in the Sky in Vernon

Vernon
July 9, 2025
There are two venues for July in the Sky: Downtown Rockville and Henry Park. There is an admission fee to get into Henry Park. There is no charge for the Downtown Rockville venue. READ MORE

Children's Performance Series; Ed the Magician

Manchester
July 10, 2025
Ed The Magician feels that the true stars of the show are the kids as they make the magic happen. Experience Ed the Magician's magic and Flea Circus Show and Master balloon creator.  READ MORE

Enfield Fireworks Extravaganza 2025

Enfield
July 11, 2025
Join Enfield for the 40th Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration/  Lots of great events including our Marketplace, Community Demonstrations, Kid's Activities, Parade, Road Race, Taste of Enfield, Teen Zone (including the Battle of the Bands), and even more as we celebrate this milestone. READ MORE

Mystic River Jam Music Fest

Mystic
July 11-12, 2025
The Mystic River Jam Festival is a Music Festival at Mystic Shipyard showcasing music from rock to reggae, blues to country. READ MORE

Summer Party at Minitown

Fairfield
July 12, 2025
Kick off Summer with a party at Minitown! Children will be able to play, meet Ariel the Mermaid, Spiderman, make crafts and more. READ MORE

Rowayton River Ramble

Rowayton
July 12, 2025
The River Ramble is a beloved Rowayton event for all ages. Enjoy live music, water rides, a petting zoo, a shopping park filled with amazing artwork, sporting events, food and wine experiences, health and fitness occasions, along with a LIVE auction. READ MORE

Norwich Carnival & Food Truck Festival

Norwich
July 12-13, 2025
The Carnival & Food Truck Train is coming to Dodd Stadium. Three days of Carnival rides and Games, Food Trucks from around New New England, music, and more. READ MORE

Hartford Festival of Jazz

Hartford
July 18-19, 2025
The Greater Hartford Jazz Festival, New England’s largest free public jazz festival, over a dozen performers. Bring a blanket or chair and plan to relax with some great music. This is a three day event. Go to the website for a full list of performers.  READ MORE

Fairies in the Forest at DPNC

Mystic
July 19, 2025
The Nature Center’s forest fairies have come out to play and are excited to share the secrets to being kind to nature! Wander the trails and meet the Salamander Forest Fairy, the Meadow Flower Fairy, the Pond Fairy, the Stone Fairy, and other magical friends as you explore the woods. READ MORE

Teddy Bear Fest at the Beardsley Zoo

Bridgeport
July 19, 2025
Bring your favorite teddy bear friend or any special plush pal to the Zoo. This "beary" fun day will feature children’s activities and storytelling focusing on Bear Awareness and facts about real bears. READ MORE

PickleFest CT at Mohegan Sun

Uncasville
July 25, 2025
The Connecticut Pickle Festival is New England's largest pickle event of the year featuring the Pickle Patch showcasing pickle samples throughout the country.  Walk the festival grounds dancing and taking pictures with guests and friends while sipping on pickle martinis and pickle shots. READ MORE

2025 Lyman Orchards' Sunflower Maze in Middlefield

Middlefield
Opening July 26
Come and see 350,000 sunflowers that commemorate the Hartford Yard Goats!  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Howard Brown Park
Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center
Bushnell Park and Downtown Hartford
Dennison Pequotsepos Nature Center

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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Read more articles by Jennifer Coe.