Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend 2025 includes celebrations of culture and family fun in CT. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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They are coming to Connecticut any way witch they can for the top things to do in October 2025 with kids! Witch Paddle photo by Kaylee Wright, courtesy of Adventure Mystic.
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Fall foliage experiences give New England families a chance to enjoy leaf-peeping in exciting ways. Photo courtesy of the Adventure Park at Storrs
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The kids can hang out and have fun with the top free things to do in Connecticut! Earthplace photo by Zoe Brown, courtesy of the center.
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Enjoy the best of the Fall, with apple picking in Connecticut and fun apple festivals. Photo courtesy of Holmberg Orchards & Winery
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Our ultimate Connecticut bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut with kids! Mystic Seaport photo by author Kelly Patino
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Roll on in to the top birthday party places in Connecticut for teens and tweens in 2025! Photo courtesy of Bowlero
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By land, by sea, by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
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Hop aboard for a trip through Litchfield County and fun things to do with kids! Naugatuck Railroad photo courtesy of the Railroad Museum of New England.
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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Ride, splash, and have gallons of fun at the best outdoor water parks in New England! Splash Away Bay Water Park photo courtesy of Quassy Amusement Park
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Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
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Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
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Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
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As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
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Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
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A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
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Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
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Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Canva
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Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
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From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT
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Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
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Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
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Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
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Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
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Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
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The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
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The Halloween fun is creeping in along with the top things to do in Connecticut this weekend. Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
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Weekend Fun: Fireworks, Fairies, and Adventures; June 29-30

Mess Fest. Photo courtesy of Connecticut Science Center
Mess Fest. Photo courtesy of Connecticut Science Center
6/26/19 - By Ally Noel

With all the firework fun on the calendar this weekend, it’s hard to believe that it’s still June! Danbury and East Haven are getting their Fourth of July shows in before the calendar even turns over to June. Prefer to take your celebrations one month at a time? Kids can get up to their elbows in science at Mess Fest or immerse themselves in the mystical world of woodland creatures at a Fairy Festival. Animal-loving kiddos will appreciate special events dedicated to dogs and sharks.

Don’t forget to bookmark Summer Fun Guide for even more ways to enjoy the season. We have the scoop on both swimming pools and spraygrounds across Connecticut: Spots to play and cool off are just a drive away.  

We update our Events Calendar frequently so be sure to check back for even more great suggestions. To keep up with the latest family-friendly events and activities, sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram. Have a fantastic weekend!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

All Weekend

DOGS: More Than Pets

Norwalk
Bone up on man’s best friend with an inside look at the science, history, DNA, folklore and pop culture of dogs. DOGS: More Than Pets is interactive, hands-on and filled with photo opportunities and hundreds of fascinating facts. READ MORE

Sharks!

Greenwich
Dive in with Sharks! at the Bruce Museum and watch live sharks develop in eggs, see life-sized models of sharks, and compare and contrast jaws and teeth from almost 20 different species! READ MORE

Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed - CANCELED

Hartford
More than 230 Maya artifacts and two dozen hands-on activities will highlight the CT Science Center's Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed traveling exhibit opening March 7. READ MORE

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Summer Theater of New Canaan

New Canaan
Enjoy a musical comedy for the whole family. Children of all ages love watching the beloved Peanuts characters come to life, with great songs and a story everyone can enjoy. READ MORE

Shakespeare On The Sound: Romeo and Juliet for Kids

Norwalk
Audiences of all ages can enjoy this Shakespeare classic performed with kids in mind, in picturesque Pinkney Park. The half-hour show is performed immediately before the grown-up version afterwards. Tuesday evening performances are designed for kids and are "Pay What You Will".  READ MORE

Mess Fest

Hartford
Celebrate all things messy at the Connecticut Science Center’s Mess Fest on June 29 and 30. Have fun inside and outside with bubbles, slime, rockets, and more. Make things explode, experiment with dry ice, air cannons, and so much more —all in the name of science, of course! Plus, you won’t want to miss the Double-dare inspired Mess Fest Games. All activities are subject to change. READ MORE

Because of Winn-Dixie at the Goodspeed

East Haddam
Not since Annie has a stray dog inspired such a beautiful noise. In a Southern town filled with los souls, a preacher and his daughter take in a mutt named Winn-Dixie.  READ MORE

Passengers from the Past

Essex
History comes alive on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat this summer. Professional character actors will bring legendary figures to life. READ MORE
Butterfly Hunt. Photo courtesy of Cedar Hill Foundation
Butterfly Hunt. Photo courtesy of Cedar Hill Foundation

Saturday

East Haven Fireworks Beach Party

East Haven
Head to the town beach for a fun-filled day of food, music, and live entertainment. Fireworks begin around 9pm. READ MORE

Fireworks at Candlewood Lake

Danbury
The annual fireworks display at Candlewood Lake pleases boaters and land lubbers alike. Entrance to the park is free for season pass holders.  READ MORE

Butterfly Hunt

Hartford
Hunt for butterflies with the Connecticut Butterfly Association. Nearly 20 species of butterflies reside in the area, and there will be volunteers available to help net and identify butterflies. READ MORE

Celebrate America Laser Light Show

Norwalk
Get in the holiday spirit with a a pre-4th of July celebration. Celebrate America's spirit of innovation, discovery and exploration with the American Pride Laser Spectacular, an exciting musical laser light show. This program is an inspirational reminder that our freedom is earned through the sacrifices made by generations of proud Americans. READ MORE

Fairy Festival

Bethlehem
Calling all fairies, elves, gnomes, pixies, leprechauns, woodland and mystical creatures! Get your passport to the land of fairies and enjoy tea with a fairy godmother, stroll along the woodland walk and build a fairy house, or create your own fairy house at home and enter the contest (preregistration required). READ MORE

Reel Nostalgia at the Drive In

Southington
Discover "reel" nostalgia at the Southington Drive-In. The theater will show 14 movies on Saturdays through the summer including Jaws, The Little Mermaid, and Weekend at Bernies. Gates open at 6pm, movies begin at sunset. Each week a different civic group will staff the drive-in.  READ MORE

Meigs Point Nature Center Anniversary Celebration

Madison
Celebrate the anniversary of Meigs Point Nature Center, both old and new buildings. Organizational supporters of the center will be host tables at the event! READ MORE
Photo courtesy of The Bruce Museum
Photo courtesy of The Bruce Museum

Sunday

Art Adventures: Grayscale Art

Greenwich
Kids and their caretakers will be making art inspired by the photographs found in Photographic Revolutionaries. Community Art Project: Continuation of creating a quilt - each guest will get to decorate a fabric square that will be added together to create one large community quilt.  READ MORE

Good Deeds & Dunes Day at Walnut Beach

Milford
PJ Library, along with the Town of Milford and Little Scientists, have teamed up to invite families to be active participants in saving our shorelines. Join the fun and instill the value of taking care of our earth by planting native coastal plants on Walnut Beach! Little Scientist's founder Dr. Heidi will also offer young children the chance to explore marine life on Long Island Sound. READ MORE

Passport to Adventure

Bridgeport
Travel around the world at the Zoo. Join in on the interactive scavenger hunt, Passport to Adventure, and compete for points and prizes. Download the Passport to Adventure App, and explore the Zoo to unlock trivia questions, photo challenges, discounts and more. READ MORE

Family Nature Club: Bird!

Stamford
Join the Mill River Collaborative for a family birding outing in the park to see how many species we can spot. READ MORE

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About the Author

Ally Noel
Ally Noel has lived in Connecticut for over two decades. Before becoming a parent, she worked as an Educational Technology Specialist, helping schools and teachers integrate technology into learning. Now, she’s all about discovering the best family-friendly adventures, activities, and hidden gems. Share your tips, questions, or just say hi at ally@mommypoppins.com, and follow along for family fun at @mommypoppinsct.
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