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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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: Sunflowers, Ice Cream, and Festivals

7/17/19 - By Ally Noel

Believe it or not, we are just about half-way through summer vacation. But, don’t let those “back-to-school” displays get you down; there is still so much to do this summer! There’s still plenty of time to enjoy day trips, outdoor movies, and a little fun at the beach! This weekend, kids can soak up music in Thompson and Hartford, take a giant leap in Bridgeport, or welcome the sunflowers back to Griswold. 

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

Summer Theatre of New Canaan Presents: Treasure Island

New Canaan
Chicago theater group Bros Do Prose have re-imagined this classic novel with high-energy creative storytelling and audience engagement. We meet the infamous pirate Long John Silver, his crew of cutthroats, and plenty of other colorful characters from the book. READ MORE

Sunflowers for Wishes at Buttonwood Farm

Griswold
Each year Buttonwood Farm plants over 14 acres of sunflowers and harvests approximately 450,000 blooms for your viewing pleasure to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut. Sunflowers are available while supplies last. READ MORE

Scout Appreciation Days

Hartford
Celebrate Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, STEM Scouts, and more at the CT Science Center every weekend in July. Scouts in uniform or who recite their pledge receive a free patch. READ MORE

Space Themed Mini Golf

Bridgeport
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing at the Discovery Museum. Space-themed mini golf course installed throughout the museum. READ MORE

Big Bounce Hartford

Hartford
The Big Bounce is the biggest inflatable theme park ever, with giant slides, ball pits, inflatable trucks and boats, climbing frames, and more. Add in a DJ, beach balls, and confetti blasts for good measure.  READ MORE
Jump into a potato sack race at Wakeman Town Farm Family Fun Day. Photo by Peter LaMastro
Jump into a potato sack race at Wakeman Town Farm Family Fun Day. Photo by Peter LaMastro

Saturday

Bethel Summer Fest

Bethel
Come to Downtown Bethel to the annual SummerFest celebration. There will be kids activities, food, live music and other fun throughout the day.  READ MORE

Life. Be in it. Extravaganza

Newington
The Annual Extravaganza will feature food vendors, musicians, paddleboats, entertainment, fireworks, games, craft beers, and many other family-oriented activities. READ MORE

Giant Leap Day

Bridgeport
The Discovery Museum is THE place to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing! Admission will be $5 per person, thanks to Museum sponsors NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium and Pitney Bowes. (Members and military families always get free admission!) READ MORE

Outdoor Movies at Calf Pasture Beach

Norwalk
Bring the whole family to see a movie. Movies are free, however, parking policies are still in effect still in effect. READ MORE

Animation Celebration at Mill River Park

Stamford
Watch an animated movie on the Carousel lawn on Saturday nights in July and August.   READ MORE

Family Cruise to Sheffield Island

Norwalk
The Seaport Association of Norwalk hosts a scenic boat trip to Sheffield Island, where there will be face-painting, volleyball and badminton competitions, potato sack races, and shell seeking opportunities for families. READ MORE

Wakeman Town Farm Family Fun Day

Westport
Family Fun Day is back! Join Wakeman Town Farm’s annual down-home family event for kids and families of all ages. READ MORE
Kids can step into classic portraits. Photo courtesy of Henry Whitfield State Museum
Kids can step into classic portraits. Photo courtesy of Henry Whitfield State Museum

Sunday

National Ice Cream Day and Bluegrass Bash

Thompson
Enjoy complimentary cones of The Farmer’s Cow fresh Connecticut ice cream, listen to Blackstone Valley Bluegrass perform live music, and sample flavored milk and summer seasonal beverages. READ MORE

Sunken Garden Poetry Festival at Hill-Stead Museum

Farmington
Featuring award-winning poets and live music, the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival is held in the museum’s historic and beautiful Sunken Garden. READ MORE

State Museum Sunday

Guilford
Free admission for Connecticut residents at any of the four State Museums on the third Sunday of the month. Hosted by the Henry Whitfield State Museum. READ MORE

Hartford Festival of Jazz

Hartford
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

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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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