Connecticut is lighting up with family fun all weekend long! Photo courtesy of Holiday Wish Express
Glow Hartford, Holiday Wish Express, and More Fun Things To Do in CT This Weekend
Find the best things to do in CT this November 2025, like the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the event.
The Best Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
For a limited time, save on enrollment at BrightPath Child Care centers with special Cyber Week deals and discounts.
BrightPath Child Care in Connecticut: Top Parent Questions Answered
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families
All will be merry and bright soon, so get your tickets to these Christmas events in Connecticut! Stamford Holiday Wish photo courtesy of the author
CT Must-Do Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out
Find fun for all ages at these Connecticut attractions, museums, and things to do! Photo courtesy of the Yale Peabody Museum
Things To Do in Connecticut That Everyone Will Love—From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
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.
100 Free Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids
Our ultimate Connecticut bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut with kids! Mystic Seaport photo by author Kelly Patino
Ultimate Connecticut Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in CT
Roll on in to the top birthday party places in Connecticut for teens and tweens in 2025! Photo courtesy of Bowlero
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens in 2025
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
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
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.
25 Things to Do With Kids in Litchfield, Connecticut
Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Connecticut
Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
GUIDE
Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
New England Family Travel Guide
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
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
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut
Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Canva
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants for Every Day of the Week
Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
A Dozen Short Hikes in Connecticut for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
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
25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids
Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
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
Best Outdoor Water Parks in New England for Family Fun
Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
  VIDEO
25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You

What’s Open on Thanksgiving in Connecticut? Family-Friendly Places & Stores

Find family fun away from the dinner table at these places open in Connecticut on Thanksgiving 2025.
Find family fun away from the dinner table at these places open in Connecticut on Thanksgiving 2025.
11/16/25 - By Kelly Patino

For families without set plans, it’s natural to wonder what’s open on Thanksgiving 2025 in Connecticut. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for kid-friendly fun on the holiday. From interactive museums and scenic outdoor spots to shopping adventures and family-friendly attractions, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to get out of the house, enjoy some fresh air, or simply spend quality time together, Connecticut offers plenty of ways to make Thanksgiving Day memorable for the whole family. Don't forget to make reservations at the Best Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in Connecticut. 

Need some extra Thanksgiving fun? We’ve got you covered! From silly jokes to crafts, games, and hands-on activities, check out our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families—perfect for keeping the kids entertained. And if you want a little cozy family time over the long weekend, our Best Thanksgiving Movies for Kids and the Whole Family is packed with festive favorites everyone will love.

Always looking for family ideas? Sign up for our free newsletter, check out our Activities Calender, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram! 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Image of Great Wolf Lodge CT - Places Open on Thanksgiving
Head to Great Wolf Lodge on Thanksgiving Day for a unique Thanksgiving experience in 2025!

Family-Friendly Attractions Open on Thanksgiving in Connecticut

1. Great Wolf Lodge – Mashantucket 

Great Wolf Lodge offers day passes, including full-day water park access. Enjoy thrilling slides, unwind in the lazy river, or let little ones explore the toddler area. On-site restaurants make it easy to enjoy a full day of fun without leaving the property."

2. Sports Center of Connecticut – Shelton

Enjoy a fun-filled family Thanksgiving at the SportsCenter of Connecticut! Try the batting cages, play in the arcade, go bowling, or hit the ice for some skating fun. Public skating is open from 11:00 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., with skate rentals available on-site.

3.  Run (or walk) a Family Race – Multiple Locations 

Turkey Trots are a beloved tradition! Enjoy a family-friendly 5K run through the scenic state. Pro tip- dress festive!. Well known races are Manchester Road Race, Bethel Turkey Trot 5k, Commodore Hull 5k, and Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Day Race. Check times of the races and register online. 

4. Mysitc Holiday Light Show - North Stonington 

Bundle up the car with snacks and hot chocolate for a night of festive lights. Tickets are available on the website. 

Image of bowling at Uncle Buck's in CT - Places Open on Thanksgiving 2025
Get a few frames of fun in at Uncle Buck's, open on Thanksgiving 2025! Photo courtesy of the author

5. Uncle Buck's FishBowl Bowling – Bridgeport

Who doesn’t love bowling? This is the perfect family-friendly outing for all ages. Bowl under a tank full of sharks and fish, enjoy the nearby arcade and restaurant, and make a full day of it with a visit to Bass Pro Shop just steps away.

Museums and Cultural Attractions Open on Thanksgiving

6. Thankful Arnold House Museum – Haddam

Good back to the late 18th century at the Thankful Arnold House Museum. On Thanksgiving Day, this historic home offers a meaningful way to reflect on gratitude and the stories that shaped our communities. After your tour, enjoy a relaxing walk through the museum’s lovely gardens

7. The Hurd House – Woodbury

The Hurd House in Woodbury is one of the area’s oldest homes, with parts built in the 1680s. It originally combined two smaller houses and was home to the town’s miller, John Hurd, and his family.

Image of Santa at Bass Pro Shops - Places Open on Thanksgiving
Bass Pro Shops, complete with Santa's Wonderland, will be open on Thanksgiving 2025 in CT. Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

Kid-Friendly Shopping Centers Open in Connecticut on Thanksgiving 2025

8. Bass Pro Shops – Bridgeport and East Hartford

If you want an adventure shopping, Bass Pro Shop is your answer. Open 9am until 6 pm. You can shop for clothing, outdoor equipment, and even a boat! Honestly, you can be there a few hours and just explore too.

9. Dollar General – Multiple Locations 

Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Dollar General is a great stop for holiday decorations, household essentials, or even balloons. You’ll find a wide variety of affordable items to get you ready for the season.

10. Family Dollar  – Multiple Locations 

Similar to the Dollar General, Family Dollar has plenty to discover of budget-friendly finds to help you prepare for the holiday season. Grab wrapping papper and gift bags - they are the best! Open 9 am until 9 pm

11. CVS – Multiple Locations 

All CVS locations will be open on Thanksgiving, though hours may vary by store. Be sure to call ahead to confirm your local store’s schedule before you go. From last-minute medicine runs to stocking up on kids’ essentials, CVS has a little something for everyone.

12. Walgreens (24 hour locations only) - Multiple Locations 

Walgreens locations that operate 24 hours will remain open on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a convenient stop for healthcare essentials or those last-minute items like milk and eggs. All other Walgreens stores will be closed, so double-check that your local location is 24 hours before heading out.​

Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving in Connecticut 

13. Whole Foods – Multiple Locations 

Grab all your last minute needs at Whole Foods from pies, aluminum foil to prepared item. Stores will operate from 7am until 1 pm. 

14. Stop and Shop – Multiple Locations 

Most Stop and Shop will operate with normal hours 7am until 10pm. 

15. Wegman's – Norwalk 

You are in luck! Pick up any needs at Wegman's in Norwalk. This store has a large bakery section with delicious treats to enjoy. Stores will operate from 6 am until 4 pm. 


A trip to the beach can be an exciting family excursion on Thanksgiving Day.

More Things To Do on Thanksgiving 2025 in Connecticut

16. Explore Penfield Beach – Fairfield

It may not be beach season, but a trip to the shore is always a fun family outing. Penfield Beach in Fairfield even has a playground right on the sand. Explore our favorite local beaches to find one near you

17. Watch a Movie – Multiple Locations

The movies are always open on holidays and perfect for starting a new family tradition! Family-friendly options this season include Wicked: For Good and Zootopia 2.

18. Hike to Gillette Castle – Multiple Locations

Explore nature and enjoy Connecticut’s scenic beauty with a kid-friendly hike. Other great options include the local Audubon Center and Sleeping Giant, and Gillette Castle.

19. Watch a local high school football game – Multiple Locations

A fun Thanksgiving tradition in many towns is the annual high school football game against a rival school. Even if you don’t know anyone playing, it’s exciting to cheer on your local team and enjoy the festive energy of the crowd

Tips for Families Spending Thanksgiving Day in Connecticut

  • Check hours in advance—holiday schedules vary.

  • Bundle up for outdoor fun (parks, beaches, races). 

  • Bring snacks if planning to be out of the house based on most locations being closed. If you plan to dine out, be sure to make a reservation in advance.

  • Make a reservation now if planning on eating at a restaurant. Here is our guide to Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving.

 

FAQ: What’s Open on Thanksgiving in Connecticut?

Q1: What museums are open in Connecticut on Thanksgiving Day?
Smaller museums like the Thankful Aronld House Museum and Hurd House

Q2: Are Connecticut malls open on Thanksgiving?
No, malls will be closed on Thanksgiving, with early hours on Friday morning.

Q3: Can families go ice skating in Connecticut on Thanksgiving?
Yes, at Sports Center of Connecticut in Shelton.

Q4: What grocery stores are open for last-minute shopping?

Stop and Shop, Whole Foods, and Wegman's will be open with shorter hours. 

Q5: Are the Connecticut trains open on Thanksgiving?
Yes, Metro North will operate on a holiday schedule. Check times to secure to be safe. 


Happy Thanksgiving!!

 

All Photos courtesy of the author unless otherwise noted.

 

Places featured in this article: