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8 Submit a favorite destination, event, or other kid friendly CT location. Click button below
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 Museums |
Animal Encounters | ||||
| Nature Adventures |
Sports & Fitness Outings | ||||
| Family Entertainment & Theme Parks |
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Kid City Children's Museum 119 Washington Street, Middletown Age Group: 1-8 years Cost: $7 per person, Babies under 1 year are free Contact: 860-347-0495 This is a wonderful hands-on museum that let's kids enjoy the art of pretend! Exhibits include the Ship, Main ST, Space Age Road trip, Video Theater, Toddler Sea Caves soft play area, Musical Planet, Zoo, and the Farm just for starters!!! A must visit for kids 1 – 8 years old. See website for more info.
Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry Located in Bimp Gallery, Willimantic Cottage, UConn Depot Campus, on Weaver Rd, Storrs Age Group: All ages Cost: Free, donations accepted Contact: (860) 486-4605 A Collection of over 2,000 puppets from the world over. Exhibits show a variety of styles and periods in puppetry. Be a puppeteer in the “Try-it” Room. always a fun stop.
Bruce Museum of Arts and Science 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich Age Group: 5+ Cost: Adults $7.00,Students (5-22 w/valid ID) $6.00,Seniors $6.00 Members & Children Under 5 FREE Contact: 203-869-0376 State of the art museum with changing exhibits + galleries. Includes a park + playground with views of the tidal marsh and LI sound. Seaside center offers Free educational activities.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children 303 West Ave, Norwalk Age Group: 1-10 years Cost: $8 per person (children under one are free), $6 for seniors (adults over 62) Free for members Contact: 203 899 0606 http://steppingstonesmuseum.org Offers plenty of activities for kids under 10. Hand on exhibits, toddlers only galleries, learning through play. Games, exhibits, and more!
Discovery Museum 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport Age Group: all ages Cost: Adults-$8.50, Children+Students-$7.00,Seniors-$7.00, Under 5 Free Contact: (203) 372-3521 3 Floors of hands on fun! Planetarium, Movies, Learning center, and much more! A must visit!
The Barnum Museum 820 Main Street, Bridgeport Age Group: all ages Cost: Adults-$5.00, Students & Seniors-$4.00,Children 4-17 -$3.00, Members & Children 3 and under-Free Contact: 203-331-1104 A Museum dedicated to the Greatest Show on Earth. Exhibits, gift shop, and special programs are offered.
Children's Garbage Museum 1410 Honeyspot Road Extension, Stratford Age Group: 5-12 Cost: FREE Contact: (203) 381-9571 http://www.crra.org/pages/edu_museums.htm#strtfd The museums' exhibits and programs emphasize the importance of REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, RECOVER, RETHINK.
Danbury Railway Museum 120 White Street, Danbury Age Group: all ages Cost: Adults- $6.00, Children 3-12 $4.00, Under 3 free, additional cost to ride trains Contact: (203) 778-8337 Offers railway history, train rides, and hand on rail work.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum 258 Main Street, Ridgefield Age Group: all ages Cost: Adults $7, Seniors & college students $4, Members, K-12 teachers & kids under 18 FREE. FREE on Tues. Contact: 203.438.4519 Exhibitions feature work by emerging and mid-career artists, education programs inform adults & children about the importance of connecting to our world through contemporary art
The New England Carousel Museum 95 Riverside Avenue, Rt. 72, Bristol Age Group: 4 and Up Cost: Adults $5.00, Seniors $4.50, Children $2.50 (age 4-14), Children under 4 are free. Contact: 860 585-5411 http://www.thecarouselmuseum.org/ House one of the largest collections of antique carousel pieces in the country. The museum has horses, chariots, band organs and more! No actual carousel to ride though, check out Bushnell Park to take a ride.
Imagine Nation Children's Museum 1 Pleasant Street, Bristol Age Group: 2-10 Cost: Admission is $5.00 per person, under 1 free. Contact: (860) 314-1400 A hands-on, interactive children's museum. Lots of educational play opportunities. Water play room, Cyberplay and so much more! A must visit for kids 2-10. Open till 8pm the first Fri. of every month.
The Children's Museum 950 Trout Brook Drive, West Hartford Age Group: 2 and up Cost: $10.00-Adults and Kids (age 2+) Exhibits & One Show. $8.00-Adults and Kids (age 2+) Exhibits Only Contact: 860-231-2824 http://www.thechildrensmuseumct.org The museum is a hands on kids experience. Exhibits ignite curiosity through science and nature. Museum includes the Gengras Planetarium, live animals, and the only science-based preschool in Connecticut. 1st Sunday of every month- FREE admission!!
CT Trolley Museum 140 North Road, East Windsor Age Group: all ages Cost: Adult- $8.00, Senior Citizen (62 years +) $7.00, Youth (2 to 12 years) $5.00, Under 2- Free, Contact: 860.627.6540 Dedicated to the preservation of the trolley era. Take a 3 mile narrated trolley ride, then visit the complex for a little history of the trolley, and view the exhibits. Admission covers access to the Fire & Motor-Coach Museum, and unlimited trolley rides
The Connecticut Historical Society One Elizabeth Street, Hartford Age Group: Kids 2- 13 yrs Cost: Fees vary, call for more details. Children 6 and under FREE. Contact: (860) 236-5621 Interactive exhibits geared to kids 2-13, try on period clothing, thread machine, or sew tobacco leaves and set them to dry, or build a brick wall. See website for info on changing exhibits and more!
CRRA Trash Museum 211 Murphy Road, Hartford Age Group: all ages Cost: FREE Contact: (860) 757-7765 http://www.crra.org/pages/edu_museums.htm REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, RECOVER, RETHINK. Tour the 6,500 square feet of educational exhibits beginning at the Temple of Trash. The museum has a collection of Loan Kits, books, & videos on various aspects of waste management. Check out the website for info
Wadsworth Antheneum 600 Main Street, Hartford Age Group: 3 and up Cost: ADULTS; $10, SENIORS (age 62+) $8,STUDENTS (age 13+ with ID) $5, 12 & under FREE Contact: (860) 278-2670 http://www.wadsworthatheneum.org Go to the Wadsworth Antheneum for new, fun ways to experience art. They also offer community programs through out the year. Don't forget to stop by the museum cafe and gift shop.
The Lutz Children's Museum 247 South Main Street, Manchester Age Group: 1-11 years Cost: $5.00 - Adults and Children (Over One Year Old), Member FREE Contact: 860-643-0949 A small well designed museum with educational and fun, hands on exhibits for children. The changing exhibits include the transportation exhibit, farm animals exhibit, Live animals and much more! Offers almost daily classes, and community programs.
New Britain Youth Museum 30 High Street, New Britain Age Group: All Ages Cost: FREE Contact: (860) 225-3020 http://www.newbritainyouthmuseum.org There are a lot of great activities at the Museum including a puppet theater, construction toys and games, and the Dinosaur Room. Saturdays a movie and a craft or art-related activity is available during the day. See website for more info.
New England Air Museum 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks Age Group: All ages Cost: Adults (12 & up) : $9.00, Children Ages 6 - 11: $5.00,Children 5 & under Free, Seniors (age 60+) $8 Contact: (860)-623-3305 This museum is a must for anybody who loves airplanes, and flight! Come see aircraft of all sorts, hands on exhibits, flight simulator and much more.
Hunt Hill Farm 44 Upland Road, New Milford Age Group: all ages Cost: Varies, see website for info. Contact: 860-355-0300 http://www.hunthillfarmtrust.org Dedicated to preservation the Hunt Hill Farm Trust preserves 2 New England farms with 10 historic buildings & 84 acres of farmland. It is the home of Skitch Henderson's Museum, Silo Store, Gallery, & Cooking School. A cool place to visit.
Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Rd, Washington Age Group: all ages Cost: $5 Adults, $4.50 Seniors, $3 Children Contact: (860) 868-0518 A museum and education & research center dedicated to the study of the indigenous peoples throughout the western hemisphere, mainly those of the Eastern Woodlands. Various exhibits, video room, children's discovery room, and replicated village, and more!
The Railroad Museum of New England 242 East Main Street, Thomaston Age Group: all ages Cost: Adults $12, Seniors 62+ $10, Children 3-12 $8, Group Rates and Special Events Trains differ see site Contact: 860-283-RAIL (7245) The museum offers train rides, hosts special events for kids, and the museum itself holds exhibits that offer a look into the regions development around the railroad. A fun day trip!
Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum 1188 Highland Ave., Cheshire Age Group: All Ages Cost: FREE Contact: 203-699-3822 http://www.barkermuseum.com/page.asp?PGNM=151 A unique museum dedicated to comic strips, cartoons, westerns, TV. and advertising memorabilia. Over 80,000 items on display. A neat place to visit.
CT Children's Museum 22 Wall St, New Haven Age Group: 3-10 years Cost: $5 per person/ cash or check only Contact: (203) 562-5437 http://www.childrensbuilding.org/ This museum has 8 themed rooms to explore. Kids learn about science, art, community and more, through hands on exhibits. Also offers community programs, see website for more info. A great place to visit!
Shore Line Trolley Museum 17 River Street, East Haven Age Group: All Ages Cost: Fares: Children 2-15 $4, Adults $8, Seniors $6. Family Fares (2 adults and unlimited children from the same household) $24. Under 2 Free. Contact: (203) 467-6927 Spend a day riding a vintage trolley, and see some of the wonderful trolley era artifacts the museum has in it's collection. With over 100 vintage transportation vehicles, numerous photographs, and items such as punch tickets, hats, and more, the museum does a wonderful job preserving the lost era of the trolley car. Admission includes all day streetcar rides. Ride once or ride 50 times!
The Eli Whitney Museum 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden Age Group: 4 and up Cost: Adults: $3, Children: $2 Contact: (203) 777-1833 A museum at the site of a factory complex founded by Eli Whitney. It shows a bit of the Whitney legacy through fun hands-on exhibits. A Water Learning Lab, an outdoor learning environment, and historic 1816 barn are all on site.
Yale Peabody Museum Whitney Avenue and Sachem Street Yale Campus, New Haven Age Group: All Ages Cost: Adults: $7.00, Seniors $6.00, Kids 3-18 and college students with id: $5. 2 and under FREE. Contact: (203) 432-5050 It is easy to enjoy a day at the Peabody Museum of Natural History. It is a museum dedicated to the understanding of the earth's history, life, and cultures. The exhibits are wonderful, and cover everything from dinosaurs, Earth science, to Native American culture, and more. They also offer a variety of community programs and events. Check the website for more info.
Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut 409 Main Street, Niantic Age Group: 11 and under Cost: $5/ person, Children under 1 FREE Contact: 860.691.1111 http://www.childrensmuseumsect.org/ A wonderful hands-on museum that offers many exhibits demonstrating areas like the arts, sciences, safety & health, and culture & history. Hundreds of activities that are fun for everyone. Get outside and check out the outdoor garden, X-Play-Nation Park, and 2 person submarine. See website for more info.
Mystic Seaport 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic Age Group: All Ages Cost: Adults: $17.50, Discount for Seniors (65+) Active Duty Military & Students (with ID): $15.50, Kids (6-17): $12, Kids (5 and under): FREE Contact: 860.572.5315 A beautiful maritime museum. Explore American maritime history by climbing aboard a historic tall ship. Then stop for a look at a re-created 19th century coastal village and working preservation shipyard.
Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum 1 Crystal Lake Rd., Groton Age Group: 3 + Up Cost: FREE Contact: (860) 694-3174 On the Thames river in Groton, you can board a real submarine, a kid favorite. The museum's collections include 1000's of artifacts, documents and, photographs. See the website for more info.
Mashantucket Pequot Museum 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket Age Group: All Ages Cost: 15 Adults; $13, Seniors (55+); $10 Youth (6-15); Youth 1-5 Free Contact: 800.411.9671 The world's largest Native American museum. See wonderful exhibits that depict 18,000 years of Native and natural history. Museum has a shop and restaurant.
Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum 55 Bridge St., Willimantic Age Group: All Ages Cost: Adult: $5.00, Seniors (62+) $4.00, Children (8 -12): $1.00, Under 8: FREE Contact: (860) 456-9999 On the original site of the Columbia Junction Freight Yard. The museum includes locomotives and rolling stock, as well as vintage railroad buildings and a six-stall roundhouse reconstructed on the original foundation. Also includes a replica 1850's-style pump car. See website for more info.
Windham Textile and History Museum 157 Union & Main St., Willimantic Age Group: 5 and up Cost: Adults $5, seniors and students $3.50, children (under 6) free Contact: (860)-456-2178 The Mill Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the textile industry, as well as the working people of the mills. The focus is on the cotton thread manufacture. The museum preserves two buildings of a mill complex formerly owned by the Willimantic Linen Company, which later became the American Thread Company. See website for more info.
The Children's Museum 18 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull Age Group: 9 and under Cost: Adults $8, Kids $9, Kids under 1 FREE, Grandparents FREE on Tues. Contact: 203-373-0001 http://www.thechildrensmuseum.biz/ The Children’s Museum’s mission is to create an environment where children explore and learn by interacting with diverse early childhood exhibits and hands-on activities.Based on the idea that children learn by doing, each of our 20 theme-based exhibits uses, interactive components and larger than life environments to encourage infants to 9 year olds to explore in new ways that make play and learning connect.
Fish Family Farm 20 Dimock Lane, Bolton Age Group: All ages Cost: See the cows for FREE, Retail ice cream shop is also on site. Contact: (860) 646-9745 200 acres of beautiful cow country! Observe the milking and bottling process in the barn, pet the cows, and then treat yourselves to homemade ice cream.
Hurst Farm Country Store & Greenhouses 746 East St., Andover Age Group: All ages Cost: See website for info. Contact: (860) 646-6536 Hurst Farm ( a 36-acre organic family farm) has a Country Store, sugar house, orchard, garden and more. In the fall, hay rides, pumpkins, farm animals, gardens, and snacks. See website for more info.
Greenwich Audubon Center 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich Age Group: all ages Cost: Adults $3.00, Children and Senior $1.50, free for members Contact: 203-869-5272 http://greenwich.audubon.org/index.html 285 acres of nature sanctuary, with miles of trails. Offers hands on nature activities, nature art gallery, and nature store. As well as natural history, and wildlife exhibits.
Fairchild Wildflower Garden North Porchuck Road, Greenwich Age Group: all ages Cost: FREE Contact: n/a 127 acres with 8 miles of trails through native flowering plants and ferns.
New Canaan Nature Center 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan Age Group: all ages Cost: FREE Contact: 203-966-9577 http://www.newcanaannature.org/ Smaller nature center with trails, gardens, greenhouse, gift shop, youth and family programs, + more!
Stamford Museum and Nature Center 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford Age Group: all ages Cost: Adults: $8, Seniors: $6, Students (over age 17): $6 Children (between 4 and 17) $4, Members - Free Contact: 203.322.1646 118 acres with a working 19th century re-created farm, farm animals, and trails. Natures playground is a wooded 1 acre kids play area, which has a 30ft slide + sand pit for fossil digs. Nature center with hands on exhibits. A planetarium open on Sundays.
Earthplace Nature Discovery Center 10 Woodside Lane, Westport Age Group: 1-10 years Cost: $7 Adults and children over 12, $5 Children 1�12 yrs & Seniors Contact: 203-227-7253 A 62 acre wildlife sanctuary with trails, live wildlife, and hosts many public nature programs and events. Also has a preschool, summer camp, and more.
Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield Age Group: all ages Cost: Adult: $2; children under 14: $1, members free Contact: 203-259-0416 http://www.ctaudubon.org/visit/birdcraft.htm Many species of birds, youth programs, trails, story-time, summer camp, + more
Mother Earth Gallery 806 Federal Road, Brookfield Age Group: 5+ Cost: Cost for mine dig is $15.00 Contact: (203) 775-6272 http://www.motherearthcrystals.com/motherearthdig.html Cool store with crystals, minerals, wind chimes etc. Has a mine inside were kids can dig for crystals, minerals and semiprecious stones. They can keep what they find. Roaring Brook Nature Center 70 Gracey Road, Canton Age Group: all ages Cost: Adults: $4.00, Children / Seniors: $3.00, Members: FREE Contact: 860-693-0263 http://www.sciencecenterct.org/rbncpage/index.html 5 miles of beautiful trails, longhouse with changing exhibits, live animals, wildlife attraction area just name a few! Offer programs for kids throughout the year.
Westmoor Park 119 Flagg Road, West Hartford Age Group: all ages Cost: FREE Contact: (860) 232-1134 Westmoor Park is a 162 acres, with a demonstration farm that houses barnyard animals. The park also has nice nature trails, and a greenhouse. A great FREE place to visit.
Dinosaur State Park 400 West Street, Rocky Hill Age Group: all ages Cost: 18+ $5, 6-17 $2, 5 and under FREE. Contact: 860-529-8423 http://www.dinosaurstatepark.org 55,000 square feet of geodesic dome exhibit space, houses about 500 preserved dinosaur tracks--left behind by area dino inhabitants around 200 million yrs ago. Nature trails, display gardens and arboretum. The Track Casting area is open May 1 - Oct 31.
Copernican Observatory & Planetarium 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain Age Group: all ages Cost: $3.50 Planetarium Show Contact: 860/832-3399 http://www.ccsu.edu/astronomy/ On the campus of CCSU, the observatory has one of the largest public telescopes in the US. It schedules many community programs, and planetarium shows for both children and adults. See website for more info.
Wickham Park 1329 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester Age Group: all ages Cost: Per Car: $3 Weekdays, $4 Weekends and Holidays Contact: 860-528-0856 http://www.wickhampark.org/information.html 250 acres with trails, fields, woodland, gardens, bike trails, aviary (with many live birds), Nature Center Building, picnic areas, sports facilities, playgrounds, and much more. A beautiful park.
Flanders Nature Center 5 Church Hill Road, Woodbury Age Group: all ages Cost: FREE Contact: 203-263-3711 http://www.flandersnaturecenter.org This nature center is home to 2 sanctuaries, The Van Vleck Sanctuary (home to administrative offices, art studio and farm), and The Whittemore Sanctuary. They have over 1,000 acres of trails, woods, bogs and more. Offers educational and fun kids programs.
Clarke Outdoors 163 Route 7, West Cornwall Age Group: 3 and up Cost: Varies see website for info Contact: 860-672-6365 http://www.clarkeoutdoors.com/ Offers Kayak, canoe, and raft rentals to paddle down the beautiful Housatonic river. Also offers instructional classes, and has a retail shop.
Sharon Audubon Center 325 Cornwall Bridge Rd, Sharon Age Group: all ages Cost: Trail access fees $3.00-adults, $1.50-seniors, $1.50-children Contact: (860) 364-0520 A 684 acre nature center with beautiful trails that are well maintained. Offers youth programs and classes. Lots of wildlife, and flowers, and the main building houses a kids adventure center with nice hands on exhibits.
Wisdom House Labyrinth 229 East Litchfield Road, Litchfield Age Group: all ages Cost: $5 per person Contact: 860-567-3163 http://www.wisdomhouse.org/labyrinth.html A classical 7-circuit labyrinth which is open for guests. The labyrinth is best appreciated in daylight hours and since it is outdoors, weather is a consideration.
White Memorial Conservation Center 80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield Age Group: all ages Cost: Grounds- Free, Museum- Adults $4, Children 6-12 $2 Contact: 860-567-0857 http://www.whitememorialcc.org The state's largest nature reserve, 4,000 acres with 35 miles of trails. Campgrounds, boat launch, viewing stations, and much more! The museum has a wonderful nature store, children's activity room, & exhibits. Offers classes & programs. See Website info.
Farmington River Tubing Route 44, New Hartford Age Group: 10+ and 4 feet 5 inches, must be able to swim Cost: Weekends & Holidays, $20. Weekdays, $18 Includes tube, lifejacket, & shuttle bus return ride Contact: 860-693-6465 http://www.farmingtonrivertubing.com A fun way to spend a hot summer day. Tube down 2.5 miles of the scenic Farmington river. Picnic areas are available at The Satan's Kingdom Recreation area. A must visit!
Lyman Orchards Junction of Routes 147 & 157, Middlefield Age Group: All Ages Cost: Fees Vary See Website Contact: (860) 349-1793 With a 1,100 acres in Middlefield, CT, Lyman Orchards always has something fun to do year round. Pick your own fruits, wonderful Apple Barrel store with the best high top apple pie! Hayrides, farm tours, seasonal corn maze, and many other events are offered throughout the year.
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center 10 Deerfield Road, Ansonia Age Group: All Ages Cost: FREE Contact: (203) 736-1053 http://ansonianaturecenter.org Center is 104 acres of wooded areas and open fields. Site has recreational fields, playground, gardens, streams, a 2 acre pond, wet meadows, and an upland swamp. See website for more info.
Brooksvale Park Brooksvale Ave, Hamden Age Group: All Ages Cost: FREE Contact: 203-287-2579 190 acre area for all sorts of outdoor adventures. Hiking, sledding, sports, and even a small barn yard animal petting zoo. See website for more info.
Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford Age Group: All Ages Cost: By Donation Contact: 203-878-7440 http://www.ctaudubon.org/visit/milford.htm A wonderful wildlife and bird sanctuary located on an 8.4-acre barrier beach known as the Smith-Hubbell Wildlife refuge. Come see wonderful habitats, birds and animals, picturesque beach, and salt marsh. The center itself houses a bunch of educational exhibits, including a tidal demonstration tank.
East Rock Park East Rock Rd, New Haven Age Group: All Ages Cost: FREE Contact: 203-946-6086 http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Parks/ParksInformation/eastrockpark.asp A 425 acre city owned park. It has a playground, environmental education center, and more! Picnic areas, playing fields, and trails are all on-site. Make sure to hike the top of the 285 foot summit for the most spectacular views of the Long Island Sound,
Edgewood Park 720 Edgewood Park Ave, New Haven Age Group: All Ages Cost: FREE Contact: (203) 946-8028 http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Parks/ParksInformation/edgewoodpark.asp A 125 acre park with a variety of fun activities for kids. A skate park for skateboarding and in-line skating, ponds, trails, wetlands, and a sprinkler to cool off on those hot summer days, are just a few of the things you can do at this park.
Lighthouse Point Park and Carousel 12 Lighthouse Road, New Haven Age Group: All Ages Cost: FREE, Parking fees during summer season- See website Contact: 203-946-8790 http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Parks/ParksInformation/lighthousepoint.asp The site of the famous New Haven, Lighthouse Point Lighthouse. The park has a public beach for swimming on the Long Island Sound, fishing pier and a public boat launch. The ranger station has touch tanks and aquariums, a sailing ship's deck with a ship's wheel, sailor's hammock, and sails for some hands-on-fun. Picnic tables are available, Kids can also have some fun on the playground and swings.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center 109 Pequotsepos Road, Mystic Age Group: All Ages Cost: Adults- $6, Seniors 65 and older- $5, Children 12 and under- $4 Contact: 860.536.1216 This site includes a wildlife sanctuary , and a visitor attraction & educational facility that houses many live frogs, fish, turtles, and snakes. The Center features exhibits on the habitats and wildlife of southeastern Connecticut. It also has eight miles of trails through a beautiful 300-acre wooded preserve.
The Dinosaur Place- Nature's Art & Dinosaur Crossing 1650 Route 85, Montville Age Group: All Ages Cost: Prices vary see website for info. Contact: 860-443-4367 | |||||
