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You don't have to look far to find fun, indoor learning activities at the Barnes Nature Center. Photo by author

Free Indoor Places To Play - Hartford and Central Connecticut

1. Barnes Nature Center - Bristol

The playroom here offers many hands-on learning opportunities for little ones. Between puzzles, toys, and games, preschoolers will be entertained for a couple of hours. The center is open Thursday through Sunday. While in town, you can also check out the Bristol library, another free place to play.

2. Buckland Hills Mall - Manchester 

Adventurers under 42 inches tall will enjoy the little slides and tunnels. This carpeted play area is located in the back of the food court, next to the carousel (not free). Kids will also enjoy climbing different creatures, such as a turtle, ladybug, and bunny. 

 
When the weather gets cold, head to CT's indoor places to play. Photo courtesy of the Northwest Park Nature Center

3. Northwest Park Nature Center - Windsor

This is a huge outdoor park, but the inside nature center and play area is also a great destination. Indoors you can watch the bird-next camera, see live turtles, learn about geothermal heat, and play in the play area. The Nature center has a lookout, books, puzzles, and more interesting things to see. Open daily until 4 pm.

4. Westfield PlaySpace - Meriden

​Kids can climb and explore in a bright, colorful area filled with animal characters and large puzzles. PlaySpace is located on the upper level, near Best Buy.

5. New Britain Museum of American Art - New Britain 

Admission is free on Saturday mornings from 10am to noon, and their calendar lists free community days. Children under 18 always get free admission. While not a play space, the museum offers a stimulating and engaging envirnment. Adjacent to the museum you will find Stanley Quarter Park, featuring trails, open fields for ball games, and a playground.

6. Yale Peabody Museum - New Haven
Note: Currently closed for refurbishment. One of Connecticut's oldest and best museums. Check out the Discovery Room on the 2nd floor for hands-on fun and live animals. Free admission for children under 3.

Free Indoor Places To Play - Fairfield and Western Connecticut

 
Check out CAMP's free activity offerings for indoor fun on a cold day! Photo courtesy of CAMP SoNo

7. CAMP Sono - South Norwalk

This shop and play place is a gem for Fairfield County parents! With free interactive play areas, arts and crafts programs, and even a canteen to satisfy kids' cravings, CAMP is a place where kids can have a blast while you sneak in some shopping. The toy store is always good for a pit-stop while you're out and about. Check the CAMP website for upcoming free events.

8. Danbury Fair Mall - Danbury

Children can ride a pretend train, climb animal sculptures, and crawl and slide. The enclosed area is carpeted and offers abundant seating for parents. A nearby carousel (not free) will add to the excitement.

9. The Bruce Museum - Greenwich

An amazing museum full of nature exhibits, the Bruce offers free admission on Tuesdays. Also on Tuesdays is the Bruce Beginnings class for children ages 2.5 to 5. Offered twice a day (once in the morning and once in the afternoon), Bruce Beginnings offers children a chance to explore exhibitions through picture books and hands-on activities.

10. Stepping Stones Children's Museum - Norwalk 

Children can play for free on the first Friday evening (5pm to 8pm) of every month. Exhibits including Express Yourself, Toy Town, and Energy Lab will make for a fun and educational evening. 

Free Indoor Places To Play - East Connecticut

11. Submarine Force Library and Museum - Groton

Always free, this museum is located in the naval corner of the state. Kids can tour a real submarine, see how seamen live and get a glimpse of historical weapons used during wartime.

 
Explore puppet-themed exhibits in Storrs. Photo courtesy of Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry 

12. Ballard Museum of Puppetry - Storrs

Kids love puppets, and at Ballard you can see exhibits dedicated to the art of puppetry for free. There are puppets from all over the world, from history and full-size puppets too! They are open Wednesday through Sunday and is linked to the UCONN Puppet Arts Department.

This article was first published in October 2017 is up updated anually.