Find feathered friends and encounter animals up close at petting zoos in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Westmoor Park
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Connecticut Childrens' latest Back to School Toolkit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate, expert advice to keep kids happy and healthy.
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Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
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Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
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Hold on tight, because summer festivals and fairs are gearing up for Connecticut families! Photo courtesy of Vernon's Annual Summer Carnival
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Bounce, splash, and make the most of summer at the best inflatable water parks in New England. Photo courtesy of Brownstone Adventure Sports Park
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Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compunce
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Get up close with history and find even more fun things to do in Connecticut for August 2023! Photo courtesy of King Tut in Hartford
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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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Try to keep your balance at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Norwalk. Photo courtesy of Sky Zone
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Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
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Elevate the fun at these 8 New England theme parks that are great for families. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
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Summer camps help kids learn new skills and make new friends
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Connecticut Children's has created an online parenting toolkit that addresses challenges like choosing appropriate apps and understanding parental controls.
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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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Take a fun-filled family retreat to one of New England's best indoor waterparks! Photo courtesy of Waterpark of New England
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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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Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Urban Air.
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Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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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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Young hikes can tackle these short nature walks. Photo courtesy of Roaring Brook Nature Center
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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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Essex has genuine appeal for every family. Photo by Ally Noel.
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Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
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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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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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Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
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Explore The Wizard Realm, photo courtesy of Puzzle Theory
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Make ponies the stars of your child's birthday party. Photo courtesy of The Little Party Ponies
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Free burgers? Yes, please! Photo courtesy of Widow Brown's Cafe
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Staff members are on hand to explain the historic aircraft. Photo courtesy of the New England Air Museum
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With a working farm, plenty of trails to explore, and hands-on programming, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a family-friendly wonderland. Photo courtesy of Stamford Museum & Nature Center
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Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
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Back to School Concert at Castle Hill Farm will feature a performance by Poppi's Planet. Photo courtesy of the artist.
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Free in November: 15 Top Things To Do in Connecticut With Kids

Lyman Allyn's Free First Saturday is just one of the best things to do with Connecticut kids that is free in November. Photo courtesy of the event
Lyman Allyn's Free First Saturday is just one of the best things to do with Connecticut kids that is free in November. Photo courtesy of the event
11/4/22 - By Jennifer Coe

Autumn is in full swing, and parents are looking for fun and FREE things to do in Connecticut with kids. We've rounded up November activities that won't force them to bust open the piggy banks. There is a lot of variety this month to choose from, including a huge parade, a celebration of Veteran's Day and a leadership class for girls. Families can take advantage of the changing seasons to make crafts at the New Canaan Nature Center. Connecticut also celebrates Diwali and the coming winter holidays with the Frosty Fair. You might even be able to sneak a peek of Santa!

Still looking for something to do in Connecticut with kids? Browse our guide full of free things to do in Connecticut or check out some of the free museums! And keep an eye on our Event Calendar which is updated weekly.

 

Layavinyasa Dance Troupe hosts a Diwali Celebration at the South Windsor Library. Photo courtesy of the event.
Layavinyasa Dance Troupe hosts a Diwali Celebration at the South Windsor Library. Photo courtesy of the event.

Best Free in Things To Do in Hartford

Celebrate Native American Heritage at the Nowashe Village

Saturday, November 5, 2022 - South Windsor
Celebrate our second successful season of programming and events at Nowashe Village. Join us both in Nowashe Village and inside Wood Memorial Library for a variety of educational and eye-opening activities, FREE fun for the whole family in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. Outside in Nowashe Village, Join Taylor Stasis as she explores the traditional foodways of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribal Nation, including hunting, gathering and agricultural practices. Taylor will discus which wild plants, seeds, nuts and fruits were gathered and the major fish and fauna... READ MORE

Layavinyasa Dance Troupe Diwali Celebration

Saturday, November 5, 2022 - South Windsor
Dancers will showcase pieces that connect with the legends of Diwali. The performance will include visuals of stories before each dance to highlight the underlying Hindu narratives associated with Diwali and demonstrate how the gods and goddesses are embodied in their dances. Seating is limited so regiatration is required Register at  or by emailing abreen@libraryconnection.info or by calling Reference at 860-644-1541 READ MORE

Second Saturdays at Wadsworth Atheneum: Black History Month

Saturday, November 12, 2022 - Hartford
In celebration of Black History Month, pay tribute to African American artists’ contributions, triumphs, and creativity. Design a portrait highlighting Black and Brown voices with artist Marsh and delight in a performance by bassist Conway Campbell Jr. Presented in partnership with The Amistad Center for Art & Culture.  Admission is free from noon-2pm. READ MORE

CT Historical Society Inventor's Lab

Saturday, November 5, 2022 - Hartford
Did you know CHS used to be the home of Connecticut inventor Curtis Veeder? Traveling from station to station in the auditorium, families will try out different experiments and science projects! This program is FREE and great for children of all ages. READ MORE

Veteran's Day Celebration in New Britain

Friday, November 11, 2022 - New Britain
A ceremony honoring all Veterans and members of the military featuring placing of wreaths on each Memorial, invocation, and National Anthem/cadence/Taps by the New Britain High School Madrigal and Band Students. READ MORE
Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular Park Party is a big deal! Photo courtesy of Chris Ptacek via Flickr
Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular Park Party is a big deal! Photo courtesy of Chris Ptacek via Flickr

Cool Free in Things To Do in Fairfield

Wednesday Crafternoons at the New Canaan Nature Center

Wednesdays in November - New Canaan
Drop in the New Canaan Nature Center's Visitor Center every Wednesday for a little Crafternoon. Enjoy making a self-guided nature-based craft. READ MORE

Fall Fair

Saturday, November 5, 2022 - Newtown
Over 45 vendors will be selling new and used items, locally handmade crafts, food items, and something for everyone at this family-friendly event.  Start your Christmas shopping early or enjoy lunch while listening to live music.  Shop at the popular dollar tag sale featuring hundreds of items in all categories. READ MORE

Leadership Lab for High School Girls: Leading with Confidence Through Creativity

Mondays in November - Fairfield
The Fairfield County based organization Live Girl will co-host a nine-week Leadership Lab for high school girls, grades 9-12. This lab will focus on creative arts empowerment, multimedia expression, and training. Girls will foster their storytelling skills and be exposed to multiple creative channels such as video, music, and podcast production. READ MORE

LEGO Duplo at Norwalk Public Library

Thursdays in November
Drop in to play and create with LEGO Duplos. This program will be held in the Main Children's Room. READ MORE

Skateport

Saturday, November 12, 2022 - Bridgeport
Join the fun in Downtown Bridgeport for Skateport's signature pop-up roller skating events.  Skateport features DJs, food trucks, and local small businesses. Skateport is now offering roller skates for rent in Downtown Bridgeport. READ MORE

Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

Sunday, November 20, 2022 - Stamford
The holiday season will officially kick off in Stamford Downtown with the annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular, one of the largest of its kind in the country.  READ MORE
At the Mystic Tree Lighting & Lighted Boat Parade, Santa arrives by Tugboat! Photo courtesy of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
At the Mystic Tree Lighting & Lighted Boat Parade, Santa arrives by Tugboat! Photo courtesy of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

Top Free in Things To Do in Eastern Connecticut

46th Annual Frosty Fair

Saturday, November 12, 2022 - Colchester
The Colchester Hayward Fire Company Auxiliary is pleased to announce the 46th Annual Frosty Firehouse Craft Fair. The elves are busy preparing the traditional Frosty kitchen menu. Our bakers are promising that home baked goodies will be in abundance. The area's finest artisans and crafters will fill the firehouse bay area with their wonderous wares. Come get a candy cane from Santa starting at 11:30a and peruse Frosty's prize table!  READ MORE

Mystic Tree Lighting & Lighted Boat Parade

Saturday, November 26, 2022 - Mystic
Santa Claus is coming to Mystic with the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Historic Downtown Mystic. Thousands gather at the Mystic River Park to watch Santa arrive!  Come in a sailboat or other floating craft to join the parade. Your entry fee is a new or like new coat or toy donated to the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. We will be accepting donations in advance at the Mystic Chamber office, 22 East Main st., and before the start of the parade at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Please plan to catch the 3:40pm Drawbridge opening to rendezvous at Mystic Seaport prior to the... READ MORE

Lyman Allyn: Free First Saturday

Saturday, November 5, 2022 - New London
The Lyman Allyn is pleased to bring back Free First Saturday and Science Saturday as in-person programs! Come to the art studio from 11 am – 1 pm and create your own Pastel Instrument! While you’re here, explore the Museum and enjoy ongoing exhibits. Fun for the whole family. READ MORE
Get some exercise along with history and ecology for free! Photo courtesy of the Ansonia Nature Center
Get some exercise along with history and ecology for free! Photo courtesy of the Ansonia Nature Center

Best Free in Things To Do in the New Haven Area

Monday Morning Hikes at Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center

Mondays in November - Ansonia
Hike the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center trails for a positive start to your week. Come and learn about the history and ecology of the land while Ranger Dan, leads this weekly hike on the beautiful nature preserve. READ MORE

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