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Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids January 2023

Kids enjoy the Forest of Illusions exhibit at the CT Science Center this January, free with admission! Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Science Center
Kids enjoy the Forest of Illusions exhibit at the CT Science Center this January, free with admission! Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Science Center
12/30/22 - By Jennifer Coe

After the holidays, life slows down considerably, but there's no need for Connecticut kids to feel bored. In January, there are opportunities to be get in some exercise like rollerskating, hiking and or even head outside and bird watch for Bald Eagles (just dress for cold temps). You can also test your visual perception at the Connecticut Science Center's Forest of Illusions exhibit. Kids who love live performances, will really dig Disney on Ice: Let's Celebrate, The Ugly Duckling and Cinderella. 

We are always adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently or get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

 

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Keep an eye out for family fun in Connecticut this January 2023. Bald Eagle Viewing at Shepaug Dam, photo by Ally Noel
Keep an eye out for family fun in Connecticut this January 2023. Bald Eagle Viewing at Shepaug Dam, photo by Ally Noel

Best Free Things To Do in Connecticut in January

Bald Eagle Viewing at Shepaug Dam

Southbury – Weekly Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday until January 29, 2023
Free
The Shephaug eagle viewing site is open for another season. Specialists with telescopes will be available to help viewers spot eagles and other birds of prey. READ MORE

First Day Hike

Bloomfield - Sunday, January 1, 2023
Free
Kick off the new year connecting with nature on a healthy hike! This Town property is home to an award-winning golf course and certified bird sanctuary, with stunning vistas. There will be a hike (or snowshoe) approx. 2.5 miles. Leashed dogs are welcome. Severe weather will cancel.  READ MORE

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford - Through Sunday, January 8, 2023
Free
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

Holiday Light Show at the Unionville Museum

Unionville - Through Sunday, January 8, 2023
Free
The Museum's festive light and holiday display will be from 5-11 pm daily from December 3rd through January 8th.  All are invited to stop by to enjoy the scene and take photos with the backdrop of our outdoor display. Then the Museum will be open weekends and Wednesdays from 2-4 pm through Wednesday, December 21st. READ MORE

Wednesday Crafternoons at the New Canaan Nature Center

New Canaan - January 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023
Free
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

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village

Mystic - Through January 21, 2023
Free
Olde Mistick Village has created an old fashioned Holiday Light Spectacular for you and your family. In fact, this event will be the largest holiday lights display in southern New England!  READ MORE

Bunny Book Group at Grace Farms

New Canaan - Fridays in January 2023
Free
Gather on the SANAA-designed rabbit chairs as you listen to  children’s stories  being read from a selection of  Grace Farm's books that explore the topics of nature, arts, justice, community, and faith.  READ MORE

Family Fun Goodbye to Shabbat

West Hartford - Sunday, January 8, 2023
Free
It's time to celebrate! Families with children of all ages are invited to say good bye to Shabbat and hello to the new year with crafts, games, music, and snacks. Suggested donation- so everyone can celebrate, please bring cake mixes, frosting, birthday gift bags and/or special napkins to help create “Birthday Bags” for clients of the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry. RSVP by Jan 5th to Susan at slentini@mandelljcc.org. READ MORE

Second Saturdays at Wadsworth Atheneum: Black History Month

Hartford - January 14, 2023
Free
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

MLK Community Day at the Atheneum

Hartford - January 16, 2023
Free
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through art making, performances, and tours for all ages. Explore The Amistad Center for Art & Culture’s exhibition "Art and Activism at Tougaloo College" during its final day in Hartford and learn how art can catalyze social justice. Free admission all day.  READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Multiple Locations - Monday, January 16, 2023
Free
On select days throughout the year, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee. READ MORE

More Fun Things To Do in Connecticut in January

Dazzling L.I.F.F.E. Lantern Festival at Lyman Orchards

Middlefield - Daily until January 31, 2023
Lyman Orchards will once again host the Dazzling Liffe Lantern Festival. Marvel at more than 400 illuminated lantern displays on a winding 1 mile walking path. Adventure through a vibrant wonderland of animals, insects, reptiles, plantlife, and more - all inspired by the 2000-year old Asian art of lantern making. The event soundtrack brings each unique section to life. Each larger-than-life lantern is masterfully handcrafted using thousands of colored LED lights. New this year are a Phoenix and an Amerciana-themed section, including a 26 foot tall Statue of Liberty lantern. READ MORE

Rollermagic Vacation Days Skate Hours

Waterbury - January 2 and 16, 2023
On your day off of school, go on down to Roller Magic and lace up for some fun. Open on January 2 and January 16, 2023 from 11 am to 5 pm. Skate rental is extra. READ MORE

Forest of Illusions at the Ct Science Center

Hartford - Weekly until January 31, 2023
Follow the winding path through our Forest of Illusions, where your eyes and mind will be put to the test as you encounter some mind-bending optical illusions. Explore color and light in a whole new way as you mix things up on the interactive light wall. Find your way out of the darkness in a true black hallway that will distort your sense of depth… and space. Step inside a human-sized kaleidoscope for an entirely new perspective. Wander into the UV Cave, where the rocks will shine like you have never seen before. This forest holds many dark secrets, all waiting for you to... READ MORE

Disney On Ice Let's Celebrate

Hartford - January 5 to 8, 2023
Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the ultimate party when Disney On Ice: "Let’s Celebrate" skates into your hometown with more than 50 unforgettable Disney characters. Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, go on an adventure through 14 of the greatest Disney stories ever told. Sing along with Olaf as he dreams of summer and dance with Aladdin as he stays “one jump ahead” in Agrabah. Share Forky’s wonder as he learns what it means to be a toy and forget your worries with Timon and Pumbaa. Dream big with the courageous Disney Princesses and much more as you create new memories with... READ MORE

2023 Boar's Head & Yule Log Festival

Hartford- January 7 and 8, 2023
The Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival is back. This joyous celebration of Epiphany is traditionally attended by nearly 4,000 attendees annually. Over 250 church and choir members join a full orchestra, dancers, acrobats, and live animals including geese and camels to bring the event to life. Rich period costumes support the Medieval telling of the Three Kings' discovery and celebration of the Christ Child. Attendees are taken back to the 15th century to be guests of the Lord Mayor of London at a royal celebration. This year we will be hosting FOUR live performances: Tickets are on... READ MORE

The Ugly Duckling at the Downtown Cabaret Theater

Bridgeport - January 7 - February 5, 2023
The timeless story of the duckling who doesn’t belong and her journey to becoming a beautiful swan, but this is unlike any Ugly Duckling you’ve ever seen before. This hilarious new adaptation is a true Cabaret original with all the fun, music, and magic you’ve come to expect about a poor little duckling who never loses hope and ultimately surprises everyone. READ MORE

Pizza and Paint Party

Windsor Lock - January 13, 2023
Monthly Pizza & Paint Parties are open to ages 7-12 who seek a fun and creative Friday night out. Includes a 11”x14” guided acrylic canvas painting project, cheese/pepperoni pizza and beverages. Class is drop off. READ MORE

The Great Trains Holiday Exhibit

Wilton - Through January 15, 2023
The Great Trains Exhibit returns to the Wilton Historical Society as 18th and 19th century buildings are transformed into a train-lovers delight with many different train layouts winding through tiny towns with a variety of different kinds of buildings, tunnels and two working Ferris Wheels! READ MORE

My Gym MLK Day "Camp"

Glastonbury - January 16, 2023
At My Camp, children participate in energizing fitness games, themed fun, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts and crafts, music and so much more. Each camp program is uniquely designed to keep your children moving and active, as we emphasize physical development and personal success. Book your space on MLK Day in advance. READ MORE

Cinderella : Youth Version

West Hartford - Weekends January 13 through January 21, 2023
Tickets on sale now for the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, Cinderella. Come and see the 'youth edition" of the classic story on stage. READ MORE

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