Find feathered friends and encounter animals up close at petting zoos in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Westmoor Park
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
Connecticut Childrens' latest Back to School Toolkit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate, expert advice to keep kids happy and healthy.
Expert Tips for Navigating Back to School Challenges and Tough Talks
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Classes in Connecticut
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Hold on tight, because summer festivals and fairs are gearing up for Connecticut families! Photo courtesy of Vernon's Annual Summer Carnival
25 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Connecticut for Families
Bounce, splash, and make the most of summer at the best inflatable water parks in New England. Photo courtesy of Brownstone Adventure Sports Park
Best Inflatable Water Parks to Visit in New England
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compunce
100 Things To Do in Connecticut Before Kids Grow Up
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
20 Best Things To Do in Connecticut August 2023 with Kids
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
GUIDE
Ultimate Connecticut Kids Summer Vacation Guide
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
Try to keep your balance at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Norwalk. Photo courtesy of Sky Zone
The Best Indoor Playgrounds and Indoor Play Spaces in Connecticut
Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens
Elevate the fun at these 8 New England theme parks that are great for families. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
Best New England Theme Parks for Kids and Families
Summer camps help kids learn new skills and make new friends
GUIDE
Connecticut Summer Camp Guide
Connecticut Children's has created an online parenting toolkit that addresses challenges like choosing appropriate apps and understanding parental controls.
Technology and Kids: Screen Time Limits, Social Media Safety, Cyberbullying, and More Expert Advice
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
New England Family Travel Guide
Take a fun-filled family retreat to one of New England's best indoor waterparks! Photo courtesy of Waterpark of New England
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
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
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Urban Air.
GUIDE
Connecticut Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
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
Young hikes can tackle these short nature walks. Photo courtesy of Roaring Brook Nature Center
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
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Essex has genuine appeal for every family. Photo by Ally Noel.
Essex, Connecticut with Kids: Top 10 Things To See and Do
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
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
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
Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home
Explore The Wizard Realm, photo courtesy of Puzzle Theory
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
Make ponies the stars of your child's birthday party. Photo courtesy of The Little Party Ponies
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Free burgers? Yes, please! Photo courtesy of Widow Brown's Cafe
Kids Eat Free in Connecticut: Family-Friendly Restaurants With Free Kids' Meals
Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
75 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
Find a new children's book to read today. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Kids' Books Every Child Should Read Before They Grow Up
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Classes in Connecticut
Photo courtesy of the Hartt School Community Division
Dance Classes for Connecticut Kids: 20 Studios for Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, and More
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Staff members are on hand to explain the historic aircraft. Photo courtesy of the New England Air Museum
A Visit to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut with Kids
Photo by Liz Baill
GUIDE
Crafts & Games: 100s of Activities for Kids
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
Stamford Museum & Nature Center: 7 Family-Friendly Things To Do
The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps to Learn Programming Skills
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Classes in Connecticut
Use recyclables and household objects to build a better bridge.
25 STEM Activities Easy Enough for Preschoolers
Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
Free Museums in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
Back to School Concert at Castle Hill Farm will feature a performance by Poppi's Planet. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Back to School Festivities and More Things To Do in CT this Weekend

Free Outdoor Movies in Connecticut this Summer with Kids

Connecticut has plenty of free outdoor movies for kids this summer, so get your popcorn ready! Free Friday Flicks photo courtesy of The Promenade Shops in South Windsor
Connecticut has plenty of free outdoor movies for kids this summer, so get your popcorn ready! Free Friday Flicks photo courtesy of The Promenade Shops in South Windsor
5/21/23 - By Ally Noel

Connecticut's free outdoor movies are a fun way to stretch your summer budget. Parents are always on the lookout for summer activities, and free movies fit the bill. After day-camp is done and the amusement parks have been covered, a free outdoor movie sounds great! Gather the folding chairs, blankets, and some snacks. It's time to make your way over to one of these fun, outdoor flicks that will change the whole move-watching experience for your kiddos. And don't forget your bug-spray.

If you're looking to mark something else off the summer bucket list, pack up the car and check out our list of Drive-In Movie Theaters in Connecticut.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Join the crowd in Stamford for free movie nights this summer. Movies in the Park at Mill River photo courtesy of Olivier Kpognon, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Join the crowd in Stamford for free movie nights this summer. Movies in the Park at Mill River photo courtesy of Olivier Kpognon, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Fairfield County Free Outdoor Movies this Summer

Movies Under The Stars at Aspetuck Park

Easton: June 30 - August 11, 2023
Set up your blankets and lawn chairs to watch a feature movie presentation at Movie Nights Under The Stars. The movies will be presented once a month. June 30 - Enchanted July 11 -  TBD August 11 - TBD READ MORE

Movies in the Park at Mill River

Stamford: June 17 - August 5, 2023
In 2023, Families gather for a big-screen hit each week. All movies are free and open to the public; drinks and snacks will be available for purchase in the Park. June 17 - Minions The Rise of Gru June 24 - Turning Red July 1 - Puss n Boots The Last Wish July 8 - DC League of Super Pets July 15 - Lightyear July 22 - Strange World July 29 - The Bad Guys August 5 - Viewers Choice READ MORE

Movie in the Park

Stamford: June 12 - August 26, 2023
Commons Park will be the location of weekly outdoor movies during the summer of 2023. Through the month of August, movies will begin at 8:15p on Monday nights. Movie list is TBA.  READ MORE
Watch Despicable Me on July 8th in South Windsor. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
Watch Despicable Me on July 8th in South Windsor. Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

Free Outdoor Movies in the Hartford Area

Suffield's Summer Movie Nights

Suffield: July 1-29, 2023
Free summer movies are happening in Suffield on the town green at dusk. Although not all movies are for kids, some are.  Jaws (on July 1) is held at Babb's Beach. READ MORE

Free Friday Flicks

South Windsor: June 23 -August 11, 2023
Enjoy family friendly movies on a big screen. Come to the green at Evergreen Walk. All movies begin at 8:45pm. Bring folding chairs or blankets. June 23 - Super Pets July 14 - Jungle Cruise August 4 - Minions, Rise of Gru READ MORE
Watch Clifford the Big Red Dog in Old Saybrook. Photo courtesy of Paramount
Watch Clifford the Big Red Dog in Old Saybrook. Photo courtesy of Paramount

Free Summer Movies in New Haven

Movies in the Plaza

New Haven: May 24 - July 26, 2023
Movies in the Plaza is back, bringing you Wednesday night fun May through July starting May 3 with Everything Everywhere All At Once. Every Wednesday evening after sundown visitors can enjoy their favorite films under the stars in downtown New Haven. READ MORE

Outdoor Movies w/ Old Saybrook Park and Rec

Old Saybrook: June 30, July 28, August 11, 2023
The town green will be hopping with people for the summer movie series. Bring a chair or blanket and get cozy to watch a flick on a warm summer night. Showing in 2023 will be: June 30 - Lyle Lyle Crocodile July 28 - Top Gun Maverick August 11 - Clifford the Big Red Dog Please reserve your tickets. Wear a mask until seated.  READ MORE
Head to Storrs for a family movie night under the stars! Moonlight Movies photo courtesy of Downtown Storrs
Head to Storrs for a family movie night under the stars! Moonlight Movies photo courtesy of Downtown Storrs

Outdoor Movies in Eastern Connecticut

Moonlight Movies

Storrs: August 4 -18, 2023
Nothing says summer like an outdoor movie under a moonlit sky. Enjoy free, family movies on Betsy Paterson Square on Friday, August 4, 11, and 18, 2023. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: