1. Hike Connecticut's Waterfall Trails — Various Locations

Spring is the best time to see Connecticut's waterfalls. Hit the trail to see the water really flow and get ready to see those awestruck kid faces! Pack a picnic lunch to make a day of it.

2. Flamig Farm — West Simsbury

One of our favorite places to go in the spring is Flamig Farm for its sweet petting zoo and playground. The spring baby animals are a must-see. Expect free-roaming chickens doing chicken-y things, as well as alpacas, horses, pigs, ducks, turkeys, and more farm animals. Picnic tables available for lunchtime, and the whole excursion is fairly wallet-friendly, too.

3. Mystic Seaport Museum — Mystic

Come to the Connecticut shoreline to enjoy the Mystic Seaport Museum. See the intricate artwork of seafaring men on exhibit including pieces of a narwhal tusk, scrimshaw, and other personal belongings. The Museum has also refurbished its exhibit of figureheads, the sculptures placed in honor at the front of historic vessels. Of course, there are plenty more things to do in Mystic for families. 

Butterflies are close enough to touch in Deerfield but masks are now required, please! Photo courtesy of Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory

4. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory — Deerfield, MA

This is a very special place indeed. Step into an 80-degree bubble and be enveloped by gentle, winged creatures of all colors and types.

5. Roaring Acres Alpacas — Suffield

Feed the local alpacas at this 30-acre Connecticut farm, which also hosts community events. You'll also see horses, sheep, ducks, and geese. Bonus: admission is free for non-event days and the parking plentiful. 

6. The Dinosaur Place  — Oakdale

Visit with more than 50 dinosaurs at this outdoor adventure park located at Nature's Art Village. Walk the dinosaur trails, but leave room for time on the playgrounds, mini golf, maze, and more.

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The Seuss Bakery is open for business! Photo by Mommy Poppins pre-COVID.

7. Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum— Springfield, MA

Get to know one of the most famous children's authors of all time. Only a half-hour from Hartford, we loved our visit to the Dr. Seuss Museum. It celebrates the work of Ted Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) who was a Springfield, Massachusetts, native. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits including the Marble Maze, the Lorax Recycle Game, and the Seuss Bakery. Don't forget to check out the other great museums housed on the property as well.

8. Legoland Discovery Center — Yonkers, NY

If you don't want to drive all the way to visit Legoland New York, make a trip to the Discovery Center in Westchester. Lego-lovers will be in heaven to be surrounded by Lego-themed activities. Take in a 4-D Lego movie, go for a spin on the Merlin's Apprentice ride, build Lego racers, and try your luck at the earthquake table.

9. Roger Williams Zoo —Providence, RI

Spring is a great time to visit the zoo, and the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence is always a favorite. Children will enjoy alpacas to zebras and everything in between. Some attractions may be temporarily closed, including the pony and train rides.

10. Institute for American Indian Studies — Washington

Children are generally fascinated by American Indian culture and history. Let them expand their knowledge with a visit to the Institute for American Indian Studies. There are over 3,000 archeological artifacts onsite including arrowheads, artwork, and pottery fragments. They can also go inside Sachem's House Classroom and try grinding corn, cooking, and gardening. Outside are replica Native American homes. Some kids might enjoy the new snake display, too!

11. New England Aquarium — Boston, MA

In just two hours, you can be at one of the premier aquariums on the East Coast. The New England Aquarium, situated on Boston's Central Wharf, is a great destination for animal lovers of all kinds. Wave to the harbor seals as you enter; say, "Hi" to the penguins on the first floor; and wind around the huge, centrally located ocean tank.

12. IT Adventure Ropes — New Haven

If your kids love to climb, do physical things and challenge themselves physically, we have a great place for you to go. The IT Adventure Ropes Course is one of the largest indoor ropes courses in the world, and we were thrilled with our visit. You'll also find zip lines, bridges, cargo nets, walls to climb, and more. Little kids are welcome.

13. Eric Carle Museum — Amherst, MA 

Do your kids love the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar? Or maybe you prefer Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you Hear? Either way, you will be immersed in the art and storytelling of the Eric Carle Museum as his books come alive at this museum. It is also an educational hub for children to learn from picture books of many authors.

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Old-fashioned crafts like barrel-making are on display here. Photo courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village

14. Old Sturbridge Village — Sturbridge, MA

You and your children will be transported back in time as you walk the village green and stroll the gardens at Old Sturbridge Village. Speak with actors in period costume, meet some of the heritage breed farm animals, stroll the gardens, and enjoy takeout from the onsite Bullard Tavern and your experience will be complete. In the spring, participate in the Maple Days and try some tasty maple syrup.

15. The Adventure Park — Storrs

Climb through the forest at the Adventure Park in Storrs! The Adventure Park consists of 80 platforms installed throughout the trees with coordinating ropes, cables, and zip lines. There's even an adventure playground park for ages 3-6.

16. Maritime Aquarium — Norwalk 

Spark their sense of wonder by visiting with some of the sea animals that live at the Maritime Aquarium. There are so many living things to see at the Aquarium from jellyfish to sharks to river otters. And if you'd like to take it one step further, take one of the cruises leaving from the Aquarium to spend some time with seals in their natural habitat.

There's birdwatching at the White Memorial Conservation Center's observation deck. Photo by Marlow Shami/WMCC taken pre-COVID

17. White Memorial Conservation Center — Litchfield

There really is always something going on at the White Memorial Conservation Center. Check its calendar before heading out for the day and then enjoy 40 miles of hiking trails, Bantam River, Catlin Woods, and Ongley Pond. There are picnic tables to eat a snack or lunch at and bird feeding areas. Bring your camera as there are bound to be critter sightings!

18. Southwick Zoo — Southwick, MA

A lot of people swear this is their favorite zoo of all the zoos in the Greater-Hartford area, and it's reopening just in time for spring. It packs a lot in for a "little zoo," with more than 850 animals. If you have a reptile lover, head over to the Earth Discovery Center. If you are more of an African Plains appreciator, spend time with the zebras and giraffes. The Zoo also has a train ride, a Safari Sky Ride, and the Soaring Eagle Zipline (for an additional cost).

19. Lake Compounce — Bristol

This Connecticut them park reopens for weekends starting the last weekend of April! Roller coasters, bumper cars, and water rides await.

20. Historic Fort Adams — Newport, RI

Fort Adams, named for President John Adams, was built in Narragansett Bay to protect the shores from enemy attack. Built around 1824, it was active through WWII. Kids and grown-ups will enjoy exploring the old fort and seeing the cannon! Open year-round with free parking. Afterward, check out all the other sights in historic Newport.

21. Bronx Zoo — New York, NY

Every child who grows up in Connecticut should go to the Bronx Zoo at least once in their lifetime. It's super fun to take the train down from the Nutmeg State and see the aviary (my personal favorite), reptiles, rhinos, and ring-tailed lemurs. Expect to spend the whole day wandering the park as there are thousands of animals to see.

22. Visit a Vineyard  — varies

Sip a New England wine outdoors at a picnic table while the kids run amok.

An earlier version of this article first published in 2019.