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

4th of July Weekend in Connecticut: Fireworks, Parades, and More Things to Do with Kids

Hooray for the red, white, and blue—and all the fun things to do this 4th of July Weekend in CT! Parade photo courtesy of the Stonington Borough, CT Facebook page
Hooray for the red, white, and blue—and all the fun things to do this 4th of July Weekend in CT! Parade photo courtesy of the Stonington Borough, CT Facebook page
6/28/23 - By Ally Noel

Between fireworks, festivities, and pure, outdoor things to do in Connecticut, Fourth of July is definitely the peak of summer. The nation's annual birthday party is back with a bang with an explosion of summertime fun. Fireworks shows are on the agenda all across the state this 4th of July weekend in Connecticut, including displays in Waterbury (with food trucks!), New London, and a 3-D fireworks display in Milford.

Did we mention we’re running weekly giveaways all summer long? This week we’re giving away a Beach Fun Pack from Goldfish Swim School! Plus, each entry also counts as an extra chance to win our Ultimate Summer Giveaway, an all-included trip to Nick Resort Punta Cana! Find out how to enter on our Facebook or Instagram pages!

More Things To Do in Connecticut This Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Get some history in along with the fireworks and parades in Connecticut. Be Revolutionary event photo courtesy of the Leffingwell House Museum
Get some history in along with the fireworks and parades in Connecticut. Be Revolutionary event photo courtesy of the Leffingwell House Museum

Fun Events for Kids 4th of July Weekend in Connecticut

Griswold Great Get-Together

Griswold - June 29 - July 1, 2023
Enjoy a weekend of free face painting, hula hoop instructions, and tons of free kids' entertainment. Fair goers who bring a canned good (for Saint Mary's Pantry) save $5 off a bracelet to ride everything. READ MORE

Shakespeare On The Sound: As You Like It (for kids)

Norwalk - through July 2, 2023
Audiences of all ages can enjoy this Shakespeare classic performed with kids in mind, in picturesque Pinkney Park. The half-hour show is performed immediately before the grown-up version afterwards. READ MORE

Trumbull Day

Trumbull - June 30- July 1, 2023
Trumbull Day is a two-day,fun-filled family event with food, vendors, carnival rides and games, children's entertainment, a main stage featuring local bands, and fireworks. It will run from June 30 in the evening to Saturday, July 1 from 2pm to 10:30p. READ MORE

Signature Schmutz BootCAMP

Norwalk - June 30 - July 1, 2023
Calling all slime-mongers, goopsters, and slopniks! Join CAMP's Signature Schmutz BootCAMP. A hilarious CAMP Counselor will show you how to make three of CAMP's signature slimes and learn new "experimental" ways to make and play with Schmutz.  READ MORE

Talcott Mountain Music Festival 2023

Simsbury - June 30, 2023
One of Connecticut's favorite summer kick-off festivals. Fireworks following the June 30 concert. Presented by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. READ MORE

Fireworks at Ocean Beach Park

New London - June 30, 2023
Enjoy the fireworks at Ocean Beach Park! LoVeSeXy, the Prince Tribute show, will begin at 8:00 with fireworks at 9:15. READ MORE

Barnum Festival Fireworks

Bridgeport - June 30, 2023
The celebration closes once the sun goes down with awe-inspiring fireworks show sure to impress the whole family. READ MORE

Independence Day @ Mystic Seaport

Mystic - July 1, 2023
Reenactors from several Connecticut and British Regiments will take over the quaint seaport town at Mystic Seaport Museum for a day. Witness what it was like to be a member of a Continental Regiment or British Regiment during these tumultuous times in American history. Learn what it was like for a British soldier to live aboard ship during the long voyage to the colonies and hear about 18th-century medical practices from a ship’s surgeon. See how British rule affected the everyday life of continental families and watch demonstrations of sewing, cooking, and carpentry. Join in the Grand... READ MORE

Family Program: Backyard BBQ

Hartford - July 1, 2023
Get ready for summer barbecues! Families will decorate their own chef hats to wear, and decorate a cookbook filled with refreshing, summery recipes from the CHS collection. Due to the holiday weekend, this will be a modified Free First Saturday program with the option to complete the activities at the museum or take it home. This is a drop-in program, no pre-registration required. READ MORE

Raspberry Festival at Lyman Orchards

Middlefield - July 1, 2023
The Lyman Orchards Raspberry Festival celebrates raspberry season with some WET & WILD fun for the whole family at the Apple Barrel Farm Market. Start your day out in Lyman Orchards fields harvesting fresh pick your own raspberries (blueberries & peaches), then head over to the Apple Barrel Farm Market to cool off with kids' water activities, live music, silhouette portraits, petting farms, and more! READ MORE

Hartford Latino Fest 2023

Hartford - July 1, 2023
Latino Fest is back! Celebrate the region's Latino cultures with a festival that features lives entertainment, cultural food and beverages, children's games and activities, vendors, and more.  READ MORE

Barn Dance at Blue Slope Country Museum

Franklin - July 1, 2023
Dance the night away with friends and family in a beautiful barn with scenic views. No experience necessary. Come learn and enjoy line and square dances. READ MORE

Waterbury Firework and Food Truck Extravaganza

Waterbury - July 2, 2023
Enjoy amazing food from 25 of CTs top food trucks. Grab a bite, sit down, and enjoy the city's amazing fireworks! READ MORE

Independence Day Parade in Stonington

Stonington - July 4, 2023
Stonington's Annual Fourth of July Parade will be held on July 4. The parade steps off at 10am from Wadawanuck Square and processes down Water Street to Cannon Square, where it turns and makes its way back to Wadawanuck Square along Main Street. Be sure to stick around for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. READ MORE

Annual Madison, CT Independence Day Parade

Madison - July 4, 2023
Featuring nearly 100 community groups, floats, bands, clowns, antique cars, trucks, bicycles and a number of professional performance groups, Madison’s 4th of July Parade is recognized as one of the finest in the entire State of Connecticut. READ MORE

Annual July 4th Bike Parade

Southport - July 4, 2023
Start at the Five Corners in Southport Village with decorated bikes, scooters, and wagons, then parade down Pequot Avenue to arrive at the Great Lawn of Pequot Library and enjoy face painting, sack races, hula hooping, bubble gum contests, and crafts. READ MORE

Hartford Yard Goats Game and Fireworks at Dunkin' Donuts Park

Hartford - July 4, 2023
Take the family out to the ballpark and cheer on the Yard Goats as they take on the Fisher Cats, the Blue Jays affiliate. Stay after the game for a spectacular firework show celebrating the 4th! It's also Baseball Bingo Night! READ MORE

Willimantic July 4th Boom Box Parade

Willimantic - July 4, 2023
Anyone can march or enter a float in "Connecticut's Unique People's Parade," as the Boom Box Parade is known. The only requirement is to wear some red, white, and blue, and bring a radio tuned to WILI (1400-AM). The Parade Marshall is Wayne Norman, radio personality. READ MORE

Woodstock 4th of July Jamboree

Woodstock - July 4, 2023
The Fourth of July Jamboree has been held on East Woodstock Common since July 4, 1957.  East Woodstock Congregational Church hosts this annual event featuring music, food, a huge book sale, tag sale, and games for children. READ MORE

Great American Boom

New Britain - July 4, 2023
The 2023 New Britain fireworks display is a “drive-in style” event and access to the event requires the purchase of a parking placard. Placards are $10, and pre-registration is required. READ MORE

3-D Fireworks Spectacular

Middlebury - July 4, 2023
Spend the holiday at the park and then enjoy 3-D Fireworks after dark with special viewing glasses sold for $2. Proceeds benefit Give Kids The World Village.  READ MORE

Be Revolutionary

Norwich - July 4, 2023
This Fourth of July, learn about the history of the Revolution. The day starts with both the Betsy Ross and Sons of Liberty flags raised by Norwich Scouting. Other activities include a reading of the Declaration of Independence where you can add your own signature. Enlist in the Militia with Col. Christopher Leffingwell. Inside the museum, Be amazed at displays of Revolutionary-era newspapers, documents, letters, and Arms. Read Gen. Washington's Continental Army Day Journal.  READ MORE
Take the kids to see amazing 4th of July fireworks in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of greenwichct.gov
Take the kids to see amazing 4th of July fireworks in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of greenwichct.gov

More Top Things To Do in Connecticut Right Now

Free Outdoor Movies in Connecticut this Summer with Kids

Find a big-screen family flick under the stars this summer! READ MORE

25 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Connecticut for Families

Find big family fun at CT's summer fairs and festivals! READ MORE

Best New England Theme Parks for Kids and Families

These parks offer fun–and thrills–for all ages! READ MORE

The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut

Great playgrounds for preschoolers. READ MORE

Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Connecticut 2023

Find the best 4th of July fireworks and festivities in Connecticut for families. READ MORE

17 Connecticut Area Beaches That Are Great for Families

These Connecticut area beaches offer a great escape on a summer day! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center
Seaside Park
Stonington
Six Flags New England