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

Memorial Day Weekend 2023 in Connecticut: Festivals, Day Trips, and More Things to Do

Get outside and patriotic this Memorial Day Weekend 2023, as parades and festivals top our picks for the best things to do in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Fairfield Museum and History Center
Get outside and patriotic this Memorial Day Weekend 2023, as parades and festivals top our picks for the best things to do in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Fairfield Museum and History Center
5/24/23 - By Ally Noel

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this Memorial Day Weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

Fairs, festivals, and parades - it must be Memorial Day Weekend! This weekend is filled with celebrations of all shapes and sizes. Take a day trip to Wethersfield to check out the annual Memorial Day Heritage Weekend, head off into the sunset with the Maritime Aquarium, or have some good old-fashioned fun at the TransAm Memorial Classic For a laid-back outing, plan the perfect beach day at one of these Family Friendly Local Beaches. 

Connecticut summer fun is gearing up. It's the perfect time to park the family at a Free Outdoor Movie in Connecticut. And the weather is just right to go Eco-Exploring at Connecticut Beaches, or visit one of The Best New England Theme Parks for Kids and Families.

 
 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The quack is back at the Simsbury Duck Race. Photo courtesy of Simsbury Duck Race, Facebook
The quack is back at the Simsbury Duck Race. Photo courtesy of Simsbury Duck Race, Facebook

Things To Do in Connecticut Memorial Day Weekend with Kids

Ripka's Aloha Fridays at Calf Pasture Beach

Norwalk - May 26, 2023
Take a staycation every week at Aloha Fridays at Calf Pasture Beach. Enjoy music, wood-fired pizzas, friends, family, and neighbors at this summertime tradition. Sit under the tent or spread out over the great lawn overlooking the Long Island Sound.  READ MORE

International Festival of Arts and Ideas

New Haven - select events through June 25, 2023
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas is an extravaganza of performing arts, lectures, storytelling, music, and conversations that take over theaters, town green, and open spaces in New Haven. The 2023 schedule begins May 25 and runs through June 25, and most events are free. READ MORE

Simsbury Duck Race

Simsbury - May 26, 2023
The Simsbury Duck Race is a FREE family event held the Friday before Memorial Day at the Simsbury Flower Bridge. There will be carnival games, an inflatable slide, a DJ, food vendors, and of course - duck races.  Racer Ducks are $5 each and can be purchased online at www.SimsburyDuckRace.com or at the event.  The first 10 ducks to enter the Finish Box win!  Grand prize is a Bowling & Laser Tag Party at Spare Time in Windsor for 10 kids! Other prizes include tickets to Lake Compounce, the Yard Goats, Ski Sundown, and the Travelers Championship, big bags of toys... READ MORE

Memorial Day Weekend at Mystic Seaport

Mystic - May 27-28, 2023
Kick-off summer in a big way at Mystic Seaport Museum.with two lively concerts along the river at the Museum’s new performance stage! Shows begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday (New London Big Band) and Sunday (RUNA). Limited (bench) seating is provided, but visitors are also welcome to bring their own lawn chairs.  READ MORE

Corsair Day at Connecticut Air & Space Center

Stratford - May 27, 2023
CASC celebrates Memorial Day Weekend. Celebrate the first flight of the XF4U-1 Corsair.  A variety of aircraft will be on display throughout the weekend.  READ MORE

Wethersfield Heritage Weekend

Wethersfield- May 27, 2023
 Join the Wethersfield Historical Society and the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, commissioned December 12, 1776. They provide information about the Dragoons also known as "Sheldon's Horse."  READ MORE

Annual Spring Festival at Heirloom Market

Wethersfield - May 27, 2023
Come join Heirloom Market for the 5th Annual Spring Festival. This festival proudly features local vendors and artisans, kid-friendly activities, gardening talks, thousands of spring starts for your garden and so much more! READ MORE

Newington Memorial Day Parade

Newington- May 27, 2023
The Newington Memorial Day Parade steps off from the intersection of East Robbins and Main streets. A moment of silence will precede the parade and there will be a memorial service at Town Hall after the parade. READ MORE

Maritime Aquarium Sunset Cruise

Norwalk - May 27, 2023
Start the weekend off with a fun, relaxing boat ride out to the Norwalk islands aboard the Aquarium's R/V Spirit of the Sound, as aquarium educators point out sights and wildlife. Weather permitting, enjoy a beautiful sunset and take in the view. READ MORE

Sheffield Island Ferry Cruise

Norwalk - May 27 -28, 2023
Take a cruise to Sheffield Island and explore its historic lighthouse, beaches, and wildlife refuge that offers abundant summer fun for visitors. Advance tickets for the boat can be purchased online, and reservations are strongly recommended, as the capacity is limited to 48 passengers. READ MORE

TransAm Memorial Day Classic

Lakeville - May 26 - May 29, 2023
Trans Am returns to Lime Rock Park.Experience the thunder of 850-horsepower American V8s in the TA and TA2 classes while top production-based GT cars battle it out in XGT, SGT and GT.   READ MORE

Chris Rowlands LIVE at the Beardsley Zoo

Bridgeport - May 27 - May 29, 2023
Get your body moving during Chris Rowland's interactive performance at the Beardsley Zoo. Rowland performs a variety of kid-friendly songs and dances with puppets and colorful props. READ MORE

Milford Food Truck Fest & Open Air Market

Milford - May 27 - May 29, 2023
Free admission for this fun, family event where there will be tons of more food trucks for you to try! Enjoy the music, bounce houses, and more. READ MORE

A Day on the Farm @ Our Kids Farm

Canterbury - May 28, 2023
You’ll be able to milk a goat, ride on a train/wagon ride, play some old fashioned games, meet the goats, kids, cows, ponies, donkeys, chickens, chicks and the horses. Crafters and vendors will be on site and don't forget the ice cream cone! READ MORE

Free Pizza Making Class for Kids

Glastonbury - May 29, 2023
Kids will make their own 12" pizza at Square Peg Pizza. They will also get a cookie and an official "pizza making certificate." Two sessions: 12p and 2:30p An adult must accompany the child, but only the child should be registered. READ MORE

Opening Night Norwich Sea Unicorns vs. VT Lake Monsters

Norwich - May 29, 2023
Come to opening night for Dodd Stadium. The Sea Unicorns will play the VT Lake Monsters. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a 2023 magnet schedule. Stick around after the final out for a spectacular fireworks display. READ MORE

Farmington Memorial Day Parade

Farmington - May 29, 2023
Celebrate Memorial Day in Farmington. The route will head East on Farmington Avenue, turn right onto Main Street, and continue South. The parade will turn right onto Maple Street and conclude at the Riverside Cemetery. READ MORE

Norwalk Memorial Day Parade

Norwalk - May 29, 2023
Norwalk is celebrating Memorial Day with a parade. The parade theme is "Honor Our Veterans - Support Our Troops." The parade starts at 10a and follow Van Zant Street to East Avenue to the Town Green. READ MORE

Memorial Day Open House at the Fairfield Museum

Fairfield - May 29, 2023
Enjoy free admission at the Fairfield Museum as part of the Memorial Day Town Parade. Bring family and friends for a fun-filled afternoon, including crafts and games.  READ MORE

Classic Car Cruise Nights @ Ocean Beach Park

New London - May 29, 2023
The WNLC 98.7 Classic Hits Cruise night is a well-established weekly event synonymous with summer. There are lots of classic and super cool cars on display.  READ MORE
Visit with the animals at the Stamford Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the Stamford Nature Center
Visit with the animals at the Stamford Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the Stamford Nature Center

More Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids

Best New England Theme Parks for Kids and Families

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

Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos

Find fun animal encounters at these CT farms and petting zoos. READ MORE

Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens

Great venues in CT for older kids to celebrate. READ MORE

Best Outdoor Dining in Connecticut at Family-Friendly Restaurants

Find Connecticut restaurants with outdoor seating that are great for families. READ MORE

Visiting Lake Compounce Amusement and Water Park with Kids

Explore our insider guide to Connecticut's largest amusement and water park. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Connecticut Air and Space Center
Fairfield Museum & History Center
Six Flags New England