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Free Events and Activities in Southern CT This Summer

7/5/13 - By Katie McKnight

In our book, FREE is good. It's not always easy finding free stuff to do with the kids! Low and behold, I’ve found several low cost – and even FREE! – family friendly opportunities here in southern CT that include submarines, bowling, movies, story times, free museum days and free passes to state beaches and state parks like Gillette Castle. If you are in Hartford County, we've got a great list of free things to do there too.

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USS Nautilus and Force Museum, Groton, CT: Learn about submarine history and development in the museum before you immerse yourself in a real submarine experience as your tour the Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear submarine, now docked permanently as part of the museum.  Fascinating. One Crystal Lake Road, Groton, CT, 06340, 860.694.3174

Brookfield Lanes, Brookfield, CT: Register for Kids Bowl Free, and your child will receive coupons for two free games of bowling good each day of the summer (beginning June 1st).  840 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT, 06804, 203.775.4343

Bowtie Cinemas, Stamford, CT: The Landmark Free Summer Movies for Kids program runs from June 25th to August 21st. Each Tuesday and Wednesday, a family friendly movie is offered free of charge.  Check their website for a list of scheduled movies.  The doors open at 9am, and the movie starts at 10am – first come, first serve.  5 Landmark Square, Stamford, CT, 06905, 203.324.3100

Ambler Farm Reads, Wilton, CT: Bring your child (aged 4-6) to Ambler Farms, where you can participate in a nature walk on the farm, as well as theme based story readings.  257 Hurlbutt Street, Wilton, CT 06897, 203.762.3950, x217

FREE State Parks Pass: Did you know you can check out free passes at your local library? It gets you into the state beaches for free, Gillette Castle, Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill and other fun places.

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, New Haven, CT: Fossils, mummies - the Peabody has it all.  And Free admission is offered on August 24th from 10-5pm. 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT, 06511, 203.432.5050

Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, CT: Featuring art that pushes beyond the conventional, The Aldrich Museum offers free admission on Tuesdays. 258 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT, 06887, 203.438.4519

Stepping Stones Museum, Norwalk, CT: Visit Stepping Stones on the first Thursday of every month between the hours of 5pm-8pm and admission is free.  The interactive museum features exhibits that challenge children use their imaginations and their smarts. 303 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06850, 203.899.0606

[Originally published May 6th, 2013]

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