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
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Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
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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
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Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compunce
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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
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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
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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
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Elevate the fun at these 8 New England theme parks that are great for families. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
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Summer camps help kids learn new skills and make new friends
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Connecticut Children's has created an online parenting toolkit that addresses challenges like choosing appropriate apps and understanding parental controls.
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Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
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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
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Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Urban Air.
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Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
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Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
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Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
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Young hikes can tackle these short nature walks. Photo courtesy of Roaring Brook Nature Center
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Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
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Essex has genuine appeal for every family. Photo by Ally Noel.
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Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
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Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
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Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
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Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
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Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
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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

Mostly Free and Fun Things to do in CT with Kids This Weekend July 27-28: Family Hikes, Fair Days, Festivals & Super Heroes

7/24/13 - By Pam Hegner

Between vacation, camp and day trips, summer can burn a hole in the pocket. Not to mention the daunting electricity bill from running the A/C constantly. We have over a month left before school starts, and if you still want to have adventures that won't break the bank, check out Ten Free Family Activities in New Haven County and Free Events and Activities in Southern CT This Summer. 

There are some wonderful free, family hikes this weekend including Giant Adventure at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Salter's Pond Adventure in Manchester and the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center. CT has 618 miles of coastline, and Our CT Beach and Water Guide will simplify that search on where to go.

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Village Fair Days in New Milford has two days of entertainment including live music, bounce houses, bingo, great food and much more. This free event is held on the beautiful village green, and is in its 46th year. Fish Tales, Tugs and Sails is a kids-only festival in New London. Meet children's authors and illustrators, visit boats, meet sea critters and more. 

German dancing, food and music will be on display at the Taste of Germany in Newington. KC and the Sunshine Band performs free for Music on the New Haven Green and the Music at Twilight Concert features the Army National Guard Band in Canterbury. The CT Ballet performs at Hartford's Riverfront for their Summer Dance Caravan.

Enjoy peaceful music to start your day at the Summer Sunday Morning Concerts at Stamford's Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens. Don't miss out on Connecticut Family Day at Gathering of the Vibes in Seaside Park. Kids 12 and under are free.

If the heat is too much, why not treat the kids to some indoor fun? Our Day Trip to Galaxy Roller Rink in Groton and CT Indoor Play Guide will provide a cool, sunscreen-free day.

It certainly isn't peaceful, but the Monster Truck Jam at Stafford Motor Speedway is a wild adventure all ages will love. Meet some women/men of steel and enjoy a ride at the Shoreline Trolley Museum's Super Heroes Day. All aboard an authentic circus train en route to a midway with rides, shows, animals, food and more at the Valley Railroad Circus Train and Big Top Show in Essex. 

Mommy Poppins CT is proud to be sponsoring the Kids Zone at this year's Litchfield Jazz Festival in Goshen on August 10-11. There will be a mural artist, magician, hoop dancers, stilt walkers and a circus act. Lots of interactive things for the kids to do as well. Come out and join us! 

Our Go List of activities is a monthly round up to help you plan ahead. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for updated information throughout the week.  You can also check out our Pinterest boards to get some great summer ideas.  And as always, visit our events calendar. If you enjoy Mommy Poppins CT, please tell your friends and local businesses about us!

Have a wonderful weekend!