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.
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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
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
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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Try to keep your balance at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Norwalk. Photo courtesy of Sky Zone
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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
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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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Take a fun-filled family retreat to one of New England's best indoor waterparks! Photo courtesy of Waterpark of New England
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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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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
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Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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Essex has genuine appeal for every family. Photo by Ally Noel.
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Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
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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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Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
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Explore The Wizard Realm, photo courtesy of Puzzle Theory
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Make ponies the stars of your child's birthday party. Photo courtesy of The Little Party Ponies
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Free burgers? Yes, please! Photo courtesy of Widow Brown's Cafe
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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
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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.
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Here Are the Things You Want To Do this Weekend in Connecticut: Maple Day, Snow Moon

Stop by Earthplace for an animal-themed story and a chance to meet one of their residents, like this pygmy hedgehog. Photo courtesy of Earthplace
Stop by Earthplace for an animal-themed story and a chance to meet one of their residents, like this pygmy hedgehog. Photo courtesy of Earthplace
2/24/21 - By Ally Noel

We’re going to say a sweet (and sticky) farewell to February this weekend. Maple syrup is flowing in Stamford at Maple Sugar Festival Weekends, and in Farmington at Maple Day. Or, families can spend their evenings in nature while taking in the Snow Moon at the Audubon in Fairfield and the Roaring Brook Nature Center. Read on more ideas for making the most of this weekend and the month ahead!

Looking for even more fun? There’s still time to squeeze in that ski lesson, glide down the slopes at one of these snow tubing parks, or try snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Looking to snuggle in and enjoy some at-home fun? There's a Wonderful World of Wizards program, Science Through the Alphabet class for preschoolers, and more on our Poppins@Home pages.

Check out what's open indoors for Connecticut kids right now and our Connecticut events calendar for daily updates on happenings at favorite spots, and more local and virtual opportunities for family fun.

While we are trying to promote safer activities that occur outdoors or with social distancing guidelines in place, please keep your family and others safe by always wearing a mask and maintaining an appropriate distance. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our events calendar to find something else to do. Note new travel restrictions for out-of-state events.

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Enjoy a winter birding cruise. Photo courtesy of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Enjoy a winter birding cruise. Photo courtesy of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Best Things To Do in Connecticut this Week with Kids

Westport Winter Farmers' Market

February 25 - Westport
The Westport Farmer's Market's mission is to create and maintain a regional hub where real farmers connect with consumers over real food. READ MORE

Story & Animal Program at Earthplace

February 25-26 - Westport
Join the staff at Earthplace for an animal-themed story and an encounter with one of our Animal Hall residents. READ MORE

Thursday Fun at Chester Hill Farm

February 26 - Trumbull
Dress warmly for this outdoors horse program that focuses on riding (weather/footing permitting), grooming the horses, cleaning the stalls and any additional barn chores and horse care.  READ MORE

Maple Sugar Days

February 25-27 - Greenwich
Join the Greenwich Land Trust for Maple Sugar Day. Join the GLT at the Mueller Preserve to learn about how sap is collected and turned into tasty, sweet syrup.  Learning stations will be set up as well as a food truck. READ MORE

Stamford Winter Restaurant Weeks

February 25-28 - Stamford
Support the downtown Stamford restaurant community by trying something new (or an old favorite) att Winter Restaurant Weeks.  READ MORE

Winter Lights Festival

February 27 - Westport
The Festival features a Maker and Crafts space in a large airy outdoor tent including supplies and step-by-step instructions for families to work together to create winter-themed decorations. These decorations will be incorporated into a walk-through Light Path, which will be lit up at sundown. The public is invited to view the experience through the following weekend. READ MORE

Tapping Day at Flanders Nature Center

February 27-28 - Woodbury
It all begins when the temperature rises above freezing during the day and falls below freezing at night. These conditions trigger the sap to begin to flow up the tree. A healthy tree can produce a gallon of sap a day on a good day. It takes 40 gallons to make 1 gallon of syrup. No experience is needed for tapping and all ages and families are welcome to come to help out. Tree tapping day is all outdoors and very weather dependent. Those interested in taking part in tapping day should watch for further. Register ahead. READ MORE

Winter Birding Cruises at the Maritime Aquarium

February 27 - Norwalk
Cruise along the Norwalk River and into Long Island Sound for the opportunity to observe the river birds, sea ducks, and other migratory waterfowl that winter in the area each year! READ MORE

Winter Wonderland Snow Moon Walk

February 27 - Fairfield
Join the Audubon for a magical stroll along a luminary trail during the night of February’s full “Snow” moon. After exploring the winter forest, warm up by a toasty fire and enjoy hot chocolate, snacks, and a fun take-home craft. This nature-themed, outdoor-only event will be held rain, snow, or moonshine. READ MORE

Under the "Snow" Moon Night Hike

February 27 - Canton
Join the Roaring Brook Nature Center for a guided walk under a full moon. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Full Snow Moon because the heaviest snows usually fell during this time of the year. Since hunting is difficult, this moon has also been known by some tribes as the Full Hunger Moon, since the harsh weather made hunting difficult.   READ MORE

Seal-Spotting and Birding Cruises with the Maritime Aquarium

February 27-28 - Norwalk
Cruise out with the Maritime Aquarium in hopes of spotting some of the seals that come into Long Island Sound each winter.  You'll seek out the seals to observe them near the Norwalk Islands as they “haul out” to rest on rocks exposed at low tide.  READ MORE

Maple Sugar Fest Sundays

February 28 - Stamford
Visit the farmhouse on Heckscher Farm and see how sap is turned into maple syrup. In addition to maple sugar demos and tree tapping, attractions include a visit by Olaf from Frozen, a sock skating rink, farm animal demos, music, food trucks, and a children's game zone.  READ MORE

Goat Stroll on the Farm at Lyman Orchards

February 28 - Middlefield
Go on a relaxing Goat Stroll with one of Bradley Mountain Farm's cute goats and then warm up at the Apple Barrel Farm Market. Roam around the pond at Lyman Orchards and let your goat feast on forage around the grounds. READ MORE

Family Tour at the Wadsworth

February 28- Hartford
Enjoy art and culture right in downtown Hartford. The Family Tours at the Wadsworth Atheneum are intended for families and adults with younger children.  READ MORE

Foodways: Maple Day!

February 28 - Farmington
This sweet event will feature tapping a maple tree for sap and boiling maple tree sap over an open fire and at the hearth as part of the sugaring process demonstrated by a historic interpreter. Learn how to tap a maple tree for its sap and then evaporate the sap over an open fire as part of the sugaring process.  READ MORE
Saturday is art day at Lyman Allyn. Photo courtesy of Lyman Allyn Art Museum
Saturday is art day at Lyman Allyn. Photo courtesy of Lyman Allyn Art Museum

Best Things To Do in Connecticut in March with Kids

Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey

Through May 9 - Ridgefield
Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey will be presented both in the galleries and the Museum's Sculpture Garden. READ MORE

Free First Saturday at Lyman Allyn Art Museum

March 6 - New London
General admission is free on the first Saturday of every month at the Lyman Museum. Families participate in an interactive art demo, and this week, take-home science kits feature a pressed flower lanterns craft. READ MORE

Maple Syrup Open House at Blue Slope Country Museum

March 6-7- Franklin
Many farmers throughout New England are looking forward to the warm sunny days of February when the maple sap begins to run. It's the sweet release of winter from the maple trees for all to enjoy.  Join Blue Slope Country Museum to learn all about maple harvesting. READ MORE

St. Patrick's Day Brunch

March 14 - Middlefield
Join the 1741 Pub and Grill for a festive St. Patrick’s Day brunch, complete with Irish specialty brunch options and the sweet sounds of Irish music from harpist Debbie Vinick. READ MORE

Get AMPed with ASAP!

March 18 - Winsted
Experience the largest 3-dimensional mural in the world! On your visit, you’ll learn all about how the mural was created, and then participate in a hands-on design project led by an AMP mural artist. READ MORE
Bounce away their excess-energy. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Piers CT
Bounce away their excess-energy. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Piers CT

More Things To Do in Connecticut in March

30 Awesome Winter Activities in Connecticut for Kids

These fresh-air adventures and indoor ideas are a sure cure for cabin fever. READ MORE

Best Drop-In and Takeout Crafts in Connecticut

Plan an artsy day at a local craft studio. READ MORE

What's Open In Connecticut for Kids Right Now

Mask up: These museums, play zones, and family fun spots are open for business! READ MORE

Maple Sugaring with Kids in Connecticut: Maple Syrup Festivals, Sugar House Tours, and More

Indoor Play Spaces in Connecticut Open Now

Best Pizza Places in Connecticut for Families

Trust us: These slices are worth a family road trip. READ MORE

30 Days of Indoor Activities for Kids

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Places featured in this article:

Gilberties Herb Gardens
Audubon Center at Fairfield
Roaring Brook Environmental Center
American Mural Project