Gone are the days of bouncy houses and playgrounds, but spending quality time with children is just as—perhaps more—precious as they navigate the teen years. Teens are notoriously hard to impress, but you'll earn major cool points by joining them in activities like escape rooms, salt caves, camping, consignment shopping, and more.

If you're searching for more ideas about what to do with teens around Connecticut, remember amusement parks and great restaurant meals are hits with all ages. Once you've scored some cool points with your teens, treat the younger kids in your life to age-appropriate fun at these indoor play spaces or awesome playgrounds.

Like apple picking and pumpkin hunting, hayrides are a seasonal ritual for many Connecticut families and one of our favorite fall things to do. The state's many farms that offer hayrides or wagon rides usually offer other fun activities, like corn mazes and cider making. For more ideas on how to enjoy autumn splendor in southern New England, check out the Mommy Poppins Fall Fun Guide.

Get ready to make a splash. Several pools in the Hartford area offer open swim times and lessons to refresh you on a hot day or help you think sunny thoughts on a cold day. Some require town residency while others are open to nonresidents. It’s a great way to get the family some exercise even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Plus, swimming is a lifelong skill that enhances safety and increases opportunities for fun. For more enrichment and after school classes, check out our Classes and Activities Guide.