There are some sweet things to do in CT this weekend, like Maple Sugar Magic at Earthplace. Photo by Zoe Browne courtesy of the center.
Fire and Ice, Maple Fest, and More Fun Things To Do in CT This Weekend
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
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Mystic Seaport photo by author Kelly Patino
Ultimate Connecticut Bucket List: 100 Things To Do With Kids in CT
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
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
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By land, by sea, by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Don't sweat the weather, because the best indoor water parks in New England are waiting for year-round fun! Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
New England Family Travel Guide
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Groupon's online marketplace offers tons of discounts on activities for kids and families.
Save On Top-Rated Connecticut Outings and Experiences for Kids and Families
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
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
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
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
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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
Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History
Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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
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
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
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.
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Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Canva
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants for Every Day of the Week

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut 2025

Make the most of summer in Connecticut with these free and affordable summer camps for 2025. Photo courtesy of Windsor Summer Fun Camps
Make the most of summer in Connecticut with these free and affordable summer camps for 2025. Photo courtesy of Windsor Summer Fun Camps
2/9/25 - By Jennifer Coe

There's no need to break the bank with our picks for the top free and affordable summer camps in Connecticut! Can you believe it's time to sign your kids up for summer camp?  The end of the school year is coming and Connecticut parents don't want to see their kids glued to the television set all summer. We have scoured the internet to find a selection of summer camps that families might be able to fit into their budgets in Hartford, Litchfield, Fairfield, and New Haven counties.

Connecticut has all kinds of fun summer camps for Summer 2024. For more recommendations, browse our Connecticut Summer Camp Guide and explore our favorites. And our extensive Camp Listings let you filter by interest, age, or area of the state to help you find the best Connecticut summer camp for your child.

 

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Connecticut kids can learn and grow with free and affordable camp programs. Photo courtesy of Camp Sunrise
Connecticut kids can learn and grow with free and affordable camp programs. Photo courtesy of Camp Sunrise

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut: Fairfield Area

US Sports Institute

Multiple Locations
Ages 2-19
US Sports Institute offers sports camps throughout the Southern Connecticut region. Children ages 2 to 19 can choose from a multi-sports camp or a camp that focuses on a specific sport such as tennis, basketball, or soccer.    READ MORE

Stratford Parks and Recreation Camp

Stratford
Grades 1-8
Parks and Recreation offers summer sports camps for children in grades 1 through 8. Various parks around town offer a summer playground program. Stratford also offers programs in arts, golf, tennis, mad science, archery, and more.  READ MORE

Westport Parks and Recreation Day Camp

Westport
Grades K-8
Westport offers affordable summer camps for children ages 3 to 5, as well fall camps for grades K-4 and 5-8. Seven different sessions are available and run in different locations throughout town in July and August. Full day camp runs from 9am to 3pm.    READ MORE

Camp Sunrise

Norwalk
Grades 1-8
For children entering 1st through 8th grade in the Fall, Camp Sunrise runs daily, Monday through Friday, from 9am-3pm. The program features Arts and Crafts and STEAM in addition to outdoor and indoor athletic and social play with field trips to the Wilton YMCA three days per week, weather permitting   READ MORE

Cardinal Shehan Summer Day Camp

Bridgeport
Grades K-12
Summer Day Camp at the Cardinal Shehan Center offers campers a chance to excel in an emotionally supportive environment. Campers have the opportunity to use the facilities for several activities (swimming, arts and crafts, photography, computers, basketball and more) as well as educational math, STEM, and literacy classes. Fees are on a sliding scale, based on annual income. READ MORE

Boys and Girls Club Bridgeport Summer Camp

Bridgeport
Grades K-8
Boys and Girls Club of Bridgeport offers summer camps for kids in three different locations throughout town. Kids will enjoy playing in the gymnasium, practicing art, learning STEM, outdoor activities like Gaga ball, and more. Camps include themes like football, basketball, and more. Prices work on a tiered structure, utlilizing the CT Care for Kids application. READ MORE
From sports to the arts, these affordable and free summer camps have plenty to offer! Photo courtesy of Skyhawks Sports Camps
From sports to the arts, these affordable and free summer camps have plenty to offer! Photo courtesy of Skyhawks Sports Camps

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut: Hartford Area

Camp Courant

Hartford -
Ages 5-12
At this free summer camp for Hartford residents ages 5 to 12, kids enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, sports, leadership training, time in the computer lab, and more. Applications are available in April.    READ MORE

Windsor Summer Fun Camps

Windsor
Ages 8-13
Summer Fun Camp is for kids ages 8 to 13. Campers can enjoy an extraordinary summer camp experience filled with organized games, activities, sports, swimming, arts and crafts, special events, friends, and fun new experiences. Scholarships and payment plans are available. READ MORE

Glastonbury Enrichment Camps

Glastonbury
Grades K-12
Glastonbury offers many different themed camps, focused on foreign languages, crafting, codingm guitar, STEAM and much more. Open to children in grades K-12. READ MORE

Skyhawks Sports Camp

Wallingford
Ages 9-12
This multi-sport camp (held in multiple locations in CT) is designed to introduce young athletes (ages 5-12) to a variety of different sports in one setting. For this program, two or three sports are combined into one fun-filled week. Offered in multiple locations throughout the state. Check Skyhawks website for ages, sports and locations. READ MORE

Town of Southington Summer Camp

Southington
Ages 5-12
An affordable summer program for children ages 5-12.  Children will enjoy sports of all kinds, swimming, splash pad, crafts, field trips and a talent show! Four sessions of camp are offered and takes place at South End Elementary School. READ MORE

Camp-Ta-Doo in Simsbury

Simsbury
Grades 1-6
Camp Stuff-Ta-Doo is a day camp designed for children who will be entering grades 1-6. Campers are grouped by grade and enjoy fun-filled days swimming, playing games, doing arts and crafts, and taking part in all kinds of contests. READ MORE
These camps are filled with great summer activities for Connecticut kids! Photo courtesy of Mixville Adventure Camp
These camps are filled with great summer activities for Connecticut kids! Photo courtesy of Mixville Adventure Camp

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut: New Haven Area

Camp Mountain Laurel

Hamden
Grades K-9
Camp Mountain Laurel (campers age K-9) provides twenty acres of wooded space with an open shelter, outdoor swimming pool, archery, gaga pit, ropes course, and climbing wall. Special themed weeks like Wilderness Survival, Creative Cooking and Mind in Motion to keep campers entertained all summer long. READ MORE

Mixville Adventure Camp

Cheshire
Ages 4-12
Attend one of Mixville's themed summer camps like Wild Safari, Shark Week or Out to Sea this summer. Cheshire offers fun and exciting summer camps featuring one-stop day-camping for age 4 to 12. Extended day options are available as well. READ MORE

Skyhawks Sports Camp

Wallingford
Ages 9-12
This multi-sport camp (held in multiple locations in CT) is designed to introduce young athletes (ages 5-12) to a variety of different sports in one setting. For this program, two or three sports are combined into one fun-filled week. Offered in multiple locations throughout the state. Check Skyhawks website for ages, sports and locations. READ MORE

Elevation Camp

Wallingford
Grades K-7
A Christian camp, Elevation offers camps for kids in grades K to 7. From Swimming & Sports to Music, Worship, & Crafts, there are a wide variety of activities to expand campers’ horizons and build strong friendships. The 56-acre campus has a basketball court, gaga pit, playscape and swings, and more. READ MORE

Build with Ricky "Angry Birds" at Hamden Middle School

Hamden
K-5th
Welcome to classic Lego fun. At this camp, campers use Lego bricks, perler beads, patten sheets, paper crafts, and more. Kids will build Lego models to create characters from the popular Angry Birds franchise. READ MORE
Kids will love exploring the outdoors and making friends at these affordable summer camps. Winsted Summer Camp photo courtesy of the Town of Winchester
Kids will love exploring the outdoors and making friends at these affordable summer camps. Winsted Summer Camp photo courtesy of the Town of Winchester

Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut: Litchfield Area

Little Rascals Summer Day Program

Sharon
Ages 2-14
Little Rascals takes advantage of its waterfront location by offering swim lessons and ample opportunity to access the water on hot summer days. The staff schedules a summer full of fun, from arts and crafts to theme weeks, to sporting activities. The camp is limited to those who work in Sharon. READ MORE

Winsted Summer Camp

Winsted
Ages 4-14
The Town of Winchester offers a summer camp for children ages 4-14. Each day has new games and activities, beach days and field trip each week or special guest. There are 7 weeks of camp to choose from.  READ MORE

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