100 Free Fun Things To Do in Connecticut - Museums

1. Connecticut Air and Space Center - Stratford

Full of cool air and space memorabilia, the CT Air and Space Center in Stratford is always free for kids 5 and under.

2. Yale University Art Gallery - New Haven

New Haven's Yale University Art Museum has striking works of art and cool indoor spaces.

3. Housatonic Museum - Bridgeport

This art museum at Housatonic Community College offers free admission to the general public.

4. New Britain Museum of American Art - New Britain

Art lovers will enjoy swinging by the New Britain Museum of American Art. The museum is free on Saturday mornings, from 10am to noon.

 
Visitors are allowed to touch the massive amber-colored crystal from Namibia. Photo by Robert Lorenz, for the Yale Peabody Museum

5. The Yale Peabody Museum - New Haven

Renovated and reopened in 2024, the Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven offers free admission to all guests. That means free dino-sized fun for Connecticut families.

6. Eli Whitney Museum - Hamden

This historic site hosts free activities, such as Mr. Gilbert's Railroad during the holidays. Check the Museum's calendar for fun free things to do!

7. Submarine Force Library and Museum - Mystic

Free admission, free parking, and free self-guided tours. What more can you ask for? Oh, right—cool submarine stuff!

8. Lyman Allen Art Museum - New London

The Lyman Allen Art Museum is free for visitors on the first Saturday of each month. It is also free for kids 12 and under, and always free for New London residents.

9. Mark Twain House - Hartford

Children ages 2 to six can visit the Mark Twain House in Hartford for free. And the Mark Twain House sponsors free events, like the annual Frog Frolic!

10. Mattatuck Museum - Waterbury

The Mattatuck Museum is always free for kids under 5.

11. Connecticut Museum of Culture and History - Hartford

Kids 5 and under get free admission. And EVERYBODY gets free admission on the first wekend of every month (as well as select dates throughout the year).

 
Free museums help kids get a close look at some interesting works of art! Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins

12. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum - Ridgefield

The third Saturday of each month brings free admission to this museum filled with extraordinary art and fun spaces.

13. New Britain Industrial Museum - New Britain

Free to visitors 12 and under, this museum features two centuries of priceless industrial artifacts from the hardware city of the world.

14. Museum of Connecticut History - Hartford

Hartford's Museum of Connecticut History is always free. Exhibits shed light on how Connecticut has grown through the years.

15. Hill-Stead Museum - Farmington

The grounds of Farmington's Hill-Stead are open (and free!) to the public. Tours of the museum are free for kids 6 and under, as well as for members.

16. Knights of Columbus Museum - New Haven

Also known as the Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, this free museum has permanent and visiting exhibits, most of which have a connection to the Knights of Columbus.

17. Bruce Museum - Greenwich

Admission to the Bruce Museum, one of our faves, is free on Tuesdays from 10am to 5pm. Visit the Bruce and see art and science under one roof.

18. Discovery Museum - Bridgeport

Admission to the Sacred Heart University Discovery Science Center and Planetarium is free for Bridgeport residents on Wednesdays, and always free for kids under 2.

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Head to Rockville to learn about New England's role in the Civil War. Photo courtesy of the New England Civil War Museum

19. New England Civil War Museum - Rockville

Free for every visitor, this museum sheds light on the Civil War experience of everyday New Englanders.

20. Florence Griswold Museum - Old Lyme

This Old Lyme Museum, with its beautiful grounds, is free fior kids 5 and under, as well as for active duty military and SNAP/EBT cardholders.

21. National Helicopter Museum - Stratford

Stratford's National Helicopter Museum has photo exhibits covering the history of helicopters.

22. Mystic Museum of Art - Mystic

The Mystic Museum of Art offers free admission throughout the year.

23. Fairfield University Art Museum - Fairfield

Admission to the Fairfield University Art Museum is always free.

24. Stamford History Center - Stamford

Learn about the history of Stamford, alongside rotating exhibits, at this free museum.

 
Photo courtesy of the Husky Heritage Sports Museum.

25. Husky Heritage Sports Museum - Storrs

The J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum celbrates the history of UConn sports. From National Championships to notable alumni.

26. Mashantucket Pequot Museum - Mashantucket

The Mashantucket Pequot Museum is free for kids under 5.

27. Fairfield Museum and History Center - Fairfield

This museum, packed with hands-on exhibits, is free for kids 5 and under (and age 3 to 22 is only three dollars). Parking at the museum is also free.

28. Eric Sloane Museum - Kent

This museum, dedicated to local author Eric Sloane, is free for kids 5 and under.

29. Stamford Museum and Nature Center - Stamford

Encouraging public transportation, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center is free for visitors with bus passes or bus tickets.

100 Free Fun Things To Do in Connecticut - Outdoor Fun

 
Get out and see some amazing CT sights with these top free things to do. Heublein Tower Trail at Talcott Mt. State Park. Photo by Bryan Sereny via Flickr

30. Talcott Mountain State Park - Simsbury 

Hike the trails of central Connecticut's Talcott Mountain State Park and find the majestic Heublein Tower.

31. Wooster Mountain State Park - Danbury

Danbury's Wooster Mountain State Park has acres of family fun, for free!

32. Osbornedale State Park - Derby

Home to hiking trails and more, the park features the Osborne Homestead Museum, where admission is always free.

33. Connecticut Trails Day - Statewide

Over 100 events across Connecticut celebrate the outdoors with hiking, biking, trail-running, and more!

34. Steep Rock Preserve - Washington Depot

The cliffs, tunnels, and woods at Steep Rock Preserve are waiting for explorers.

35. Bear Mountain Reservation - Danbury

Danbury's Bear Mountain Reservation is perfect for a family hike.

36. Outdoor Ice Skating

Some of Connecticut's outdoor rinks offer free ice skating for families!

37. Bartlett Arboretum - Stamford

Surround yourself with nature at Stamford's Bartlett Arboretum. Almost 100 acres of landscaped trails await you.

38. Earthplace - Westport

The grounds at this sanctuary are opened to the public year round for free. Admission to the indoor natureplace is only $5 for children, seniors, and students.

39. White Memorial Conservation Center - Litchfield

The center has miles of trails for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing.

40. Devil's Hopyard State Park - East Haddam

Look for the holes in the falls that local claim are the work of the devil. Then, expect the kids to sleep in your bed for a month.

41. Sledding

Winter fun doesn't have to cost a thing. There are plenty of great sledding spots in Fairfield and around Hartford.

 
There is free fun to be had on the water in Connecticut. Quaddick Lake, Quaddick State Park. Photo courtesy of Mystic Country CT via Flickr

42. Quaddick State Park - Thompson

There is a parking fee on weekends and holidays, but every other day, this beautiful park is free.

43. Sleeping Giant State Park - Hamden

Kids will love the lookout tower at this state park named for a massive mound.

44. Fort Trumbull State Park - New London

New London's Fort Trumbull State Park has a massive fortification that is super-fun to explore.

45. Mashamoquet Brook State Park - Pomfret

Mashamoquet Brook State Park has space for hiking, swimming, fishing, and more!

46. Wadsworth Falls - Middlefield/Middletown

Head to Wadsworth Falls to see one of Connecticut's coolest waterfalls.

47. Coastal Center at Milford Point - Milford

The Audobon Society's Coastal Center at Milford Point is free for the general public.

100 Free Fun Things To Do in Connecticut - Parks, Farms, and More

 
Some of CT's top free things to do are downright gorgeous! Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden in Elizabeth Park, photo by Susan DeMark, via Flickr.

48. Elizabeth Park - West Hartford

Elizabeth Park in West Hartford has some stunning beauty and fun outdoor spaces, like the lovely Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden.

49. Chatfield Hollow State Park - Killingworth

Head to this state park in Killingworth to look for Native American caves while hiking the trails.

50. Tarrywile Park - Danbury

The grounds of Tarrywile Mansion are free for little explorers—and big ones too! 

51. Bushnell Park - Hartford

Hartford's Winterfest, complete with free ice skating, is just one example of the free fun to be had at Bushnell Park.

52. Connecticut College Arboretum - New London

The lovely 700+ acres of the Connecticut College Arboretum in New London are open to the public, every day of the year, for free!

 
Head to Storrs for some free barnyard fun in Connecticut! Animal Barns photo courtesy of the UConn Facebook page.

53. UConn Animal Barns - Storrs

Okay, the ice cream at the Dairy Barn isn't free, but seeing dairy cows (and other friendly farm animals) up close is a whole lot of free family fun.

54 Topsmead State Forest - Litchfield

Go for a hike at this beautiful state forest in Litchfield. On e the summer estate of Edith Morton Chase, the manicured grounds have trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.

55. Silver Sands State Park - Milford

The sandy beaches of Silver Sands State Park in Milford invite Connecticut families for free fun on the boardwalk. 

56. Milanus River Park - Greenwich

Milanus River Park is an ideal spot for birdwatchers looking to spot a bald eagle.

57. Boothe Park - Stratford

This combination park and museum is open year-round. The displays educate and entertain kids, showing what life was like on a Connecticut farm in days of yore.

58. Connecticut Audobon Society - Pomfret

Open to the public, this Quiet Corner nature center and sanctuary has over 700 acres of free things to do, with hiking, art exhibits, and more.

 
Some of these free things to do are laid back and easy-breezy. Photo courtesy of the Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust

59. Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust - Woodbury

Explore thousands of acres of natural beauty that span four towns. All in all, there are seven nature preserves, some with farm animals.

100 Free Fun Things To Do in Connecticut - Festivals

60. Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival - Plainville

Marvel at the sight of hot air balloons taking flight at this free Connecticut festival.

61. Fourth of July Celebrations - Various Locations

Connecticut has free 4th of July fun all over the state.

62. Saint Ann Feast - Norwalk

This summer festival celebrates the city of Norwalk and the surrounding communities.

63. Harvest Moon Festival - Naugatuck

Welcome the Autumn with a free festival in Naugatuck featuring crafts, food, and entertainment! 

64. Riverfront Dragon Boat and Asian Festival - Hartford

Hartford's free summer festival celebrates Asian and Pacific Island cultures. Kids will love seeing the dragon boats on the river!

65. International Festival of Art and Ideas - New Haven

New Haven's annual International Festival of Art and Ideas is a vibrant street-fest that will delight families.

66. Glastonbury Apple Harvest and Music Festival - Glastonbury

Every fall, Glastonbury hosts a free fall festival packed with fun for Connecticut kids. It's free fall fun!

67. Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz - Hartford

This annual music festival in Hartford fills Bushnell Park with FREE live music!

68. Free Outdoor Movies - Multiple Locations

Several towns and cities provide free outdoor movies in Connecticut during the summer months.

69. Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park - Meriden

Every year, Meriden's Hubbard Park is aglow with a spectacular holiday light display.

70. Shakespeare on the Sound - Rowayton

The Shakespeare on the Sound players perform every summer season. These free shows include shorter kids versions of Shakespeare's classic plays.

71. Rose Arts Festival - Norwich

This free annual music festival is among the largest of its kind in New England!

72. NICE Festival - Norwalk

Norwalk celebrates its diversity with music, dancing, and free family fun.

100 Free Fun Things To Do in Connecticut - Local Sights

73. New London Black Heritage Trail - New London

Learn about the African-American experience in New London and beyond with this self-guided tour.

74. Old State House - Hartford

Connecticut's Old State House hosts free events, such as concerts and family day tours. The Old State House also offers free admission to kids 5 and under, as well as veterans and active-duty military personnel

75. Soundwaters Coastal Education Center - Stamford

This free education center shows families the rich diversity of nature in Long Island Sound. Live animals include horshoe crabs and terrapins. The center has a touch-tank—always a hit with the kiddos.

76. Governor's Mansion - Hartford

Take a stroll past the Governor's Mansion. Say "hi" for us if you see the Governor.

77. Harriet Beecher Stowe House - Hartford

Hartford residents enjoy free admission, as do kids six and under.

78. SoNo Switch Tower - Norwalk

The SoNo Switch Tower and Museum is a unique building and a cool spot for kids to learn about trains.

79. New Canaan Nature Center - New Canaan

The New Canaan Nature Center provides free stimulating exhibits and events, such as the Fall Fair and the Thanksgiving Weekend Waddle.

80. Dinosaur State Park - Rocky Hill

Kids under 6 are always free at Dinosaur State Park!

81. Fort Stamford - Stamford

This Revolutionary-era site is situated on 5 acres. Look for mounds that mark where the original fort once stood.

 
The top free and fun things to do get CT families out in nature! Photo courtesy of Weir Farm National Historic Park

82. Weir Farm - Wilton

This National Historic Park, straddling Wilton and Ridgefield, has attracted generations of artists to its natural beauty. Connecticut families can come explore the grounds of Weir Farm for free.

83. Liberty Rock - Milford

Another fun Revolutionary site, the rock was used as a lookout point by American forces.

84. Captain’s Cove Boardwalk - Bridgeport

Head to the waterfront for a fun stroll at Bridgeport's Captain's Cove.

85. Olde Mystick Village - Mystic

This recreation of a vintage New England hamlet has plenty to explore—for free! There are seasonal events and displays that families will love, from holiday lights to Easter egg hunts.

86. Ansonia Nature Center - Ansonia

The Ansonia Nature Center offers 2 miles of trails and more, free to the public. The center has free programs where kids can encounter animals and other natural wonders.

87. Wadsworth Athaneum - Hartford

The Wadsworth Athaneum is free for families on the second Saturday of each month. The last hour of each day has a "pay what you like" policy.

88. Nathan Hale Homestead - Coventry

Free for children 6 and under, the Natan Hale homestead sheds light on the Revolutionary War and the life of a Connecticut Patriot. 

 
Give a big hand to the Ballard Institute and Museum! Photo courtesy of the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry

89. Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry - Storrs

Take the family to Storrs to see Connecticut's cool puppet collection. Always free, the museum also stages puppet performances.

90. Noah Webster House - West Hartford

The Noah Webster House is free for kids 5 and under. 

91. Litchfield Historical Society - Litchfield

The museums and library of the Litchfield Historical Society, open from the spring through the fall, offer Connecticut families a free peek at the history of the town, the county, and the state.

92. CT Antique Machinery Association - Kent

This museum is full of cool machines that are sure to delight kids. Admission is always free, though donations are encouraged.

93. Gilette Castle State Park - East Haddam

Pretend to be Harry Potter (or Merida, or Cinderella, or Gandalf) while you explore this extraordinary castle with grounds that stretch from East Haddam to Lyme.

94. Westport Astronomical Society - Westport

Explore the heavens for the low-low price of nuthin'. A five dollar donation is suggested.

95. Connecticut State House - Hartford

Explore the Nutmeg State Capitol and its grounds.

100 Free Fun Things To Do in Connecticut - Places to Explore

96. Hartford

The streets of Connecticut's capital are full of fun and free things to do as a family.

97. Explore the streets of Mystic, Connecticut

Spend the entire day strolling through the quaint Connecticut town of Mystic.

98. New Haven

Explore the streets of New Haven, with shops, festivals, and (of course) Yale!

99. New Britain

Explore the streets of New Britain for a day of free family fun.

100. Glastonbury

Glastonbury has plenty of fun family activities.