Ultimate CT Bucket List - Outdoors in Fairfield County 

1. Beardsley Zoo — Bridgeport

It’s all happening at the zoo! Connecticut’s only zoo is home to wolves, tigers, prairie dogs, and so much more. Don’t forget to save time for a ride on the carousel. Glow Wild has been a beloved local tradition for experiencing the zoo at night from September through early December. 

2. Go to the Beach

There are plenty of beach options along the coast for a perfect day out. Compo Beach in Westport and Penfield Beach in Fairfield both feature playgrounds right on the sand for added fun. 

3. Watch a Parade — Stamford

Be a spectator at the annual Thanksgiving Parade in Stamford–complete with floats and enormous balloons.

4. Attend a Concert at Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater — Bridgeport

Watch artists perform outside at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater during the summer months. You can even take the train right the theater.

5. Ride a Historical Train — Danbury

Visit the Danbury Railway Museum, which offers history lessons, train rides (seasonal) and hands-on learning. Fun for train fanatics and their parents! 

Make some new friends down on the farm at Silverman's in Fairfield County!

6. Silverman's Farm — Easton

Enjoying feeding animals like goats, pigs, and deer at the petting zoo, or pick-your-own fruit while in season like apples, raspberries, and pears.  Silverman's Farm is a fun-filled experience for all ages.

7. Embrace Fall with Some Cider Donuts — Shelton

Autumn brings a lot of fun things, and definitely two of them are apple picking and cider donuts at Beardsley's Cider Mill and Orchard!

8. Go Ice Skating — Stamford

Take the kids skating outdoors! When it gets colder, head to Stamford's Cohen Ice Skating Center and more local spots for some New England winter fun.

9. Go on a Train Ride 

Take the train into NYC; the ride can be a treat for little ones!  A tip: hop on at an end station like New Canaan where you’ll have no problem getting a seat. For more stops within Fairfield County check out our activities to do around train stops

10. Find the Perfect Christmas Tree — Easton

Cut you own Christmas tree or take home a freshly pre-cut at one of Easton's tree farms. Easton is the official Christmas Tree Capital of Connecticut 

11. Fly High at Adventure Park — Bridgeport

The Discovery Science Center has an aerial experience like few others at the outdoor Adventure Park.

12. Take a bike ride with the kids.

Take the kids biking (or skateboarding!) at one of these fun places.

13. Ride the Ferry — Bridgeport

Hop on the ferry in Bridgeport and head over to Long Island—a beautiful way to see the sound!

14. Take a boat or kayak out with the family.

Kayaking is relatively easy for older kiddos. Some of these fun places have paddleboards too!

15. Jones Family Farms — Shelton

From Christmas trees to blueberries, and everything in between, spend a day picking at Jones Family Farms.

16. Walk through the Wonderland at Roseville — Fairfield

Step out of your car and stroll through the Wonderland at Roseville in Fairfield. Families can explore dazzling Christmas lights, festive decorations, and more.

17. Sheffield Island Cruise — Norwalk

A 30-minute cruise from Norwalk Harbor will bring you to the historic Sheffield Island where you can picnic, explore a historic lighthouse, and search for shells along the rocky coast.

18. Indian Well State Park — Shelton

On a hot day, dip your toes into the cool waters of the cascading waterfall in Indian Well State Park.  

Ultimate CT Bucket List - Indoor Fun in Fairfield County 

19. Play and Drink at Totsy Turvy Cafe and Play — Wilton

Imaginative play meets caffeine for caregivers. Totsy Turvy Cafe and Play is the ultimate win-win for the whole family. 

20. Go Rock Climbing — Fairfield

Test your climbing skills with a day pass at Rock Climb Fairfield. All levels and ages welcome.  

21. Life is a Cabaret — Bridgeport

Pack a lunch and head over to the Downtown Cabaret Theater to watch one of the Theater for Young Audiences performances. 

22. Stew Leonard’s — Multiple Locations

A trip through Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk provides more entertainment than your average grocery store. Slurp on a Stew Leonard’s Milk Shake–you just can’t go wrong with the chocolate.

23. Deborah Anne's Sweet Shoppe — Ridgefield

Try some of the homemade chocolate and sweets at Deborah Anne's. Also, amazing hot chocolate for the cold winter months!

24. Visit the Toy Chest — New Canaan

A quaint, old fashioned toy store that stocks all the best goodies for kids!

25. Head to the Palace — Stamford

Enjoy a kid-friendly concert or show at The Palace Theatre in Stamford.

26. Listen to the Band — Ridgefield

Enjoy a concert at the Ridgefield Playhouse - check out the website fo a list of the current performers.

100 Things To Do With Kids in CT - Fairfield County

They're always getting a mix of fun and learning at these must-visit Fairfield County museums!

27. Stepping Stones Museum — Norwalk

Splash your day away while getting some hands-on learning at Stepping Stones Museum’s popular Energy Lab exhibit. 

28. Stamford Museum And Nature Center — Stamford

From the cows on Heckscher's Farm to giant blue slide at Nature’s Playground, it’s easy to spend a day at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. 

29. The Maritime Aquarium — Norwalk

See it all! From sharks to jellyfish at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk. Even enjoy a 4D show in their theater. 

30. The Bruce Museum — Greenwich

With the major renovations that took place 2022, the Bruce is better than ever. 

31. Aldrich Museum — Ridgefield

Tucked away on Main Street, the Aldrich Contemporary Museum of Art in Ridgefield offers a robust schedule of children’s programming. 

32. Weir Farm National Historic Site — Wilton

Did you know that Connecticut’s only national park, Weir Farm, is also the only national park dedicated to American Impressionist Painting? 

100 Things To Do in CT with Kids - Outdoors in Hartford County 

33. Experience Autumn with the Southington Apple Harvest — Southington

Go on carnival rides, enjoy entertainment, and eat some delicious apple fritters at the Southington Apple Harvest.

34. Awe-mazing Hot Air Balloon Festival — Plainville

Gaze in awe at the Hot Air Balloon Festival. Fireworks and hot air balloons grace the skies above Plainville once a year. 

35. Root for the Home Teams

Cheer on up-and-coming stars at one of CT's minor league baseball games! The Yard Goats have a packed schedule and several themed games as well. 

36. Get Outside, Go Skiing — Plantsville

Have a family ski day without ever leaving the state. Nearby Mt.Southington is the perfect place to put some miles on those skis. 

37. Dinosaur State Park — Rocky Haill

Dinosaurs once roamed this portion of Hartford County. Nowadays, you can learn all about prehistoric times at Dinosaur State Park.

38. Lake Compounce — Bristol

Ride the roller coasters at Lake Compounce in Bristol. Young and old alike can find rides they enjoy. In the warm weather, water rides are always a hit! 

39. Pet Some Pigs at Flamig Farm — West Simsbury

Pet the animals and learn all about the famous backward “eggs” sign the Flamig Farm.

40. Visit the Roaring Brook Nature Center — Canton

Explore New England’s woodland environment at Roaring Brook Nature Center. 

41. Go Mini Golfing

A perfect family outing is mini golf. So many fun courses to explore- maybe even a hole in one?!

42.  Elizabeth Park, a Historical Garden — West Hartford

This gem of a park is tucked away in West Hartford. Enjoy movies, music, ballet, and smell the roses at Elizabeth Park.

 
Grab a tube and hit the river for family fun before the kids grow up! Photo courtesy of Farmington River Tubing

43. A Must for Every Connecticut Kid: Tubing Down the Farmington

Adventure through three sets of rapids when you go tubing down the Farmington River.

44. Hit an Old-School Drive-In

Take a step back in time and catch a flick on a warm summer's night at one of Connecticut's classic drive-in movie theaters.

45. Ride the Historic Bushnell Park Carousel — Hartford

This vintage carousel has called Bushnell Park home since 1914. Featuring 48 hand-carved horses, it delights both young and old riders. 

46. Have Fun at the Old School Playground at Wickham Park — Manchester

Excite all your senses at Wickham Park’s Sensory Garden. Make sure you save time to explore one of the three playgrounds, nature center, and museum. 

47. Talcott Mountain State Park — Simsbury

Enjoy the beautiful ​​hike up to Talcott Mountain State Park’s Heublein Tower. 

48. Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park — Manchester

Spend the day zip lining, wakeboarding, and cliff jumping at Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park in Manchester, CT.

100 Things To Do in CT with Kids - Indoor Fun in Hartford County

49. Take in a show at the Bushnell Memorial Theater — Hartford

Dress up and enjoy a Broadway show at the Bushnell Memorial Theater. As a venue for a diverse assortment of productions, a night at the Bushnell leaves you singing in your seat with favorites for kids like Back to the Future and The Wiz this season.

51. See Soda Made at Avery’s — New Britain

 Go for a tour of the factory and then make your own soda at Avery’s Beverages.

Ultimate CT Bucket List - Museums County

 
See some wild sights at the Connecticut Science Center. Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Science Center

52. Connecticut Science Center — Hartford

Indulge your sense of curiosity while exploring the different exhibits at the Connecticut Science Center.

53. Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry —Storrs

A one-of-a-kind place to go and see puppets and imaginative puppet shows, the Ballard has a regular calendar of events.

54. Lutz Museum — Manchester

Go to Lutz Children's Museum for fun toddler programming and also to see Chuckles the groundhog's spring prediction.

55. The New England Carousel Museum — Bristol

Take a look at restored carousel horses in Bristol at The New England Carousel Museum.

56. New England Air Museum — Windsor Locks

Sit in the cockpit of an airplane at the New England Air Museum.

Ultimate CT Bucket List - Outdoors in New Haven County  

57. Bishop's Orchards — Guilford

A cherished gem in Guilford, Bishop's Orchards offers an incredible selection of pick-your-own fruits. The charming general store is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The outdoor ice cream stand adds a sweeth touch to the experience. 

58. Lighthouse Point Park — New Haven

Whether you take a spin on the carousel or get festive for the holidays, spend some time at Lighthouse Point Park. 

59. Quassy Amuseument Park — Middlebury

Spend the day at Quassy Amusement Park, enjoying good old fashioned rides, a small water park, and a lake with a beach.

60. Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort — Middlefield

From mountain biking to skiing, you can get your adrenaline pumping at Powder Ridge year round. 

61. Coastal Center at Milford Point — Milford

Get a birds’ eye view of Long Island Sound at the Audbon’s Coastal Center at Milford Point.

62. Sleeping Giant State Park — Hamden

The one-and-a-half-mile trail in Sleeping Giant State Park offers stunning views of Long Island Sound and the New Haven area at the peak of Mt. Carmel. 

63. International Festival of Arts and Ideas —New Haven

There is nothing quite like New Haven’s International Festival of Arts and Ideas. This annual festival is an explosion of creativity including performances, art shows, and so much more. 

64. Climb Castle Craig — Meriden

Climb to the top of Castle Craig and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding town of Meriden. 

 
A trip to Lyman Orchards is a sweet entry on our ultimate CT bucket list! Photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards

65. Pick Berries and Fruit, Shop the Market and Have Fun at Lyman Orchards

Check out Lyman Orchards' amazing apple picking, corn maze, and tons of festive fall fun! 

Ultimate CT Bucket List - Indoor Fun in New Haven County 

66. Pizza! Apizza! — New Haven

Pepe's, Sally's, Modern, and more! Enjoy a slice, or a whole pie, of New Haven’s claim to culinary fame: pizza! 

67. It Adventure Ropes Course — New Haven

Challenge yourself and visit the world’s largest indoor ropes course - IT at Jordan's Furniture.

68. Book Cafes — New Haven & Middleton

Feed your mind at one of New Haven’s Book Cafes. The Book Trader Cafe and Atticus Bookstore Cafe fill tummy and brain in one stop. Also, stop by RJ Julia's in Middletown for a great selection of children's books.

69. The Pez Factory — Orange

Learn all about the beloved candy with a tour of The Pez Factory in Orange. If you go during the week, the factory will be operating.

70. Eat at Louis' Lunch — New Haven

Home of the hamburger! Have a burger on white bread- just like it was originated at Louis' Lunch.

Ultimate CT Bucket List - Museums in New Haven County

71. Peabody Museum — New Haven

After a 4 year makeover, The Peabody Museum is back! The museum is free and features a stunning collection of dinosaurs and much more.

72. Every Kids Has to Visit the Kid City Children’s Museum — Middleton

Bring your 1 to 8-year-old to Kid City Children's Museum in Middletown. Make sure you head to the basement and explore the Toddler Sea Caves—an area designed specifically for guests 2 and under. 

73.  Yale Art Gallery — New Haven

Always free, walk the halls of one of the most prestigious art museums in the world.

Things To Do in CT with Kids - Outdoors in Litchfield County 

74. Jumpfest — Salisbury

Watch ski jumpers fly into the sky at the annual Salisbury Ski jumping event—Jumpfest! 

75. Arethusa Dairy — Bantam

Ice cream just tastes better when it comes from happy cows. On a Saturday afternoon go for a farm tour at the lovely Arethusa Dairy farm in Litchfield.

76. See a Zebra at Action Wildlife — Goshen

Go on a drive-through safari where you may drive your vehicle through a 50-acre fenced-in exotic wildlife park at Action Wildlife. Keep an eye out for zebras and buffalo.

77. See Sculpturedale — Kent

Explore 3 Acres of sculpture artwork by Dennis Curtiss.

78. Race Cars at Lime Rock Park — Salisbury

For Something Different, picnic on a hillside while watching race cars speed by at Lime Rock Park, touted as “The Road Racing Center of the East.”

79. Kent Boarding School — Kent

Go for a mellow, scenic 10-mile family bike ride starting at the Kent Boarding School, winding along an Indian Reservation and the Appalachian Trail. The trail ends at Bulls Bridge, one of the few working covered bridges in CT. Check out the beautiful and powerful waterfall while there.

80. Litchfield Jazz Festival — Washington

Head out to the Goshen Fairgrounds and listen to jazz during the Litchfield Jazz Festival.

81. Kent Falls State Park — Kent

Hike up to the top of Kent Falls. This beautiful waterfall is one of Connecticut’s most famous landmarks.

82. Pratt Nature Center — New Milford

Take your kids to splash in the East Aspetuck River at Pratt Nature Center in New Milford.

83. Mount Tom State Park — New Preston

Hike up to the Lookout Tower and enjoy the view at Mount Tom State Park, and then jump in for a swim at the sandy beach on Lake Tom.

84. Waldingfield Farm — Washington

In the summer, check out the thousands of sunflowers at Waldingfield Farm in Washington.

85. Ellsworth Hill Orchard and Berry Farm — Sharon

Pick your own strawberries and blueberries at Ellsworth Hill Orchard and Berry Farm in Sharon.

86. Lake Waramaug — Kent

Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle around the scenic 680-acre Lake Waramaug.

Indoor Things To Do with Kids - Litchfield County

87. Warner Theater 

See a show at the art deco Warner Theater in Torrington built in 1931.

88. Bank Street Movie Theater

Check out the latest movies at the Art Deco Bank Street movie theater in New Milford, and then take a walk across the street to great toy store PLAY.

Ultimate CT Bucket List - Litchfield County Museums

89. White Memorial Nature Museum — Litchfield

See a live snake habitat and fluorescent rock cave in the children’s room at White Memorial Nature Museum, and then take a hike along a boardwalk trail through a wetland environment. 

90. Railroad Museum of New England — Thomaston

Travel on a journey to Santa's Train Workshop courtesy of the Railroad Museum of New England. Santa boards and greets everyone during the hour-and-a-quarter ride on an antique coach. There is a festival of light display inside and outside the train. 

Things To Do with Kids - Eastern Connecticut

91. Mystic Aquarium — Mystic

Visit Mystic Aquarium; it's fun anytime of the year. The sea lion show is particularly entertaining. While in the area make sure to hit up the fun shops in Olde Mistick Village.

92. Foxwoods Casino — Mashantucket

Spend the day (or night!) at Foxwoods Casino. Indoor pools, fun restaurants like the Sugar Factory, shopping, arcade games, and more make this a perfect staycation destination. 

93. Clyde’s Cider Mill — Mystic

Through late December, visit the oldest steam powered cider mill in the US, B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill in Mystic.

94. Dinosaur Place — Oakdale

See life-sized dinos, splash around in New England’s largest splash pad, and dig for gold at the Dinosaur Place in Oakdale. 

95. WNBA — Uncasville

Cheer at a Connecticut Sun's game; it's especially fun for little girls to see the women of the professional basketball league! 

96. Groton Long Point — Groton

Visit the little beach side community of Groton Long Point and wander over to the "casino" (a penny candy store).  

Hop aboard these bucket list things to do in Connecticut!

97. Essex Steam Train and Riverboat — Essex

All aboard! Join Thomas the Tank Engine or Santa on a festive ride on the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat.

98. UCONN Campus — Storrs

Pack a picnic basket and blanket and head for the beautiful hills of Storrs/Mansfield at the University of CT. Your family can park under a tree at Horsebarn Hill, then enjoy an ice cream cone at the renowned UConn Dairy Bar, run by the School of Agriculture. Finish off the day by cheering on the Huskies! 

99. Mystic Seaport — Mystic

Step back in time and explore the 17-acre open air museum at Mystic Seaport. Pirates Day in April is a kid favorite. 

100. Have Ice Cream under a Bridge — Mystic

Mystic Drawbridge is a local landmark and a stop for any visitor in downtown Mystic. Watch the bridge rise for boats passing or kayakers while eating your sweet treat. 

All photo by author Kelly Patino unless otherwise indicated. Originally published January 2016; updated 2021, 2023, 2025