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Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
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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 Compounce
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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
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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
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Find the best things to do in Connecticut this November, like the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the event.
Find the best things to do in Connecticut this November, like the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular. Photo courtesy of the event.
10/27/24 - By Jennifer Coe

This Best of November 2024 will provide families a bounty of fun things to do in Connecticut! The temps are finally dropping, and we love spending time outside in the fall. Celebrate Hispanic culture this month at the Día de Muertos Community Celebration in Hartford. Enjoy the Nitro Circus at the XL Center in Hartford, then pile everyone in the car for the popular Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular. After Thanksgiving, you can begin to shift your focus to the most wonderful time of the year with the Mystic Tree Lighting and Winterfest in North Haven.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.  Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

 

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You'll know Christmas is coming when Santa arrives by tugboat in Mystic! Photo by Ben And Sam via Flickr 2.0
You'll know Christmas is coming when Santa arrives by tugboat in Mystic! Photo by Ben And Sam via Flickr 2.0

Best of November 2024: Top Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids

Imagine Nation's 20th Birthday Bash

Bristol—FREE
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Come and celebrate with us at Imagine Nation's 20th birthday bash. This celebration includes exciting games, hands-on activities, raffles with prizes, a balloon artist, animal encounters, face painting, costume characters, exploration of the museum studios, and a birthday cupcake with juice. READ MORE

Día de Muertos Community Celebration in Hartford

Hartford—FREE
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Join the Museum for our 7th annual Día de Muertos Community Celebration and celebrate the cycle of life. Experience the sights and sounds of Día de Muertos/Day of the Dead at the Connecticut Museum during our free, all ages celebration with music and dance, food, ofrendas, and more. READ MORE

#HandsOnHistory Family Demonstration in Ridgefield

Ridgefield—FREE
Sunday, November 3, 2024
At #HandsOnHistory Family Demonstrations, local experts and skilled tradespeople will discuss textile-related topics such as 18th-century weaving, flax processing, Native American textiles, weaving in contemporary art, sheep rearing, and natural dye-making.  READ MORE

National Geographic Live - Penguins of Antarctica at Ridgefield Playhouse

Ridgefield
Sunday, November 3, 2024
National Geographic Live Penguins of Antarctica brings you behind-the-scenes stories and unforgettable imagery from world-renowned photographers, scientists, filmmakers, and adventurers—live on stage. READ MORE

Kids Vote Too at KidsPlay Museum

Torrington
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
KidsPlay is open this Election Day! Even better…Kids Vote Too! Stop by the Museum before or after you cast your vote and help us select the best exhibits, ice cream flavor, and more. READ MORE

Oh Deer! It's Election Day at RBNC

North Canton
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
This election day, drop in and learn about our white-tailed deer and their wonderful antlers. Crafts and deer scavenger hunt available.  READ MORE

New England Christmas Festival at Mohegan

Uncasville
Friday, November 8, 2024
With over 350 vendors, the New England Christmas Festival is an eagerly anticipated annual event that has kicked off the holiday season for 38 years. READ MORE

Festival of Trees at St. Mary/St. Michael School

Derby—FREE
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Enjoy crafters, specialty vendors, food trucks and more. Plus, our famous festival raffles and our “mega raffle.” READ MORE

School’s OUT!: Fantastical Fall at Mattatuck Museum

Waterbury
Monday, November 11, 2024
School might be out for the day, but the fun is still IN at The MATT! Drop off your child for this fun-filled day-long experience. Children will be immersed in the Museum’s galleries and special exhibitions while learning about history and developing their art skills with unique materials and techniques. READ MORE

Spill the Tea: Little Women ~ An Afternoon Tea at the Lyman Homestead

Middlefield
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Calling all tea lovers & Little Women enthusiasts! Step into the world of Little Women for a delightful afternoon tea at the Historic Lyman  Homestead. Immerse yourself in the charm of 19th century New England as we  celebrate the timeless story of sisterhood, family, and resilience.  READ MORE

Nitro Circus at the XL Center

Hartford
Friday, November 22, 2024
Get ready, USA! Nitro Circus is back, and this fall, we are bringing our electrifying show to your hometown! A new generation of gravity-defying thrill-seekers and rule-breakers are here to remind you: the World is Our Playground. Our elite lineup features top athletes who will push the boundaries of what's possible, with jaw-dropping stunts, high-flying tricks, and heart-pounding excitement. READ MORE

Ann's Place 22nd Annual Festival of Trees 2024

Danbury
Friday, November 22 - Sunday, December 24, 2024
Ann's Place proudly presents the 22nd Annual Festival of Trees: “Celebrating Traditions”  at The Summit in Danbury. Marking the official start to the holiday season, this year’s Festival will celebrate the many traditions that make our community unique, featuring live performances from dancers and musicians from cultures around the globe, as well as beautifully decorated trees, holiday shopping, raffles, children’s crafts and more. READ MORE

Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular

Stamford—Sunday, November 24, 2024
FREE
The holiday season will officially kick off in Stamford Downtown on November 24, 2024 with the annual Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular, one of the largest of its kind in the country. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Eats + Treats! Kids' Cooking Class at Wakeman Town Farm

Westport
Friday, November 22, 2024
Apple Delight Baking Bonanza - One-Off After-School Class In this fabulous interactive fall baking class kids will explore different ways to bake with apples while developing their culinary skills. READ MORE

Community Thanksgiving Dinner in East Hartford

East Hartford—FREE
Thursday, November 28, 2024
A free, community-based meal to celebrate the holiday. Seats are limited, so please reserve your seats. READ MORE

Pequot Runners Thanksgiving Day Road Race and Walk

Southport
Thursday, November 28,2024
The Pequot Runners 47th annual Thanksgiving Day Road Race and Walk is a tradition for families in the area! An 8:15 start allows plenty post race activities...You can still get to HS football games or the kitchen! READ MORE

16th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop presented by Jenny Allen Compass

Greenwich—FREE
Friday, November 29 - Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Santa and his three LIVE reindeer return to Greenwich for the 16th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop. A cherished town tradition continues for the sixteenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy Santa’s Workshop. READ MORE

Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights at the Connecticut Trolley Museum

East Windsor
Friday, November 29 - Monday, December 30, 2024
Halls are decked inside and outside at the Connecticut Trolley Museum with more than 15,000 lights for this annual event. Guests board enclosed trolley cars for a ride down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas carols with their trolley car operators. READ MORE

2024 Holiday Events at The Shops at Yale

New Haven—FREE
Friday, November 29 - Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Join us this holiday season for fun & festive experiences that are free and open to the public, along with exciting shopping rewards.  READ MORE

New Canaan Nature Center's Thanksgiving Weekend Waddle

New Canaan—FREE
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Grab the entire family (and any lingering holiday visitors too) and head on down to the New Canaan Nature Center! You won’t want to miss this awesome annual event, a long-time favorite for both members & guests. Join the NCNC Naturalists for a healthy, invigorating Trail Trek to work off that holiday meal. READ MORE

Winterfest in North Haven

North Haven
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Please join us on Small Business Saturday and Shop from 40+ Local Crafters and Community Vendors. Eat one of the festive food vendors! Enjoy free entertainment, Touch-A-Truck, games, and crafts for kids. READ MORE

Mystic Tree Lighting & Lighted Boat Parade

Mystic—FREE
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Santa Claus is coming to Mystic with the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in Historic Downtown Mystic. Thousands gather at the Mystic River Park to watch Santa arrive!  The tree lighting is scheduled for 6pm. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center
St Mary/St. Michael School