Winter Outdoor Activities in Connecticut with Kids 

1. Maple sugaring

Learn how maple syrup was discovered and see how it is made at one of CT's many sugarhouses.

2. Winter at the zoo

Bundle up and see how the animals spend their winter at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, which is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

3. Winter hiking

Hike the trails at the Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton. 

Bundle up and board a winter cruise for some seal-spotting. Photo by Ally Noel

4. See seals

Take a cruise on the Long Island Sound to see the seals with the Maritime Aquarium. 

5. Visit the farm

Explore art in the great outdoors and life at the farm at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. 

7. Nature centers

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! So, bundle up and explore the great outdoors at one of these Nature Centers. 

Spot bald eagles at the Shepaug Nature Center. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel

8. See eagles

Bald Eagle viewing at Shepaug Dam has been showing kids the wonders of eagles for over 30 years. Specialists with telescopes will be available to help viewers spot eagles and other birds of prey.

6. Take a stroll in the snow

Enjoy the crisp air and sparkling views that only a winter walk can offer.

Winter Activities in CT - Skiing, Sledding, Snow Tubing, and More

Tubing offers the thrill of skiing minus the extra cost and gear at Powder Ridge. Photo by Ally Noel

9. Snow tubing

Enjoy the thrill of snow tubing down a well-groomed trail in a soft-sided inner tube.

10. Skiing and snowboarding

Conquer the slopes at one of the local ski and snowboard resorts in Connecticut.

11. Cross country skiing

Try out cross country skiing or even snowshoeing in Connecticut with the family.

12. Sledding

Cruise down a few of our favorite sledding hills in Hartford or Fairfield.

13. Ice skating

Lace up your skates and check out one of these outdoor skating rinks. 

Winter Activities in Connecticut for Kids - Indoor Fun

14. Indoor playgrounds

When the chilly weather keeps the kids inside, check out one of these Indoor Play Spaces. 

15. Explore Virtual Reality

Connecticut has some great spots for immersive experiences and virtual reality game time.

16. RPM Raceway

Speed seekers will be able to get their adrenaline pumping at RPM Raceway in Stamford.

17. IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course

Check out the largest indoor ropes course in the world (yes! in the world...): IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course in New Haven.

18. Obstacle courses

Try some of the indoor obstacle courses at Connecticut's family fun centers.

19. Playhouse Fairfield

Take your little ones to Playhouse Fairfield for a fun indoor playspace that's perfect for toddlers and kids!

20. Arcades and Fun Centers

Get into some game time with the best arcades in Connecticut, including old school arcades and family fun centers.

21. Strap on those (roller) skates

Ice skating is fun, but you can stay warmer with a visit to the best roller skating rinks in Connecticut!

Winter in Connecticut  - Family Activities

22. Farmers Markets

It's always a beautiful day at the Westport Winter Farmers' Market, located in the greenhouses at Gilberties’ Herb Garden.

Get cozy with a cocoa while enjoying some winter activities in Connecticut!

23. Treat yourself to some hot chocolate

Stay inside and make a hot chocolate bomb in 5 easy steps.

24. Make frozen bubbles

When the temp drops, it's time to try one of our favorite science experiments.

25. Paint pottery

Create a painted piece of pottery at home or in the studio at Hands on Pottery. 

26. Have a bite

Head to one of these themed restaurants for Connecticut kids and have a fun family meal.

Winter Activities in Connecticut for Kids - Museums and More

27. Spend Snowy Days at Stepping Stones

Head to one of our favorite Connecticut museums for Snowy Days at Stepping Stones Museum for Children, complete with winter activities just for kids.

28. Maritime Aquarium

Pet jellyfish and stingrays at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

29. New England Carousel Museum

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

 
Chug over to check out these amazing trains. Photo courtesy of the Connecticut River Museum

30. See some choo-choo trains

Check out the Holiday Train Show at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, open through Valentine's Day.

31. New England Air Museum

Snowy conditions won't prevent you from taking a family adventure at the New England Air Museum in South Windsor.

32. Learn all about PEZ

The PEZ Visitor Center in Orange, Connecticut shares the sweet history of this local treat.

33. Learn about local indigenous culture

Head to the Institute for American Indian Studies Museum and Research Center in Washington and learn about the contributions of indigenous cultures. 

34. Visit Mystic Aquarium

Spend a day greeting beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium and exploring maritime history at Mystic Seaport Museum.

 
Spend the day steeped in science. Photo courtesy of the CT Science Center, Facebook

35. CT Science Center

Plan a day trip to the CT Science Center and take part in hands-on activities and experiments. 

36. Visit Yale Peabody Museum

See the amazing dinosaur displays at the renovated (and free!) Yale Peabody Museum. 

37. Discovery Science Center

The Discovery Science Center in Bridgeport has hands-on fun for all ages.

Winter Festivals in Connecticut

38. Winterfest at Powder Ridge

The Winterfest at Powder Ridge Park kicks off the winter season with fun on the slopes and holiday fun.

39. Winter Lantern Festival at Lyman Orchards

See amazing displays of over 1,000 Chinese lanterns at the Winter Lantern Festival at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield. The festival runs into February.

40. First Night Hartford

Head to First Night Hartford 2025 to ring in the New Year!

41. Winterfest at Ski Sundown

January brings Winterfest at Ski Sundown to New Hartford, with face painting, ice sculpting, and more fun winter activities.

42. Winter Festival at Burr Pond

Head to the Winter Festival at Burr Pond State Park in February for some outdoor winter fun!

43. Winter Carniaval at Mount Southington

The Winter Carnival at Mount Southington in Plantsville warms up the calendar with fun in February.

44. Holiday Lighst Spectacular in Mystic

Through January, enjoy the magic of the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Olde Mistick Village.

Winter Activities in Connecticut with Kids - Getaways

45. Hit the Water Park

New England has indoor water parks for year-round fun!

46. Visit Mystic

Visit Mystic, Connecticut with kids for family activities all year long

47. Get away to Foxwoods Resort

Foxwoods Resort has so much to offer families, from shopping fun to arcade excitement and more.

48. Explore New Haven

From some of the best pizza in the world, to the shops and museums of Yale, visiting New Haven is perfect for a family adventure.

 
See how you match up against the NBA pros! Basketball Hall of Fame photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

49. Head to Springfield, Mass

With the Dr. Seuss Museum and the Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, Mass is worth the visit!

50. Explore New England's Roadside Attractions

Across the region, there are fun New England roadside attractions to explore as a family.

Originally published on December 8, 2017. Updated 2022, 2024