Kick off 2026 with fun and free things to do in Connecticut this January! Family Day event photo courtesy of the Yale University Art Galleries.
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Lay back and let gravity do all the work with the best snow turning in Connecticut for families! Photo courtesy of Canva
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Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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Find fun for all ages at these Connecticut attractions, museums, and things to do! Photo courtesy of the Yale Peabody Museum
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The kids can hang out and have fun with the top free things to do in Connecticut! Earthplace photo by Zoe Brown, courtesy of the center.
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Our ultimate Connecticut bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut with kids! Mystic Seaport photo by author Kelly Patino
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Roll on in to the top birthday party places in Connecticut for teens and tweens in 2025! Photo courtesy of Bowlero
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Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
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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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Hop aboard for a trip through Litchfield County and fun things to do with kids! Naugatuck Railroad photo courtesy of the Railroad Museum of New England.
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Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
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Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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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
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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
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Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
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Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
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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
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Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
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Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
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Ride, splash, and have gallons of fun at the best outdoor water parks in New England! Splash Away Bay Water Park photo courtesy of Quassy Amusement Park
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Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
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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
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Dinosaur World Live, Cocoa and Trains, and More Fun Things To Do in CT This Weekend

Dinosaur World Live photo by Pamela Wraith courtesy of the event
Dinosaur World Live photo by Pamela Wraith courtesy of the event
12/17/25 - By Jennifer Coe

New Year, New beginnings, new activities for you and your family! Dinosaur World Live at the Warner Theater is in CT this weekend, and kids can see impressively life-like creatures on stage! At Cocoa and Trains Day at the Wilton Historical Societys, you can drink some hot chocolate and maybe inspire a brand new hobby for the kids. Elsa and Anna are popping in for the Character Brunch at Santa Sleigh Station; see your favorite Frozen sisters and enjoy a tasty breakfast with the family.

Looking for more fun things to do? Check our calendar frequently and plan your family's weekly fun with Mommy Poppins!

More Things To Do in Connecticut This Week with Kids:

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Best Things To Do this Weekend in Connecticut with Kids

Playful Learners at Imagine Nation Museum

Bristol
Friday, January 9, 2026
Broaden your toddler's horizons at Imagine Nation! This group meets every week to play, explore, and learn in the museum. The hour-long program includes gross motor fun in the kinetic studio, an educator-led activity or experience, and time to explore the museum at your own pace.  READ MORE

Second Saturdays at Wadsworth Atheneum: Hands on Hobbies

Hartford - FREE
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Hobbies help us express ourselves, explore our interests, and see the world in new ways. Paint, build, design, and discover your next favorite pastime right here in the inspiring surroundings of the museum. Join our friends from ConnLUG and use LEGO® bricks to recreate a work of art. Grab a complimentary bag of popcorn and stay for a free screening of Hugo at 2pm. In partnership with ConnLUG. READ MORE

Adventures in Nature: The Frozen World at Denison Pequotsepsos Nature Center

Mystic
Saturday, January 10, 2026
This month, explore the frozen side of nature as we dive into the science of ice. Through hands-on activities, learn how ice shapes the water cycle and affects the world around us. See how animals survive freezing temperatures (some even become “living icicles!”) and meet a few of our cold-hardy animal residents. READ MORE

Character Brunch at Santa Sleigh Station

Mystic
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Kids under 12 get a complimentary breakfast or lunch. Breakfast options -pancake, waffle, or scrambled egg. All come with bacon & hash brown patty. Lunch options they may choose an item from our existing kid's menu. READ MORE

Family Day at American Mural Project: Sense-Sational Study

Winsted - FREE
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Participants will explore the five human senses and compare them to the incredible sensory abilities of these animals. AMP’s Family Days are supported by the generosity of the Comis Foundation and Torrington Savings Bank. READ MORE

Cocoa and Trains Day at Wilton Historical Society

Wilton
Saturday, January 10, 2026
A cozy winter morning with cocoa, trains & crafts...join the Wiltonians at the Wilton Historical Society for a sweet family event your little ones will love! Enjoy a hot cocoa bar, train showand kids craft to take home. READ MORE

Open Day At New Pond Farm Education Center

Redding -FREE
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Interested in becoming a member, or just want to learn more about what we have to offer? Come enjoy the stunning landscape, the fascinating history, the diverse habitats, the varied wildlife, the multitude of educational opportunities, and the warm and welcoming staff. READ MORE

Art Adventures: Squeegee Art at The Bruce

Greenwich
Saturday, & Sunday, January 10 & 11, 2026
Saturday, January 10, and Sunday, January 11, 2026, 1–3pm Join us this weekend to explore and experiment with color, paint, and patterns through squeegee art! READ MORE

Storytime Splatter Workshop at Creative Jam

Bristol
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Join Creative Jam for a journey into the world of art and imagination with our "Storytime Splatter" workshop, inspired by the book, "Art & Max" by David Wiesner. This engaging activity is perfect for budding young artists aged 5 to 8. READ MORE

Dinosaur World Live at the Warner Theater

Torrington
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this Olivier award-winning interactive show for all the family. Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. READ MORE

Winter Luminaria Walk at Woodstock Nature Center

Wilton
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Share the magic of a winter evening with your friends and family as you meander along our self-guided, illuminated trail during Woodcock's Luminaria Walk.  Proceeds support Woodcock's community programs.​​ READ MORE

Winter Sunday Fundays - Warming Up With New Adventures at Mill River Park

Stamford
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Celebrate the wonder of the season with Winter Sunday Fundays at the Whittingham Discovery Center in Mill River Park. This year’s theme, Warming Up with New Adventures, invites families to embrace the cozy charm of winter through books and hands-on creativity. READ MORE
Keep an eye out for Goggles the Yeti at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Cornwall
Keep an eye out for Goggles the Yeti at Mohawk Mountain Ski Area in Cornwall

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Best Snow Tubing near Connecticut for Families in 2026

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Free Things To Do Indoors in Connecticut: Indoor Places To Play on Cold and Rainy Days

Explore our favorite free things to do indoors for kids in Connecticut! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jenny Coe
Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).
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