Having fun with your family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, you can find plenty of interesting places to go and things to do in Connecticut that don’t cost a dime. Here are some of our favorite free activities for families.
UConn Animal Barns
Everyone loves animals! Head to the barns at the University of Connecticut to see cows, sheep, horses and more. Visitors can even see the dairy cows being milked daily between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Kellogg Dairy Center. Rest in the shade at the picnic tables along Horsebarn Hill or stop and have an ice cream treat at the UConn Dairy Bar.
Location: 3636 Horsebarn Hill Road, Storrs, CT 06269
Phone: 860-486-2413
Rates: Admission is free
Website:animalscience.uconn.edu/visitors/tour.php
Museum of Connecticut History
Located at the Connecticut State Library, the Museum of Connecticut History is a great place for families to have fun while learning about the government and history of the state. The museum features a number of interesting permanent exhibits, including some of the state’s most important documents. Additionally, a variety of temporary exhibits and collections are on display at the museum throughout the year. If you want your children to learn more about the political, industrial and military history of the state, and have some fun along the way, the museum is a good place to start.
Location: 231 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-757-6535
Rates: Admission is free
Website:museumofcthistory.org
New Britain Youth Museum
Museums don’t have to be boring for kids. Take your family to the New Britain Youth Museum, where they can enjoy hands-on toys and games, puppet theater, the Dinosaur Room and much more. On Saturday, children can also see a movie or take part in arts and crafts throughout the day.
Location: 30 High St., New Britain, CT 06051
Phone: 860-225-3020
Rates: Admission is free
Website:newbritainyouthmuseum.org
Silver Sands State Park
Head to Silver Sands State Park where your whole family will enjoy fun in the sun and water activities such as saltwater fishing and swimming in the Long Island Sound. Silver Sands is a 47-acre park that includes the beach, dunes, woods and open areas to enjoy. You can walk along the boardwalk, have a picnic, go bird-watching and more. The park also includes the bird sanctuary of Charles Island — where Captain Kidd’s treasure is rumored to be buried. Pets are not permitted on the beach or boardwalk but can be in the other areas of the park as long as they are on a leash.
Location: Silver Sands State Park Park Way, Milford, CT 06460
Phone: 203-874-3703
Rates: Admission is free
Website:ct.gov
Connecticut State Capitol Tours
Learn more about our government by heading to the Connecticut Capitol for a tour. Free guided tours are available during the week. You’ll find out more about the state’s history, visit the Hall of Flags, view the House and Senate Chambers, observe the General Assembly and more. You can also skip the guide and explore on your own. Self-guided tour pamphlets are available at the State Capitol, Capitol Statuary and the Legislative Office Building.
Location: 210 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-240-0222
Rates: Admission is free
Website: cga.ct.gov/capitoltours
More about Connecticut
Best campgrounds in Connecticut
Best family parks in Connecticut
Festivals and family events in Connecticut
Leave a Comment