Spooky Things To Do In Connecticut This Weekend: Magical Trails Scary Hauntings Free Music
Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.
This weekend, there’s Halloween fun for just about everyone in the family. Families looking for a good scare can visit the Forest of Fear or a haunted house and bonfire at Brooklyn FEARGrounds. If you are looking for some not-so-spooky thrills, there’s the Not So Scary Scavenger Hunt in Norwalk and a drive through down a magical Pony Trail in East Haddam. You can also grab a pint while the kids paint a pumpkin, and we’ve found tons of places for Connecticut kids to wear their Halloween costumes this weekend.
For more fall fun, see our full list of fall festivals and fairs in Connecticut, explore our Connecticut Day Trips Guide, or choose one of our favorite scenic drives for great leaf peeping.
To see what else is happening around the state, browse the Mommy Poppins Events Calendar. For the latest and best family-friendly activities, subscribe to our weekly newsletters and follow us on and .
More Things to do in Connecticut this Week with Kids
Please keep your family and others safe by wearing a mask when requested and maintaining social distance.
There’s great pumpkins, food, contests, live music, crafts, kids’ activities, and more in Putnam on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Charles Parker
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum Of Art
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, America’s oldest continuously-operating art museum, was founded by arts patron Daniel Wadsworth in 1842 and has since then paved the path for the many major art museums in the country. It was the first American museum to acquire artworks by Caravaggio, Joseph Cornell, Frederic Church, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí, and also the first in the country to showcase exhibits of important surveys of works by Surrealists, Picasso and Italian Baroque masters.
The museum today holds more than 50,000 works of art covering more 5,000 years of human history. Some of the most important collections include major Baroque and Surrealist paintings the Morgan collection of Roman and Greek antiquities and decorative arts from Europe and one of the world’s best collections of Hudson River School landscapes. Things to Do in Hartford
600 Main St, Hartford, Connecticut 06103, Phone: 860-278-2670
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Catch A Concert At A Casino
There are a lot of casino options on the East Coast these days, but when it comes to sheer size and scope of activities, Connecticuts Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun remain safe bets for visitors. Built in the bigger-is-better era of the 1990s, both are giant resorts with several restaurants and intimate concert venues that are great for seeing a band or comedian, as well as hitting the slot machines.
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Sample The Delights At Jonathan Edwards Winery
Wine is, to me, one of my favorite parts of travel, if not life itself. The Jonathan Edwards Winery is a fabulous CT winery of a bicoastal nature: much of the harvest still comes from Wine Country itself, Californias Napa Valley. Enjoy tastings and tours at this beautiful site and take home a bottle of your favorite, if you so choose.
Go Ice Skating At Bushnell Park
When winter arrives, Winterfest hits Hartford. In downtowns Bushnell Park, an ice skating rink appears each year, where families can glide on the ice and enjoy one of the best winter activities there is. Best of all, the ice skating and skate rentals are totally free. This is a unique offering that you dont see often and it makes it possible for thousands of visitors to enjoy the rink each holiday season. Very cool.
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A Great Weekend Getaway
Surrounded by untouched nature preserves and historical landmarks in scenic New England New Canaan, Connecticut is the perfect weekend getaway.
Nature lovers, or anyone needing a break from the city will enjoy this charming small town.
Here are 17 fun activities to do during your trip to New Canaan, Connecticut:
Quassy Amusement & Waterpark
Quassy Amusement Park, is an amusement and waterpark in Middlebury, Connecticut, USA. It has 20 rides on its 20 acres. Quassy is considered “one of the last of the old-time trolley parks.” In addition to a variety of fun-filled classic and newer theme park rides, Quassy also has Splash Away Bay waterpark for the whole family to enjoy. We specialize in catering private parties for school, church, camp, sporting & corporate events and birthday parties.
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Bone Up On Natural History
The Yale Peabody Museum is one of Connecticuts most influential institutions. Known as the Sistine Chapel of Evolution, it contains a variety of fossils that helped popularize Charles Darwins work. The museums centerpiece, the Great Hall of Dinosaurs, is a one-of-a-kind space that features the mounted skeleton of the first brontosaurus to be discovered, as well as Rudolph Zallingers famous mural, The Age of Reptiles, which depicts dinosaurs in all their prehistoric glory.
Learn About The Pequot People At The Mashantucket Pequot Museum
The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center is located in eastern Connecticut on the Pequot reservation. The museum is Native American owned and operated, and is considered world class in exhibits and education.
It tells the story of the Peqout people who established a reservation in 1666, making it one of the oldest in the states.
From dioramas of ancient times and walking tours where you become part of the exhibit, your family learns of the both the ancient life and trials and how they live and function in todays modern world.
During certain times of the year they offer programming included with admission that allows kids to play Native American games like lacrosse, which was initially a war game, as well as opportunities to create a Native American instrument.
Plan on spending the whole day and still not seeing everything, especially if there are storytelling, dancing or other events happening. Save the vivid depiction of the Native American extermination for the older kids, but soak in the rest of the exhibits with kids of all ages. You can also sample some Native American fare along with typical American dishes at the Museum Restaurant.
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Visit The Belugas At Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is one of the top things to do in Connecticut with kids! No kids? No problem? Adults love aquariums, too!
While there are many species living at the aquarium, the highlight might be the bright white beluga whales. They are lucky to have the largest outdoor beluga whale habitat in the entire United States
Wadsworth Falls State Park
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Visiting Wadsworth Falls State Park is one of the best outdoor activities to add to your itinerary.
With scenic, waterfall overlooks, nature/hiking trails abound, and even designated swimming areas, this park is a must-see.
If you love the beauty and adventure of outdoor recreation, Wadsworth Falls has it all.
With nearly 270 acres of scenery, trails, and open expanses of verdant land, youll have a blast exploring the park.
Some of the approved activities your crew can partake in include hiking, mountain biking, stream fishing in the adjacent river, swimming, and picnicking.
Beyond the aforementioned adventure that awaits you at Wadsworth Falls State Park, if youre a geology enthusiast, this is the place for you too.
With different rock types and formations found along the main hiking trails and other interesting geologic features, rock enthusiasts will adore their time hiking the trails of this beautiful Connecticut park.
This is a great way to spend your time in one of Connecticuts most beautiful places, so plan a stop at Wadsworth Falls State Park this weekend.
Address: 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States
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Elizabeth Park Rose Garden
Where: Hartford
If you happen to visit Connecticut in June, you cant miss roaming Americas Oldest Rose Garden, in Elizabeth Park. It has the distinction of being the first municipal rose garden in the United States and it is also currently the third largest rose garden in the country. Located in Hartford, the park is free and open year round to the public, with six other gardens that have blooms from May until October, so theres plenty to do even if youre not present for the rose season. Although there is also a cafe onsite, picnicking is allowed throughout the park and visitors are also welcome to bring their dogs.
Ping Stones Museum For Children
This wonderful childrens museum has something for everyone and is perfect if youre looking to spend some time indoors. Kids can play with puppets, paint, and explore interactive exhibits that are all about things we experience in everyday life.
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Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
The center in essence is the preserved home of legendary trailblazer Harriet Beecher Stowe.
A major slice of American history is preserved and shared with visitors through Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.
The centers collections hope to drum up discussions about Stowes important lifes work whilst empowering current social justice movements.
Essentially, the center hopes to promote and elicit positive social change.
Of note, youll hear about the inspirational forces that compelled Stowe to write her famed book Uncle Toms Cabin.
Youll also hear about slavery from historical and social standpoints, as well as issues of incarceration and poverty.
A tour of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center is both enriching and educational.
The themes discussed during your tour are both historical and current issues that will resonate with all visitors.
Address: 77 Forest St, Hartford, CT 06105, United States
Yale Peabody Museum New Haven Ct
Walk like an Egyptian and peer into a sarcophagus at the Yale Peabody Museum. Children fascinated by ancient Egypt will be able to learn more about daily activities and see numerous artifacts. The educational and colorful Hall of Native American Cultures is certainly a highlight, showcasing clothing and other items used by Sioux, Apache, Cheyenne, Crow, and other Native Americans. This, on top of amazing displays on birds and of course, the dinosaur bones, will keep everyone entertained for hours!
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Fun Things To Do In Ct: Beardsley Zoo
The Beardsley Zoo is a small attraction geared mainly for children. It is dedicated to the preservation of endangered species, and contains mostly North and South American animals. The zoo is home to several endangered species, including the Andean condor, the Siberian tiger, the ocelot, the golden lion tamarin, and the giant anteater.
A tropical rainforest zone takes visitors into the humid climate that supports its monkeys and tropical birds. Visitors may ride on the back of a camel, or pet the animals in the barnyard area. The zoo has a carousel, an eatery, a gift shop, and is available for birthday parties. Beardsley Zoo also has an educational program that can be accessed on or off-site.
1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06610, Phone: 203-394-6565
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The Childrens Museum West Hartford Ct
Be welcomed to the Childrens Museum with a walk through a huge model whale, occasionally spraying water through its blowhole. Talk about a grand entrance! The rest of the Childrens Museum is just as fun. A highlight is certainly the light and color room, which is a favorite for babies and older children.
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Climb A Tower Straight From A Fairytale
Jutting out of the otherwise tame Connecticut countryside, the 32-foot Castle Craig looks like something out of J.R.R. Tolkien. Built in 1900, the top of this stone tower in Meridens Hubbard Park is 975 feet above sea level and offers stunning panoramic views. You can drive up a service road or hike to the tower, but watch out for the black dog, a legendary creature that allegedly carries a curse if seen three times. The park is open 10am-4:45pm from May 1 through October 31.
Weir Farm National Historical Park
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Situated in historic Wilton, Connecticut, this historic site is one of many beautiful places to go in the Constitution State.
Weir Farm National Historical Park combines the beauty of the natural world with the art of the human world.
Once home to impressionist artist Julian Alden Weir, Weir Farm National Historical Park is the history-rich site of the artists home, studios, and body of work.
Pristinely preserved and open to the public to tour, the farm also boasts over 100 acres of intertwined hiking trails.
While visiting Weir Farm you may take self-guided or guided tours of the property, explore the gardens and grounds, draw inspiration from the landscape to create your art, talk with rangers, visit museum exhibits, and children can even become a junior park ranger.
Of all the beautiful places to go, Weir Farm National Historical Park should be at the top of your list.
Address: 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton, CT 06897, United States
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Hike The Trails In Kent
A day spent in Kent Falls State Park is the ultimate cure for stress and anxiety. You’ll feel your shoulders relax upon your first inhalation of the area’s fresh, clean air.
The park, which is set in the Litchfield Hills, is a magical wonderland filled with the most spectacular beauty. Waterfall? Check. Covered bridge? Check. Verdant forest? Check. Told you it’s packed with gorgeousness, and trust us you’ll want to pack a picnic because you won’t want to leave.
The breathtaking Kent Falls cascades down 250 feet. Hike to the top for the best views and the reward of a cooling mist upon your face. Watching the water tumble to its temporary resting place, Falls Brook , is incredibly relaxing.
Things To Do In Ct This Weekend: Studio 80 And Sculpture Grounds
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds is a premiere arts center in Old Lyme, situated on 4.5 beautiful acres along the banks of the scenic Lieutenant River. The gallery and studio, which is located adjacent to the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, is one of Connecticut’s premiere abstract art studios and galleries, showcasing the unique works of artist Gilbert V. Boro. More than 100 beautiful sculptures dot the studio’s gardens and grounds, open to the public for exploration 365 days a year during business hours. A loft exhibition gallery displays additional small-scale works, including maquettes and study pieces. Small group tours of the facility may be organized by contacting the studio directly via phone or email.
80 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT 06371, Phone: 860-434-5957
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Do A Random Act Of Kindness
Random acts of kindness are some of the most fulfilling things you could ever do and giving without expecting anything back is a valuable lesson to teach every child.
- Donate some food
- Go to an animal shelter and help out for the day
- Pick up litter in the park
- 75 more random acts of kindness ideas and examples of nice things to do
Experience The Worlds Largest Indoor Ropes Course
The largest indoor ropes course in the entire world is located in New Haven, CT. Perhaps surprisingly its located at a furniture store! There are more than 100 things to do at the IT Adventure Indoor Ropes Course, including a liquid firework show , double catwalk, crisscross angled rope ladders, zig-zag swinging beams, cargo nets, bridges, and so much more. This place looks Fun with a capital F.
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Chelsea Piers Athletic Club
Whether the ultimate goal for your child is to enjoy recreational sports, become a top competitive athlete on track for a college scholarship, or live a healthy lifestyle, Chelsea Piers supports your child’s athletic journey with a wide variety of youth sports leagues. We have classes and clinics for kids as young as 1 through age 15 at all levels. Our highly trained, professional coaches are committed to building athletes beyond sports technique. We know the skills kids learn in sports translate to success off the field throughout their life. Visit our website today to find out why Chelsea Piers is the top choice for after-school sports programs in Fairfield County!
Walk Among The Dinosaurs At Dinosaur State Park
Okay so there are not really dinosaurs here, but there are 200 million year old dinosaur tracks which were discovered in 1966. At Dinosaur State Park, kids can imagine the dinosaurs tromping around these parts so many years ago.
There are trails here to search for tracks as well as fabulous specimens in an indoor interactive exhibit. In season you can even cast you own tracks!! It is no surprise that this is one of the most beloved things to do in in CT with kids.
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