Are you looking for things to do with kids in Connecticut, or for things for families to do around Connecticut? Days out as a family are an important aspect of family life; not only are they a chance to spend time together and make memories, but they also represent significant learning opportunities for young children too.
There are plenty of things to do with children in and around Connecticut. Here we have picked some family activities with the hope that some capture your interest and lead your family on your own memory-making adventure!
Connecticut Children’s museum
Children’s museums are specially designed to cater to children’s learning and development and the Connecticut children’s museum is an excellent example of design with kids in mind! At the children’s museum in West Hartford, CT, children can engage in interactive labs, workshops, multi-sensory exhibits, and demonstrations. As well as visiting a live wildlife sanctuary, state-of-the-art digital science dome and planetarium shows. Phew! The Children’s Museum is jam-packed with hands-on experiential learning which is perfectly suited to babies, toddlers and young children’s development.
Yale University Art Gallery
You might be thinking “Kids!? In an art gallery!?” but bear with us! Some parents might hesitate to take their kids to an Art gallery, worrying that they will be bored by it or might be too noisy for other visitors. However, children like to explore new places and look at different things, and even very small children can have an appreciation of art. Looking carefully at pictures together and asking questions about what children can see can help to develop their vocabulary, imagination, and social skills such as empathy.
Connecticut Beardsley zoo
Beardsley zoo in Bridgeport, CT is a great size to walk around with little ones in tow yet there is still plenty to see, do, and experience. The animals’ habitats are specially designed to be similar to their natural habitats but most animals are still easily visible which will make young children especially happy. The zoo is passionate about and focuses strongly on conservation meaning that will learn about caring for our planet. The zoo also has a special ‘Zoo tots’ program with events once a month, so check their website for more details.
It Adventures Rope Course
Another great physical activity to help burn off some of that endless energy whilst indoors the It Adventures Rope Course in New Haven, CT claims to be the largest of its kind in the world! There’s a special area for smaller children, though they do require a chaperone. The Little It course is positioned close to the ground and designed specifically for younger children and will help to keep kids physically active whilst improve balance, core strength, and coordination.
Hubbard Park
Even during the winter, fresh air and time spent outdoors are important. Humans are designed to spend much of their time outdoors requiring regular exposure to sunlight in order to produce vitamin D. We are so lucky to live in an area with beautiful public parks and Hubbard Park in Meriden, CT makes the ideal place to spend time as a family. Hiking up to Castle Craig would make a great family adventure and the view from the top is breath-taking, even small children will appreciate looking out across the landscape. On a clear day you can see all the way to Long Island Sound, so why not take a pair of binoculars and teach your child how to use them? This not only helps children to understand how to use technology but gives them a sense of space and perspective which is important as they grow in their understanding of the world.
We hope that this provides you with a few ideas for family outings in Connecticut and that you enjoy your time together as families. Learning that happens during family time is equally as important as the learning that goes on during your child’s time in childcare so we’d love for you to let us know what family activities around Connecticut you have enjoyed!