Kids Activities in CT

Only about one in seven of Connecticut's 3.5 million inhabitants live in rural areas, so urban thrills play a large role in most kids' lives in Connecticut. The Nutmeg State, however, encourages families to make use of its outdoor options and enjoy the natural resources. As an added bonus, many of those outdoor activities are either free or budget-friendly.

Geography and Climate

Bordering Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island, Connecticut is in the northeastern United States. With easy access from its urban environments to the Atlantic Coast, other waterways, forests, hills and greenways, the state offers a multitude of outdoor and indoor activities for kids. The humid continental climate with clearly defined seasons adds to the variety of things to do.

Bicycle Rides

Bicycle trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels provide opportunities for families that enjoy pedal-driven outings. Depending on your kids' age and cycling skill level, you may enjoy a self-guided bike ride through historic Bloomfield. The eight-mile ride is suitable for cycling novices and leads you past historic sites such as the house of Oliver Ellsworth, the third U.S. Supreme Court chief justice. If you prefer guided tours and your kids are old enough to enjoy a more extensive ride, you will find professionally led tour opportunities in Guilford and Kent.

Winter Sports

Snow tubing and skiing await winter sports enthusiasts of all ages in the Woodbury and Mohawk ski areas and at the Ski Sundown resort near New Hartford, about 35 minutes from the state capital Hartford. Due to a lack of high mountains and steep slopes, the Connecticut downhill skiing areas are particularly suitable for beginners and welcome young children that strap on skis for the first time. If your kids prefer flat areas to hills and mountains, cross-country skiing opportunities present themselves across the state, including at state parks and forests.

Performing Arts

The New England Academy of Theatre in North Haven and the Children's Associated Summer Theatre in Manchester design acting classes for kids that can build imagination and confidence while they learn how to perform. Both organizations offer acting classes and productions year-round.

Agricultural Explorations

Connecticut's farms and orchards like the Hickory Hill Orchards in Cheshire near New Haven and River Valley's Pickin' Patch offer fruit-picking, pumpkin-hunting, hay rides and other activities that combine a fun, yet light physical work-out with an exciting educational experience. Your kids learn where and how food is grown and harvested while looking for only the ripest and yummiest fruits and vegetables. Some venues like Wright's Mill Farm in Canterbury also offer horse rides and hiking trails.