Get snuggly and cuddly with the family and enjoy the top things to do in CT this weekend! Goat Snuggles photo courtesy of Lyman Orchards
Sesame Street Live, Earth Day, and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend
Take a peek at all the fun things to do with kids in Connecticut for April 2024! Photo by Andrew Shirey for the National Park Service
Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Connecticut with Kids April 2024
Summer camps help kids learn new skills and make new friends
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Connecticut Summer Camp Guide
Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens
Kids meet new friends as they jump, slide, and swing at the top indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Romp N Roll in Wethersfield
20 Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Connecticut
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
100 Things To Do in Connecticut Before Kids Grow Up
Don't sweat the weather, because the best indoor water parks in New England are waiting for year-round fun! Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
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
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
The pediatric health experts at Connecticut Children’s have you covered with answers to common children’s health questions.
Fever Facts, Ear Infections, and How to Identify Common Kids’ Illnesses
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New England Family Travel Guide
Pediatric health experts at Connecticut Children’s share information on the most common health challenges around the holidays.
Help Keep Your Family Healthy This Holiday Season With These Expert Tips
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
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Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Connecticut
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
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
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Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
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Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut
Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Connecticut Children's has created an online parenting toolkit that addresses challenges like choosing appropriate apps and understanding parental controls.
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Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
A Dozen Short Hikes in Connecticut for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
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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Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
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Connecticut Childrens' latest Back to School Toolkit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate, expert advice to keep kids happy and healthy.
Expert Tips for Navigating Back to School Challenges and Tough Talks
Essex has genuine appeal for every family. Photo by Ally Noel.
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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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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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Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
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Explore The Wizard Realm, photo courtesy of Puzzle Theory
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Make ponies the stars of your child's birthday party. Photo courtesy of The Little Party Ponies
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Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
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Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
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Find a new children's book to read today. Photo by Jody Mercier
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Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
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Photo courtesy of the Hartt School Community Division
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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
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Staff members are on hand to explain the historic aircraft. Photo courtesy of the New England Air Museum
A Visit to the New England Air Museum in Connecticut with Kids
Photo by Liz Baill
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With a working farm, plenty of trails to explore, and hands-on programming, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center is a family-friendly wonderland. Photo courtesy of Stamford Museum & Nature Center
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The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
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Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
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Use recyclables and household objects to build a better bridge.
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Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
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Mostly Free and Fun Things to Do in CT With Kids This Weekend April 6-7: Autism Awareness, Scavenger Hunts and Expos

4/4/13 - By Pam Hegner

April is Autism Awareness Month, and according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects 1 in 88 children, making it the fastest-growing developmental disability in the country, with no cure. The CDC also reports it can cost a family an average of $60,000 a year.  I know several wonderful children who have been diagnosed, and their parents want awareness, research and resources to help their young ones live long, meaningful lives.

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Saturday is Autism Friendly Day at the Mystic Aquarium. The aquarium will open early, only for families affected by Autism so they can get acclimated and enjoy exhibits. There will also be a quiet room, outdoor free-play zone and special volunteers for an extra hand. Get one free child admission with each full paid adult when you go on the aquarium’s website and print a flyer.   Also on Saturday, head to Storrs for the Autism Speaks U UConn/Tau Kappa Epsilon 5K run/walk. Proceeds benefit Autism research, treatment and prevention.

The Greater Danbury Road Races take place this weekend. Distances include a Half Marathon, 5K and kids fun run, with entry fees raising money for Newtown Police Union's First Responders to the Sandy Hook tragedy. There will be a post-race party with live music.
 
With the weather finally feeling like spring, you'll want to spend more time outside, so if you need some new ideas, check out our review of Best Playgrounds, Skatepark and Playscapes in New London County. 
 
Submit your child's best poem or short story for their chance to be highlighted and matched up with a celebrity reader at this year's 8th Annual Celebration of Young Writers in Washington, Connecticut. The deadline for submissions is April 10th. All children living in Western CT are encouraged to participate.
 
We have created a wonderful resource for you so you can plan ahead for family fun this month. It is a guide for Best Things to do in Connecticut for April. Many of our picks are free or inexpensive, so it will save you some cash! You might need it for summer, as vacations and camps can get costly. Our CT Summer Camp Guide will help you narrow down the choices, as they can get overwhelming. Also, consult our recent posts on Horseback Riding Camps in Fairfield County, Summer Horseback Riding Camps in New Haven County, Sports Camps in New London County,  New Haven County Drama and Dance Camps, and New Haven County Science and Nature Camps. Don’t wait until the last minute, as they fill up quickly!  
 
R&B Sportsworld in Winsted will host a Mini Golf Fundraiser to benefit the Beardsley and Memorial Library. Enjoy a round of golf for just five dollars! 
 
In case you didn’t get enough Easter fun last weekend, Naugatuck is hosting their 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. The Easter Bunny, clowns, magicians will also be on hand for this celebration for all ages. 
 
Make-a-Painting Sundays start this weekend and run through December at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme. They provide the supplies, you just show up, head outside and start painting plein air. All skill levels are welcome! There will be other art projects, games, scavenger hunts and a puppet variety show to complete your day.  
 
Children and families can take part in the Dig New Haven Family Program at the New Haven Museum. Participate in an archeological dig celebrating New Haven’s 375th birthday. Prizes will be given for completing the scavenger hunt.  Another exciting exploration will be the Family History Scavenger Hunt in Ridgefield. Grab a booklet at the Keeler Tavern Museum and travel to over twenty historical sites around town, and win prizes.
 
Project Storefonts in New Haven is hosting Family Dance Party, so get your boogie on, while DJ Hu-Man spins the tunes. 
 
Take a prehistoric trip to the ERTH's Dinosaur Petting Zoo at the Bushnell in Hartford. Feed, water and interact with life-like dinosaurs in this educational and thrilling performance. You won’t believe your eyes!  
 
Budding chefs will want to check out the free Kids in the Kitchen program at the CT Historical Society. Explore the exhibit "Cooking by the Book: Amelia Simmons to Martha Stewart”  and then make and decorate a chef’s hat or apron to take home. 
 
Try on a space suit, meet R2D2, build and fly a robot at the New England Air Museum’s Space Expo. This action-packed day will teach your kids about space exploration with interactive exhibits.  Former Astronaut Jerry Ross set a record for seven NASA space shuttle launches, and he will be there to talk to visitors about his experiences. 
 
Check our events calendar often because we add new events daily, and sign up to get our updates on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
 
Have a wonderful weekend!