The fun is springing up all over Connecticut this weekend with the top things to do with kids! Earth Day photo courtesy of Canva
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
GUIDE
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
How To Throw a Taylor Swift Party
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
GUIDE
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.
GUIDE
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
GUIDE
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.
Technology and Kids: Screen Time Limits, Social Media Safety, Cyberbullying, and More Expert Advice
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
25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
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.
Essex, Connecticut with Kids: Top 10 Things To See and Do
Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
  VIDEO
25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels
How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home
Explore The Wizard Realm, photo courtesy of Puzzle Theory
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
Make ponies the stars of your child's birthday party. Photo courtesy of The Little Party Ponies
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families
Learn some random fun facts that will leave your kids laughing. Photo by Sara Marentette
125 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds
Find a new children's book to read today. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Kids' Books Every Child Should Read Before They Grow Up
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Photo courtesy of the Hartt School Community Division
Dance Classes for Connecticut Kids: 20 Studios for Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, and More
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
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
GUIDE
Crafts & Games Guide: 100s of Activities for Kids
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
Stamford Museum & Nature Center: 7 Family-Friendly Things To Do
The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps to Learn Programming Skills
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Use recyclables and household objects to build a better bridge.
25 STEM Activities Easy Enough for Preschoolers
Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
Free Museums in Connecticut To Visit with Kids

Things To Do in Connecticut this Weekend: Pumpkins, Scarecrows, County Fairs

A corn maze is open in Middlefield! Photo Courtesy of Lyman Orchards
A corn maze is open in Middlefield! Photo Courtesy of Lyman Orchards
9/18/19 - By Donald Eng

This week the calendar says we are officially entering fall...and that means we can turn our attention to pumpkins and harvest fun. Head over to Seymour for the annual Pumpkin Festival, or travel to Pumpkintown, USA to see the famous collection of jack-o'-lantern people. Kids love making their own scarecrows in Simsbury. And corn mazes are cropping up everywhere!

There also are plenty of other activities this week. Newtown is hosting a free program about polination and Norwalk is celebrating its first-ever Norwalk Strong. And this isn't even counting all the traditional county fairs, like these in Guilford and Orange.

These fall weekends are particularly action packed so make sure that you subscribe to our weekly newsletters and follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you won't miss any of the fun! As always, our event calendar is constantly being updated with the latest activities. Have fun!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Meet some new
Meet some new "friends" at Pumpkintown USA. Photo courtesy of Connecticut Office of Tourism

Things To Do All Weekend

Guilford Fair

Guilford
Entertainment, delicious food, carnival rides, and more await at the annual Guilford Fair. Animal shows, tractor pulling, and other agricultural-themed events will also take place throughout the weekend. READ MORE

Bristol Mum Festival

Bristol — Free
This year's festival theme is "Mumma Mia, Here We Grow Again" and events include live music, a carnival midway, food trucks, a car show, children's programming, and plenty more. READ MORE

Pumpkintown USA

East Hampton
Note: Open from 10-5p only on Friday, October 20, 2023. One of New England's premier non-scary Halloween villages, Pumpkintown USA annually draws about 25,000 visitors. The Village at Pumpkintown USA is home to more than 70 Pumpkinhead people and their pets. The unique village includes a fast food restaurant called MacPumpkins, a saloon, a jail, a church, barbershop, country store, farm, and a fire station. Dogs are welcome at Pumpkintown. READ MORE

Lyman Orchards' Corn Maze

Middlefield — Free for children
Lyman's has been growing their corn for a unique 18th Century Revolutionary period corn maze this year! Think: Ben Franklin! Enjoy this 4-acre maze carved into Ben Franklin's likeness, lightning, a key and #allamerican. READ MORE

Big Adventures: Dinosaurs

Norwalk
Jump into a time machine and travel back 190 million years to see a full size “living” Dilophosaurus, Connecticut’s State Dinosaur. Then zoom back to 2019 to a paleontologist’s laboratory and discover the clues dinosaurs left behind. READ MORE

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire

Lebanon
Step back to the past at The Connecticut Renaissance Faire. It's a time to play and unwind, to feast and drink, and a time to celebrate the old-fashioned way. READ MORE

Orange Country Fair

Orange
Pig racing, birds of prey demonstrations, homing pigeon releases, music, food, rides and more at the Orange Country Fair. READ MORE

Things To Do Saturday

Scarecrow Day

Simsbury
Build your own scarecrow on the green. READ MORE

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day

Bristol
Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center will open its doors free of charge to all Museum Day ticketholders on Saturday September 21, 2019 as part of Smithsonian magazine’s 15th annual Museum Day. READ MORE

Harvest Moon Festival

Naugatuck
The Annual Harvest Moon Festival Arts & Crafts Fair on the Naugatuck Green. Two days of food, fun, and entertainment for the whole family. READ MORE

International Red Panda Day at the Beardsley Zoo

Bridgeport
Come see Rochan, the adorable Red panda and his companion, Meri at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. The Zoo’s Education staff will be giving talks on this adorable member of the Zoo family. Learn about Red pandas and help create as many Red Panda Rangers as possible in a single day. A Red Panda Ranger is a special title given to children who help spread the word about red pandas. READ MORE

Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Festival in New Britain

New Britain
Admire hundreds of antique and classic cars spanning decades of automotive history, all on a picturesque 40-acre hilltop campus. This is an event for the whole family. Wayne Carini of the television show Chasing Classic Cars will serve as the Grand Marshal with his family. READ MORE

Newington Waterfall Festival

Newington
The Newington Waterfall Festival will take place in Market Square and feature food vendors, artists & crafters, children's activities, live entertainment, and a Farmers Market. There's something for everyone at this fun-filled celebration! READ MORE

Seventh Ever Touch A Truck

Naugatuck
Come see and explore many exciting constructions trucks, emergency vehicles and custom cars. Food trucks, vendors and games.  Quiet hour to be held from 12pm- 1pm for guests with special needs or sensitive ears. READ MORE
Hayrides are happening all over the state. Photo courtesy of Ambler Farm
Hayrides are happening all over the state. Photo courtesy of Ambler Farm

Things To Do Sunday

Annual Seymour Pumpkin Festival

Seymour — Free
This annual Festival will take place (rain or shine) at French Memorial Park and offers carnival rides & games, entertainment, petting zoo, children’s contests, arts & craft vendors, and food booths run by local civic, school, and non-profit organizations.   READ MORE

Simsbury Fly-In and Car Show & Food Truck Festival

Simsbury
The largest event of its kind in New England will be held again this year on Sept. 24 with even more fun for the entire family. The Fly-In is like a special kind of country fair, built around displays of over 700 beautiful airplanes and cars, with 100+ businesses displaying their products, many aerial demonstrations, and an amazing array of 15+ food trucks to satisfy your hunger. Other attractions throughout the day include; engine demonstrations, car and aviation related seminars, live music, gyrocopter demonstration, drone demonstration, and a formation flying... READ MORE

Ambler Farm Day

Wilton
Join Ambler Farm at the annual  Ambler Farm Day. Activities include the apple slingshot, hay maze, farm animals, make-your-own-scarecrow, hay rides, concession stand, trebuchet, children’s crafts, pumpkin patch, live music, and more.   READ MORE

Norwalk Strong

Norwalk
Norwalk is a city on the move and Norwalk Now wants everyone to get moving! Norwalk Strong is a celebration of fitness, health, and the active lifestyle found throughout the city. This day-long event is an opportunity for you to explore Norwalk businesses in the health/wellness fields and take advantage of services, products, and activities that fuel your mind, body, and soul. READ MORE

Sunday at the Sanctuary - Bees, Beetles, Butterflies & Blossoms

Newtown
Come and celebrate all things pollination with a Pollinator Party at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Sanctuary. Explore these incredible creatures and the plants that sustain them! READ MORE

Wigwam Escape

Washington
Wigwam Escape is an immersive, hands-on learning experience through the Institute for American Indian Studies. Visitors will experience the daily live of native people in 1518.  READ MORE

Voluntown Farmers Market

Voluntown
Local farmers and artisans gather under the maple trees to sell their goods, including local crafts, produce, soaps, jewelry, and more. READ MORE

Opening Day: Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Room at MoCA Westport

Westport
Kusama's Infinity Mirror Room magically transports participants as one’s eyes adjust slowly to the play of light across its perforated walls, an ever-changing constellation reveals itself. Bring your camera!  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center
Naugatuck Event Center Lot
Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
Institute for American Indian Studies
Voluntown Elementary School