A Family Guide for Things To Do in Connecticut With Kids

1. SeaQuest Trumbull

When you visit SeaQuest Trumbull, prepare yourself for an exciting animal kingdom experience. Tap into your adventurous spirit by seeing, feeding and touching exotic land and sea animals from around the world.

What You Can Expect

We take our guests of all ages on an unforgettable and educational journey across five continents. There are so many unique activities just waiting for you to discover.

• Snorkel with the stingrays, sharks and other tropical fish. We will provide the wetsuit and the snorkeling gear. You just need to bring a towel and a willingness to dive in with these amazing creatures!
• Make a new friend by feeding, petting and taking a selfie with Flash, our lovable two-toed sloth.
• Learn all about otters by feeding and hanging out with our Asian small-clawed family.
• Meet and greet Quilliam, the African crested porcupine who is anxiously waiting to show you that his species is actually a lot softer to the touch than most people think.
• Dip your feet in the water and receive a one-of-a-kind pedicure from a school of toothless feeder fish.
• Interact with everyone’s favorite animal from the Land Down Under, the wallaby.

Age Recommendation

With the many different experiences that await you at SeaQuest Trumbull, it is safe to say that this place is the perfect stop for children and adults of all ages. With so many extraordinary things to do in Connecticut with kids, visiting us at SeaQuest Trumbull should be at the top of your list.

2. The Dinosaur Place in Oakdale

The Dinosaur Place is a 60-acre adventure park, part of Nature’s Art Village in Oakdale, Connecticut.

What You Can Expect

As if almost two miles of Connecticut’s most pristine wilderness trails isn’t enough to lure you in, the Dinosaur Place includes all sorts of prehistoric fun.

• Explore 50 life-sized dinosaurs set along the hiking trail.
• Get soaked by dinosaur-themed water toys in the zero-depth splash pad.
• Find your way out of the A-MAZE-asaurus, a giant maze that will challenge your navigational instincts.
• Climb up and around the T-Rex Tower, a two-story, obstacle-filled playscape.

Age Recommendation

This stop should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Connecticut with kids. Although some features are more suitable for certain ages, there is fun for everyone to discover at the Dinosaur Palace.

3. The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Essex

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat offers the excitement of rides for the kids and the leisure of sightseeing for the adults.

What You Can Expect

Go on a journey by rail or water into the heart of the Connecticut River Valley.

• Ride in one of the vintage coach cars as a steam locomotive pulls you into scenic New England towns.
• Take the Becky Thatcher, a touring riverboat, into inlets, through coves and along the rocky shoreline of the Connecticut River.

Age Recommendation

The train and riverboat tours are open to people of all ages. It is important to note, though, that the train ride options are either one hour or two and a half hours while the riverboat cruise is just over one hour. Parents with smaller children should plan accordingly.

4. It Adventure Ropes Course in New Haven

If you seek things to do in Connecticut with kids that involve thrills and excitement, It Adventure Ropes Course may be the place for you.

What You Can Expect

It Adventure is a four-level funhouse of rope courses and zip rails.

• Navigate over 100 challenge obstacles like cargo nets, swinging beams and rope ladders.
• Zip across a liquid fireworks water show that extends the length of the course.

Age Recommendation

It Adventure Ropes Course offers separate fun for the big kids over 48 inches and the little kids under 48 inches.

5. Ocean Beach Park in New London

If you’re looking for things to do in Connecticut with kids that have a little bit of everything, then look no further than Ocean Beach Park in New London.

What You Can Expect

Rotate between water fun, shopping and an assortment of other family-friendly activities.

• Take a dip in the ocean or the Olympic-sized pool.
• Race down the triple waterslides or splash around in the kiddie spray park.
• Spend some time in dry clothes too, hiking the nature trail, browsing the gift shops, popping tokens in the arcade or playing a round of miniature golf. 

Age Recommendation

With the wide assortment of available options, Ocean Beach Park is a place that children of all ages can enjoy.

6. Connecticut Science Center in Hartford

With over 165 hands-on exhibits, the Connecticut Science Center definitely makes learning fun for people of all ages.

What You Can Expect

A few of the most popular attractions include:

• Exploring Space
• Invention Dimension
• KidSpace
• Butterfly Encounter

Age Recommendation

Experiencing the exhibits at the Connecticut Science Center is one of the most educational and fun things to do in Connecticut with kids of all ages.

7. Avery Soda in New Britain

Stop in for a sweet treat and learn about some fascinating local history at Avery Soda in New Britain.

What You Can Expect

Avery Soda offers its visitors a variety of experiences:

• Sample some handcrafted soda that is produced in small batches.
• Create and bottle your own soda flavors.
• Tell friends and family that you visited one of the oldest soda bottling companies in New England.

Age Recommendation

This is a stop for families with children who are old enough to enjoy a delicious bottle of soda.

8. The Bushnell Park Carousel in Hartford

Bushnell Park is home to a vintage carousel that still attracts guests from near and far.

What You Can Expect

In addition to taking a ride on the carousel, visitors with kids can also:

• Explore the arboretum of rare trees.
• Check out the historic buildings and statues.
• Have a family picnic on the vast lawn.

Age Recommendation

Bushnell Park is an ideal place to visit for the young and the young-at-heart.

9. Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury 

Spend a day at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury.

What You Can Expect

Once you’re in Quassy, you will discover:

• Rides of all shapes, sizes and speeds
• Splash Away Bay Waterpark
• Games, mazes, arcades and even a zoo

Age Recommendation

Bring the whole family, young and old, because Quassy has fun for every age.

10. The Port Jefferson Ferry in Port Jefferson

Kids love boats, and parents love free. Put the two together, and you can expect a great time on the Port Jefferson Ferry.

What You Can Expect

The Port Jefferson Ferry experience offers:

• Free rides to kids all year
• A full breakfast and lunch menu
• Spectacular views and fresh, open air

Age Recommendation

Whether they are just learning to walk or getting ready for college, a ride on the Port Jefferson Ferry is one of the essential things to do in Connecticut with kids.

When To Plan Your Fun Things To Do in Connecticut With Kids 

Start planning your next family vacation right now. Purchase your family’s tickets to come see us at SeaQuest Trumbull and soak in the smiles when you tell them the news. Then you can take some time and use our guide of things to do in Connecticut with kids to decide what other adventures you’d like to add to your itinerary. Because whatever you end up choosing, the entire visit is sure to provide family memories that will last a lifetime.