Top 20 Places To Take Kids In and Around Hartford (2024)

With 165 interactive exhibits, the Connecticut Science Center provides fun exploration of physics, forensics, geology, astronomy and much more! During your visit, you can also explore Live science demonstrations, experience our tropical Butterfly Encounter or watch a movie in our 3D theater.

Romp n’ Roll Wethersfield offers a wide variety of fun and educational gym, art, and music classes for children 3 months through 5 years old. We offer Camps, Kids Night Out, and the best Birthday Parties in the area!

Mystic Aquarium has more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. Mystic Aquarium held the #2 position last year, too!

Of course, our local library system is not really ONE place, it is MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo creates wonderfully wild experiences for children and families all year 'round. Connecticut's only zoo, celebrating its 98th anniversary this year, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won't want to miss our critically endangered Amur tigers and leopards, and Mexican and red wolves. Other highlights include the new Farmyard, Spider monkey habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, plus the Pampas Plains featuring maned wolves, Chacoan peccaries and Giant anteaters. Guests must buy tickets in advance at www.beardsleyzoo.org, and bring and wear a mask. Children under two do not need masks. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.

We are one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America. Beneath our geodesic dome, you will find an exceptional display of early Jurassic fossil tracks that were made 200 million years ago.Surrounding our Exhibit Center are more than two miles of nature trails and the Dinosaur State Park Arboretum, containing more than 250 species and cultivars of conifers, as well as katsuras, ginkgoes, magnolias and other living representatives of plant families which appeared in the Age of Dinosaurs.

Quassy Amusem*nt Park and Waterpark, located in Middlebury, Connecticut, USA, is celebrating its 115^th anniversary this season! Be one of the first to experience its brand new ride for the 2023 season, the Super Himilaya. The Park has over 20 rides on its 20 acres, and Quassy is considered "home to the award-winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster." In addition to a variety of fun-filled classic and newer theme park rides, Quassy also has Splash Away Bay waterpark for the whole family to enjoy with private cabanas available to rent. Quassy specializes in catering private parties for school, churches, camps, sporting events, corporate outings and birthday parties.

Connecticut's largest shoreline beach. Kids can swim in the salt water, collect shells, build a sandcastle, sunbathe, relax, and walk along the 3/4 mile boardwalk, gazing upon Long Island Sound. Launch a carry-in boat, take a canoe trip, or fish from the stone breakwater. Summer activities include nature talks, bingo, movies, horseshoes, bocce and volleyball. The children's play area offers a pirate ship, swings, and slides. Visit Meigs Point Nature Center and experience the hands-on saltwater touch tank or search for the hundreds of bird species present at the park.

The nationally recognized aquarium focuses on the fascinating marine life in Long Island Sound and its watershed, including prowling sharks, curious seals, rambunctious river otters, stately sea turtles, pulsing jellyfish and thousands of other animals. The Aquarium also offers: educational programs, including public study cruises out onto the Sound; changing special exhibits; community-science opportunities; and a new 4D movie theater with sensory-enhancing special effects. The not-for-profit attraction is the centerpiece of the popular South Norwalk (or “SoNo”) neighborhood, with fun shops, nightclubs and restaurants.

Celebrating its 174th season, Lake Compounce is the Premier Family Theme Park & Water Park in New England and the oldest continuously operating amusem*nt park in North America. What makes us the best amusem*nt park in Connecticut for family-friendly fun and excitement? We're home to the top-rated wooden roller coaster in the world, Boulder Dash, as well as the best water park in Connecticut!
Enjoy our classic rides, thrilling coasters, andseveral attractionsyou won't find anywhere else in New England. Lake Compounce is your family's destination forspecial events,family dining options,and a whole season of fun!

APCM provides an enriching environment where children and their families can learn about themselves, their communities, and the world around them. Integrated throughout the museum is a broad range of creative exhibits and imaginative hands-on activities, which foster a climate of learning and exploration. Central to the museum's philosophy is that children can learn through the arts, history, science, and the region's rich environmental and cultural diversity.

Cool off at Connecticut's #1 Water Park - Zip Lines, Wakeboards, Rock Climb, Rope Swing, Water Slides, Inflatable Water Obstacles, Scuba and Swim.

The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat has outdoor adventures for the whole family including train and boat excursions along the Connecticut River, Pirate Adventures, Murder Mysteries, Private Parties, Pumpkin Patch Trains, Elf Academy, North Pole Express, and more! Their mission is to keep alive the rich mechanical, industrial, and transportation heritage of our state through the continual operation of vintage steam and diesel locomotives and passenger coaches. New for 2020: Pedal a Rail-Bike on a round trip adventure over easy terrain with stunning scenery along the CT River! 4, 6 and 9.5 miles excursions are on sale now!

MusicMakers is a Grammy Nominated classical music school with a progressive attitude. We are a school, not a store, so we are completely focussed on YOU and your education!We work with your goals and guide you step by step towards them. We offer lessons online as well as in person and have mastered the "zoom studio" for optimal professionalism and learning atmosphere.Although our school is based in Manchester, Connecticut, MusicMakers students come from all across the USA! We are currently teaching in 4 different time zones!We teach lessons on instruments and voice, offering an accelerated track, as well. Private lessons are offered from ages 4 through adults, using a sequential method of learning. Summer programs, master classes, and several performing opportunities are offered each year from recitals to virtual ensembles.

Romp n' Roll classes and activities are specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, ages 3 months through 5 years. Rather than focusing solely on the physical activity aspect, like other kids gyms, we incorporate art classes, music classes, movement activities, and imagination into our offerings.Indoor children's gym, art and music facility offering drop-offs, camps and the best birthday parties!

With 165 interactive exhibits, the Connecticut Science Center provides fun exploration of physics, forensics, geology, astronomy and much more! During your visit, you can also explore Live science demonstrations, experience our tropical Butterfly Encounter or watch a movie in our re-opened 3D theater.