May the 4th be with you as you enjoy the top free and fun things to do this May in Connecticut with kids! Brick Fest Live photo by Gina Ragland
24 Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Connecticut May 2024 with Kids
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

May the 4th be With You, The Greatest Show on Earth, and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend

4/24/24 - By Jennifer Coe

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

It's the first weekend in May and there are so many fun things happening all over Connecticut for families. It's Space Day at the Discovery Museum, full of special activities all day long and free admission. Maybe mom and dad want to go out on Friday night? Drop the kids off at the YMCA in Granby for Kids Night Out. 

May the 4th be with you on Saturday as several places are holding Star Wars themed events like Star Wars Day at Stepping Stones Museum and a Star Wars-themed Family Day Camp at AMP. 

The Greatest Show on Earth is back  this weekend as well complete with clowns, 75 performers and amazing acrobatics. Relive your Ringling Brothers childhood memories with your children as they swing through the air! (the acrobats, not your kids!)

 

More Things To Do in Connecticut This Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things To Do this Weekend in Connecticut with Kids

Space Day at the Discovery Museum

Bridgeport - FREE
Friday, May 3
Don't miss the annual Space Day event, celebrating Earth's place in space. Join Discovery for a special extended event, with activities from 10am to 7pm, extra shows and presentations, and telescope viewing (weather-permitting). READ MORE

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

West Hartford
May 3-5
Alexander is having a bad day. A terrible day. A horrible day. To be quite honest, it's a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Not only does he wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he's not his best friend anymore. It is enough to make anyone want to go to Australia. But then, everybody has bad days, sometimes. READ MORE

Kids Night Out YMCA

Granby
Friday, May 3
Bring your kids to the YMCA for an exciting evening filled with fun, friends, crafts and games. A light dinner will be served. READ MORE

First Friday Dollar Night at Niantic Children's Museum

Niantic
Friday, May 3
Come enjoy an affordable Friday night at the Museum due to the generosity of Electric Boat Employees Community Service Association. Admission is $1 per person for everyone over 12 months old. Pre-registration not required. READ MORE

Mom and Me Paint Night

West Haven
Friday, May 3
Moms, Aunts, Grandmas, etc. all welcome to come paint with their favorite kids. Join us in the studio to celebrate Mother's Day and paint this adorable spring bird. Multiple family members can join and change the color of their birds. READ MORE

Opening Day Ellington Farmers Market: Barnyard Babies

Ellington - FREE
Saturday, May 4
Get ready for a day of farm-fueled fun at the Ellington Farmers Market opening day event: Barnyard Babies. Local farms will be bringing adorable calves, lambs, chicks, piglets, kids (baby goats), and baby bunnies for everyone to enjoy. READ MORE

Farm Open Play Day at Guided by Goats

Cheshire
Saturday, May 4
Come to the farm to play. Children get to explore their different activity stations at their own pace. Available activities may include water table, mud kitchen, painting, play dough, or sensory bins. READ MORE

Westmoor Park Family Fishing Festival

West Hartford - FREE
Saturday, May 4
This fun festival focuses on learning to fish. There will be learning stations to explore, games, casting lessons, and fishing for the whole family. Bring your own gear for a fun morning at Fernridge Park. This event is free, however all participants must register on line. READ MORE

Essex Steam Train Day Out with Thomas: The Bubble Tour

Essex
Saturday & Sunday, May 4 &5
‘Pop’ on board a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine. Day Out With Thomas: Bubble Tour is heading to heritage railways across the country with loads of bubble themed games and activities.  READ MORE

Mark Twain Library Annual Frog Frolic

Redding - FREE
Saturday, May 4
This is a children's country fair where families will enjoy live music, food, crafts, games and more. The festival is a great way to celebrate the Mark Twain Library and New England history. READ MORE

Hill-Stead Museum's May Market

Farmington
Saturday & Sunday, May 4 & 5
One of the Farmington Valley’s finest and longest-running springtime celebrations. Enjoy the return of Spring on the 152 acres of gardens, grounds and trails. This year, the festive happening will feature over 40 premium vendors and flowers and unique plants perfect for Mother’s Day. READ MORE

The Greatest Show On Earth® Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Tours Again

Hartford
Saturday & Sunday, May 4 & 5
Come and see a once-in-a-lifetime show with Ringling Brothers. There will be 75 performers from 18+ countries represented. All showcasing awe-inspiring acts, including aerial, acrobatics, world dance, music, comedy, and jaw-dropping thrills. See the triangular highwire, criss-cross flying trapeze, stunt bikes, the Human Rocket and more! READ MORE

Colonial Day of Norwich

Norwich - FREE
Saturday, May 4
This event is sponsored by the Norwich Historical Society and the Society of the Founders of Norwich in celebration of the season opening of the Carpenter Shop and Visitors’ Center and will feature: historical reenactors, colonial crafters, demonstrations, games and hands on activities for children, and entertainment. READ MORE

Daffodil Festival in Meriden

Meriden - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, May 4& 5
Enjoy crafts, a parade, a Little Miss Daffodil contest, food, and more at this annual event showcasing more than 600,000 blooms. READ MORE

May the Fourth Be With You! FAMILY DAY CAMP

Winsted - FREE
Saturday, May 4
This is the way... to a fun-filled day! Join AMP on Saturday, May 4, for imaginative activities for kids, tweens, and teens that focus on our quarterly theme of Space/Science. The whole family will enjoy: Build a Rover + Sandbox Obstacle Challenge (all ages) Out-of-This-World Improvisation for teens Mars-Themed Storytime for little ones Star Tours Scavenger Hunt, and more. Activities are included with admission. Kids 18 and under are free on Family Day. READ MORE

Star Wars Day at Stepping Stones

Norwalk
Saturday, May 4
The force will be with you all day long as Stepping Stones celebrates George Lucas’s beloved saga. Young Padawans and their Jedi Masters will be transported to a galaxy far, far away through interstellar STEAM activities, immersive sights and sounds and exciting character appearances—costumes encouraged! READ MORE

Spring on the Farm Festival Weekends at Stamford Nature Center

Stamford
Sunday, May 5
Celebrate the season with the Stamford Museum and Nature Center with fun and games, animal interactions, baby goats, face painting, arts and crafts, food trucks, and seasonal offerings for the whole family from 10am-2pm.  READ MORE

Mother's Day: Fairy Garden Workshop with Fun with Nature

Middletown
Sunday, May 5
Create and make memories with the special women in your life this Mother’s Day.  Admission includes s’mores, coffee/tea, a visit with the horses, and everything needed to make magical fairy gardens or customized flower pots.   READ MORE

Princess Brunch at Parkville Market

Hartford
Sunday, May 5
You are cordially invited to a Parkville Market Princess Brunch. We’re calling all princesses and princes to get all dressed up and join us for a sing along with some of your favorite princesses. READ MORE

Norwalk Islands Bird Watching Tour

Norwalk
Sunday, May 5
Sun, sea breeze and beautiful wildlife make a perfect combination and that's just what the Norwalk Seaport Association offers up in its bird-watching tour. You will visit a variety of birds at a safe distance, nest sites and nesting colonies of Ospreys, Egrets, American Oystercatchers, Herons, Terns, Gulls, Cormorants and many more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: