There are so many things to do in Hartford with kids! Hartford County is a place you'll probably have lots of occasions to pass through, even if you don't live nearby. Luckily, Greater Hartford is packed with museums, parks, and other attractions that are worth a stop. We have collected some unmissable places and events Connecticut has to share. Whether you and the brood are in the mood to learn, soak up nature, or get some exercise, this list has a family fun idea for you.
Check out 40 Awesome Summer Day Trips for Connecticut Families and find our picks for the top getaways in Connecticut.
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Get out and about in Greater Hartford for family fun! Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
Things To Do in Hartford - Top Family Attractions
1. Yard Goats Baseball
Cheer on the Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Stadium
2. Bushnell Park
Ride the carousel at Bushnell Park.
3. Lake Compounce
Spend a summer day at Lake Compounce in Bristol.
4. Urban Air Trampoline Park
Get all the little wiggles out at this Manchester's Urban Air trampoline park.
5. Fearless Flyers Academy
Have an adventurous child? Bring them out to Fearless Flyers Academy to learn trapeze.
6. Sonny's Place
Take a ride on the go-karts at Sonny's Place.
7. Hartford Stage
Go see a concert, a lively musical, or another great show at the Hartford Stage.
8. Old State House
Learn about the history of this great state at The Old State House.
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Things To Do in Hartford - Outdoor Activities
9. Farmington River Tubing
Go tubing down the Farmington River.
10. Roaring Brook Nature Center
Explore New England’s woodland environment at Roaring Brook Nature Center.
11. Enders Falls
Take a gander at Connecticut's waterfalls at Enders Falls.
12. Connecticut Audobon Society
Take your little nature-lover to a Budding Naturalists class at the Connecticut Audubon Society.
13. Bushnell Memorial Theater
Dress up and enjoy a show at the Bushnell Memorial Theater.
14. Elizabeth Park
Smell the roses at Elizabeth Park’s rose garden.
15. Wickham Park
Excite all your senses at Wickham Park's Sensory Garden.
16. Castle Craig
Climb to the top of Castle Craig in Meriden.
17. Flamig Farm
Pet the animals at the Flamig Farm.
18. Talcott Mountain State Park
Take the family for a hike around Talcott Mountain State Park.
19. Dinosaur State Park
Learn about the prehistoric times at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill.
The fun is taking off with the top things to do in Hartford! Photo courtesy of the New England Air Museum
Things To Do in Hartford - Museums and Indoor Fun
20. Imagine Nation Museum
Let your imagination run wild at the Imagine Nation Museum.
21. The Children's Museum
Have fun while learning and engaging interactive exhibits at The Children’s Museum.
22. Connecticut Science Center
Explore bubbles, robots, tornadoes and more: Our universe sure packs a lot of excitement, power, and puzzles, and so does the Connecticut Science Center.
23. Noah Webster House
Learn about the original creator of Webster's Dictionary at the Noah Webster house in West Hartford.
24. New England Carousel Museum
Learn about the history of carousels at the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol.
25. New England Air Museum
Sit in the cockpit of an airplane at the New England Air Museum.
26. Amato's Toy and Hobby
Stop in at Amato's Toy and Hobby store, one of the oldest toy stores in the state.
27. Central Rock Gym
Try indoor rock climbing at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury.
28. Mark Twain House
Learn about Hartford's most famous author at the Mark Twain House.
29. Time Machine Hobby
Indulge your favorite hobby at the Time Machine Hobby in Manchester.
30. New Britain Youth Museum
Take in a class at the New Britain Youth Museum.
31. Storyteller's Cottage
Enter into a magical world of literature at the Storyteller's Cottage in SImsbury.
Grab a quick bite while you're having fun with kids in Hartford! Photo courtesy of Canva
Things To Do in Hartford - Where To Eat
32. Pink Cupcake Shack
Cupcakes. So many cupcakes at Pink Cupcake Shack.
33. Mozzicato's Italian Bakery
Taste the amazing pastries and baked goods at Mozzicato's Italian Bakery.
34. Bloom Hill Farm
Grab a cold ice cream on a hot day at Bloom Hill Farm.
35. Avery's
Go for a tour of the factory and then make your own soda at Avery’s.
36. Farmington Mini Golf
Grab an ice cream cone and a game of summer mini golf at Farmington Mini Golf.
Plainville's hot air balloon celebration heats up in August. Photo courtesy of the festival
Things To Do in Hartford - Seasonal Fun
37. Southington Apple Harvest
Eat apple fritters at the Southington Apple Harvest.
38. Southington Drive-In
Watch a show at the Southington Drive-in Theater.
39. Hot Air Balloon Festival
Gaze in awe at the Hot Air Balloon Festival.
40. Apple Picking
Go apple picking at Karabin Farms
41. Mt. Southington
Ski the slopes at Mt. Southington
42. Veteran's Memorial Rink
Lace up your skates and enjoy a day at West Hartford's Veteran’s Memorial Rink.
43. Christmas Lights
Become mesmerized by the beauty of Fantasia’s Christmas Light show.
44. Page Park Sledding
Sled down the huge hills at Bristol's Page Park.
Originally published 1/29/2012.