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Free is always better, isn’t it? That’s especially true when you have a family! We’ve compiled a list of some of the best free things to do with kids (or without) in Connecticut!
Stepping Stones Museum for Children
With its wide range of exhibits for all ages, Stepping Stones is a fabulous choice for the whole family. They offer hands on activities in a variety of subject areas including science. There’s a multimedia gallery, light gallery and community garden too! Through its Open Arms program, the museum holds Get Into It! free evenings the first Thursday of every month. From 5 to 8 p.m., families can enjoy the exhibits, educational events and gallery activities for free.
Yale Center for British Art
If you love art, then you’ll enjoy the museum. It has just what you’re looking for. While this might not be an optimal destination for small children, it has a lot to offer for adults and older children. The museum features British art from the present day all the way back to the Elizabethan period. The most impressive part is that only the UK has a larger collection of British art including 35,000 rare books and 40,000 prints. You can peruse a variety of items from drawings to manuscripts in this museum that’s always free. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Outer Island
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Outer Island is part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. It boasts phenomenal views and is a nesting ground for several bird species including endangered and migratory birds. It also has several unique habitats including a rocky inter-tidal zone, beach, and marsh. Admission to the island is always free, but you will need to pay for the ferry ride. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy nature.
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Submarine Force Museum
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Have you ever seen a submarine? At the Submarine Force Museum, you can see the Nautilus, the first nuclear-powered submarine. The kids will be excited to see how submariners live and sleep in the sub. They can explore photographs and artifacts inside the museum, and learn about submarine and Naval history.
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Visitors can see all the museum has to offer for free every day except for Tuesdays. Hours vary by the season – be sure to check the website for more details.
This list is just a small sample of all the amazing things you can see and do for free in Connecticut. Whether you’re visiting or you’re a resident, you should get out and explore all of the fun and fabulous things in this state!
Harrison House
If you’re a history buff, then you’ll enjoy this house! The beautiful house was hand built by Nathaniel Harrison in 1724 and was continuously occupied until 1938. It’s only open from 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays from June to September, so you should make an effort to see it. The house has a variety of period articles in the house just as they would have been as well as a museum room with Branford artifacts and archives. If four-poster beds and beehive ovens aren’t your thing, you can revel in the immaculate colonial and herb gardens.
Other Resources:
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/free-things-ct/
https://mommypoppins.com/connecticut-kids/indoor-activities/50-free-things-to-do-indoors-in-ct
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/free-things-ct/
https://mommypoppins.com/connecticut-kids/indoor-activities/50-free-things-to-do-indoors-in-ct
