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Health & Fitness

Top 20 Places To Take Kids In and Around Hartford

The venues listed below are wildly popular with kids and families in the Hartford area.

Hartford and the surrounding area is rich in fun events and exciting places. Don’t miss out on ALL the other wonderful places as well! Browse through our site and discover lots more to do! 

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1. Connecticut Science Center

With 150 hands-on exhibits the CT Science Center provides fun exploration of physics, forensics, geology, astronomy and much more! Your family will also enjoy a state-of-the-art 3D digital theater, four educational labs, plus daily programs and events!

2. Mystic Aquarium

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.

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3. Roaring Brook Nature Center

Located in Canton, Roaring Brook Nature Center offers nature-related programs, special events including the Hobgoblin Fair, a Halloween children’s event, our Roaring Brook Concerts, a music series featuring folk and other music, and special events for members and friends.

4. Lyman Orchards

Family owned orchard since 1741 with 225 acres and over 40,000 fruit trees. U-pick, cider mill, orchard tours, golf course and academy, and countless events throughout the year.

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5. Lake Compounce

Old fashioned fun! Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously-operating amusement park in the United States and has a waterpark and beach in addition to the park itself for everyone to enjoy!

6. Bushnell Park

Bushnell Park is filled with history and natural beauty. Enjoy a tree walk, an afternoon by the pond, a ride on the carousel, or visit one of the many statues and memorials right in downtown Hartford!

7. Dinosaur State Park

You'll love our 200 million-year-old fossil trackway, and interactive exhibits. Bring materials to cast your own dinosaur footprint to take home and plan for a hike through our trail system!  Bring your kids to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs!

8. Woodbury Ski Area

Woodbury Ski Area is in Woodbury Connecticut. We offer Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Tubing, Summer Tubing, Climbing Wall, Zipline, Aqua Zorbing, Swimming, and Zorbing! Bring your kids here for 4 seasons of fun!

9. Wadsworth Atheneum

As the first public art institution in the U.S., the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford provides a great learning experience and a true appreciation of art for people of all ages.

10. Lutz Children's Museum

The Lutz Children’s Museum was founded in 1953 to provide educational resources to children, families, and schools. Our current services include hands-on exhibits, live animals, classes, concerts, trips, special events and a nature center.

What places were ranked 11-20? Click here for the full list!

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