Happy November, everyone! Now that we are past Halloween, it’s time to turn our attention to Connecticut family activities that take us through the Thanksgiving season.
There are well over 100 of them, so we went ahead and made this list to get you started on your Thanksgiving planning. Whether you’re in the mood for some wonderful kid’s shows (we’re looking at you, The Bushnell!), some great date nights (Show at Jorgensen anyone?), a way to keep the kids from going stir crazy (Urban Air!) or tons of holiday events, we’ve got you covered!
Plus, learn to cook something new, check out CT Local produce, or enjoy FREE family fun- the choice is all yours.
Header Photo Credit: Friends of Heublein Tower, Talcott Mountain State Park
In the Photo: Rooted Play Studio
Arts, Culture & Conservation:
1. Head to Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on November 10 for My Father’s Dragon, which will delight kids of all ages. Got a kid under 10? Tell them to enter our picture contest!
2. Head over to the Bushnell for the Lion King, which runs from November 13-December 1. It truly is one of the most spectacular shows of all time.
3. Explore Connecticut History at The Pequot Museum (Free during the month of November for Connecticut Science Center Members!)
4. Speaking of the Connecticut Science Center, check out their new Forest of Illusions exhibit and also their special events: this month features Voting, Pokemon, Toddler Tuesdays, and SO MUCH MORE!
5.Head to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo during the day to hang out with the animals- or check it out at night for Glow Wild!
6. Enjoy Sensory Art Play for Littles at Rooted Play in Glastonbury, Happy Handz in Portland or the Giggling Pig (multiple locations!)
7. Hang out with the animals at a Nature Center- think Northwest Park, Meig’s Point, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, The Pratt Nature Center, the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, and so many others! Plus- check out Westport’s Earthplace, which features a fully accessible hiking trail!
8. Smash some Pumpkins and end the Halloween season in style at KidPlay’s Pumpkin Chuckin’ Event.
9. Check out the Connecticut River Museum for RiverCrafts or Sensory Friendly Hour. While you’re at downtown Essex, visit Grace and Haven for crafts on Sundays!
10. Head to the Talcott Museum and Nature Center for Skygazing.
11. Visit the Florence Griswold Museum– check your library for a free pass!
12. Check out the Carousel Museum– it’s free for kids and you can check out their new Tinker Space!
13. Head out for a pottery adventure- visit Glazed in Glastonbury (Little ones will love their totally toddler hour) or The Claypen in West Hartford.
14. Test your wits at a Wigwam Themed Escape Room at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington.
15. Visit Mystic Seaport on November 16 for an Indigenous Craft Fair where you can support Indigenous artisans this Native American Heritage Month.
16. Take a day to play at a children’s museum- KidsPlay in Torrington, KidCity in Middletown, Niantic Children’s Museum, Stepping Stones in Norwalk– and so many more!
17. Explore Nowashe Village in South Windsor and learn all about Native American Heritage- Open Mondays, Thursday, and for special events.
18. Enter daily Native life as it was before permanent European settlement at Life in the Eastern Woodlands – Living History at the Weston History and Cultural Center.
Honoring those who Served
Veterans Day is November 11. Head to one of these museums to pay tribute to those who served. We’ll be working to put together a round up of services and celebrations honoring Veterans so stay tuned.
19. Experience Aviation and Military History at the New England Air Museum.
20. Pay tribute to American Veterans at the Greater Middletown Military Museum.
21. Honor the men and women who served our State and Country during times of conflict and natural disasters at the West Haven Veterans Museum.
22. Explore submarine history aboard the USS Nautilus at the Submarine Force Museum.
23. Explore Connecticut’s contributions to the Civil War at the New England Civil War Museum, Rockville.
24. Attend a Veteran’s Day ceremony at the Institute for American Indian Studies on November 3.
Photo Credit: Glow Gardens
Getting in to the Holiday Spirit:
I’ll admit it. I’m that person who gets all decked out for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. One month of Holiday lights isn’t enough, so I wrap Christmas and Thanksgiving together and make it one big great party.
25. Glow Gardens Hartford at the Connecticut Convention Center. A million lights, a train that takes you all around the center- and it’s twice the size of last year! Begins Nov. 29.
26. Beginning Black Friday, you can play in the snow (even if it’s 80 degrees out like it was this week!) at Powder Ridge Park.
27. Ring in the Holiday Season on Nov. 24 at the Stamford Spectacular Parade*.
28. Head to Mystic on Nov. 30 for the Mystic Lighted Boat Parade (Santa Arrives by Tugboat!).
29. Alternatively, visit Stonington starting Nov 23 for the Stonington Lobster Trap Tree Lighting.
30. If fireworks are more your thing, on Nov. 30 Simsbury Celebrates 2024*
31. The Essex Steam Train North Pole Express begins November 14- there are still just a few tickets left!
32. Magic of Lights in East Hartford begins on the 22nd. It’s this huge, amazing drive through light show- a MUST see!
33. Take a Trolley Ride, and See Santa during Winterfest at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Rides begin Nov. 29.
34: Santa is also at the Northern Lights Limited & Santa Express at the Railway Museum of New England.
35. See Santa at the Shoreline Trolley Museum.
36. Don’t forget to head to Lake Compounce for their Holiday Light Experience.
37. Visit the Florence Griswold Museum for the Holiday Tree Festival (and stop for afternoon Tea!)
38. Head to Star Hill Family Farm to meet Santa and choose your TREE!
39. Farmer’s HayRide, Broadbrook wil be offering hay rides and more family fun!
40.Choose your tree at Dzen Tree Farm and Rockin Reindeer Cafe – and make sure to wave to the LIVE REINDEER!
Photo Credit: Clyde’s Cider; Star Hill Family Farm
Tasty Treats:
46. Enjoy Connecticut’s best cider at Gotta’s Farm and Cider Mill, Portland or at Clyde’s Cider, Mystic.
47. Get your Thanksgiving Turkey at Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, Moosup or Holbrook Farm, Bethel.
48. Head to Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, Newtown to rent an Igloo, sit by a Harry Potter Inspired Fireplace, or enjoy the great outdoors- the choice is yours!
49. On November 23-24: Get all your Thanksgiving Fare at the Thanksgiving Farmers Market- The Farm Truck at Hein Farm.
50. Late night (or early morning) at Vernon Diner– traditional diner fare doesn’t get much tastier than this! Fun local gem filled with tasty treats.
51. Eat your way through Parkville Market, an incredible food hall in Hartford with tons of delicious treats, an arcade, and some great spaces for kids to run around.
52. Brush up on your Thanksgiving cooking skills at a Stew Leonards Workshop.
53. Check out all the offerings at Mary’s Culinary Classes LLC to learn everything from pizza to turkey cupcakes- with offerings from PreSchoolers to Seniors!
54. Grab some snacks and see the Animals at Silverman’s Farm in Easton.
55. Head to Lyman Orchards for Autumnfest, Taste the Seasons, or Afternoon Tea!
56. Eat one the literal best Chocolate Chip Cookies at Chocolate Geeks in Essex.
57. Grab a Hot Cocoa and pasteries at Sift Bake Shop.
Photo Credit: Jamie’s Run
Active Adventures:
58. Get those wiggles out at Urban Air Adventure– memberships start at $12 per month (and for $17/month, you get pizza!)
59. Race around the track at RPM Raceway in Stamford– how fast can you go???
60. Nomad’s is full of adventure- enjoy Lazer Tag or play in the arcade!
61. Try bowling- there’s a big list on the Kids Bowl Free Website.
62. Support Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and run for a cure at Jamie’s Run (JK5K) on November 3
63. Run on Veteran’s Day in support of the Wounded Warriors Project.
64. On Fridays and Saturdays, visit Veteran’s Memorial Skate Rink in West Hartford for DJ Skate Night.
65. Get outside and hang out in the trees at Bridgeport Discovery Park Climbing Adventure.
66. Climb after dark at Glow in the Park, Tree Trails Mystic.
67. Don’t let the rainy days get you down! Head to Jordan’s Furniture IT Adventure Park for 3 stories of climbing fun!
68. Feeling brave on Thanksgiving day? Try going for a run, like Thanksgiving Day O’BRiley 5K Turkey Trot in Historic Collinsville or Manchester Road Race, Manchester. See our list of family fun runs and Thanksgiving weekend events here.
69. Hike to the Heublein Tower at Talcott Mountain state park (pictured above in the header!) for some gorgeous fall views.
Photo Credit: Ct Museum of Culture & History, Lowe’s, The Home Depot
Free Family Fun:
77. Visit the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History in Hartford for FREE Family Day on Nov. 2 for Día de Muertos Community Celebration / Celebración Comunitaria del Día de Muertos.
78.Tour Entre Mundos: Art of Abiayala with a docent and see the community ofrenda (altar) during Second Saturday at the Wadsworth in Hartford– FREE admission for all!
79. Both Lowe’s and Home Depot stores statewide are offering FREE monthly workshops for kids. Kids will love making something for a special person in their lives!
80. Head to Christ the King Church in Newtown for a Family Fun Fall Fair on November 2.
81. Stroll around the Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, Stamford– they’re also always free to access!
82. Check out Essex Library for activities for kids of all ages, including toddler storytime, PreK Storytime, and a Kids Create Session where kids can make beaded keychains!
83. Head to the Farmington Library to Celebrate Dinovember with fun activities all month long!
84. Speaking of Dinovember, head to the Peabody Museum – it’s newly renovated and looks AMAZING!
85. Kids can spice up their Thanksgiving table by learning Origami or Teens can Bake Bread at Plainville Public Library.
86. Create tons of fun fall crafts Mystic and Noank Library on Monday Mornings.
87. Sing along with Moana themed activities on November 27 at Milford Library.
88. Attend Lego Play Day at the East Hartford Library on November 17
89. Meet Moana and Ariel at Cromwell Library on November 20.
90. Admire the Art at Yale Art Gallary or Yale Center for British Art.
91. Head to Cromwell Library on November 23 for a fun game of Party Playoff!
92. Visit Bristol Library on November 23 for Thanksgiving Storytime or a Pokemon Party at the Library! Also Santa arrives early on November 16 and you can get a free Holiday Bear photo on November 30!
93. Check out the “CT State Parks Pass” (Part of the No Child Left Inside Movement!) from your local library and visit Rocky Hill’s Dinosaur State Park or Fort Trumbull.
94. Hour of Code is coming in December! Visit Hartford Public Library for Hour of Code Tuesdays!
95. Explore Art and Science at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich– always free on Tuesdays!
96. Visit the Benton Museum of Art at UCONN Storrs– Admission is free (donations are accepted if you are able). They have some fun things for kids to do too!
97. Test your luck during Dinovember with Dino Bingo at the Portland Library on November 19!
98. CT Teens under 18 can head to Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 22, 2024 for Bennewitz Quartet- Chamber Music tickets are always FREE for those under 18!
99. Visit the Avon Free Public Library on Wednesdays from 11-12 for FREE drop in Art Studio class for children of all ages!
100. Head to Ridgefield Public Library on November 23 – teens can create a Thanksgiving Banner and kids can enjoy Teddy Bear Yoga.
As always, lots of energy goes into making these lists, but it’s always good to check with the event organizer- better safe than sorry!
Have an event you’d like to share? Drop it in the comments below, or add it to our calendar- free events and fundraisers are always free!
The Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London also provides great programming for children and families.
Free First Saturday
Time: 11 am – 1 pm in the art studio
Cost: Free admission for everyone all day
November 2: Collaged Quilts
Take inspiration from the art of Gee’s Bend Quilters, featured in the Personal to Political exhibition. Design your own colorful quilt using collage materials.
December 7: Winter Wonder Day
Kick-off your December by enjoying free photographs with Santa, winter artmaking, and more!
January 4: Make a Miniature
Have you ever painted with a magnifying glass? See the detailed miniature paintings by team Wes and Rachelle Siegrist before painting your own mini work of art.
February 1: Thuan Vu- Repairing with Gold
Learn about the practice of kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, in the exhibition by artist Thuan Vu. “Repair” your own tile with kintsugi methods to create a coaster.
March 1: Inuit Art
Learn about different styles of Inuit art from the collection of James Houston. Make your own art print inspired by animal forms seen in the exhibitions.
April 5: Busy Bees
Help the Lyman Allyn prepare for the outdoor art installation The Bee Project. Bring recyclable and non-recyclable materials to make bees that can become part of the installation.
May 3: May Flowers
Jump into spring by creating your own flower bouquet inspired by the different flora in Louis Comfort Tiffany in New London.
I LOVE THIS!!! We’ll have to get these on the calendar. Definitely want to pay you a visit for the Inuit Art-I spent a month in the Baffin Bay area exploring that area and it is so incredible.