So, you’re trying to find a fun gift or experience for a baby/toddler in your life- without breaking the bank or causing more clutter! Luckily, there are a TON of options for things to do type gifts here in CT!
One of the big projects I’ve been working on is finding all the fun experiences that you can give as gifts- supporting local businesses, museums, and nonprofits, reducing clutter (and the impact on our planet!) and making family memories! We’re working on getting gifts together for every age, stage, and interest. Got an idea? Leave it in the comments, send me an email, or DM me on a social media account and I’ll see if I can add it!
Back to babies and toddlers. My favorite things for babies and toddlers are also great for parents- they help you bond with your child, get you out and about- and might even help you make a new friend or two!
Before giving someone an experience related gift, I like to think about three things:
- Location– How easy is it to access? Is there parking available? How long a drive is it?
- What it includes– What will you be doing? Who will enjoy this? How long can you do it for? Does it include admission into one attraction or many?
- Cost– Because we’re all on a budget!
Anyway, without further ado, here’s a list of favorite attractions for babies and toddlers:
Give the Gift of PLAY!
Rooted Play Studio, Glastonbury:
This Montessori based play studio is SO CUTE and full of fun things for babies and toddlers up through the PK crowd. Designed by an early childhood educator, it’s built to allow children to explore through play. Our baby loved all the tummy time stuff and our toddler played pretend for literal hours. They also offer specialty classes, like Sensory Play, STEAM, and so many more!
Location: 2450 Main St Glastonbury, CT 06033
Cost: $15/ Open Play Session; $25/Class; $100/Class Pack
Includes: 2 Hours of play time in a Montessori Inspired Space or a fun class!
Romp N Roll (Wethersfield):
If you are looking for a parent (or grandparents!)-child experience that gets everyone moving and laughing, look no further. Romp N Roll specializes in parent/child classes that incorporate music, art, and movement. I’m not joking- I went multiple times per week during my first born’s few years of life. It was so nice to watch her light up, and she learned a lot too! They also offer open play, and it’s amazing to have a place to go in the cold winter months.
Location: 1275 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Cost: A monthly membership is $99/4 classes or $129/8 classes. They also offer class packs ($270 for 10 classes). Black Friday specials will likely be available too!
Includes: See Membership Details 🙂
My Gym (Enfield, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Orange, Stamford, West Hartford):
This is another fantastic parent/grandparent – child experience that incorporates movement and play. It’s a great way to help your little explore the world, and they offer a variety of classes and open play options. 4 Classes for $120 or 8 for $210. 10 Open Gym Pass for $125.
Location: Locations in Enfield, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Orange, Stamford, West Hartford
Cost: $15/Open Gym; $35 Class
Includes: Play sessions, classes or both!
My Kid’s Place, Colchester:
My Kid’s Place is another indoor play studio that allows children to learn through play while parents and caregivers can relax with a cup of coffee, chat and make connections.
Location: 119 S Main Street, Colchester, Connecticut, 06415
Cost: $10/Open Play Session
Includes: Play time in a Montessori Inspired Space!
A Day out at the Museum
Downtown Middletown Gift Card:
This one seems random, but stick with me! This is the only gift card that gets you into KidCity Museum in Middletown! Our family loves them because they have an extra special age for babies and toddlers to crawl around and explore. Also, it’s a hit with older siblings too! Use the card for admission and then take a walk for lunch nearby (We love the crepes and snacks at Perk on Main!)
Location: 393 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Cost: Varies from $20-$500
Includes: Admission into a whole bunch of businesses and KidCity Museum!
EverWonder Children’s Museum, Newtown:
This adorable Children’s Museum has a wide variety of exhibits, but our favorite for babies and toddlers is definitely their Under 5 explorers which has tons to explore, including: Vet Lab, Nature Lab, Kitchen Science, and a Busy Wall! It’s nice to have a space that’s dedicated to just littles, and it makes it easy for them to explore!
Location: 11 Mile Hill Rd, Newtown, CT 06470
Cost: $150 for a Family Membership (2 Adults/4 Children)
Includes:
- Free Admission
- Automatic enrollment into the ACM Reciprocal Network. The ACM Reciprocal Network provides 50% off general admission for up to six (6) people to over 200 museums nationwide.
- 20% discount off the regular price admission ($8) for all additional guests.
- $35.00 discount on birthday parties.
- 10% discount on classes and programs.
- Early registration for special events.
Spend Time Under the Sea or At the Zoo
Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish pools are 90 degrees of wonderful warmth – and their Caregiver/Child classes are an absolute blast! Not only will your child learn swimming skills, but they also incorporate a lot of songs and play. Their membership also includes some open swim time so you can go back and enjoy the water!
Locations: Cromwell, Manchester, Orange, and Hamden
Cost: $120/month Membership
Includes: Weekly Swim Lessons & Family Swim
Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
Connecticut’s only Zoo has the perfect amount for younger kids to enjoy. We’re talking cute animals, a play area, even a Carousel! Through education, conservation, research and guest experience, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo provides a wonderfully wild experience for students and families.
Location: 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
Cost: $140/Family
Includes:
- Unlimited admission to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo during regular Zoo business hours
- Reciprocals with CT Science Center, Mystic Seaport, and so many others!
- Bring a friend pass
- Discounts in the museum store
Please note- this page is under construction. We are working to add more fun things, so check back often!
