Things are more fun when they’re free, don’t you think? These activities are proof that you can have a good time in Connecticut without spending a penny. Check out these fun activities next time you’re looking for something to do while staying on budget. There’s something here for everyone!
1. Submarine Force Museum (Groton)
Home to the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, this place is the official submarine museum of the U.S. Navy. Here you can experience life in the Navy as you explore subs and use working periscopes.
2. State Capitol (Hartford)
Enjoy the beautiful Bushnell Park with a picnic and game of frisbee before you take a tour of the beautiful capitol and visit the legislative chambers.
3. Heublein Tower (Simsbury)
Located within Talcott Mountain State Park, this architectural wonder is well worth the hike. You'll travel through a natural sanctuary on your way to the 165 foot tower, where you're free to explore.
4. Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret (Pomfret Center)
If you're into birding, or you think you might want to try it, this is the best place to go in the state! Over 700 acres of nationally recognized land gives you a high chance of seeing some pretty cool birds.
5. Flanders Nature Center (Woodbury)
There's a little bit of everything here! Hiking trails, gardens, and educational activities are just the beginning at this stunning land trust area, open dawn to dusk. Calling all nature lovers!
6. UConn Animal Barns (Storrs)
Sheep, cows, and even horses are yours for the petting! You can even see the cows being milked, along with baby animals.
7. Yale Center for British Art (New Haven)
Do you love paintings? Home to the largest collection of British art outside the United Kingdom, the Center will make you feel as though you're exploring another world.
8. Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens (Hartford)
The first municipal rose garden in the country, this place is a powerful duo of history and beauty. You will love the rock gardens and restaurant.
9. Weir Farm National Historic Site (Wilton)
Once a workplace for artists, go see the inspiration for yourself! As the only National Park Service site dedicated to American painting, visiting this place is literally like being inside of a work of art.
10. New Britain Youth Museum (New Britain)
This museum for kids is full of cool art exhibits, a collection of masks, a puppet theater and a garden. If you're planning an outing for the whole family, this is a great way to entertain the kids and save some money!
11. Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium (New Haven)
This Yale ran observatory is open to the public every Tuesday night for planetarium shows, and on clear nights the telescopes will be opened for your viewing pleasure as well. You could be an astronomer for a night!
12. SoundWaters Coastal Education Center (Stamford)
While not everything here is free, much of it is. Aimed at protecting the Long Island Sound, the activities let you get your hands dirty as you explore the beauty of the Connecticut coast. With all the money you save from this list, spending a little cash here will be easy and worth it!
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