12 Best Things to Do with Kids in Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford, Connecticut, is a great city to explore with kids. Its diverse offerings make it a great family destination.

Here are our choices.

Walk or bike along the scenic Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is a scenic 84-mile trail that runs from New Haven to Northampton, Massachusetts.

The trail is open to the public for walking, biking, and other non-motorized activities. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes, including urban areas, farmland, forests, and wetlands. Along the way, the trail passes by several historic sites and landmarks.

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.

Visit the Connecticut Science Center for hands-on science fun

The Connecticut Science Center is a great place to take kids for some hands-on science fun.

There are a variety of exhibits to explore, as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theater. Kids can learn about topics such as space, the human body, animals, and the environment. There are also a number of interactive games and activities to keep them engaged.

Enjoy a day of fishing at one of Hartford’s many parks and lakes

There are many parks and lakes in the Hartford area that offer fishing for kids.

Some of the more popular spots include West Hartford Reservoir, Elmwood Park, and Goodwin Park. These spots offer a variety of fish to catch, including bass, trout, and perch.

Have a blast at the Connecticut Children’s Museum

The Connecticut Children’s Museum is a great place for families to enjoy quality time together.

There are tons of interactive exhibits for children of all ages, and the staff is always on hand to help make sure everyone is having a blast. Plus, the museum is located in downtown Hartford, so there’s plenty to see and do nearby.

See the animals up close at the Connecticut Zoo

The Connecticut Zoo is a family-friendly destination where visitors can see animals up close.

The zoo is home to tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, and other animals. Visitors can learn about the animals through educational programs and demonstrations. The zoo also offers rides, a petting zoo, and a gift shop.

Learn about Hartford’s rich history at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest public art museum in the United States.

It was founded in 1842 by Daniel Wadsworth, a prominent Hartford businessman, statesman, and art patron. The museum houses a significant collection of American and European art from the Renaissance to the present day, as well as a large collection of works by Hartford native Mark Twain.

Go for a swim at one of Hartford’s public pools or beaches

There are many public pools and beaches near Hartford that families can go to for a swim.

Some of the more popular ones include the West Hartford Reservoir, the East Hartford Reservoir, and the Manchester Town Beach. All of these locations offer a variety of different activities for families to enjoy, such as swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and fishing.

Play miniature golf or go-karts at one of the city’s family fun centers

There are several family fun centers in and around Hartford that offer miniature golf and go-karting.

Some of the most popular include Monkey Trunks Extreme Zip Lining & Adventure Park, Fun World Family Entertainment Center, and Putnam Place. These centers offer a variety of other activities as well, making them a great option for a day of family fun.

Catch a movie at one of Hartford’s drive-in theaters or indoor movie theaters

There are a few different movie theaters in the Hartford area that would be great to take kids to.

One is the Avon Theater, which is a historic theater that has been around since the early 1900s. It is located in downtown Hartford and shows both new releases and classic films. Another option is the Connecticut Science Center, which has an IMAX theater where kids can learn about science while watching a movie.

Finally, the New Britain Museum of American Art also has a small theater that screens independent and foreign films.

Attend a family-friendly show or concert at the Connecticut Convention Center

The Connecticut Convention Center is a great place to take your family for a show or concert.

They offer a variety of family-friendly events that are sure to please everyone in the family. From musical performances to comedy shows, there is something for everyone at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Browse the shops and stop for lunch or ice cream in charming West Hartford Center

West Hartford Center is a charming shopping area with plenty of places to stop for lunch or an ice cream.

There are several kid-friendly shops, as well as a few parks nearby.

Take a scenic ride on the Hartford Line commuter rail to explore other towns in Connecticut

The Hartford Line commuter rail is a great way to explore other towns in Connecticut as a family.

The train takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the state, and you can stop at any of the towns along the way to explore. There are plenty of things to do in each town, so you can easily find something that interests everyone in your family. And, if you get tired of exploring, you can always just sit back and enjoy the ride.