Top 5 Fun Fall Activities for Kids in Connecticut

Fall is a season made for family activities in Connecticut. The summer heat has faded, the air is crisp and carries the scent of pine and apple cider, and the trees are putting on a show with oranges, reds, and golds. It’s the perfect time to get the kids outside, explore new places, and create memories that last long after the leaves have fallen.

But, finding activities that keep kids entertained, engaged, and learning something new can be tricky, especially when you also want to enjoy the season yourself. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best fall activities in CT for families. From outdoor adventures to hands-on experiences, these picks are designed to make family time fun and stress-free.

Connecticut is packed with adventures that make family time exciting and memorable. Here’s a lineup of activities that your family will love.

1. Pumpkin Picking and Corn Mazes

Nothing screams fall like visiting a pumpkin patch or getting lost in a corn maze. Connecticut is full of family-friendly farms where kids can pick pumpkins, meet farm animals, and navigate endless corn corridors.

• Bishop’s Orchards, Guilford – A classic spot for pumpkins, apples, and raspberries. Don’t forget to grab a cider donut while you’re there.
  
• Lyman Orchards, Middlefield –  From August 30 to November 2, 2025, explore the corn maze and celebrate this year’s theme: Connecticut Pizza! Kids can wander the maze, learn fun pizza facts, and enjoy a tasty adventure.

Pumpkin patches and corn mazes are more than just fun. They encourage exploration, problem-solving, and a little friendly competition as kids find their way through the twists and turns. These are some of the best fun family things to do in CT during the fall.

2. Nature Hikes and Leaf Peeping

Fall leaves are a spectacular reason to head outdoors. Hikes in Connecticut offer a mix of easy trails for younger kids and more adventurous paths for older explorers. Pack water, snacks, and a small backpack for a day in the crisp air.

• Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden – Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Enjoy scenic views, gentle trails for beginners, and more challenging paths for kids ready to stretch their legs.
  
• Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam – Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Explore waterfalls, bridges, and vibrant foliage that makes every step feel like an adventure.

Hiking with kids is a fun way to get some exercise, enjoy fresh air, and teach them about nature and the changing seasons. Pack water, snacks, and a small backpack, and let the adventure unfold. This is one of the top ways to enjoy family fun in CT while staying active.

3. Local Fall Festivals and Events

Connecticut comes alive in the fall with festivals and events that make family time extra fun. Think pumpkin-themed games, hands-on crafts, live music, and plenty of treats that kids will love. These seasonal celebrations give families a chance to explore, play, and enjoy the spirit of the season together.

• Mansfield Festival, Storrs – Happening this year on September 27, the festival invites local businesses, non-profits, and UConn groups to host activities, crafts, and food booths. Enjoy a day full of pumpkin-themed fun, games, and community spirit!
  
• Ymca Of Greater, Hartford – Hosting multiple kid-friendly events throughout the fall, the YMCA offers interactive workshops, outdoor performances, and seasonal treats to keep little ones entertained while learning and exploring in a fun, safe environment.

No matter where you go, festivals are a great way to make family memories. Keep an eye on your town’s calendar because Connecticut’s fall always has something new and exciting for kids to discover.

4. Indoor Fun for Rainy Fall Days

Not every fall day is sunny, and sometimes kids need a warm, indoor adventure. Museums, science centers, and play spaces keep little minds busy while still letting them learn through hands-on activities.

• Connecticut Science Center, Hartford –  When the weather turns gray, the Science Center is a perfect indoor adventure. Kids can touch, explore, and experiment with hands-on exhibits that make STEM exciting and totally fun. With special events happening throughout the fall, it’s a great spot to let curious minds roam while staying warm and dry.
  
• Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk –  Little hands, big imaginations! Stepping Stones is all about letting kids under ten explore, touch, and play while learning about the world around them. With fun fall events popping up through the season, it’s the perfect spot to keep curious minds busy and smiling, rain or shine.

Indoor activities are also great for younger kids who tire easily or families looking for a cozy break from the outdoors. From hands-on experiments at the Connecticut Science Center to playful learning at Stepping Stones, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy all fall long.

5. Swim Lessons to Keep Skills Sharp

Fall weather doesn’t mean kids have to slow down. Swimming indoors is a fun way to stay active, keep skills sharp, and build confidence in the water.

urSwim offers small-group, structured lessons with personalized attention for every skill level. Families across Connecticut can enjoy classes in Milford, Trumbull, and Stratford, making it easy for kids to keep swimming, build confidence, and stay active no matter where they live. Swim Lessons CT are a fantastic way to continue building skills while having fun.

Your little swimmer has been making waves all summer, and now it’s time to keep that momentum going. The Fall Indoor Swim Session runs from early September through December, with flexible scheduling to fit even the busiest family routines. It’s the perfect way to continue practicing new skills, gain water confidence, and have fun no matter what the weather looks like outside.

Make the Most of Fall in Connecticut

Fall is short, but packed with opportunities for family fun. Whether it’s picking pumpkins, exploring trails, enjoying seasonal festivals, discovering indoor exhibits, or  swim lessons at milford ct, there is no shortage of ways to make memories together.

Plan ahead, dress in layers, and capture the moments as they happen. Kids will love the adventures, and parents will appreciate the calm that comes from having a game plan. Take this season as an invitation to try new things, laugh a lot, and create little moments that turn into big memories. Your kids will love the adventures and you will love seeing them light up with joy.