CMEE hosts a tin-smithing workshop with Suffolk County Farms, where kids can enjoy old-fashioned fun. Photo courtesy of CMEE
FrostFest and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend
Kids will burn off all their energy running, jumping, and sliding through the Jetsetters Kids Club. Photo by Gina Massaro
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Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
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Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
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Sledding and smiles go hand in hand on these Long Island sledding hills.
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Pillow Fort photo by Seamus McCauley via Flickr 2 .0
Snow Day Activities: 55 Fun Things To Do on a Snow Day Indoors
Have a ball this winter at indoor fun centers on Long Island like Nana’s Wonderland. Photo by Gina Massaro
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Discover the trails at Quogue Wildlife Refuge for a day of free, outdoorsy fun. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
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Watch ice carving demonstrations and celebrate all things winter along the harborfront at Port Jefferson's annual Ice Festival. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Business Improvement District
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Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
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The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
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Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author
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Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
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Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
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Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
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Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
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The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
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Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
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Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
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Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
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Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
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Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
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Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
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Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
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Top Free Things To Do with Kids in CT in January 2026, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Kick off 2026 with fun and free things to do in Connecticut this January! Family Day event photo courtesy of the Yale University Art Galleries.
Kick off 2026 with fun and free things to do in Connecticut this January! Family Day event photo courtesy of the Yale University Art Galleries.
12/28/25 - By Jennifer Coe

It may be cold in Connecticut, but January 2026 activities are just beginning to warm up! Looking for FREE things to do? Enjoy Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford to start the month. Get out and about for Adventures in Nature: The Frozen World at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center in Mystic. And spend a day at the museum thanks to the annual Family Art Day at Yale Art Museum, 

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in Connecticut this January—we're adding more events to the Connecticut Events Calendar every day.

More Things To Do in Connecticut This Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Winterfest in Bushnell Park brings free fun to Connecticut this January 2026. Photo by Andy Hart, courtesy of Winterfest in Hartford.
Winterfest in Bushnell Park brings free fun to Connecticut this January 2026. Photo by Andy Hart, courtesy of Winterfest in Hartford.

Fun Free Activities in Connecticut January 2026

First Day Hike at Dino State Park

Rocky Hill - FREE
Thursday, January 1, 2026
On Thursday, January 1st, the Dino State Park will have their annual “First Day Hike” event! From 10:00am to 1:00pm, there will be Interpretive Naturalists leading guided nature walks along the Red Trail at Dinosaur State Park. READ MORE

New Year's Day Hike in Broad Brook

Broad Brook - FREE
Thursday, January 1, 2026
2.5 mile hike kicks off at 1:00 pm. Food donations will be collected for our local Five Corner Cupboard (human and pet foods). READ MORE

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford - FREE
January 2-4, 2026
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

La Befana An Epiphany Tale in New Haven

New Haven - FREE
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Enjoy a free play from the Italian American Historical Society of CT. Plus, celebrate 3 Kings' Day with activities, refreshments, & more! READ MORE

Who’s Been Here?: Animal Signs & Tracking at Denison Pequotsepsos

Mystic - FREE
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Spend the afternoon learning how to read the clues animals leave behind. From footprints to scat, uncover which creatures are active at the Nature Center and what their signs tell us. READ MORE

Los Tres Reyes Magos Celebration at Danbury Library

Danbury - FREE
Monday, January 5, 2026
Join DPL as they get ready for the upcoming Los Tres Reyes Magos celebration! Families will enjoy a bilingual reading of The Three Wise Men / Los Tres Reyes Magos and make a fun construction paper craft featuring the Three Kings. READ MORE

Adventures in Nature: The Frozen World at Denison Pequotsepsos Nature Center

Mystic - FREE
January 10, 2026
This month, explore the frozen side of nature as we dive into the science of ice. Through hands-on activities, learn how ice shapes the water cycle and affects the world around us. See how animals survive freezing temperatures (some even become “living icicles!”) and meet a few of our cold-hardy animal residents. READ MORE

Woodbury Fire Dept. Tree Burn

Woodbury - FREE
January 17, 2026
Say Goodbye to the Holidays with a Annual Tradition! The Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department invites you to the Annual Christmas Tree Burn. Event Highlights: Watch a demo of a single tree ignited to show how fast a dry tree burns and why we say, Water, Water, Water those trees! Then, watch as firefighters light the entire pile and watch the Christmas trees burn to mark the season’s end. READ MORE

Family Day at Yale Art Gallery in New Haven

New Haven - FREE
January 25, 2026
On their annual Family Day, Yale invite families to explore our collections and buildings with storytelling and art-making activities for all ages. Enjoy learning more about the art right in New Haven.   READ MORE

Bald Eagle Viewing at Shepaug Dam

Southbury - FREE
Throughout January 2026
The Shepaug Eagle view site will be opening for it's 39th season December 21st, 2024 through March 9th, 2025. View these birds of prey in all their beauty. READ MORE

A.C. Gilbert's American Flyer Train Show

Hamden - FREE
Through January 25, 2026
​The Eli Whitney Museum delves into New Haven's past to bring back a special tradition dating back more than 60 years: The AC Gilbert American Flyer Train collection.  READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Mohawk Mountain
Photo courtesy of Mohawk Mountain

More Fun Things To Do in Connecticut this Winter

Best Snow Tubing near Connecticut for Families in 2026

Winter fun awaits with snow tubing in and around Connecticut! READ MORE

The Best Igloo Dining in Connecticut

Try outdoor dining in the winter with igloo dining in Connecticut! READ MORE

Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways

In any kind of weather, New England indoor water parks mean family fun! READ MORE

10 New England Ski Resorts That Cater to Families

With lessons starting at age 2.5 and plenty of kid-friendly amenities, these New England ski resorts are perfect for family ski trips. READ MORE

CT Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families

Find the best things to do with kids in Connecticut this winter! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jenny Coe
Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).
Recent Articles By Jenny Coe:
Read more articles by Jennifer Coe.