10 Events In Connecticut To Keep Kids Busy During School Break

CONNECTICUT — With the kids home for holiday break, parents in Connecticut may find themselves looking for events to keep the kids busy during the days ahead to keep boredom at bay.

We’ve rounded up 10 events in Connecticut that kids can enjoy on their own or with the entire family.

1. Dino Lights Winter Festival — The Dinosaur Place (Montville) A winter lights display with an illuminated trail and festive dinosaur scenes — runs through Jan. 4, 2026.
2. First Night Hartford 2026 — Bushnell Park (Hartford) (Dec. 31) All-day New Year’s Eve celebration with family activities, live music and early fireworks.
3. Niantic Children’s Museum “Countdown to Noon” — East Lyme (Dec. 31) Midday New Year’s event with animal shows and an early balloon drop.
4. Winterfest & Winter “Tunnel of Lights” — Connecticut Trolley Museum (East Windsor) Festive lights experience with illuminated displays and trolley rides on select dates including Dec. 26-28 & Dec. 30.
5. STEAM Fun! — Newington Public Library (Dec. 29) Hands-on science and engineering activities for grades 2-5.
6. December Break Playtimes — My Gym West Hartford (Dec. 29–Jan. 2) Open gym play sessions for kids (ages 4 mos-10 yrs; registration may be required).
7. Holiday Lights Spectacular — Olde Mistick Village (Mystic) (through Jan. 31) Large holiday light display throughout the village.
8. Fantasy of Lights — Lighthouse Point Park (New Haven) (through Dec. 31; check dates) Drive-through holiday lights by the shore.
9. Festival of Silver Lights — Hubbard Park (Meriden) (through Jan. 2) A large holiday lights display around the park’s lake.
10. Playtime Adventures — The Children’s Museum (West Hartford) (ongoing) Drop-in museum play featuring hands-on exhibits and animal ambassadors (check dates).

If you’re planning a holiday or winter event, feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!