Free and low-cost kids activities in Connecticut

Connecticut state parks: Passport to the Parks

FreeOutdoorsCT

In 2026, vehicles with Connecticut plates get free parking and entry at all Connecticut state parks and forests year-round. Out-of-state vehicles pay the posted parking fee. Some exhibits (Dinosaur State Park, Fort Trumbull, Gillette Castle) have separate fees.

Who it's for: Connecticut-registered vehicles

How: Drive a Connecticut-registered vehicle; no pass needed per the DEEP page. Camping is extra.

Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

FreeMuseumNew Haven, CT

Admission is always free (Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5, closed Mon). Free family programs: Story Time Sat and Sun 1pm (ages 8 and under), Toddler Time first Saturday 11am-noon (ages 1-3), Meet a Scientist Thursdays 1pm, monthly Spanish-language workshop. Spooktacular: Sat Oct 24, 2026, 10am-3pm, free.

Who it's for: Everyone

How: No ticket needed for individual visitors.

Source: official page · more · more · Last verified 2026-10-17

Yale University Art Gallery and Yale Center for British Art

FreeMuseumNew Haven, CT

Yale's announcement states free public admission 'in perpetuity' at the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art, alongside the Peabody.

Who it's for: Everyone

How: Confirm current hours on each museum's website.

Source is a 2024 news release; hours not verified.

Source: official page · Last verified 2026-10-17

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Free days / free for someMuseumHartford, CT

Youth under 12 free year-round; Hartford residents free every open day; free admission all day on Second Saturdays for Families (10am-2pm activities; next Nov 14 and Dec 12, 2026). Youth 12-17 are $15 otherwise. Library ARTpass at 200+ Connecticut libraries.

Who it's for: Kids under 12, Hartford residents, Second Saturdays

How: Check the Wadsworth calendar for Second Saturday programs.

Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17

Mattatuck Museum (The MATT)

Low costMuseumWaterbury, CT

$3 admission for up to four people presenting a valid EBT card (Museums for All).

Who it's for: EBT cardholders

How: Bring EBT card; confirm current price on the museum's page.

Source: official page · Last verified 2026-10-17

Museums for All (SNAP EBT card admission)

Low costProgram / passAll New England

Free to $5 admission for up to 4 people per SNAP EBT card at participating museums (1,600+ nationwide). EBT cards from any state are accepted.

Who it's for: EBT cardholders

How: Bring your EBT card and a photo ID. No registration. Each museum sets its own rate and some ask for walk-in purchase, so check the museum page.

Participating list by state: see source. Rates vary by museum.

Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17

Bank of America Museums on Us

Free days / free for someProgram / passAll New England

Free general admission on the first full weekend of every month to Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders at participating museums. Next weekend: Nov 7-8, 2026.

Who it's for: Bank of America / Merrill cardholders

How: Show your active card and a government photo ID. One general admission per cardholder; special exhibitions excluded. Check the museum's listing on the Bank of America map.

Not a Bank of America endorsement; this is an informational listing with no affiliation.

Source: official page · Last verified 2026-10-17

Every Kid Outdoors (4th grade pass)

FreeProgram / passAll New England

2026-27 school year pass: free entry at federal lands and waters (national parks, wildlife refuges, etc.) for the 4th grader, all children under 16 and up to 3 adults in one private vehicle. Expires Aug 31, 2027.

Who it's for: Families with a 4th grader

How: The 4th grader completes a short online activity and prints a paper voucher at EveryKidOutdoors.gov (we never collect any information). Does not cover state parks, parking, camping or tours.

Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17

Library museum and park passes

DiscountedProgram / passAll New England

Many public libraries lend or reserve free or discounted passes for museums, zoos, farms and parks. Examples: Boston Public Library lists Boston Children's Museum at $12 per person for up to 4; Oxford (MA) and Athol (MA) list free-admission passes to several museums; Attleboro (MA) lists a free RISD Museum pass.

Who it's for: Library cardholders (rules vary by library)

How: Search your own library's website for 'museum passes'. Each library has its own pass list, reservation system and return rules. Passes are limited and set by the participating attractions.

Example pages only; your library's list will differ.

Source: official page · more · more · more · Last verified 2026-10-17