And you thought nothing in life was free. In Connecticut, we beg to differ. An abundance of great attractions and activities throughout the state are available for you to enjoy, free of charge.
A few helpful hints to do more for less -- Check out your local Connecticut library and see if they have special passes to area attractions. Some attractions also offer free admission on special days or during certain times. Search What to Do for details.
So what are you waiting for? Get out and see Connecticut this weekend, or any day, for free. Your wallet will thank you.
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USS Nautilus and US Navy Submarine Force Library, Groton – Go below and tour the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered ship and the first vessel to go to the North Pole. Interactive exhibits and an extensive collection of submarine artifacts, documents and photographs will keep you busy and engaged.
Connecticut State Capitol, Hartford – Take a tour to learn about the history of the Capitol, a National Historic Landmark, and view flags carried into war by Connecticut soldiers, artifacts important to Connecticut history, and the Connecticut Hall of Fame.
Silver Sands State Park, Milford – Enjoy 47-acres of beach, dunes and nature. Relax along the beach, where swimming and fishing are permitted, picnic along one of the many nature trails, or venture to the 14-acre bird sanctuary on Charles Island.
Talcott Mountain State Park/Heublein Tower, Simsbury – Make the 1.5 mile hike to the peak of Talcott Mountain, 1,000 feet above the Farmington River Valley, for spectacular views. Bring a picnic and visit Hublein Tower for information on its fascinating history and to learn about the many species of flora and fauna inhabiting the mountain.
Yale Center British for Art, New Haven – View the largest collection of British art outside of the UK, including paintings, sculpture‚ drawings‚ prints‚ rare books‚ and manuscripts. The center also hosts lectures, exhibits, educational programs, concerts and special events.
Husky Heritage Sports Museum, Storrs - The museum showcases the sights and sounds of 100+ years of UConn athletic tradition. Memorabilia celebrating a century of Husky pride includes photographs, game balls, jerseys, and the NCAA National Championship trophies that UConn’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, and the men’s soccer team, have won.
Trash Museum, Hartford – This 6,500 square foot trash attraction is filled with interactive educational exhibits, art displays and mezzanine viewing area where visitors can watch the recycling facility in operation, and follow recyclable items through the process. You will be a better recycler by the end of your free tour.
Elizabeth Park and Rose Garden, Hartford/West Hartford – This 102-acre park boasts gardens, greenhouses, recreational pathways, a picnic grove, pond, tennis and basketball courts, playground, and the oldest municipally-operated rose garden in the country, with over 800 varieties of roses.
Weir Farm National Historic Site, Wilton – Join a National Park Service guided tour to experience one of the nation’s finest remaining landscapes of American art, or walk the nature refuge and enjoy bird watching, picnicking and observe the many artists that visit the site to paint en plain air. The visitor center offers educational exhibits, activities and events.
Connecticut Audubon Society Center, Pomfret – The Pomfret center offers environmental education programs, bird walks and many opportunities to learn about and explore the natural world, and serves as the gateway to the adjoining 700-acre Connecticut Audubon Society Bafflin Sanctuary with vast rolling meadows, forests, streams and fertile grassland habitats.
New Britain Youth Museum, New Britain – Enjoy a number of educational activities at the museum including a puppet theater, construction toys and games, and the Dinosaur Room.
Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, Woodbury – With more than 2,000 acres spanning Woodbury, Bethlehem, Southbury and Middlebury, the opportunities are endless at Flanders Nature Center. Hike the many nature trails, dotted with historic buildings, stone walls, and beautiful views of the many woodlands, lakes, ponds, streams and fields. Van Vleck Farm and Nature Center offers educational programs and demonstrations on gardening, maple sugaring, and more.
