Have you heard about this incredible event called Connecticut Open House Day?
On June 10, 2017, over 200 museums, art galleries, organizations and attractions in town and cities around Connecticut welcome visitors to come check things out for free or with discounted admission. They offer giveaways, special offers, activities for the children, and so much more.
I had honestly never heard of Connecticut Open House Day, but it’s been going on for a 17 years now! The list of participants is pretty overwhelming, even I was amazed at all the options!
So I took a perusal through the list, and I hope to give you some tips of our recommended spots (based on places we have been before), some that we hope to check out ourselves!
I hope you get to partake in Connecticut Open House Day and discover all the great things about our state!
And make sure to check out the full list here for even more ideas!
Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival on the Bethlehem Town Green
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy a “Christmas Town Festival Preview” with photos with Santa on vacation, plus free face painting and crafts for the kids. Free!
Connecticut Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Zoo will be offering half price admission to the first 100 guests! Make sure you get up early for this amazing offer!
Imagine Nation in Bristol
From 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be free admission given to the first 100 visitors!
Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor
From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Trolley Museum will be offering buy one, get one free admission. Admission includes full access to the museum and unlimited trolley rides. Discover why this is a family favorite (and why this little boy got a membership for his birthday this year!). To qualify for free admission, all visitors must show a valid CT driver’s license.
See our Blog Post.
Connecticut River Expeditions- RiverQuest in Haddam
Starting at 9 a.m., enjoy a special reduced admission of $5 per person (all ages) for a 45 minute cruise on the Connecticut River. This will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, with boats leaving once capacity is met. Cash Only, no credit cards. Last departure at 12:30 p.m.
Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., come to the grand reopening of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House! Enjoy discounted tours, free family activities, horse drawn carriage rides, arts & crafts, food vendors, and cake in honor of Stowe’s 206th birthday!
Wadsworth Athenaeum in Hartford
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy free admission and celebrate Juneteenth Family Day with music, dance performances, tours and more!
Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester
From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy free admission to the museum and a Touch-a-Truck event where visitors can climb inside big trucks and equipment! See our Blog Post.
Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village in Montville
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.), visitors will receive $3 off park admission and a dino-lollipop for each child! Spend the day checking out their trails, visit the splashpad, and more!
Mystic Aquarium
From 9 a.m. to 5:50 p.m., receive $6 off general admission (up to four guests) when you mention CT Open House Day at the gate. See our Blog Post.
New Britain Museum of American Art
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy free admission to the museum. Explore the museum, enjoy special events all day including music and more.
Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut in Niantic
From 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., visitors receive $1 off regular admission (with CT ID).
Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill
From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., enjoy free admission!
Nomad’s Adventure in South Windsor
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy buy one, get one free admission.
Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy free tours of the restored train station, and trains rides for $10.
KidsPlay in Torrington
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy half price admission. There will be special activities all day long including a storytime with the Little Red Hen Puppet Theatre. See our Blog Post.
The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will be offering 50% off admission for Connecticut residents (with valid ID). See our Blog Post.
