Have you heard about this incredible event called Connecticut Open House Day?
On June 9, 2018, over 240 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 18 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 and 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 herefor even more ideas!
Free admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., along with free Barnum bookmarks, guided tours, post cards and red noses (while supply lasts).
Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., featuring special activities for the entire family.
Free admission for the first 100 visitors (sponsored by the City of Bristol), from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Special program from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.: “Meet the Chefs,” featuring cooking demonstrations and the unveiling of the new mobile teaching kitchen.
Free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Half off price day with wagon rides to see the bison there they roam from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Make and taste your own butter from 2:45 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. Cost per person $5.
Free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opening to the public after major renovations over the past few years.
From 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., purchase one admission and receive the second admission free (higher price prevails). For Connecticut residents only, must show valid proof of residency. See our Blog Post.
Open from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Children ride the train and boat free all day. See our Blog Post.
Take a special 40-minute cruise for a special price of $5, for all ages. Begins at 9 a.m., when RiverQuest meets capacity, will leave the dock. Return and reload with last boat departing at 12:30 p.m. First come, first serve, no reservations. No credit cards, cash only.
Free admission to the galleries from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Center open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Receive a $2 off general admission to Connecticut residents. See our Blog Post.
Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Enjoy a 25% discount on tickets to see A Lesson from Aloes for either the 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. performances. Call the box office at (860) 527-5151 to purchase tickets and use code ctopenhouse. Offer is valid for Saturday, June 9, performances only. Discount cannot be applied to previous purchases.
Reduced admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Activities surrounding the next “Tails of Twain” exhibit.
Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Free admission from noon until 5 p.m., with “Touch-a-Truck” where visitors can climb inside big trucks and heavy equipment. See our Blog Post.
Offering from tours of their exhibitions at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (open 11 a.m.-7 p.m.).
Open from 9 a.m. until 5:50 p.m. Offering $6 off general admission, good up to four guests when you mention Connecticut Open House Day at the admission gate. Discount available at the time of purchase; cannot be combined with any other offers. Good for general admission only. See our Blog Post.
Half off admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
From 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.), visitors receive $1 off regular admission.
Free admission from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Open from noon until 6 p.m., offering 10% off on all passes.
Free admission from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
One free activity per person from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Meet local authors throughout the house and have the opportunity to buy signed books, enjoy house tours, and complimentary refreshments.
Open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. with two special interactive presentations on: clockmaker, Eli Terry; and one on the artists of Main Street, Albertus Jones and the Watson sisters Amelia and Edith. See our Blog Post.
Free admission for the first 100 visitors from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Must mention “Connecticut Open House Day.”
Free admission from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Offering free tours of the restored train station and train rides for $10, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Shuttles to Fascia’s Chocolates in Waterbury, departing 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.
Half price admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. See our Blog Post.
Open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The farm is hosting Vernon’s historical society’s antiques farm tools exhibit and the Vernon Garden Club members will be available for gardening questions. Free seeds available while supplies last and a special sale on dahlia tubers. Visitors can also make a recycled seedpod and plant a sunflower see in it to take home. Tours of the historic barn will take place every hour on the hour.
Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., last admission at 4:30 p.m.; along with demonstrations in the outdoor replica Algonkian Village.
Free special chocolate tours from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (reservations recommended, sign up online), make your own chocolate bar ($7 fee, regularly $10). Outdoor festival with artisans, crafts and exhibits. Partnered with the Railroad Museum of New England (Thomaston) to offer tours for their 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m.
Free admission and farm tours of an alpaca farm from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.
Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Free admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., along with Colonial hearth cooking demonstrations, see a working model of the Windsor Locks Canal in operation and more.
Open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., offering free admission from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. See our Blog Post.
Do you have a favorite place to visit during Connecticut Open House Day? Let us know in the comments below!
