Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: CT has plenty of free and budget-friendly family fun, from parks and playgrounds to library programs, splash pads, outdoor concerts, local trails, and easy no-spend adventures.
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids, cheap summer activities for families, or budget-friendly places to take kids near our 2026 guide is a great place to start.
Here are free and cheap things to do with kids this summer.
More Summer Fun
- Get a free printable summer fun bucket list
- Find camps in our Summer Camp Guide
- See what’s happening this week on our Events Calendar
Outdoor Adventures
- Visit a local Playground for an easy afternoon outside.
- Take a Hike.
- Picnic at Mill Pond Park (55 School Street Somers, CT).
- Explore Enders State Forest (gorgeous waterfalls).
- Go birdwatching at Scantic River State Park.
- Take family photos at Wickham Park.
Water Fun
- Cool off at a local Pool or Splash pad.
- Spend the day at the Beach.
- Set up backyard water play with sprinklers, buckets, or water balloons.
Free Events and Entertainment
- Browse the Ellington Farmer Market and let kids pick one small treat or snack.
- Check free museums in CT. Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. The first Saturday and Sunday of the month, the museum offers family programming on a different theme. It's free and great for kids up to 10. Yale Peabody Museum, Eli Whitney Museum, and Submarine Force Library and Museum offer free admission year-round for everyone.
- Browse our full list of family-friendly events.
Quick win for this week: New free and cheap events are added all the time. Check the Macaroni KID Enfield calendar before the weekend so you don’t miss something easy, fun, and close to home.
Library and Learning Fun
- Visit Enfield Public Library for story times, special events, and air conditioning.
- Join the summer reading program at Somers Public Library
- Check out museum passes, activity kits, or other free family resources from your local library.
Cheap Places to Take Kids
- Go bowling with Kids bowl free coupons. Kids can bowl 2 free games a day!
- Save with memberships to Lupa Zoo, Riverside Reptiles and Six Flags New England.
- Plan a small treat outing for some yummy Ice Cream.
- Ride a trolley at Connecticut Trolley Museum,
Before You Go
Prices, hours, deals, and free offerings can change, so it’s always smart to double-check details before heading out.
Don’t Lose This List!
Bookmark this page and check back throughout the summer. New free events, cheap activities, and family-friendly ideas pop up all season long.
Better yet, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing this summer. We’re always adding new events, free activities, local guides, and family-friendly ideas
