Don’t leave Hartford without exploring the Mark Twain House, which contains thousands of artifacts that belonged to the famed American author. After, try any of these popular deals for a fun family day with the kids:

• At the Connecticut Science Center downtown, experience more than 40 species of free-flying creatures
• Watch the Marvel Universe come alive at the Age of Heroes show at the XL center
• Book a tour of the historic Harriet Beecher Stowe Center
• Reach for the sky at Jump Off Trampoline Park and Fun Zone
• Speed around the outdoor track at Checkered Flag Raceway

Enjoy every second of your trip by choosing activities that are great for kids and kids-at-heart. Explore the following kid-friendly Hartford attractions:

• Bring the family bowling together at AMF Silver Lanes
• Rent a boat and explore the water for less at Three Belles Marina
• See a live music performance at the outdoor XFINITY Theater Amphitheatre
• Tee off on the green at Keeney Park Golf Course
• Explore local arts, ware, and fresh produce at the Hartford Downtown Farmers Market

If you’re trying to trim your budget, this friendly city offers a number of ways to make memories without spending a fortune. Start out with these cheap things to do with kids:

• Spend an afternoon lounging at Bushnell Park, the oldest publicly funded park in the U.S.
• Learn about Connecticut state history at the Old State House
• Take a family-friendly yoga class for all levels on the lawn at the Rose Garden
• Cheer on the Yard Goats at Dunkin Donuts Stadium
• Smell the roses at the Elizabeth Park rose garden

Start off the day in Hartford with activities that kids will cheer about. Try sweet treats at a local shop or visit a kid-centric museum. Here are some more fun activities for kids in Hartford:

• Eat your weight in apple-flavored treats at Southington Apple Harvest in the fall
• Ride the whitewater waves down the Farmington River
• See your favorite cartoon on the big screen at Southington Drive-in Theater
• Climb to new heights on the ropes course at IT Adventure Ropes Course in New Haven
• At KidCity Children’s Museum, play in the Toddler Sea Caves and pretend to be a mermaid

Whether throwing a party or just celebrating the day with a large group, try these kid-approved group activities in Hartford:

• Zip line, dive, and hike through the adventure courses at Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park
• Enjoy unlimited bowling every Friday and Saturday night at Blue Fox Rock n Bowl
• Goof around on the playground at Charter Oak Landing
• Visit Bushnell Park to run out some energy and ride the carousel
• Bring the whole group to see the sky fill with colorful balloons during the Hot Air Balloon Festival

Hartford’s reputation as a historic city makes for educational activities that are both interactive and immersive. Kids won’t even know they’re learning, they’ll be so lost in fun. Try the following educational experiences for kids:

• Explore the life of Mark Twain at the interactive exhibits inside the Mark Twain House
• Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, grab a map and explore the many galleries
• Learn about the history of your favorite toppings at The Museum of Pizza
• At Roaring Brook Nature Center, explore New England’s native plant and animal life
• Excite each of your senses at the Wickham Park Sensory Garden

Allow the kids to dance to the beat of their own drum when you sign them up for a creative class in Hartford. Consider these creative arts classes for kids:

• Take an acting class and throw up your jazz hands at Newington Children’s Theater
• Imagine yourself on stage during a Broadway show at Hartford Stage
• At Imagine Nation Museum, engage with art in an exciting new way
• Take a workshop at the New Britain Youth Museum
• Sign the kids up for a creative dance, yoga, art, or music class at Imagine Studio

When the weather outside is cloudy, keep the mood bright. Hartford is full of fascinating indoor activities to keep the kids entertained. Start with these popular indoor attractions for kids:

• At Mystic Aquarium, meet Naku, one of the beluga whales at the hands-on wildlife facility
• See a family-friendly independent film at Real Art Ways Cinema
• Puzzle your way out to win the game at Puzzle Theory Escape Room
• At Romp n’ Roll Wethersfield, drop the kids off for an afternoon of interactive group play
• Hang out at Buckland Hills Mall, where kids can climb around the woodland-themed play area