guides

Winter Activity Guide in Central CT

All sorts of Fun ideas for you and your kids to enjoy during winter!

By Zory Cabrera Newington-New Britain-Wethersfield-Berlin CT January 15, 2025

It's January in New England, kids have had winter break, and are back in school, but evenings and weekends are restless because all the indoor time we spend during these months. 

We have another 3-day weekend coming up - let's plan ahead for some family fun activities and ideas we can do with our littles and not so littles!

Have no Fear Macaroni KID is here with a quick Winter Guide of things you can do with your kiddos during the winter to have fun!


  1. Go snowtubing at PowderRidge Park While this is recommended for ages 5+ for actual tubing, there is also a Snow play park for 5 and under.
    Info on Passes and times:  https://powderridgepark.connectintouch.com/tubing-passes?_gl=1*5f9nyq*_ga*NDQ3MjA3MTI4LjE3MzM3NjA3NTU.*_ga_B6EEP3WQPP*MTczNjk2MDA1OS4yLjEuMTczNjk2MDA3Ny4wLjAuMA..
  2. Unless it is dangerously cold, get them outside!  Keep an eye on the "feels like" temperature to know if it's safe to be outside for an extended period of time. Fresh air always wins, even when it's cold out, but kids (and adults) need to be dressed appropriately and not stay outside too long if it is super cold. Snow pants, a winter coat, a hat, and waterproof gloves are a must when out in the snow. If you're supervising from inside, keep an eye on the time. Even 15-20 minutes outside is better than nothing. 
  3. Winter Lantern Festival @ Lyman Orchards - Winter Lantern Festival | CTvisit
  4. School's Out Full Day Art Program - at the Mattatuck Museum - Mattatuck Museum | Art Exhibitions & Educational Programs in CT
  5. Hold a scavenger hunt Being active doesn't always have to mean working up a sweat! Set up a scavenger hunt around the house for little kids. If your kids are older, have them set up hunts for each other. They'll be running all over the house finding (or planting) clues. Need ideas for a good scavenger hunt, look online or even find those scavenger hunt game kits! (Typically they bring 3 sets of cards/idea, in the house, in the car or outside versions).
  6. Dance party! Put on your family's favorite tunes and bounce around! This will get your heartbeat thumping and your blood flowing. Make it a glow party with glow sticks for an extra fun experience! Another great option? GoNoodle.com. This kid-safe, free site has Just Dance-like videos and Kidz Bop songs to dance and sing along to. No game console is needed!

  7. Visit the CT Science Center - everyone pay's kids price this weekend! Get your tickets here: Events & Programs | Connecticut Science Center

  8. Go have a playdate at Romp n Roll - Open Play time For ages up to 5yrs old. Indoor Playground in Wethersfield, CT

  9. Take the kids to the Trampoline Park! - Tickets for Fun City Trampoline Park | Buy Online | New Britain, CT

  10. Visit the New Britain Museum of American Art - Monday January 20th - FREE Admission for ALL! Access for All Community Day | Martin Luther King Jr. Day , Monday, January 20, 2025 11:00 AM | New Britain Museum of American Art

  11. Visit the Wadsworth Atheneum -  Wadsworth Atheneum Monday, Jan. 20, noon to 5 p.m. | 600 Main St. in Hartford

    The Wadsworth Atheneum will offer free admission to celebrate King’s legacy with artists, storytellers, dancers and musicians. New Haven’s Salt & Pepper Gospel Singers will perform at 4 p.m.
  12.  Attend the Children's March for Peace - Jan 25th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Children’s March for Peace
    Saturday, Jan. 25 at noon | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Cheshire.  Following the march, a ceremony and ringing of bells will be held to honor Dr. King’s legacy.


Now you have a varied list of indoor and outdoor ideas to get out there and enjoy a 3-day weekend and do a little learning along the way!

Go forth enjoy this wintry season, and ensure you and the kiddos get some out of the house time to explore new things!