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We know there are times when finding the right activity can be difficult, so we compiled some of our favorites - including our upcoming hosted/facilitated match events! - to help point you in the right, or provide some inspiration.
Activity Enhancement Ideas
Activity Enhancement Ideas
Take your outing to the next level by reviewing Big Futures' enrichment
content for fun and practical insights on diverse career paths!
For Big Futures-focused ideas, click here!
The Adventure Park, Bridgeport - Adventure park at the Discovery Science Center featuring ziplining, climbing, and axe throwing. Passes are $50+ per person
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, Ansonia - 156-acre hiking and nature reserve with weekly guided hikes and free admission to the nature center
Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum, Cheshire - Collection of cartoon and comic memorabilia. Admission less than $5
Big Futures activities, Statewide & virtual - college campus tours, career info sessions, other events to prep for life after high school
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, Mystic - National Historic Landmark, museum, and steam-powered cidery open September - November
City Climb Gym, New Haven - Indoor climbing gym. Offers one free climbing session for matches when scheduled in advance. Parent or guardian must sign the waiver (available on the website)
Connecticut Audubon Society, Fairfield - Opportunities for volunteering, education, and trails. Also check out Audubon Greenwich
DIY and building projects, Statewide - Home Depot holds free kid’s DIY events on the first Saturday of every month. Lowes has free kid’s DIY as well as adult DIY that may be appropriate for teens or older kids
Earthplace, Westport - Museum focusing on nature and conservation. Events, snowshoe rentals, etc. Volunteer opportunities for teens
Farmington River Tubing, New Hartford - Rent a tube and ride it down 2.5 miles of the river. $25/person, cash only
Fishing, Statewide - Resources linked for fishing with kids in CT
Klein Memorial Auditorium, Fairfield - Performance center featuring dance companies, theater, and educational shows. Prices vary
Lime Rock Park, Lakeville - Outdoor motorsports track
The Maritime Aquarium or Mystic Aquarium, Norwalk & Mystic - Call in advance for potential discounted tickets
Ski Mount Southington, Plantsville - Discounts and free passes may be available. Contact your Match Support Staff for details
Sports, Statewide - Attend a sporting event. Connecticut has multiple professional sports teams including Hartford Athletic, Connecticut Sun, Hartford Yard Goats, Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Islanders. Free tickets may be available through your Match Support Staff. Don’t forget about high schools and local colleges!
White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield - Environmental education center, nature museum, and trails. Events may cost additional fees
Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven - Natural history museum. Or check out Yale’s other museums, many of which are free
Other Resources
List of museums and galleries in the state, searchable by region
State Parks - free parking with a valid CT driver’s license
Hiking Trails - foot traffic only
Active Valley CT - Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton area physical activity resources
Mommy Poppins - website with CT activity ideas
List of waterfalls in CT
List of beaches in the state, searchable by region
Check your local library for events, discount passes, and items to rent
Action Wildlife Foundation, Goshen - Seasonal large game farm with activities and events
Carousel Museum & Museum of Fire History, Bristol - Museum with an indoor carousel (ride included with ticket) as well as an exhibit about the history of fire. Admission $10 for adults and $5 up to age 14
The Children’s Museum, West Hartford - Museum for younger children
Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill - Free admission to the park and trails. Paid admission to the on-site museum featuring dinosaur footprints
DIY and building projects, Statewide - Home Depot holds free kid’s DIY events on the first Saturday of every month. Loews has free kid’s DIY as well as adult DIY that may be appropriate for teens or older kids
Farmington River Tubing, New Hartford - Rent a tube and ride it down 2.5 miles of the river. $25/person, cash only
Fishing, Statewide - Resources linked for fishing with kids in CT
Lake Compounce, Bristol - Seasonal amusement park and water park
Lime Rock Park, Lakeville - Outdoor motorsports track
Lutz Children’s Museum, Manchester - Museum with exhibits designed for children up to age 10. Tickets $8/person
Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford - Museum with tours and events. Tickets must be purchased in advance
Quassy Amusement and Water Park, Middlebury - Seasonal amusement park and water park
Ski Mount Southington, Plantsville - Discounts and free passes may be available. Contact your Match Support Staff for details
Sports, Statewide - Attend a sporting event. Connecticut has multiple professional sports teams including Hartford Athletic, Connecticut Sun, Hartford Yard Goats, Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Islanders. Free tickets may be available through your Match Support Staff. Don’t forget about high schools and local colleges!
State Fish Hatcheries, Burlington & Plainfield - Tour a state fish hatchery. Virtual tours available on the website and in-person tours 8 am to 3 pm every day
White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield - Environmental education center, nature museum, and trails. Events may cost additional fees
Other Resources
List of museums and galleries in the state, searchable by region
State Parks - free parking with a valid CT driver’s license
Hiking Trails - foot traffic only
Active Valley CT - Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton area physical activity resources
Mommy Poppins - website with CT activity ideas
List of waterfalls in CT
List of beaches in the state, searchable by region
Check your local library for events, discount passes, and items to rent
The Adventure Park, Bridgeport - Adventure park at the Discovery Science Center featuring ziplining, climbing, and axe throwing. Passes are $50+ per person
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, Ansonia - 156-acre hiking and nature reserve with weekly guided hikes and free admission to the nature center
Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum, Cheshire - Collection of cartoon and comic memorabilia. Admission less than $5
Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport - Connecticut’s only zoo. Admission is $19/person, use a library pass (available for check out at your local library) or an EBT card for a reduced admission of $9/person for up to 6 people
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, Mystic - National Historic Landmark, museum, and steam-powered cidery open September - November
Captain’s Cove Seaport, Bridgeport - Marina with a boardwalk, shops, a seasonal restaurant, and other attractions. Activities may have additional costs
City Climb Gym, New Haven - Indoor climbing gym. Offers one free climbing session for matches when scheduled in advance. Parent or guardian must sign the waiver (available on the website)
Connecticut Audubon Society, Fairfield - Opportunities for volunteering, education, and trails. Also check out Audubon Greenwich
Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury - Railway museum with options for seasonal activities and train rides. Admission $7, additional fees for train rides
Discovery Science Center, Bridgeport - STEAM museum and planetarium featuring exhibits, shows, and educational resources. Admission is $18 for adults and $15 up to age 17
DIY and building projects, Statewide - Home Depot holds free kid’s DIY events on the first Saturday of every month. Loews has free kid’s DIY as well as adult DIY that may be appropriate for teens or older kids
Earthplace, Westport - Museum focusing on nature and conservation. Events, snowshoe rentals, etc. Volunteer opportunities for teens
Fishing, Statewide - Resources linked for fishing with kids in CT
Klein Memorial Auditorium, Fairfield - Performance center featuring dance companies, theater, and educational shows. Prices vary
The Maritime Aquarium or Mystic Aquarium, Norwalk & Mystic - Call in advance for potential discounted tickets
Sports, Statewide - Attend a sporting event. Connecticut has multiple professional sports teams including Hartford Athletic, Connecticut Sun, Hartford Yard Goats, Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Islanders. Free tickets may be available through your Match Support Staff. Don’t forget about high schools and local colleges!
Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven - Natural history museum. Or check out Yale’s other museums, many of which are free
Other Resources
List of museums and galleries in the state, searchable by region
State Parks - free parking with a valid CT driver’s license
Hiking Trails - foot traffic only
Active Valley CT - Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton area physical activity resources
Mommy Poppins - website with CT activity ideas
List of waterfalls in CT
List of beaches in the state, searchable by region
Check your local library for events, discount passes, and items to rent
Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum, Cheshire - Collection of cartoon and comic memorabilia. Admission less than $5
Carousel Museum & Museum of Fire History, Bristol - Museum with an indoor carousel (ride included with ticket) as well as an exhibit about the history of fire. Admission $10 for adults and $5 up to age 14
The Children’s Museum, West Hartford - Museum for younger children
City Climb Gym, New Haven - Indoor climbing gym. Offers one free climbing session for matches when scheduled in advance. Parent or guardian must sign the waiver (available on the website)
Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury - Railway museum with options for seasonal activities and train rides. Admission $7, additional fees for train rides
Discovery Science Center, Bridgeport - STEAM museum and planetarium featuring exhibits, shows, and educational resources. Admission is $18 for adults and $15 up to age 17
DIY and building projects, Statewide - Home Depot holds free kid’s DIY events on the first Saturday of every month. Loews has free kid’s DIY as well as adult DIY that may be appropriate for teens or older kids
Earthplace, Westport - Museum focusing on nature and conservation. Events, snowshoe rentals, etc. Volunteer opportunities for teens
The Maritime Aquarium or Mystic Aquarium, Norwalk & Mystic - Call in advance for potential discounted tickets
Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, Cornwall - Lessons, rentals, and tubing available
Ski Mount Southington, Plantsville - Discounts and free passes may be available. Contact your Match Support Staff for details
Sports, Statewide - Attend a sporting event. Connecticut has multiple professional sports teams including Hartford Athletic, Connecticut Sun, Hartford Yard Goats, Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Islanders. Free tickets may be available through your Match Support Staff. Don’t forget about high schools and local colleges!
White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield - Environmental education center, nature museum, and trails. Events may cost additional fees
Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven - Natural history museum. Or check out Yale’s other museums, many of which are free
Other Resources
List of museums and galleries in the state, searchable by region
Mommy Poppins - website with CT activity ideas
Check your local library for events, discount passes, and items to rent
Clean up a state park or hiking trail, Statewide - List of state parks, List of trails
Connecticut Audubon Society, Fairfield - Opportunities for volunteering, education, and trails. Also check out Audubon Greenwich
Earthplace, Westport - Museum focusing on nature and conservation. Events, snowshoe rentals, etc. Volunteer opportunities for teens
United Way has many volunteer opportunities, some of which may be listed on their website. Here is a list of Connecticut United Way organizations and the towns they serve with links to their individual websites.
Volunteer together. Check your local community for the following opportunities
Soup kitchen
Animal shelter or rescue
Food bank
Diaper bank
Park district activities
Assisted living facilities
Community gardens
Churches
Meal delivery for elderly or disabled community members
For Big Futures-focused enrichment ideas, click here!
Action Wildlife Foundation, Goshen - Seasonal large game farm with activities and events
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, Ansonia - 156-acre hiking and nature reserve with weekly guided hikes and free admission to the nature center
Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport - Connecticut’s only zoo. Admission is $19/person, use a library pass (available for check out at your local library) or an EBT card for a reduced admission of $9/person for up to 6 people
Big Futures activities, Statewide & virtual - college campus tours, career info sessions, other events to prep for life after high school
Carousel Museum & Museum of Fire History, Bristol - Museum with an indoor carousel (ride included with ticket) as well as an exhibit about the history of fire. Admission $10 for adults and $5 up to age 14
The Children’s Museum, West Hartford - Museum for younger children
Connecticut Audubon Society, Fairfield - Opportunities for volunteering, education, and trails. Also check out Audubon Greenwich
Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury - Railway museum with options for seasonal activities and train rides. Admission $7, additional fees for train rides
Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill - Free admission to the park and trails. Paid admission to the on-site museum featuring dinosaur footprints
Discovery Science Center, Bridgeport - STEAM museum and planetarium featuring exhibits, shows, and educational resources. Admission is $18 for adults and $15 up to age 17
DIY and building projects, Statewide - Home Depot holds free kid’s DIY events on the first Saturday of every month. Loews has free kid’s DIY as well as adult DIY that may be appropriate for teens or older kids
Earthplace, Westport - Museum focusing on nature and conservation. Events, snowshoe rentals, etc. Volunteer opportunities for teens
Klein Memorial Auditorium, Fairfield - Performance center featuring dance companies, theater, and educational shows. Prices vary
Lutz Children’s Museum, Manchester - Museum with exhibits designed for children up to age 10. Tickets $8/person
The Maritime Aquarium or Mystic Aquarium, Norwalk & Mystic - Call in advance for potential discounted tickets
Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford - Museum with tours and events. Tickets must be purchased in advance
State Fish Hatcheries, Burlington & Plainfield - Tour a state fish hatchery. Virtual tours available on the website and in-person tours 8 am to 3 pm every day
White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield - Environmental education center, nature museum, and trails. Events may cost additional fees
Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven - Natural history museum. Or check out Yale’s other museums, many of which are free
Other Resources
List of museums and galleries in the state, searchable by region
State Parks - free parking with a valid CT driver’s license
Hiking Trails - foot traffic only
Active Valley CT - Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton area physical activity resources
Mommy Poppins - website with CT activity ideas
List of waterfalls in CT
List of beaches in the state, searchable by region
Check your local library for events, discount passes, and items to rent
Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum, Cheshire - Collection of cartoon and comic memorabilia. Admission less than $5
Carousel Museum & Museum of Fire History, Bristol - Museum with an indoor carousel (ride included with ticket) as well as an exhibit about the history of fire. Admission $10 for adults and $5 up to age 14
The Children’s Museum, West Hartford - Museum for younger children
City Climb Gym, New Haven - Indoor climbing gym. Offers one free bouldering session with proof of match (your Big ID). Caregiver must sign the waiver (available on the website)
Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury - Railway museum with options for seasonal activities and train rides. Admission $7, additional fees for train rides
Discovery Science Center, Bridgeport - STEAM museum and planetarium featuring exhibits, shows, and educational resources. Admission is $18 for adults and $15 up to age 17
DIY and building projects, Statewide - Home Depot holds free kid’s DIY events on the first Saturday of every month. Loews has free kid’s DIY as well as adult DIY that may be appropriate for teens or older kids
Earthplace, Westport - Museum focusing on nature and conservation. Events, snowshoe rentals, etc. Volunteer opportunities for teens
Klein Memorial Auditorium, Fairfield - Performance center featuring dance companies, theater, and educational shows. Prices vary.
Lutz Children’s Museum, Manchester - Museum with exhibits designed for children up to age 10. Tickets $8/person
The Maritime Aquarium or Mystic Aquarium, Norwalk & Mystic - Call in advance for potential discounted tickets
Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford - Museum with tours and events. Tickets must be purchased in advance
Sports, Statewide - Attend a sporting event. Connecticut has multiple professional sports teams including Hartford Athletic, Connecticut Sun, Hartford Yard Goats, Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Islanders. Free tickets may be available through your Match Support Staff. Don’t forget about high schools and local colleges!
Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven - Natural history museum. Or check out Yale’s other museums, many of which are free
Other Resources
List of museums and galleries in the state, searchable by region
Mommy Poppins - website with CT activity ideas
Check your local library for events, discount passes, and items to rent
BBBS of CT's newsletter includes opportunities for free tickets, agency events, activity suggestions, and more!
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, Ansonia - 156-acre hiking and nature reserve with weekly guided hikes and free admission to the nature center
Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum, Cheshire - Collection of cartoon and comic memorabilia. Admission less than $5
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, Mystic - National Historic Landmark, museum, and steam-powered cidery open September - November
Captain’s Cove Seaport, Bridgeport - Marina with a boardwalk, shops, a seasonal restaurant, and other attractions. Activities may have additional costs
Carousel Museum & Museum of Fire History, Bristol - Museum with an indoor carousel (ride included with ticket) as well as an exhibit about the history of fire. Admission $10 for adults and $5 up to age 14
City Climb Gym, New Haven - Indoor climbing gym. Offers one free climbing session for matches when scheduled in advance. Parent or guardian must sign the waiver (available on the website)
Connecticut Audubon Society, Fairfield - Opportunities for volunteering, education, and trails. Also check out Audubon Greenwich
Danbury Railway Museum, Danbury - Railway museum with options for seasonal activities and train rides. Admission $7, additional fees for train rides
Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill - Free admission to the park and trails. Paid admission to the on-site museum featuring dinosaur footprints
DIY and building projects, Statewide - Home Depot holds free kid’s DIY events on the first Saturday of every month. Loews has free kid’s DIY as well as adult DIY that may be appropriate for teens or older kids
Earthplace, Westport - Museum focusing on nature and conservation. Events, snowshoe rentals, etc. Volunteer opportunities for teens
Fishing, Statewide - Resources linked for fishing with kids in CT
Lutz Children’s Museum, Manchester - Museum with exhibits designed for children up to age 10. Tickets $8/person
Pick-Your-Own Farms, Statewide - State listings for farms with fruits, vegetables, flowers, pumpkins, adn holiday greenery. Free to visit, pay to pick
Ski Mount Southington, Plantsville - Discounts and free passes may be available. Contact your Match Support Staff for details
Sports, Statewide - Attend a sporting event. Connecticut has multiple professional sports teams including Hartford Athletic, Connecticut Sun, Hartford Yard Goats, Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Islanders. Free tickets may be available through your Match Support Staff. Don’t forget about high schools and local colleges!
State Fish Hatcheries, Burlington & Plainfield - Tour a state fish hatchery. Virtual tours available on the website and in-person tours 8 am to 3 pm every day
White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield - Environmental education center, nature museum, and trails. Events may cost additional fees
Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven - Natural history museum. Or check out Yale’s other museums, many of which are free
Other Resources
List of museums and galleries in the state, searchable by region
State Parks - free parking with a valid CT driver’s license
Hiking Trails - foot traffic only
Active Valley CT - Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton area physical activity resources
Mommy Poppins - website with CT activity ideas
List of waterfalls in CT
List of beaches in the state, searchable by region
Check your local library for events, discount passes, and items to rent
Action Wildlife Foundation, Goshen - Seasonal large game farm with activities and events
The Adventure Park, Bridgeport - Adventure park at the Discovery Science Center featuring ziplining, climbing, and axe throwing. Passes are $50+ per person
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, Ansonia - 156-acre hiking and nature reserve with weekly guided hikes and free admission to the nature center
Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport - Admission is $19/person, use a library pass (available for check out at your local library) or an EBT card for a reduced admission of $9/person for up to 6 people
Captain’s Cove Seaport, Bridgeport - Marina with a boardwalk, shops, a seasonal restaurant, and other attractions. Activities may have additional costs
Connecticut Audubon Society, Fairfield - Opportunities for volunteering, education, and trails. Also check out Audubon Greenwich
Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill - Free admission to the park and trails. Paid admission to the on-site museum featuring dinosaur footprints
Earthplace, Westport - Museum focusing on nature and conservation. Events, snowshoe rentals, etc. Volunteer opportunities for teens
Farmington River Tubing, New Hartford - Rent a tube and ride it down 2.5 miles of the river. $25/person, cash only
Fishing, Statewide - Resources linked for fishing with kids in CT
Lake Compounce, Bristol - Seasonal amusement park and water park
Lime Rock Park, Lakeville - Outdoor motorsports track
White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield - Environmental education center, nature museum, and trails. Events may cost additional fees
Pick-Your-Own Farms, Statewide - State listings for farms with fruits, vegetables, flowers, pumpkins, adn holiday greenery. Free to visit, pay to pick
Quassy Amusement and Water Park, Middlebury - Seasonal amusement park and water park
Ski Mount Southington, Plantsville - Discounts and free passes may be available. Contact your Match Support Staff for details
Sports, Statewide - Attend a sporting event. Connecticut has multiple professional sports teams including Hartford Athletic, Connecticut Sun, Hartford Yard Goats, Hartford Wolf Pack, Bridgeport Islanders. Free tickets may be available through your Match Support Staff. Don’t forget about high schools and local colleges!
Other Resources
List of museums and galleries in the state, searchable by region
State Parks - free parking with a valid CT driver’s license
Hiking Trails - foot traffic only
Active Valley CT - Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Derby, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton area physical activity resources
Mommy Poppins - website with CT activity ideas
List of waterfalls in CT
List of beaches in the state, searchable by region
Check your local library for events, discount passes, and items to rent
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