Planning a family trip, or even a move, to Hartford, Connecticut? You're in for a treat. Tucked along the banks of the Connecticut River, Hartford is a city with a fascinating blend of history, culture, and family-friendly attractions that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re raising curious little minds or just looking for a fun weekend together, there are plenty of things to see in Hartford CT that will leave lasting memories.
This guide is your go-to list of the best family-friendly spots in the city. From hands-on museums to sprawling parks, we’ve gathered the top 7 experiences that you won’t want to miss. And if you're considering making Hartford your new home, we’ll also give you a helpful heads-up on local moving support like Hartford movers who can make the transition a breeze.
Let’s dive in and explore the heart of Connecticut with your favorite people!
Walking into the Connecticut Science Center is like entering a world where imagination meets reality. Located right in downtown Hartford, this cutting-edge facility is one of the most interactive things to see in Hartford CT for families with kids of all ages.
There are over 165 hands-on exhibits covering topics from space exploration to dinosaurs, physics, biology, and even a touch-and-feel aquarium. One minute your kids are generating electricity with their own bodies, and the next, they’re designing robots or watching butterflies flutter in the tropical butterfly habitat.
Don’t forget to check out the 3D theater for a fun educational film. The best part? Parents usually find themselves just as entertained as the little ones. It's truly a place where learning becomes a family adventure.
Sometimes, the best family memories are made in simple, open-air spaces, and Elizabeth Park delivers. Known for its incredible rose garden (one of the oldest and largest in the U.S.), this lush 100-acre space is a haven for outdoor lovers.
Bring a picnic blanket, a frisbee, or your dog, and just enjoy the serenity. It’s also an ideal spot for family photos with the floral backgrounds changing with the seasons. In the summer, the park comes alive with free outdoor concerts, while spring brings a riot of color and fragrance that’s simply unforgettable.
It's one of those things to see in Hartford CT that invites you to slow down, breathe in the moment, and reconnect with your loved ones.
Here’s something cool: your kids might already know Mark Twain from school, but when they tour the home where he wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, it all becomes real.
This majestic Gothic-style house is stunning on its own, but the real magic happens inside. Guided tours share fascinating stories about Twain’s life, his family, and even some quirky tales about the house itself (like the secret doors and the billiards room turned writing sanctuary).
It’s a perfect mix of fun and educational, making it one of the most engaging things to see in Hartford CT for families who enjoy a touch of history with a lot of heart.
You can’t visit Hartford with your family and skip Bushnell Park. It’s the oldest publicly funded park in the country and sits right in the center of the city’s buzz. But the real highlight for families? The Bushnell Park Carousel.
Built in 1914, this restored beauty with its hand-carved wooden horses is a delightful ride back in time. The carousel only costs a couple of bucks per ride, and it brings endless smiles to little faces.
After the ride, take a walk along the paths, admire the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, or grab a bite from a local food truck. It’s a low-cost, high-enjoyment kind of stop.
Located just outside Hartford in West Hartford, this is one of the best spots for younger children. Formerly known as the Science Center of Connecticut, The Children’s Museum is one of the oldest in the country and has long been a staple for family-friendly fun.
From an indoor planetarium to a wildlife sanctuary with live animals, every exhibit encourages hands-on discovery. There’s even a replica of a space capsule, a water play zone, and STEM exhibits that are so engaging, kids don’t even realize they’re learning.
If you’ve got toddlers or elementary school kids, this museum should definitely be on your list of things to see in Hartford CT.
Sometimes, the best family activities are free, and few things top a scenic walk along the Connecticut River. The Riverwalk and Sculpture Trail is a scenic, stroller-friendly path that combines beautiful views with larger-than-life art installations that spark creativity.
Kids love spotting the colorful and whimsical sculptures scattered along the route. Meanwhile, adults can appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the skyline views of Hartford across the river.
Whether you're biking, walking, or just enjoying the art, this pathway is a reminder that Hartford blends creativity with nature in a truly special way.
Okay, technically this one is in nearby Rocky Hill (a 15-minute drive), but it’s absolutely worth including because, dinosaurs! At Dinosaur State Park, you’ll find one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America preserved under a geodesic dome.
Families can see fossilized tracks that are over 200 million years old, dig for “fossils” in a special activity area, and walk nature trails that are both scenic and educational.
The interactive discovery center and the outdoor activities make this one of the most unique things to see in Hartford CT (or at least, very close to it). And let's be honest, dinosaurs never go out of style.
If you’re visiting and happen to fall in love with the city's charm (it happens often!), you might be considering calling Hartford home. The city offers a mix of affordability, great schools, outdoor beauty, and cultural gems, all things that matter for families looking to settle down.
When the time comes to make your move, hiring trusted Hartford movers can make the whole process smooth. With transparent pricing and a strong reputation among families, students, and professionals, we’ve earned their spot as one of the most dependable moving companies in the region.
Whether you're relocating from another Connecticut town or across the country, working with us who know the city inside and out makes all the difference.
Each of these seven spots offers something different. Maybe you’ll find yourselves laughing on the carousel one day, solving science puzzles the next, and soaking in river views by the weekend. The joy of Hartford is how easily it invites you in and makes you feel at home.
