Top 10 Free Things to do in Connecticut, United States

July 8, 2021 Jana Sager

Connecticut is a study in attraction and contrast. In one small state, you’ll find miles of sandy oceanfront shoreline, acres of forested hiking trails, and world-class museums, art and theater. Here family-friendly adventure parks and aquariums are just minutes from dynamic casino resorts and quaint, historic small towns — offering experiences that range from culinary to cultural, luxurious to laid-back. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge, all at the same time.
Restaurants in Connecticut

1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510-2301 +1 203-432-0600 http://artgallery.yale.edu
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 953 reviews

Yale University Art Gallery

Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest college art museum in America. The Gallery’s encyclopedic holdings of more than 250,000 objects range from ancient times to the present day and represent civilizations from around the globe. Spanning a block and a half of the city of New Haven, Connecticut, the Gallery comprises three architecturally distinct buildings, including a masterpiece of modern architecture from 1953 designed by Louis Kahn through which visitors enter. The museum is free and open to the public.

Reviewed By 397markc397 - Hudson, United States

I know people are attracted for special exhibits, and the one during my visit was indeed very special, however the gallery is well worth a visit at any time. A very diverse and deep amount of art is always on display, and along with the helpful and friendly security staff, its a true pleasure to visit! Just a note on the current exhibit: Matthew Barney Redoubt. Absolutely breathtaking. If you miss this at least google. Its stunning!

2. White Memorial Conservation Center

80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759-3914 +1 860-567-0857 [email protected] http://www.whitememorialcc.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 138 reviews

White Memorial Conservation Center

Reviewed By nos-im

What a beautiful and extensive place. In one not-too-large area are a nice variety of habitats and views - woods, swamp, lake-shore, scenic heights. There are extensive marked trails, and occasional explanatory signs. My wife and I were originally going to come here in May for the excellent birdwatching opportunities. We delayed our travels because of the pandemic and visited in November, when there are far fewer birds. But it was so lovely, I was happy to be there anyway. I hope to come back when the visitors center reopens and the bird migration is passing through. The location is also near several good restaurants and shops in Bantam and Litchfield. I didn't answer Tripadvisor's question about length of visit, because there are lots of possibilities, from a short half-hour trail to a couple days exploring various trails.

3. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

121 Wall St, New Haven, CT 06511-8917 +1 203-432-2977 [email protected] http://www.library.yale.edu/beinecke/
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 271 reviews

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Reviewed By tobyc530 - Monroe, United States

Unless things have changed, this library is free to visit. In the height of summer, there is (was) a steady stream of groups—outside these times - a magical place especially when the light coming in through the marble windows is sufficient to illuminate the interior.

4. Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church

279 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT 06901-3506 +1 203-324-1553 [email protected] http://stjohnbasilica.org
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church

The Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist was founded in the 1850s by Irish immigrants, it is the Mother Church, and Minor Basilica, of Stamford, Connecticut. Visit the website for more information and upcoming events.

Reviewed By seekeradventurer

inspire peace and tranquility as you admire them from an inside pew The Gothic architecture is another beauty to admire as this unique church is within a five minute walk from Stamford Metro North station. I have visited many times and always experienced great peace

5. Yale University

New Haven, CT 06520 +1 203-432-4771 http://www.yale.edu/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 806 reviews

Yale University

One of the country's oldest and most prestigious universities.

Reviewed By veniag2019 - Fajardo, Caribbean

Loved Touring Yale. Made me want to go back in time and attend College here. Awesome guide and Great end of Summer Day to See a Beautiful Campus. Will go visit the Libraries more in depth the next time Im in town. If your thinking of going back to school or just want to see a Great Campus with wonderful people. Make sure you stop over to the Campus Tour best thing about it is its FREE.

6. Elizabeth Park

1561 Asylum Ave I-84 Exit 44, West Hartford, CT 06106 +1 860-231-9443 http://www.elizabethparkct.org/
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 418 reviews

Elizabeth Park

This walkers' haven, with several gardens along its wildflower trail, a lovely pond and sports and concert facilities, is best known for its magnificent rose garden, with 800 varieties of roses.

Reviewed By Waterfallz

This is a beautiful park with lovely pond and famous Rose Gardens; also Heirloom Rose Garden and stunning Shade Gardens, Tulip Gardens, Perennial Garden, Iris Garden, Herb Garden and more.The accreditation of Elizabeth Park's Kim Arboretum occurred in 2019. Wedding ceremonies in the Rose Garden and other gardens are frequent. The Pond House Restaurant has (seasonal) outdoor seating options as well as indoor seating year round. Food is very good; decor is eclectic - something for everyone - and reasonably priced. There is also a lovely wedding/event venue in the building. There are well-used walking trails, green houses, a playground and more.

7. The Submarine Force Museum

1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT 06349-2300 +1 800-343-0079 http://ussnautilus.org/
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 874 reviews

The Submarine Force Museum

The home of the world's first nuclear submarine has several other exhibits on the history of submarines.

Reviewed By peterf192 - Groton, United States

I really should have reviewed this site a long time ago. I am a retired submarine sailor. This museum, which includes a chance to tour the USS Nautilus, which was America's first nuclear submarine is a GREAT chance to see and feel a comprehensive example and memorial to the submarines and submarine sailors of rhe U.S. of A.!

8. Rainmaker Statue

Mashantucket, CT http://www.foxwoods.com
Excellent
59%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 183 reviews

Rainmaker Statue

A 12-foot statue in the Foxwoods Town Square that displays the history of the Pequot tribe.

Reviewed By vacations4u

There are lots of things to see and visit when at Foxwoods and although I miss the show that use to take place at this statue it is certainly beautiful when lit at night. Check it out and see for yourself.

9. Greenwich Avenue

Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT 06805 +1 203-622-0774
Excellent
46%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 205 reviews

Greenwich Avenue

Greenwich's main street is filled with upscale shops and restaurants.

Reviewed By AN364 - Ann Arbor, United States

Greenwich Ave was so much fun to walk. I was surprised by the number and variety of shops on the Ave. Had a great time exploring and even did a little damage. Walking distance (2 blocks) from the Delamar Hotel. Made for a perfect afternoon!

10. Audubon Center

613 Riversville Rd, Greenwich, CT 06831-2624 +1 203-869-5272 [email protected] http://greenwich.audubon.org/
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Audubon Center

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