10 Free things to do in connecticut in the summer

There's nothing quite like a New England summer, especially when its spent in Connecticut by the coast. While I may be a bit biased because I live here, that also means that I have the insider information on all the best things to do during the (arguably) best season of the year. Whether you're in your 20's like me and looking for a few free things to do with friends or you're a parent trying to keep your kids occupied without breaking the bank while they aren't in school, this list will help. Below outlines 10 of my favorite free ways to spend a summer day in Connecticut.

1. VISIT ONE OF THE STATE BEACHES/BOARDWALKS

Did you know that Connecticut state parks and state beaches are 100% free if you're a Connecticut resident? That includes dozens of great outdoor spaces across the state, including but not limited to Hammonasset Beach State Park, Harkness Memorial State Park, Sherwood Island State Park, Rocky Neck State Park, Silver Sands State Park, and so many more. All of these places are outstanding spots to take a stroll (possibly even on a boardwalk, which you can learn more about here) or lay on the beach with friends, family, and/or your partner. If the weather is nice out, this is my go-to for something free to do nearby because all you really have to pay for is gas and you can pack pretty much everything else that you'd need. Just don't forget to grab some sunscreen, a beach chair, a cooler, and a fan for your beach chair (my personal and favorite hack) before you go!

2. GO TO A LOCAL FARMERS MARKET

Need to run and pick up a few groceries, but don't want to hit the local Stop & Shop? A better way to spend your time on a beautiful day is to visit one of Connecticut's many farmers markets. While many of the markets are on the weekends (like this one in Chester, which is my all-time favorite), there are also countless markets during the week. For example, the Southington Farmers Market is every Friday from 3:00-6:00pm, the Guilford Farmer's Market is Thursdays from 4:00-7:00pm, and the Manchester Farmer's Market is Wednesdays from 4:00-7:00pm. This is a great way to get the family outside, walking, and to grab a few things you need for dinner without it feeling like a chore for everyone. You can also pick how much you spend! Just stroll and peruse the market with a lemonade or do a whole fresh produce haul-and there's no pressure to spend whatsoever.

3. Walk through the Yale University Art GallerY

Yale University is one of the most famous and prestigious higher education facilities on the planet and it attracts visitors on the daily. One of the best places to visit on campus is the Yale University Art Gallery, which is free and open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday. With countless rotating exhibitions, programs, and events, this is a great place to visit if you're looking to get out of the sun and enjoy some art and culture pieces in the air conditioning.

4. HAVE A PICNIC AT Elizabeth Park’s Rose Garden in West Hartford

Elizabeth Park   in West Hartford is a beautiful place to visit regardless of the time of year, but it's in full, glorious bloom during the summer months. The Helen S Kaman Rose Garden is located in the center of the park and it's the third largest rose garden in the entire country. With 800+ varieties of roses arranged in 132 rose beds and multiple arches that are great to take photos under, this is a lovely place to sit down with a picnic blanket, have lunch, and play cards. There is also a walking and biking trail on the property, and multiple highly rated restaurants in Blue Back Square just a few minutes down the street.

This year North Haven is doing a series called the "Music Under the Stars Concert Series" on the town green every Tuesday at 7:00pm. The series is running from May 27, 2025 to Sep 2, 2025 and there is a full list of artists scheduled to make an appearance that can be found here. It's basically a free concert once a week with different popular cover bands covering artists like Bon Jovi, Motown, Jimmy Buffet, Fleetwood Mac, and more. Participants can bring lawn chairs and snacks and sit outside while listening to the live music, and it's a free town event for all ages. 

6. Visit the Buttonwood Farm in Griswold

Are you a sunflower lover? What about ice cream? Buttonwood Farm in Griswold is a super popular and Instagrammable spot that features rows and rows of fresh sunflowers and farm fresh ice cream. While purchasing any flowers or farm goods does cost money, visiting the farm is free with no entrance fee. This is a great spot to bring the kids for an hour or two, grab a cheap treat, and maybe even take a ride around the sunflower field behind a tractor!

7. PADDLEBOARD OR KAYAK AT A LOCAL LAKE OR RIVER TRAIL

Connecticut has over 3,000 ponds and lakes spread out across the state which means that there's no shortage of spots to paddleboard and kayak. While this activity is only free if you own your own paddleboard or kayak already, there are rental options at places like Collinsville Canoe & Kayak, Scoot & Paddle, Blue Heaving Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals, etc if you are willing to spend a little and rent for a couple hours. If you're looking for more information on the prettiest places to spend time out on the water in Connecticut and launch your personal watercraft for free, click here. I'm an avid paddleboarder who loves exploring new spots in New England and who doesn't have a driving limit so I've been to countless and would love to give my recommendation! I also take my little brother quite often and he loves it as well, so I do believe this is a great activity to do with children over the age of 5. Just don't forget to wear your life jackets!

8. HIKE TO THE WATERFALL AT Wadsworth Falls State Park

Another great and free outdoor activity you can do in Connecticut is hike! One of my personal favorite hiking spots is Wadsworth Falls State Park and that's because there's a waterfall at the top. This is also a great spot because you don't ACTUALLY have to do the hike. You can choose if you want to hike the trail up to the waterfall or if you want to park in the parking lot at the top and just walk down a small hill to the falls. I love to put up my hammock and read here, but I've also seen people just sitting by the waterfall enjoying lunch or bringing their kids or dog to the waterfall to play in the water. Here's a link to my hammock if you want a similar one!

9. WATCH A SUNSET AT HARKNESS MEMORIAL STATE PARK

Harkness Memorial State Park is arguably one of the most beautiful state parks in Connecticut and there is SO much to do here. Visitors can walk around the Roman Renaissance Revival-style mansion and schedule a tour, explore the six historic gardens, sit at the beach, or have a picnic anywhere on the 230 acres of seaside land. There is also a beautiful pergola great for taking photos under and wooden benches aligned underneath trees in multiple areas to sit and have lunch under. Every time I visit here I see engaged couples or graduates taking professional photos, dog owners walking their dogs, families sitting in the shade with lunch, and people walking through the gardens hand in hand. It really is just such a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

10. FLOAT DOWN THE FARMINGTON RIVER ON A TUBE

Have a couple blow up tubes laying around? Well, grab a cooler full of drinks and snacks, call some friends, and meet at the Farmington River to go tubing! As long as you have atleast two people you can leave one car at the top of the river, known as Satan's Kingdom, and leave a second car where you plan on ending your tubing adventure. If you don't have a tube and/or transportation, you can also opt to pay $30 to Farmington River Tubing and they will provide you with a tube, a life jacket, and a shuttle ride back to the starting point of the river where you parked your car. I personally just bring this two-person tube I bought on Amazon for less than $50 (less than the cost of two people paying for the experience). It's super fun, especially on a hot day.

Explore More Free Adventures in Connecticut

There are so many ways to enjoy summer in Connecticut without spending a dime—and these 10 ideas are just the beginning. As someone born and raised in Connecticut, I’ve spent years exploring all the hidden gems, coastal towns, and scenic spots our state has to offer. I also love to travel throughout New England and around the world (I’ve been to 17 countries and counting!), but there’s something special about the charm and accessibility of local adventures. Scroll down for more Connecticut travel blogs, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss new tips, guides, and destination ideas—both local and global.