Get ready for a busy weekend in the Hartford area! This weekend (March 14th & 15th) is full of St. Patrick's celebrations, maple sugaring, and nature cruises. Don't miss the pancake breakfast or the seal spotting!
See our top picks
Second Saturdays for Families: Craft Connections at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Free admission all day Saturday for creative family fun downtown.
The Sea Tea Improv Family Show! Comedy You Can Bring Your Grown-Ups To
Sea Tea Comedy Theater
A guaranteed laugh indoors on Sunday afternoon.
Shamrock Cookie Decorating Workshop at Lyman Orchards
Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Farm Market
A short, sweet, and fun cookie decorating session on Saturday morning.
· March 14
8SECOND SATURDAYS FOR FAMILIES: CRAFT CONNECTIONS AT WADSWORTH ATHENEUM MUSEUM OF ARTFREE : Head to the Wadsworth for their dedicated family art activities happening all morning and early afternoon. It’s a great way to explore major art collections while keeping little hands busy.It's a free Saturday morning art opportunity right downtown.
: Start your Saturday morning with pancakes and learn how maple sap turns into syrup right at the farm. Check for the specific time slot that works best for your family.Classic seasonal fun combining breakfast with local education.
: Visit the Sugar House to see demonstrations on how maple sap is turned into syrup using science and storytelling. It's a great, hands-on look at a classic springtime activity.Perfect, specific demonstration for families interested in local food science.
SEAL SPOTTING & BIRDING CRUISE AT THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK : Take a cruise out on Long Island Sound with aquarium educators to spot seals and wintering birds. This is a great adventure if you don't mind the drive downstate.Unique opportunity to see marine life in the wild just off the CT coast.
: Experience history with maple sugaring events at Old Sturbridge Village. This is one of the last days for this limited-run event series focused on early American traditions.A historical, interactive experience centered on maple syrup, one of the weekend's key themes.
20TH ANNUAL MAPLE FESTIVAL AT SWEET WIND FARM : Head up to East Hartland for a full-day Maple Festival that includes a craft show. It’s a perfect Saturday outing focused entirely on this seasonal treat.A dedicated festival setting for maple treats and crafts.
: Enjoy a long afternoon of family fun at Lyman Orchards, likely involving some themed treats or activities given the name. Perfect for a mid-day stop near Middletown.A broad family fun event happening all afternoon at a popular farm market.
: A quick, 30-minute session at Lyman Orchards to decorate festive shamrock cookies. A fun, low-commitment activity for the kids.Short, sweet, and themed activity perfect for younger kids.
· March 15
5: Join the O'Hartford road race for either a 5K or 10K distance in the city. A great activity for active families or parents wanting to hit a fitness goal.A major local road race happening right in Hartford on Sunday morning.
: Another listing for the O'Hartford road race series taking place in the Coltsville area on Sunday morning.Confirms the location and time for the major Sunday morning race event in Hartford.
: Enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly improv comedy at the Sea Tea Theater. This is a perfect indoor option for a Sunday afternoon.A specific, named family show happening on Sunday afternoon.
ALL THINGS GREEN AT THE BNC : Head to Bristol for this nature center event focusing on 'green' themes, which usually means nature exploration and hands-on activities. Great for getting outside.A dedicated nature center event specifically on Sunday afternoon.
FREE : If you don't mind driving south, the Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 1:30 PM on Sunday. Perfect for catching marching bands and floats.Major city parade event happening Sunday afternoon.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3: A full festival dedicated to maple sugaring, where you can see them make their own syrup from trees right on campus. This is one of the final Sundays for this winter festival series.It's a large-scale, family-focused festival centered on maple syrup.
: Explore Hartford by solving clues on this self-guided scavenger hunt adventure. Great for getting the family moving and seeing historical spots.A self-paced way to explore Hartford on Saturday morning.
: Catch a jazz performance at the Hartford Public Library on Sunday afternoon. A relaxing cultural outing that happens indoors.It's a cultural event happening Sunday afternoon indoors at a public venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Hartford this weekend?
This weekend (Mar 14-15) the best free option is the Second Saturdays for Families: Craft Connections at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art on Saturday, offering free admission and crafts all day.
Are there any family-friendly nature activities this weekend?
Yes! You can check out the Maple Syrup Demonstrations at Flanders Nature Center on Saturday and Sunday, or take a unique Seal Spotting & Birding Cruise on Saturday or Sunday (check height requirements).
What can we do indoors on Sunday if the weather is bad?
You can catch the Sea Tea Improv Family Show at 2 PM, enjoy some Baby Grand Jazz at the Hartford Public Library at 3 PM, or head to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center for their Maple Sugar Fest.
