Looking for an activity to do with the kids this winter that is an easy drive out of town, but not somewhere that requires staying overnight?
Scroll down for our list of 10 winter day trip ideas!
Yale Peabody Museum
170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT
The Yale Peabody Museum is free and open to all. Exhibits include Minerals, Earth & Space, Living Lab and multiple Dinosaurs. Note: Closed on Mondays!
PEZ Visitor Center
35 Prindle Hill Rd. | Orange, CT
The PEZ Visitor Center is over 4,000 square feet dedicated to all things PEZ! See the largest, most comprehensive collection of PEZ memorabilia on public display in the world. Currently open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily!
Visit Mystic
Mystic is one of my family’s favorite places to visit in any season!
Visit Mystic Aquarium… featuring both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The Dino Seas is an indoor space featuring hands-on interactive experiences, a NEW Aerial Adventure Course, a two-story indoor playspace, and live amphibians and reptile habitats.
Before or after visiting the aquarium, explore the unique shops, restaurants and pet friendly open air Old Mistick Village. Be sure to stop by Deviant Donuts for a treat! Be sure to look out for events including Frozen Art in the Village, President’s Day Weekend, Saturday, February 14 – Monday, February 16 and the Charity Chowder Cook Off on Saturday, February 28.
Mystic Seaport Museum is another great stop! Visit the exhibition galleries, Seaport Village and more! Be sure to look at the event schedule.
Go Skiing, Snowboarding or Tubing
Click here for a list of great mountains within driving distance!
Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium
4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT
Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium includes interactive exhibits like Science at Play, Science of Flight, Teddy Bear Triage and more. And be sure to visit the planetarium!
Take a Trip into Manhattan
The train ride is an activity in itself!
Enjoy a NEW experience at The Museum of Ice Cream! The newly reimagined MOIC NYC is officially OPEN and the SoHo flagship is ready to be explored. Featuring… Hall of Freezers – Hidden doors, secret worlds, and nonstop discovery. Sundae Kitchen – A hands-on space for joyful, messy creativity with zero cleanup required. Banana Jungle – Bigger, bolder and more immersive than ever…. And much more!
Explore the National Museum of Mathematics! The museum highlights the role of mathematics in illuminating the patterns and structures all around us. The Museum’s innovative exhibits will engage visitors of every age, from 2 to 102!
Head to The Sloomoo Institute! The “Sloomooverse” as it’s called, combines scents including birthday cake, fresh berries, cotton candy, and more with sounds that energize and soothe. Plus, the kids can design their dream slime at the DIY Bar that includes 4,320,000 unique combinations! It’s a great way for the kids to play with slime, without bringing the slime mess into your living room!
Go to Bryant Park for Bumper Cars on the Ice! For ages 7+. Bump, slide, and spin on The Rink through February 28!
The American Museum of Natural History is FULL of exciting exhibits. Check out The Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, Dinosaurs including Apex Stegosaurus Fossil, The Secret World of Elephants and Invisible Worlds (an immersive experience). Best of all, there is a parking garage under the museum that is easily accessible.
IT Adventure Ropes Course
40 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT (inside Jordan’s Furniture)
Take on the IT Adventure Ropes Course. With opportunities for adults, teens, children, and little kids to get active by zipping and climbing! It’s the ultimate destination for guests of all ages looking for thrills, fun, and excitement!
The SlimeLab Co.
144 Oxford Rd unit 2C, Oxford, CT
The SlimeLab Co. is a a hands-on, slime-filled adventure! Dive into the mesmerizing world of textures, colors, and creativity as you discover the secrets of slime-making and explore our interactive exhibits… even create your own slime! Advance reservations are strongly recommended on weekends and holidays.
American Dream
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
Whether you want to shop, play at the DreamWorks Water Park, Big Snow, Nickelodeon Universe, Sesame Street Learn & Play, Angry Birds Mini Golf, Legoland Discovery Center, Paw Patrol Hero Academy, Bubble Planet and more… your family is sure to be entertained at American Dream ALL day!
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester
39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY
Go on a few rides, build and immerse yourself in the LEGO World at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester! Join the LEGO® Creativity Academy event through March 2 at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester, where LEGO creativity never ends!