Things To Do in Litchfield County - Outdoor Fun

1. Farms Around Litchfield County 

Litchfield County definitely has a farm that is perfect for a visit any time of year. You can go apple picking at scenic Averill Farm in Washington Depot, enjoy Harvest Season at Angevine Farm in Warren, pluck strawberries and blueberries at Ellsworth Hill Orchard and Berry Farm in Sharon, or go for a farm tour at the lovely Arethusa Dairy farm.

2. Audubon Society in Sharon

The Sharon Audubon Center protects more than 2,100 primarily forested acres in Northwestern Connecticut. With raptor aviaries, pollinator gardens, a butterfly house, and a working sugarhouse, guests can enjoy nature year-round. 

3. Sculpturedale  - Kent

Local sculptor Denis Curtiss displays hundreds of pieces of sculpture around 3 acres of gardens. Visitors are welcome to stroll the gardens and see if they can get a sneak peek of the artist at work.  

4. Flanders Nature Center - Woodbury

Located in Woodbury, Flanders Nature Center offers 2,100 acres of open space to hike, cross country ski, or just roam. Make sure to check out the  Flanders Nature Center’s Sugar House, where you can learn how maple syrup was discovered and see how it is made 

5. White Memorial Conservation Center - Litchfield

Located in 4,000-acres of the White Memorial Foundation, the White Memorial Nature Center offers year-round programs like family hikes, special events, and a wide variety of children’s programming. 

6. Clarke Outdoors River Guides - West Cornwall

Even beginner paddlers can spend a day rafting down the scenic Housatonic River with Clarke Outdoors. Clarke has a variety of rafts, canoes, and kayaks to pick from. Once you have completed your 10-mile journey down the Housatonic, guides will come to pick you up. 

7. Action Wildlife - Goshen

Go on a drive-through safari where you may drive your vehicle through a 50-acre, fenced-in exotic wildlife park at Action Wildlife. Keep an eye out for zebras and buffalos.

Lake Waramaug is fun to visit for a paddle or just to gaze out over the calm waters. Photo by Ally Noel

8. Lake Waramaug - Washington

I challenge you to find a Connecticut lake that is quite as scenic as Lake Waramaug. This pristine spot really shines in the fall, when the foliage is mirrored in its calm waters. In summer, you can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle around 680 acres of Lake Waramaug.

9. Pratt Nature Center - New Milford

Splash in the East Aspetuck River at Pratt Nature Center in New Milford. This 205-acre wildlife preserve encompasses a mountain, meadows, woods, wildlife, gardens, farm animals, a stream, a pond, and wetlands. With lots of opportunities for outdoor fun, you can spend the day hiking, bird watching, or partaking in one of the many family programs the center offers.

10. Mount Tom State Park - Washington

Hike up to the lookout tower and enjoy the view at Mount Tom State Park, and then, if it's warm, visit the sandy beach for a swim on Lake Tom.

11. Kent Falls State Park - Kent

Kent Falls is probably one of Connecticut’s most well-known parks. It's most popular for its waterfall, and families enjoy the easy hike up to the top of the falls. The trail up is well established and provides several viewing platforms of the 250-foot waterfall.  

Things To Do in Litchfield County - Museums and Indoor Activities

12. Institute of American Indian Studies - Washington

You can walk through and experience a replicated Algonkian Village at the Institute of American Indian Studies. Check out one of their scheduled events to watch history come alive. If you are up for a bit of a challenge, check out the Wigwam Escape escape room. 

13. John J. McCarthy Observatory - New Milford

A visit to this spot opens up the vastness of space and the wonders of the universe. You can also see a model solar system built to scale at the John J. McCarthy Observatory in New Milford.

 
Have a classic movie experience in Litchfield County, CT. Photo courtesy of the Bank Movie Street Theater

14. Bank Street Movie Theater - New Milford

Check out the latest movies at the quaint Art Deco Bank Street movie theater in New Milford, and then take a walk across the street to a great toy store, PLAY. 

15. Sloane-Stanley Museum & Kent Iron Furnace - Kent

Eric Sloane was an artist, author, illustrator, and a collector of Americana, specifically hand tools. Guests can visit a replica of a pioneer cabin as described by Eric Sloane in a journal dating back to 1805. Works of art by Sloane are also on display. 

16. Railroad Museum of New England - Thomaston

Take a step back in time in a restored 1920s train coach while taking a scenic 20-mile round trip ride on the Naugatuck Railroad. Hop aboard the  Easter Bunny Express, the Northern Lights Limited, or even indulge in a sweet treat in the Chocolate Decadence Express.

17. Litchfield Historical Museum - Litchfield

In addition to showcasing the history of Litchfield, the museum hosts a number of seasonal events and activities. From a Holiday Lantern Tour in Litchfield to Scarecrows in the Meadow and walking tours of local artists' work, the Litchfield Historical Society has indoor and outdoor events and displays.

18. Warner Theater - Torrington

This art deco gem is a little piece of Connecticut history. Built in 1931 by Warner Brothers Studios, Torrington’s Warner Theater is often described as “Connecticut’s most beautiful theater.”  After a full restoration in 1983, the theater reopened as the performing arts center it is today. 

Things To Do in Litchfield County - Seasonal Events and Activities

19. Mohawk Mountain - Cornwall

Connecticuters know that Mohawk Mountain is the perfect spot to learn how to ski. Goggles the Yeti is known to frequent the mountain during family-friendly events. 

20. Jumpfest - Salisbury

Salisbury is home to Satre Hill, Connecticut’s only ski jump. During the annual Jumpfest, visitors come from all over to watch ski jumpers fly into the sky at the Salisbury Ski jumping event.

21. Laurel Ridge Daffodils - Litchfield

You can’t predict nature, but usually, sometime in April, daffodils make their appearance on Laurel Ridge. Make sure to pack your camera for picture-perfect vistas filled with these beautiful blooms.  

22. Litchfield Jazz Festival - Washington

Sit on the sprawling lawn and listen to Jazz during the Litchfield Jazz Festival. The festival has been bringing music to the Litchfield hills since 1996. Enjoy music from new and upcoming musicians as well as  established performers.

23. Goshen Fair - Goshen

Every summer, the Goshen Fair brings rides, games, food, and plenty of family fun to Litchfield County.

24. Kent Falls Brewing Co. - Kent

One of the best family-friendly breweries in Connecticut, Kent Falls Brewery sits on a 50-acre farm, complete with animals. And the beer is pretty tasty after a full day of family activities.