Is the weather outside frightful? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered (no pun intended!) with these 5 ideas for indoor activities in the Norwich area with kids:
Location: Norwich, CT
Cost:
$10 for the first child
$7.50 for siblings
Babies under a year are free
10% Military Discount offered
Hours:
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY: 9:00 AM - 5 PM
FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 9:00 AM - 6 PM
SUNDAY: 12 PM - 6 PM
Why my kids like it: My kids loved visiting Busy Bee's Play Hive. We went with a friend and had a great time with the indoor climbing structures. They really loved the little corner with the grocery store set up- pretend food and a scanner offered super fun pretend play!
Why I like it: I really enjoyed our visit to Busy Bee's Play Hive too! It was clean, the staff was super nice and even chatted for a bit about our little ones. I loved the little tables at the front for taking a quick snack break. I also love that there is really only one exit, so its easy to keep track of multiple kiddos.
Children's Museum of Southeastern CT
Location: Niantic, CT
Cost: Children (from age 1) and adults - $8 per person Memberships available!
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Sundays: Noon – 4:30pm
Special Hours on Holidays- check their website for specific holiday information
Why my kids like it: We are members and love going to the Children's Museum. My kids love the firetruck area the best, and they love the outdoor play area.
Why I like it: I love the year long membership option and I love how many areas and things there are to do for the kids. The outdoor space has some really fun things, I can't wait to go again when it gets a little warmer out to enjoy that area more! The outdoor area is fenced in and only accessible from inside.
Location: All over- check out our calendar for lots of indoor story times listed. From Mystic to Norwich!
Cost: Free!
Hours: Check out our calendar. Most days we have more than one listed and different start times depending on which library you like the best!
Why my kids like it: Story times are fun, interactive, and great for learning. My kids love going because the story is always fun, some libraries also have activities like lego tables, iPads with learning games and lots of other fun things to do.
Why I like it: We love going to the library because there are fun things to do, but most of them lead to learning. We love picking out a few books to take home with us as well. Libraries have so much to offer- classes, meet ups, events, computers and printers to use, and more!
*I'm also looking to add more library storytimes and events to my calendar, if I missed your favorite library, let me know!*
Location: Groton
Cost: Free
Hours:
Winter Hours (Oct. 1- April 30) Wed- Mon 9-4pm Closed Tuesday
Summer Hours (May 1- September 30) Wed- Mon 9-5pm Closed Tuesday
Why my kids like it: Maybe its just because their dad is a submariner, but my boys love going to the Submarine Museum. They have an indoor area that is fun to walk around and learn about submarine history. After a quick walk outside, you can tour an actual submarine. It is a easy self guided tour with little headphones to listen to at different points during the tour.
Why I like it: Its a fun learning trip- they have lots of history and areas inside to learn lots of naval and submarine history. The outdoor spot is fun, good for solid walkers since there are a few areas in the sub with steps. My 2.5 year old can easily make his way through though with little assistance.
Location: Mystic
Cost: Prices for day of tickets vary- You can purchase ahead online and view their "Plan ahead" calendar to find the best day of prices. I recommend looking into the membership if you live close though, we were gifted one for Christmas from the grandparents and we go at least 2-3 times a month, sometimes more. Its a super fun indoor/outdoor place to spend the morning, afternoon, or all day.
Hours: Vary based on the time of year- right now (Jan-March) are 10am- 4:50pm.
Why my kids like it: My boys love going to the aquarium! They love sea creatures especially, and the aquarium is a particularly favorite activity. They love checking out the touch tanks, water table, and a recent favorite- the sea lion show!
Why I like it: The aquarium is fun for kids and adults! As an animal lover myself, I love going to see all the animals! I love the beluga whales, which while outside, are so fun and interactive! They're funny and love to play with the humans.
