Kid-Friendly Places in Redding, CT

Redding · Farms & Animals · Indoor & outdoor

Marchant Farm in Redding is a family-owned equestrian center and working farm with a history dating to 1750. Kids can take horseback riding lessons at the facility's indoor and outdoor arenas, explore trails, and visit the gardens and seasonal produce stands.

The farm grows seasonal fruits and vegetables; check ahead for what's available and plan a visit to pick or browse the stand.

Free · Redding · Libraries · Indoor

Mark Twain Library in Redding offers community programs for all ages, from baby and toddler story time to teen workshops and extensive adult classes and discussion groups.

Baby and toddler story time uses songs, movement games, and finger plays; register early as space is limited.

Redding · Hiking & Nature · Outdoor

New Pond Farm Education Center is a 102-acre property in West Redding with trails, wetlands, meadows, and gardens offering nature programs for kids from toddlers through elementary grades, plus field trips for school groups.

Little Boots Club welcomes children as young as 18 months with a caregiver for outdoor nature play and animal encounters.

Free · Redding · Museums & History · Indoor & outdoor

Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding preserves the site of a 1778-1779 Revolutionary War winter encampment, with a restored visitor center, museum of artifacts, walking trails, and the iconic Anna Hyatt Huntington statue of General Putnam.

The one-mile historic loop is accessible by foot, bike, or car; the visitor center has maps and restrooms.

Redding · Museums & History · Indoor & outdoor

The Redding Historical Society operates historic properties in Redding, including Lonetown Farm Museum and the Umpawaug Schoolhouse, hosting seasonal open houses, festivals, and family events like llama encounters and the annual Rock 'N Roots music festival.

Rock 'N Roots festival in July features live bands, food trucks, and fireworks; kids 12 and under attend free.

Redding · Sports & Swim · Indoor

Redding Tae Kwon Do Programs teaches martial arts to kids ages 4 and up, with separate classes for younger children (KinderKicks ages 4-6), elementary and middle schoolers (ages 7-13), and teens and adults (14+), all led by a 5th degree black belt certified by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation.

KinderKicks classes are twice weekly and designed for ages 4-6 with a focus on basics and fun; parents can watch.

Free · Redding · Hiking & Nature · Outdoor

Saugatuck Universal Access Trail in Redding loops around a reservoir with easy-to-moderate hiking, brook crossings, and woodland views; leashed dogs are welcome and the path is well-maintained though parking is tight.

The full loop is 13.5 miles; plan a shorter out-and-back for younger kids or aim for a partial route.

Redding · Music · Indoor

The Music Shed in Redding runs rock band programs where kids aged 6–18 join small ensembles matched by age and skill, rehearse weekly, and perform live each semester. The studio also offers private lessons in piano, guitar, bass, drums, and voice, plus songwriting and recording workshops in a professional in-house studio.

Fall and spring rock band programs run September–January and January–May; register early as groups fill up.

Redding · Dance & Theater · Indoor

Wiremill Academy in Redding offers theater classes and summer camps in acting, voice, dance, and musical theater for kids in grades K-9, with full productions at the end of each session.

Summer camps run daily for two weeks and culminate in a performance; register early as spots fill up.