Things to Do in New Haven County, CT

We’ve got the lowdown on what to do in New Haven County, CT. Take some time for yourself throughout the year, whether in winter, spring, summer, or fall, to visit fun festivals, interesting museums, and relaxing parks in the area. These events and places are all a short drive from Aspen Glen in Hamden, CT. 

Festivals 

If you’re looking for fun festivals in New Haven County this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Learn about great festivals and events that are fun for all ages.  

Artwork of Jazz musicians performing

Shoreline Jewish Festival 

This event features Jewish music from across the globe, all your favorite kosher foods, crafts from local makers, and fun events for children like an obstacle course, inflatable slide, and arts and crafts projects. The event is August 14 on the Guilford Green. Purchase your ticket soon! 

North Haven Fair graphic

North Haven Fair 

Check out the North Haven Fair September 8, 9, 10, and 11 to learn about agriculture, animals, the benefits of rural homes, and to celebrate New England’s beautiful landscape. With rides, activities, food, and entertainment, this almost 80-year-old fair is sure to delight audiences of every age. Tickets are $5 for senior citizens, $10 for adults, and children 12 and under are free with a ticket-holding adult. Skip the ticket line and order yours online today!  

Durham Fair graphic

Durham Fair 

This year marks the 102nd anniversary of the Durham Fair. The fairgrounds come alive the final weekend in September and magically transform into Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair. Animal competitions, discovery events, entertainment, roller coasters, food, and more await you at this fun-filled annual event. The Durham Fair will run from September 22 to September 25. Ticket prices vary, but children 11 and under, active military, and attendees in wheelchairs are free.  

Off Campus Activities 

Looking to get off campus for some relaxation or a new perspective? Check out these cool museums to broaden your mind! 

New Haven Museum at dusk.

New Haven Museum 

Founded in 1862 as the New Haven Colony Historical Society, the New Haven Museum is dedicated to all things New Haven, CT. View collections, learn about the history of the city, and inspect artifacts from the past century and a half. They have educational facilities for schools, families, and individuals to help further the study of Connecticut’s great history. Children and members can visit the museum for free, while others pay a small entrance fee.  

Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop

Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop 

Eli Whitney was a graduate of Yale and the inventor of the cotton gin and other manufacturing apparatuses. The Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop is an experimental and educational workshop and museum for visitors of all ages, whether you’re a student, teacher, or family. It’s not your typical quiet museum atmosphere but rather more of a running workshop space, complete with people creating things in all corners. Be sure to check the website for all hours, ticket prices, and information.  

Barker Museum dedicated to comics, cartoons and characters.

Barker Character, Comic, and Cartoon Museum 

Relive your childhood while learning about characters, comics, and cartoons at the Barker Museum. This fun-filled museum was opened in 1997 and is dedicated to memorabilia, history, and amusement. It has over 80,000 pieces of memorabilia from both old and modern cartoons. Be sure to check out the massive statue of The Hulk and the Pez collection, and don’t skip the gift shop! Learn about entrance fees from their website.  

Lighthouse in New Haven County Park System.

New Haven County Parks System  

The New Haven County Parks System is ready for you all year round. From camping, biking, hiking, swimming, and more, you’ll find something to satisfy your outdoorsy self. Go fishing at Sleeping Giant State Park, bird watch at Edgewood Park, and learn about marine biology at Lighthouse Point Park. With so many things to do, you’ll never tire of New Haven County’s parks.  

We’ve got the lowdown on what to do in New Haven County, CT. Take some time for yourself throughout the year, whether in winter, spring, summer, or fall, to visit fun festivals, interesting museums, and relaxing parks in the area. These events and places are all a short drive from Aspen Glen in Hamden, CT.