Family events in Hartford, CT

This intergenerational tour highlights the stories of Frederick Douglass, a Black abolitionist, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, a white anti-slavery author. Through a conversation-centered experience, it traces both figures from childhood to literary prominence, with attention to the roles of love, family, and education. Highlights include Douglass secretly teaching himself to read and write as a child and the pivotal assistance of Anna Murray in his escape to freedom. The program also examines how Stowe’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin was informed by Douglass and other Black activists of the 19th century. Participants can handle historical objects and documents, engage with challenging moments in U.S. history in an empowering, age-appropriate way, and reflect on how people of any age can help create change. Suitable for ages 6 and older.

Rec on the Run delivers free arts and crafts to neighborhoods with a traveling van and a new themed project each week. A schedule outlines where the van will be and which craft is featured. This stop takes place at Charter Oak Park and centers on creativity.

These themed Friday Night Events at Charter Oak or The Oak create a friendly start to the weekend. Families and friends can enjoy time together in a casual, fun setting.

Celebrate the restoration of the Sam Colt Memorial with a family-friendly craft event at Colt Park. Families receive materials for a hands-on activity and create their own relief sculpture, either inspired by details from the monument or based on an original design. The National Park Service will also lead a guided tour of Coltsville.

Now in its 64th year, the West Indian celebration at Bushnell Park features a parade, a marketplace of vendors, and a concert with no admission charge. Entry is free, and attendees can buy food and other items on site.

This intergenerational, conversation-based tour explores the lives of Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass and white anti-slavery author Harriet Beecher Stowe, tracing their journeys from childhood to literary prominence. The experience highlights the roles of love, family, and education, including how Douglass taught himself to read and write as a child while keeping it hidden and how his future wife, Anna Murray, helped him on his path to freedom. It also examines how Stowe’s anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin was influenced by Douglass and other Black activists of the 19th century. Participants can handle historical objects and documents that bring the past into focus and take part in thoughtful conversation about how people of all ages can help create change. Designed for visitors ages 6 and older.

Returning for its second year, the G.O.A.T. Card Show is hosted by the Hartford Yard Goats, the Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, at Dunkin’ Park. In partnership with THE 413 CARD SHOW and presented by Fox Sports 97-9, with support from Nash In The Ville Honkytonk, this gathering welcomes collectors, hobbyists, and fans of all ages. Explore more than 100 tables of sports cards, memorabilia, and collectibles spanning every sport and interest, set throughout the full 360-degree concourse of Dunkin’ Park, a venue recognized as Best Ballpark in America four times. Enjoy convenient parking and open concessions, and take in the full ballpark atmosphere while you shop, trade, and discover new finds. Admission is $10, and children 10 and under are free. Vendors should note that any offers to purchase tables outside official channels are not valid, and only official avenues should be used for vendor information and registration.

Globe Hollow hosts the annual K-9 Kerplunk Doggy Dunk in partnership with the Manchester Youth Commission. Dogs must be registered and licensed, and in-person registration is available before entering the facility. Admission is $5 per dog, with a limit of two dogs per handler.

Monday Movie Nights at Parkville Market turns the patio into an open air cinema for a relaxed outing suited for all ages. Screenings have featured titles like Goat, Onward, KPop Demon Hunters, and Inside Out 2. Every Monday, children can eat free all day with the purchase of an adult entrée from the same vendor. Presented with support from CREC, the Capitol Region Education Council.

Homeschool Tuesdays at Capital Ice Cream offers a relaxed meetup for homeschool families to connect, play, and build community. The gathering includes toy and activity stations, story time, and both independent and group play, along with plenty of opportunities to meet other local families. Guests can pack a lunch and bring the kids for unstructured fun where imagination and friendships support learning beyond the desk. Drop in briefly or stay for the full session, whatever fits the day.

Rec on the Run brings free arts and crafts to neighborhood spots with a mobile van and a fresh themed project each week. The weekly route includes Westside Oval at Mahoney Rec on Tuesdays, Eastside Farmers Market on Wednesdays, Northwest Park on Thursdays, and Charter Oak Parl on Fridays. Find the van at these rotating locations and enjoy hands-on art activities close to home.

At Dunkin' Park, the Moon Mammoths face the Yard Goats in a special matchup. Originating on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the Moon Mammoths make an appearance at the ballpark. The game also includes a celebration recognizing Reading Books in Summer kids, supported by Eversource. Baseball Bingo, presented by Hartford Provision Company, offers opportunities to win prizes. The game is presented by Call Before You Dig.

Catch the Hartford Yard Goats take on the Erie SeaWolves at the ballpark. The game is scheduled to go on rain or shine, and any cancellations are at the discretion of the Yard Goats. Tickets are $55 per registration.

The 12th annual back to school block party takes place at CREC’s central headquarters in Hartford and brings the Greater Hartford community together to support children and families as the new school year approaches. CREC, the city of Hartford, and more than 30 community organizations share important information about schools and local services with over 3,000 attendees. Over 1,200 backpacks stocked with school supplies will be available at no cost for children ages 3 to 17. All guests must complete the check-in process, and pre-registration helps make that quicker. Backpacks are distributed only after check-in is completed and when children are present.

Rec on the Run brings a mobile art experience to neighborhood spots with free arts and crafts offered from its traveling van. This stop takes place at the Eastside Farmers Market and features a themed craft for the week. The route also includes Westside Oval at Mahoney Rec, Northwest Park, and Charter Oak Park, with each visit highlighting a new theme and location.

The Yard Goats face the Tigers affiliate, highlighted by an adult camo jersey giveaway for the first 1,000 fans, presented by the CT Army National Guard. The evening also recognizes participants in the Reading Books in Summer program, with thanks to Eversource.

Part of the Children’s Performance Series, Drumming About You features Bob Bloom leading an interactive music session where kids and other participants make music together. Young attendees are encouraged to sing along to familiar songs and try out a range of instruments. After the performance, children can visit the playground and feed the birds at the Aviary. Kona Ice will be on site with a sweet treat. The program is held at the cabin reception tent. A $7 vehicle entry fee applies.

Rec on the Run rolls into neighborhood spots with a mobile art van offering free arts and crafts. A rotating schedule highlights where the van will be and what themed project is planned each week. Look for stops at places such as Westside Oval at Mahoney Rec, Eastside Farmers Market, Northwest Park, and Charter Oak Parl. Bring your creativity and make something fun.

Northwest Park hosts family-focused activities that range from hands-on arts and crafts to a family talent show. The programming centers on creative fun and shared time together.

The 18-piece Al Fenton Big Band, led by Kathy Neri, brings a high-energy jazz performance to Center Memorial Park, capping the Beller’s Music Summer Concert season. Expect bright brass, standout solos, and rhythms that keep the music moving. Settle into the shade and enjoy the show with a lawn chair and a picnic, or pick up takeout from nearby Downtown restaurants. If weather intervenes, the concert will move to the Army & Navy Club. Sponsored by Beller’s Music and Downtown Arts and Culture.

The Kris Allen Quintet brings live jazz to a historic garden setting as part of the Sunset Sounds Concert Series. Pack a picnic and a lawn chair to relax among the greenery, then enhance the outing with complimentary first-floor tours of the house museum, a self-guided audio tour of the garden, and exhibitions by featured artists. The concert is planned for the terrace at the Amos Bull House behind the Butler-McCook garden. If the weather does not cooperate, it will shift indoors to the Amos Bull Community Room. Alto saxophonist Kris Allen leads a stellar lineup with Josh Evans on trumpet, Zaccai Curtis at the piano, Nat Reeves on bass, and Anwar Marshall on drums. The repertoire spotlights music by Gigi Gryce, who spent a short time in Hartford, and salutes pillars of hard bop and bebop including Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, and Jackie McLean. Allen serves as the Lyell B. Clay Artist in Residence in Jazz and a lecturer in music at Williams, where he directs the jazz ensemble program. A Hartford area native and a protégé of Jackie McLean, he has shaped a distinctive voice as a saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and recording artist, appearing on dozens of recordings. His latest leader release, June, is his third acclaimed album on the Truth Revolution Recording Collective. Support for this program is provided by the Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, the Evelyn W. Preston Memorial Trust Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, and the Ensworth Charitable Foundation, Bank of America. Registration is appreciated, and walk-up attendees are welcome. Metered street parking is typically available nearby.

Celebrate Italian heritage at the ballpark with themed festivities, specialty food options, and playful promotions that might have you cheering Salute. The Yard Goats host the Tigers affiliate for a game filled with Italian-inspired touches and plenty of ballpark energy.