Family events in New London, CT

Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers can enjoy a lively mix of stories, songs, rhymes, and fun. Please gather in the children’s room at Gales Ferry Library before the session starts so everyone can get settled. No registration is needed.

Compete in a Pokémon league designed for all ages, featuring separate divisions for Juniors, Seniors, and Masters. Entry is $5. Prizes are determined by overall attendance and final standings.

A sensory-friendly evening focused on Halloween art welcomes families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing challenges. The environment will be adjusted to be more comfortable, with quieter spots and sensory activities available throughout the space. Children can move at their own pace and choose the projects that suit them. The theme features Halloween and autumn creations using paper art, collage, painting, glue-based projects, and beadwork. Admission is free, and no proof of diagnosis is needed. Advance registration is required. This program is supported by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

Spooky season returns to Eastern Point Beach with the City of Groton’s annual Not so Spooky Movie Night. Families can explore a free not so spooky haunted house and kids can enjoy popcorn, candy, and a few fun surprises. After the activities, settle in on the lawn by the Zbirski house for an outdoor screening of Monsters INC. This family friendly gathering blends gentle thrills with a relaxed movie night by the water.

Stonington Soccer Club’s Junior Sharks brings a playful, developmentally suited soccer experience to Taugwonk Field in Stonington, CT for children ages 3.5 to 8. Guided activities focus on movement and simple skills so young players build coordination, balance, confidence, teamwork, and a solid foundation in the game within a supportive setting. The program welcomes first-time players as well as kids who already love to kick a ball, with sessions offered across U4 through U8 age groups. Registration is open and will remain available for each group until capacity is reached.

Now in its fifth year, the Mystic Apple Festival highlights the spirit of fall with vendors offering arts and crafts, specialty hand-knit pieces, and seasonal foods featuring maple, pumpkin, apple, and caramel. The festival offers free fun for families throughout the weekend.

Groton Public Library presents its eleventh annual Bumpers & Books, a literary trunk-or-treat held in the back parking lot. Library staff, volunteers, and community members will hand out treats from vehicle trunks decorated to highlight books, authors, or Dewey Decimal call numbers. Activities include balloon artistry, crafts, face painting, tattoos, and free snacks. Visitors can wander the Book Patch to choose a free new book, take photos in the Picture Patch, and enjoy lawn games. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Children are encouraged to wear costumes to enhance the festive atmosphere. For details, contact Kim Balentine at (860) 441-6750 or kbalentine@groton-ct.gov.

Fly In - Brisket & Burgers features aircraft to admire alongside classic cars, paired with a hearty menu. Enjoy smoked brisket, barbecue chicken, top shelf burgers, and roasted corn, along with Ralphs Italian ices and freshly baked cookies. Fresh hot coffee will be available for early arrivals.

Enjoy a festive day of Halloween-themed activities for all ages at this 5th annual celebration. Stroll past pumpkins decorated by community members while sipping free cider, snacking on doughnuts, and taking part in games and hands-on fun. Expect lawn games, a scavenger hunt, and plenty of spots for photos. Costumes are encouraged for both people and pets, and everyone is invited to show off their looks during the Costume Parade. Cast a vote for your favorite pumpkins and watch as prizes go to the top entries. Those interested in participating in the stroll can register to submit a pumpkin. Free pumpkins are available at the library on a first come, first served basis, or you may bring your own, and decorated pumpkins must be returned to the library to be considered for the contest. This event is open to all ages. For more information, email reference@westerlylibrary.org or call (401) 596-2877 x306. If it rains, activities will be moved inside the library. Pumpkins and refreshments are sponsored by Benjamin Delaney.

Mystic Aquarium’s annual Run Walk for the Penguins returns with options to complete a 5K run or a 2-mile walk, with every step helping to support conservation efforts for critically endangered African penguins. Registration includes admission to Mystic Aquarium on race day. The experience features visits from some African penguins before the start, music from 107.7 to keep spirits high, breakfast burritos from a local food truck, complimentary stretch sessions from Stretch Zone Mystic, and non-alcoholic beer from Athletic Brewing Company. Young supporters can take part in a Kids Fun Run, and original penguin artwork will be awarded to top finishers and fundraisers. Family-friendly activities and plenty of penguin-themed fun create a spirited atmosphere for runners chasing a personal best and walkers spending time with family and friends, all in support of one of the world’s most endangered penguin species.

Connecticut’s bring-your-own-partner Best-Disc doubles league comes to Millwood Creek Disc Golf Course with a welcoming vibe for every age and skill level. The aim is simple, to get more people out enjoying disc golf in a laid-back Best-Disc format that lightens the pressure on teammates. Bring a partner, whether that is a spouse, family member, friend, or someone new to the sport. Players arriving solo are welcome too, and can be matched with a teammate or play 3s or Cali. Both members of each team are asked to RSVP, and private messages are accepted. Organizers strive for an on-time start so plan accordingly. Scoring is handled through UDisc Leagues, with paper cards available if cell service is unreliable. To speed up check-in, participants are asked to join the Connecticut Best Disc Doubles League on UDisc before league day. The entry fee is $10 per team, payable via Venmo to "DiscGolfZenSherry" or in exact cash at check-in. From each team’s entry, $6 funds Closest-To-Pin prizes. The number of CTPs depends on turnout, with most league days featuring five total, allocated as two for women, two for mixed, and one open to all. If fewer than five teams participate, there will be three CTPs. An additional $2 goes to an Ace Pot that grows over time, and when it reaches $300 a second pot begins building. The remaining $2 supports a league fund dedicated to disc golf projects in Connecticut. At season’s end, the group will review the fund and suggest how to share it, and anyone who has attended at least three league events may propose and vote on projects. Play continues in all weather and will only be called off for safety reasons. By taking part, players agree to release the organizers and relevant park services from liability, and accept sole responsibility for any damage or injury they may cause before, during, or after the event, including throws made in practice or competition.

This Walktober hike in Mohegan Park, Norwich, is sponsored by the Mohegan Striders. The route is about 2 miles, starting at the park center by the fountain, visiting monuments, then continuing on unpaved wooded trails with a chance to spot wildlife. Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and consider bringing a camera. Plan for roughly an hour and a half. There is no admission fee and parking is free. No pets are allowed in Mohegan Park. To register, call Terrie or Tim Smith at 860-887-1518. This outing is part of the Walktober effort that encourages people to get outside and care for the land across The Last Green Valley, which features over 250 walks throughout the region.

A lively community cookout brings together families, friends, and neighbors for an afternoon of fellowship, tasty food, and plenty of laughs. Burgers and hot dogs will be served, and kids can jump and play in the bounce houses. It offers a relaxed way to unwind, connect with others, and share time with the community. All are welcome.

Families can enjoy a festive indoor celebration at Ocean Beach Park. Kids can trick or treat among 50 local crafters and vendors, take in live performances, and step into costume contests. Free activity tables for children add hands-on fun and a family friendly vibe. A new highlight is the Kid Entrepreneur Area featuring businesses run by kids. The event takes place inside the Port and Starboard Ballroom.

Hosted by Colchester Dog Park at Priam Vineyards, Pumpkins & Pooches features pet-focused vendors, dog costume contests, raffle drawings, specialty cocktails, and wine. The event takes place alongside the Connecticut 2026 Food Truck & Wine Festival. Families, children, and dogs are welcome, and activities for kids will be available while supplies last. Dogs must be vaccinated and on leashes, and retractable leashes are not permitted. Pet-related vendors can request information at tagnobark@gmail.com.

A weekly all-ages open skate at GDC Roller Skate Rink in Greenport, NY welcomes skaters of every experience level to roll together. Helpful staff are on hand to guide beginners with balance and confidence. Outside food is allowed, and the concession stand serves fresh cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs, snacks, and drinks. Groups can make reservations during public sessions, and inquiries can be sent through the website’s contact form.

At Gales Ferry Library in Gales Ferry, CT, this storytime welcomes newborns to 18 months and their caregivers for songs, fingerplays, bounces, and more. Two identical sessions are offered, with the second repeating the first, so families can choose the session that fits best. Registration is not required, just drop in.

Designed for newborns through 18 months and their caregivers, this baby storytime features songs, fingerplays, bounces, and other playful early literacy activities. Two identical sessions are offered so families can choose the one that best fits their day. Registration is not required.

Parents with newborns and young children are welcome at a supportive group at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT. It offers a comfortable place to share experiences, ask questions, and build connections during the first two years of a child’s life. Babies and partners are encouraged to attend.

This casual get-together features Bingo along with other games. It is open to everyone, and participation is optional, so guests may simply watch or play.

A presentation focused on supporting aging parents will take place at Mystic & Noank Library. Additional information will be shared soon.