Family events in West Haven, CT

A community marketplace on the Upper New Haven Green features more than 20 vendors offering homemade foods and original art. Attendees can make projects with local art groups, try exercise classes, and unwind with lawn and board games. Information about programs around downtown and the wider city is available, and the space can be enjoyed with a free picnic blanket from the blanket library.

Enjoy a New Haven experience with tasty food, classic arcade play, and activities for all ages. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. A portion of Family Day token sales will be donated by Barcade to Gamers Outreach, a charity that provides recreation to children in hospitals through the power of video games and the gaming community.

At Picasso Parties, this themed art week invites artists to craft magical projects inspired by Disney favorites and characters from Harry Potter. Space is limited, so early sign-up is recommended. The fee is $160 for the week.

Designed for young learners and their families, this Storytime Tuesdays program at the Shore Line Trolley Museum blends early literacy, imagination, and transportation history. Children enjoy a themed read-aloud followed by a ride aboard a vintage trolley along the historic Branford Electric Railway. Sessions run about an hour, begin promptly, and are planned to wrap up before lunch and afternoon naps. The experience includes a live story reading, a scenic trolley ride, a light snack and drink, and a take-home copy of the featured book for each child. Admission is $10 per child and adults attend free. Capacity is limited to maintain a comfortable, engaging experience for families.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum offers a trolley ride tailored for individuals and families who benefit from a quieter, lower-stimulation setting. This specially scheduled trip keeps attendance small, lowers background noise, and aims to reduce waiting so the experience remains calm and predictable from the Visitor Center through the entire ride. An advance reservation is required, and caregivers attend for free. Families are encouraged to review visitor information ahead of time to prepare with confidence.

Explore the Shore Line Trolley Museum and travel back into the era of electric rail. One admission covers a full day with unlimited trolley rides and access to the historic campus, and tickets can be purchased at the door. Ride aboard authentic antique cars from places like New Haven, New Orleans, Brooklyn, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, with the specific vehicles in use changing based on the day and weather. As an active museum, restoration and preservation work can often be seen throughout the property. The line itself is part of the country’s longest-running suburban street railway. In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the museum is spotlighting innovation and ingenuity, sharing how electric railways transformed cities and connected communities, with special programs during the season and select days offering free or reduced admission. General admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors 62 and older, $10 for children, and children under 2 are admitted free. Some special events may have different pricing.

Movies in the Plaza returns with free outdoor screenings in downtown New Haven’s Pitkin Plaza, presenting films from May through October. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets, as limited bistro and lawn seating is available, and enjoy a lineup that mixes blockbusters, throwback favorites, cult picks, and family-friendly titles. Admission is free, with registration required at the check-in table upon entry, and complimentary light snacks are available. Screenings are weather dependent, with updates shared on the event website and Facebook event page on the day of the show. Viewer discretion is advised, and adults should review each film’s themes before attending with underage guests.

The Teen Services Department at Hagaman Library hosts a weekly Summer Teen Lounge in the DeMayo Room for youths ages 12 to 18. Held on Fridays throughout the summer, each gathering offers something different, from board games and crafts to manga and movies. Teens can stop in, connect with friends, try new activities, and enjoy a free, welcoming hangout.

Family Day in New Haven features tasty food, arcade games, and family friendly fun. All children need to be with a parent or legal guardian. Barcade will donate a portion of 2026 Family Day token sales to Gamers Outreach, a charity that brings recreation to children in hospitals through video games and the gaming community.

The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center presents a feast day celebration honoring its namesake, featuring activities and food available throughout the event. Highlights include the McGivney Gallery and an author talk with Emily Tennant, author of Father McGivney and the Knights of Columbus.