Simply calling Connecticut Open House Day an opportunity to tour museums doesn’t do it justice. Each year, theaters, historic houses, battlefields, archives and cultural organizations across Connecticut open their doors and welcome visitors into stories often kept behind admission desks, locked doors or gone unnoticed in day-to-day life.
This year’s Open House Day gives you the opportunity to travel through the centuries all within New London County. Check out a glamorous 1926 movie palace, stand on Revolutionary War-era grounds, walk through a colonial house built before the United States was even a country, see the apartment of a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, and learn about the history that molded the communities we live in today. Here are seven spots to make your Connecticut Open House Day anything but ordinary.
1. The Garde Arts Center (Family Fun & Culture)
New London
Noon – 5 p.m.
Need a stop on Connecticut Open House Day that kids and adults will both enjoy? Head to the Garde Arts Center. This historic 1926 theater is hosting an afternoon full of free activities that highlight history, music, hands-on learning, and interactive play. It’s a no-brainer for families who plan to spend some quality time together this weekend.
Adults will love checking out the history and gorgeous architecture of the building, but there is plenty to interest kids, too. Some highlights include:
- Garde Tours (Noon & 1 p.m.)
Explore one of New London’s most beautiful historic landmarks, including behind-the-scenes areas and stories from nearly a century of performances and community history. - Ghost Light Quest (Noon – 5 p.m.)
Kids become part of the action in this giant choose-your-own-adventure experience, using arcade-style buttons to guide a live-action hero through a fast-paced mission to save the show. - ECSO Instrument Petting Zoo (Noon – 2 p.m.)
Ever wondered what a violin feels like? How about a cello or clarinet? Visitors of all ages can touch, explore, and even try playing instruments with help from musicians from the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.
For families visiting Connecticut Open House Day for the first time, The Garde is one of the most accessible experiences on our list. You’ll have fun while learning and getting hands on!
2. Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (Nature)
Mystic
11 a. m. – 3 p.m.
Meet the animals that live at the Nature Center. Connecticut Open House Day gives visitors the opportunity to interact with some of the wildlife residents at one of Mystic’s favorite outdoor attractions. Perfect for kids who love animals and parents hoping to introduce their little ones to the outdoors without breaking a sweat, this free event provides a fun glimpse into what the Nature Center has to offer all year long.
3. Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park (Revolutionary War History)
Groton
Various Times
Step back in time and visit one of New England’s most significant Revolutionary War sites. Tour guides are available to lead visitors through the battlefield and explain the history behind the Battle of Groton Heights. Climbing the monument for views of the Thames River is a highlight. Seeing the landscape and hearing stories of the past really bring this pivotal moment in Connecticut history to life.
4. Thomas Lee House (Colonial Connecticut)
East Lyme
Open House Tours
The Thomas Lee House is one of Connecticut’s oldest houses still standing. Built circa 16th century, visitors can explore the grounds, check out the neighboring Little Boston Schoolhouse, and learn about life in East Lyme through special exhibits. Whether you’re a history buff or someone who appreciates old homes, checking out this Open House is a chance to explore a place that was built before America was even a country.
5. Jabez Smith House (Revolutionary America)
Groton
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Get your hands dirty at the Jabez Smith House! Revolutionary War reenactors, period games and more provide activities for the entire family. Enjoy crafts, see live farm animals, and learn about colonial life through demonstrations. The Jabez Smith House also boasts a Liberty Tree dedication as well as activities related to America’s 250th birthday, making it one of the day’s more interactive events.
6. James Merrill House (Literary Connecticut)
Stonington Borough
Open House Tours
Tour the eclectic apartment that Pulitzer Prize-winning poet James Merrill called home for years. The open house tours of the James Merrill House allow visitors to step inside the home he shared with his partner David Jackson. Along with the homes tours, there is an exhibit showcasing the thriving artistic community that was present in Stonington Borough throughout Merrill and Jackon’s residencies.
7. Old Mystic History Center (Local History & Indigenous Heritage)
Old Mystic
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tucked away in Old Mystic is this research library that contains one of the largest collections of local history in the area. Visitors can take tours of the building and learn about the history of New London County. There is also a special focus on the Indigenous peoples of Southern New England and the locals who lived in Mystic long before it was known for wine festivals and beach weekends.
For a full list of participating businesses and museums, check out the CTVisit Open House for New London County.
Last modified: June 11, 2026
