Waterbury is the fifth largest city in Connecticut and is located in New Haven County, specifically on the Naugatuck River.
The city, formally called the “Brass City,” has gained prominence for manufacturing brassware used to produce watches and clocks.
This place is teeming with green spaces where people can come to do a myriad of activities.
Aside from that, Waterbury also offers many attractions solely dedicated to arts, culture, and entertainment that every family and kids will enjoy.
Here are some of the 15 best things to do with kids in Waterbury, Connecticut:
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The Palace Theater on East Main Street opened its doors in the late 1980s and has been an institution in Waterbury’s theater industry.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Everything inside this theatre will stun you—its breathtaking chandelier, gold-colored walls, and Broadway-sized stage will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale setting.
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Food and drinks are available at the theater.
The Palace Theater aims to educate its audiences through performing arts, including kids, and they make sure to live up to this standard by producing unique shows.
This historical theatre also prioritizes developing educational programs in which all youth can participate, such as history classes, theater arts courses, and high school internships.
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The Library Park on Grand Street is the city’s most popular park because it boasts beautiful greenery, fresh air, and opportunities to bond with the whole family.
While it’s not one of the largest parks in Waterbury, this wide-open attraction is the ideal place for a family picnic.
Let your kids roam, run, and play freely in the vast green space while you’re relaxing or doing meditations like yoga.
This peaceful park is also perfect for long walks or jogging.
It was also a venue for celebrations and special events like festivals.
Library Park remains one of the best places to visit in Waterbury since it opened to the public in 1890.
Nestled in Waterbury and two other lovely towns of Connecticut, Hop Brook Lake is a 536-acre attraction that boasts endless possibilities for fun and relaxation, which is perfect for the whole family!
Hop Brook Lake is a massive body of water situated in Connecticut’s New Haven County.
This recreational area is popular not just for its scenic beauty but also for its outdoor activities.
Hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, you name it, Hop Brook Lake has it all.
There are over 14 recreational activities that kids of all ages can try.
Visitors can also use the lake’s facilities, which include picnic shelters with full outlets, tables, and charcoal grills.
There are also restrooms, sinks, and other amenities to make your stay comfortable.
With all these perks, Hop Brook Lake offers a wonderful escape and is the best place to spend quality time with your family.
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Founded in 1877, Mattatuck Museum on West Main Street is a regional history museum featuring historical artifacts from the United States, mainly the Naugatuck Valley.
The museum has also been exhibiting Connecticut-based arts since 1912.
Most of the displays in their art galleries are works of American artists, including Cleve Gray, Frederich Church, and Alexander Calder.
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This museum also houses a button gallery with over 10,000 miniature pieces of art from around the world donated by the Waterbury Button Company since 1999.
With Mattatuck Museum’s at least 12 exhibits that change every year that feature various significant artists, both contemporary and classical, you’re sure to have a great time visiting this place.
People of all ages, especially kids, should visit this museum to learn more about history and arts.
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Like many of Waterbury’s other attractions, Seven Angels Theatre on One Plank Road has a long and successful history.
Seven Angels underwent extensive renovations before becoming a theatre.
It was built in September 1925 and was known as The Hamilton Park Pavillion.
It was later transformed into a Big Band Dance Hall and a roller skating rink.
It took many years to transform the pavilion into a theatre in 1991.
The theatre first opened its doors in the spring of 1992 and is still actively producing a huge variety of shows, making it one of Waterbury’s most popular attractions that tourists and families can visit.
Despite its modest size, Seven Angels offer a wide range of programs and events, including live theatre, theatre classes for kids, performing arts, musicals, and other educational opportunities open to the public.
Lakewood Lanes on Lakewood Road has been in business for almost 50 years and has worked hard to establish itself as a place that all local families love to visit.
The whole family can enjoy a friendly competition by bowling together at this largest bowling center in Waterbury, which has 42 lanes.
With fully automated scoring and synthetic bowling lanes, Lakewood Lanes provides the best bowling experience.
If your kids are not fond of bowling, Lakewood Lanes also has 25 arcade games they can try.
The tickets they will get from these gaming machines can be exchanged for fantastic prizes.
This place is perfect for kids, with a snack bar serving delicious burgers, sandwiches, and pizza.
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The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, located at the heart of Waterbury on West Main Street, has been a steadfast landmark since 1928.
It’s impossible not to admire the architectural design of the building, both inside and out.
The elegance of the church will amaze you, from its pulpits to the glass windows, altar, and artwork on the ceiling.
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No matter your religious affiliation, if you love beautiful architecture, this church must be included on your list of places to see.
While visiting the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, explore the serene and tranquil surroundings with your children in this place of worship.
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If you want to expose your child to a musical education program, bring them to Waterbury Symphony Orchestra at Chase Parkway.
The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra was established in 1938 to provide orchestral performances and music programs.
This location has hosted more than 100 public concerts and held various charitable events over the years.
The orchestra, known as the Waterbury Civic Orchestra in 1940, offers more than five educational programs and activities where kids can learn music.
Here, they can play instruments and participate in a yearly music competition.
William F. Goron designed Western Hills Golf Course, an 18-hole course on Park Road.
It was first used in 1960 and continues to be open for play today.
Architect Stephen Jay later renovated it in 2007, added bunkers, and restored drainage.
Western Hills is the perfect destination for visitors who love golf because it has everything you need to enjoy a game, such as sand traps and water hazards.
By visiting this place, you can take the opportunity to introduce your children to playing golf.
You can teach them how to grip the club and swing at the ball.
Aside from shops where you can purchase your own golf equipment, Western Hills also has the Verdi Restaurant, where you and your children can eat after a few rounds at the putting green.
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Holy Land USA Waterbury is an 18-acre theme park based on the Bible that will inspire and uplift you.
Holy Land USA Waterbury is one of the unique places you can see in Waterbury.
It is a ruin that consists of a chapel, a giant cross, and replicas of Israelite towns and catacombs.
It started to operate in 1958, and since it was built, the place became a venue for holy gatherings, including prayer services and Christian concerts.
This place has also undergone a few restorations to continue serving as a gathering spot for people who wish to deepen their relationship with God.
Spend a quiet afternoon touring the grounds with the kids and visiting the 56-feet tall LED cross.
Don’t forget to take some family pictures!
Don’t want to spend time out in the sun playing golf?
Then try out CT Virtual Golf at Captain Neville Drive.
CT Virtual Golf is a private golf simulation room you can visit with your children if you want to improve your golfing skills while indoors.
With over five private rooms, golf simulator technology, and a big screen, this facility can provide a complete outdoor golf experience minus the sun’s burning heat.
Kids will surely enjoy playing golf here because it offers a similar experience to playing video games.
The simulation also has excellent graphics that will pique their interest.
Thomas Gould and his wife, Lisa, established the Brass City Bistro in March 2007.
The skills that Tom earned in the restaurant industry for over 42 years have been instrumental in their ability to open this restaurant on Hamilton Avenue.
You can try various fresh and authentic Italian food here, including their specialty Penne Ala Vodka, Seafood Cioppino, and Calamari Fra Diavolo.
With their appetizers, side dishes, soup, salad, and pasta, you will surely find dishes that you and your kids will love.
Brass City Bistro is one of the best restaurants in town, not only for its delicious food but also for its family-friendly atmosphere.
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Waterbury is known as the “Brass City,” so it’s no surprise that there are attractions in the city that have the same name.
Brass Mill Center the city’s largest shopping center on Union Street, is a marvelous place to eat, shop, and enjoy various forms of entertainment.
This shopping center houses more than 100 local and national brands you and your kids will love—from apparel to footwear and more.
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Your family can shop for clothes, watch movies, and enjoy sumptuous dishes.
There are also places to play games and have fun with the kids.
Brass Mill Center has a lot to offer children and adults, whether you’re one of the local residents or just visiting.
Laser Planet Plus on East Main Streetis an entertainment venue offering a fun-filled adventure with the family.
It has four attractions, including the popular Laser Tag Arena featuring sniper stoops, targets, and hiding spots.
Another attraction, the UFO bumper cars, will have you feeling like you’re floating in space with your family and friends!
Laser Planet also has virtual reality and arcade games where children can play and win many tickets in exchange for fantastic prizes.
With various exciting activities available for people of all ages, this location is ideal for the entire family.
Fascia’s Chocolates on Chase River Road is meant for every chocolate lover.
Children will love this location since it offers a variety of chocolates, either white or dark, in different shapes and designs.
Fascia’s Chocolates has been making the best chocolate in the city for nearly 50 years.
With their passion for creating delectable cakes, gelatos, and anything else that can be crafted with chocolates, they never fail to provide people with the best chocolate experiences.
Aside from making sweets that can be ordered as a gift for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and weddings, the factory also offers tours and events where visitors can create their own chocolate concoctions.
Waterbury has a lot to offer when it comes to family-friendly activities and attractions.
There are several places where you can enjoy the great outdoors, learn more about history and art, or have a delicious meal with your kids.
Take note of these best things to do with kids in Waterbury, Connecticut, and start planning your next family trip!
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