Kids get in free to more than 90 museums this summer, thanks to a provision in the state budget.

Funded by federal COVID-19 recovery funding sent to Connecticut, the idea is to add some learning and educational enrichment to those who were impacted by being stuck at home for the last 18 months. Gov. Ned Lamont proposed the notion of a CT Summer at the Museum program which got the OK of the state legislature in the biennial state budget signed into law last week.

So starting July 1 through Sept. 6, kids 18 and under – plus an accompanying adult – get in free to the participating museums, including historic house museums, sites, societies, art and childrens museums, science centers, special-interest museums, natural history museums, university museums, arboretums/botanical gardens and zoos.

Some of the participants include the CT Science Center right across the river in Hartford, the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium, the Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport, among others.
A complete list is posted at www.CTSummerMuseums.com.

“This program provides a unique opportunity for children to take advantage of the world-class museums and attractions offered in Connecticut, while having both a fun and educational experience,” Governor Lamont said. “Museums are centers of exploration, recreation, and learning, and will play an important role in helping provide social-emotional, mental health, and educational growth opportunities that were limited during the pandemic. It is my hope that families take advantage of this unique opportunity happening in Connecticut this summer.”

The Connecticut Summer at the Museum program is funded through a $15 million investment from the federal COVID-19 recovery funding Connecticut is receiving from the American Rescue Plan Act.

While any museum in Connecticut can choose to participate in the program by offering free admission, eligible properties had an opportunity to apply for grant funding. Seventy grants were awarded, calculated based on the applicant’s revenue from admissions for the period of July 1 to September 2, 2019. The minimum grant award is $1,000.

“We’re excited to partner with museums of all types and sizes across the state to bring this important program to life,” Liz Shapiro, director of arts, preservation, and museums at the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, said. “We applaud all of the participating organizations for stepping up to support Connecticut children in new ways and look forward to a summer filled with fun learning experiences.”

“The Connecticut Summer at the Museum program is one of the many transformative investments the state is making to re-engage students, accelerate learning, and provide supports this summer,” Connecticut Acting Commissioner of Education Charlene Russell-Tucker said. “Under Governor Lamont’s leadership, this collaboration across agencies and organizations is how we best meet students’ academic and social-emotional needs and ensure that learning is happening every day, everywhere.”

“We believe the best way to get children re-engaged and energized is through hands-on activities that not only expand their minds and imaginations, but also inspire and empower them to embrace their role in their communities and the world,” Matt Fleury of the Connecticut Science Center. The cost of a youth admission to Fleury’s museum in Hartford ranges from $17 to $22 with the butterfly exhibit and $25 to $30 for an adult for non-members. That admission price makes taking a family of four to the museum located right across the river from East Hartford over $100 plus the cost of parking in the city.

“Connecticut museums contribute to the diverse array of tourism offerings and experiences available throughout our beautiful state,” Christine Castonguay, interim director of the CT Office of Tourism, said. “Despite their own challenges over the past year and half, these businesses continue to show us why they’re so essential to our communities, economy and our overall quality of life here in Connecticut.”

Even during CT Open House Day June 12 many local attractions were open to the public but also charged admission. Residents also should check with their local library. Many public libraries also offer passes to local museums and other institutions. Library users may check out these passes, some of which are digital, and use them to gain free or reduced admission to museums and attractions. Ask at the local library if you are interested.