Families beat the heat, enjoy free kids admission to statewide museums and parks

Connecticut's Summer at the Museum program offers kids free admission to nearly 100 museums, animal parks and historical societies across the state this summer. State officials were getting the word out Monday at Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk.

Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk is one of 90 family-friendly attractions where you can beat the heat for free this summer, thanks to the Summer at the Museum program. Stepping Stones Museum participates in the program on Mondays only.

"Don't worry - from Tuesday through Friday we have a lot of other, wonderful participating museums across the state," said Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.

Bysiewicz says free access to dozens of museums and historical societies will help fight the summer brain drain.

"Fun activities that help our kids learn and help them get caught up from some of the learning they may have lost out on,” she said, including, the Maritime Aquarium, Lockwood Mathews Mansion and the Seaport Association.

Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling says the program offers Connecticut families dozens of ways to take a break without breaking the bank.

"I don't know of another program anywhere that offers these kinds of services for young people during the summer months when they need activities,” said Rilling.

With state and federal money footing the bill for admission, museum officials say they’re excited for more residents to see what they have to offer.

"Regardless of what's going on here locally, around the world, our state is right here, ready to see us be successful,” said Rhonda Kiest, president and CEO of Stepping Stones Museum.

The Connecticut Summer at the Museum program is funded with $15 million in federal aid from the American Rescue Plan. For more information, click here.