A FAMILY-FRIENDLY ADVENTURE
Spend a fun, family-friendly day with the kiddos at The Shops at Yale in the Chapel Historic and Broadway Districts. Get ready for a memorable time together enjoying delightful shopping, delectable treats, cultural exploration, and family-centric dining options.
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Maison B Café, offering classic dishes, delicious pastries, freshly squeezed juices, and their renowned sweet or savory Belgian waffles! Or go crazy at Donut Crazy, where rotating specialty donuts include kid-captivating creations like Kookie Monster or S’mores. The kids will love pairing their donut choice with rich hot cocoa, while the adults may choose to indulge in some eye-opening coffee and their choice of savory egg sandwiches.
Next, head over to the Yale University Art Gallery, where admission is always free, and children and teens can enjoy year-round programs and inspiring Highlights Tours. Insider’s tip: uncover the secret of the arched hallway with its whispering corners on the second floor, explore the hidden sculpture garden (seasonal) off the main lobby, or search out the seasonal charm of the outdoor terrace on the 4th floor.
The free admission fun continues where dinosaurs roar, at the newly renovated Yale Peabody Museum! Kids of all ages will be amazed by the scale of specimens in the Burke Hall of Dinosaurs and the huge variety of natural history artifacts and exhibits. The Peabody also offers special programs for children and families at different times of the year, so be sure to check the family programs schedule.
For another memorable family experience, see what’s on stage at Shubert Theatre, and find your tickets for a family-friendly show. The whole family will enjoy the unforgettable experience of live theatre as it plays out in New Haven’s beautifully renovated, historic downtown venue with Broadway roots.
To share some quality time together, take a leisurely stroll through the historic Yale Campus. Visit the Yale Visitor Center to pick up a Kids’ Architectural Treasure Hunt brochure and let your young explorers hunt for fascinating architectural details and designs as you tour the campus. To embark on a self-guided adventure, look for intricate stone carvings around campus, and spot the gargoyles and other features decorating Yale’s historic buildings. For another fun experience, seek out the statue on the Old Campus, where the kids can join generations of Yale students in burnishing the bronze statue’s foot with a rub for good luck.
When snack time rolls around, make it a cookie crawl! Delicious freshly baked cookies are all around at Cookie39, Common Grounds, Katalina’s Bakery, Claire’s Corner Copia, Book Trader Cafe, Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea, and Atticus Bookstore Cafe. For a refreshing beverage, stop in at Loose Leaf Boba Company in the Chapel District or grab a fresh-pressed juice or smoothie at Pedals Smoothie & Juice Bar on York Street, close to Broadway.
Use your snack-time energy recharge to launch a family shopping trip you won’t forget at The Shops at Yale. Set in the heart of historic Yale and Downtown New Haven, the shops are packed with a unique collection of over 30 boutiques alongside renowned national retailers. Stock up on Yale merchandise, gear, and souvenirs at Campus Customs and The Yale Bookstore. For unique candy collections, games, crafts, and trinkets, make a play for Paper Source. Delve into a treasure trove of children’s books, games, and LEGO sets in the lower level at Barnes & Noble – The Yale Bookstore.
Looking for the unique? Take home some imported treats or collectibles from Uni-Home Life, Soap-edi for locally made bath bombs, Sneaker Junkies for a stylish children’s sneaker collection, and Katahdin Furniture for well-curated toys and games. Hull’s Art Supply & Framing is a great stop for children’s art supplies and crafts. Don’t miss dwell New Haven for next-level candies from the Sugarfina selection, or a delightful range of soft, collectible Jellycat toys. Spend time at The Giggling Pig, where creativity comes to life, dabble in ceramics, paint on canvas, or get crafty with wooden bird houses.
Ready for dinner? You’re in the right place! New Haven is one of America’s premier foodie cities and was recently named Pizza Capital of the U.S. You’ll find over 35 dining options at The Shops at Yale, including family-friendly eateries like Yorkside Pizza & Restaurant and Shake Shack. To elevate some family favorites, Villa Lulu puts a regional Italian twist on its pizza offerings; and Claire’s Corner Copia serves up a memorable, mouthwatering grilled cheese.
Wrap up your family adventure with everyone building their own sundae at Ashley’s Ice Cream or indulging in a caramel or cinnamon sugar churro from Ay Arepa. Enjoy!