The Connecticut Science Center is where kids can get immerse themselves in Forensics, Physics, Astronomy and Geology, by spending time in the stunning 3-D theater and educational laboratories. Over 150 interactive exhibits are up for viewing. Parts of the venue can be hired for children's birthday parties, seminars and luncheons where catering is taken care of. Check website for more details.

The Grand Chapiteau on Market street reflects vibrancy in all major cultural events that it holds. The internationally famous Cirque du Soleil is the much awaited event at the venue. It attracts large crowds and some of the city's best artists. Call ahead for more details.

The Connecticut River cuts through Hartford's downtown and creates a picturesque area for people to walk or bike down. The Connecticut River is the longest river in New England and is 407 miles (655 kilometers) long. The river contains many species of fish, including Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout and the American eel.

City Steam Brewery Café is a spectacular seven-level restaurant in the historic Richardson Building with the Marriott Residence Inn. The 15-barrel brew house allows brewmaster Ron Page to handcraft up to 12 styles of ales and lagers. The moderately priced classic brew house menu has new world touches that provide for everyone's tastes. Award winning Brew Ha Ha Comedy Club performs on Thursday at 9p, Friday and Saturday at 7p and 10p. You can enjoy a DJ on Thursday through Saturday without a cover. There is also a large upscale pool room, outdoor beer garden and many function rooms.

Take a walk, sit by the lake, have a picnic or take a ride on the vintage 1914 carousel that is housed in Bushnell Park. Right in the heart of the city is the Park which offers a comfortable place to unwind in the hustle and bustle of downtown Hartford. On the registry of National Historic Landmarks since 1970, Bushnell Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, famous designer of other well-known public spaces, like Central Park in New York City and Boston's Emerald Necklace. There are numerous statues, a pond and a memorial to the fallen of the Spanish-American War. Young and old come here to ride the 36-horse carousel that is one of the city's most affordable afternoon pastimes at just USD1.

One of the best museums in the Northeast, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art houses some of the finest small collections of European art in the country. Fine Renaissance and Modern art by Caravaggio, Lorrain, Picasso, Degas, Cézanne, van Dyck, Monet, Van Gogh and Manet line the walls. One of the most outstanding collections at the museum is that of the Hudson River School and late 19th-century oil and watercolors from local artists. Open since 1842, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest public art museum in the United States. 

With a congregation founded in 1636, the Center Church is the fourth meeting house to reside on its current location with the present church built in 1807. The Center Church has always maintained itself as not just a religious icon of the city, but as a cultural one as well. Today, there are concerts and important city events, such as First Night, which are held on the grounds of the church. Also on the site of the church is Hartford's oldest cemetery, the Ancient Burial Ground, where its citizens were interred from 1640 to 1802. "Our Church is 375 years old; our thinking is not" is the motto of the 375 year-old house of worship and is one of the most progressive congregations in the state.

One of the nation's oldest state houses, Hartford's Old State House dates back to 1796 and is on the site of the original structure built in 1637. A Federal-style building designed by famed architect Thomas Bulfinch, the Old State House has been restored on numerous occasions and has been on the list of National Historic Landmarks since 1966. Even though it has not served the Connecticut government since the construction of the new State Capitol building since 1872, the Old State House is a must-see for families and those interested in the history of the Constitution State. Admission: $6 adults, $3 ages 6-17 & 65+ and students with valid ID.

Hartford Stage is one of the leading resident theaters, known internationally for entertaining and enlightening audiences with a wide range of the best world drama, from classics to provocative new plays, musicals and neglected works from the past. The theater has earned many of the nation's distinguished awards. The Hartford Stage has maintained a strong commitment to community partnerships, educational programs and humanities initiatives. Many famous actors have graced this stage for years.

The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is a sports and convention complex. It was opened in 1975 and has been renovated several times over the past four decades. It houses an exhibition hall which is used for trade shows, conventions, banquets, craft shows, meetings and other events. It has held many notable concerts of Van Halen, U2, Coldplay, Luciano Pavarotti, Madonna, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson and more. The XL Center also hosts some of the larger crowd UConn men's and women's basketball games, and is also home to the Connecticut Whale (American Hockey League).