HARTFORD/STATEWIDE — Connecticut Open House Day, sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Tourism and now in its 11th year, is designed to showcase Connecticut’s diverse world of history, art and tourism. The annual celebration encourages residents to try new venues or re-visit favorite attractions and destinations such as museums, theaters, art studios, sports parks, spas and others by offering residents special incentives – including activities, free or discounted admission, free gifts, or special activities and exhibits. Connecticut Open House Day specials and hours of operation vary by property.

From relaxing and active to historic and contemporary or culture and nature-oriented activities, Connecticut offers a variety of experiences all within a close drive.

Connecticut residents are invited to discover – and rediscover – the state’s exciting arts, history and tourism offerings with a variety of special incentives, such as discounted or free admission, free gifts or special exhibits and activities during the 11th Annual Open House Day on June 13, 2015.

To qualify for any Open House Day special, at least one person in each visiting group must show a valid Connecticut driver’s license.

EverWonder Children’s Museum in Newtown, which just celebrated its formal grand reopening last weekend, will participate in the 11th Annual Connecticut Open House Day.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the Office of Tourism by offering half-price admission to our guests on Saturday,” said Karen Smiley, executive director of the children’s museum at 31 Pecks Lane. “We encourage all who visit to become ambassadors of our newly opened museum — spreading the word to their friends and neighbors about this great community asset right in their backyard.”

In addition to offering half off admission to visitors on Saturday (regular admission is $7 for children and adults; free for members and infants 12 months and under), EverWonder will feature a lesson on non-Newtonian fluids in the EverWonder classroom. Visitors will make oobleck and learn about the properties of liquids, solids, and non-Newtonian fluids. 

EverWonder is regularly open from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays.

Connecticut Open House Day also includes opportunities to become a Connecticut Ambassador as part of COT’s Ambassador Program, an ongoing initiative designed to cultivate pride among residents in the state’s many diverse historic, arts, tourism and entertainment treasures.

For more information about Connecticut Open House Day (including the latest participating locations and special offers) or to become a Connecticut Ambassador, visit www.CTvisit.com or call 1-888-Ctvisit (888-388-4748).