Activities to Experience in Connecticut Prior to the Return of Academic Year
Before the school bell rings and summer comes to an end, there's still plenty of time to make memories with your family in Connecticut. Here are some exciting and educational outdoor activities that cater to families with children of various ages.
Start your adventure at the Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven, where you can ride on America's oldest, continually operated street-level railway line. For a night of magic, attend the Balloon Glow and Laser Show in Guilford, featuring hot air balloons and laser lights.
If you're looking for a more relaxed day, Connecticut has numerous fishing holes for anglers to drop a line. For those seeking adventure, kayaks can be rented for paddling rivers, streams, and the Long Island Sound.
For a dose of culture and history, visit one of the Connecticut museums such as the Wadsworth Atheneum or the Connecticut Historical Society. If your kids are art enthusiasts, they'll love exploring the Lyman Orchards Sunflower Maze, which has a theme of The Hartford Yardgoats this year.
For a mix of education and fun, consider visiting Westmoor Park in West Hartford, an environmental and agricultural education center with demonstration farms, wildflower meadows, gardens, and woodland trails. Another great educational destination is the Mystic Seaport Museum, where you can enjoy outdoor exhibits including the only existing wooden whaleship.
If you're looking for something more recreational, enjoy the extensive outdoor rides at Lake Compounce amusement park, the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America. For nature lovers, Sandbar State Park offers family fun on the beach with activities ideal for young children.
Don't forget to engage in canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on Connecticut’s lakes and rivers. For a unique experience, take a cruise aboard the Sea Mist to explore the historic Thimble Islands, with a history involving pirates.
For those who love animals, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo offers encounters with tigers, wolves, monkeys, and more. If puppets are more your thing, attend Puppet Fest at Stepping Stones Museum, where the theme is puppets all week long.
To cool off, visit the best splash pads, splash parks, and water playgrounds in Connecticut. For a more adrenaline-pumping experience, jump off cliffs and zoom into the water at Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park or another New England water park.
For a day filled with fun and laughter, check out the Hey Stamford! Food Festival, featuring fifty food vendors and live performances by Fifty Cent. If you're in the mood for something quirky, take a detour to one of Connecticut's roadside attractions, such as the World's Largest Pencil Sharpener or the Giant Cookie.
To stay updated on local events and specific dates, be sure to check event calendars and park websites. Connecticut's State Parks offer more to explore, with updates on closures and hidden gems available from CT DEEP on Twitter.
So, get out there and make the most of the remaining summer days! Connecticut has something for everyone, and there's no better time to explore than now.
Visit the Lyman Orchards Sunflower Maze for a combination of art, education, and fun, with this year's theme being The Hartford Yardgoats. Alternatively, spend a thrilling day at Lake Compounce amusement park, the oldest continuously operating theme park in North America.
After a day of excitement, unwind at a local eatery or cafe offering various food and drink options, contributing to Connecticut's diverse lifestyle. For instance, you might dine at one of the numerous restaurants in the cosy town of Mystic, known for its seafood and stunning coastal views.
