The final full month of summer is here, but that doesn’t mean the adventures are winding down! Here are 25 ways to take advantage of sunny days and warmer weather here in CT.
1. Visit Mystic Seaport
This has been one of our all time favorite stops:
- On Site Children’s Museum for kids to exercise their imaginations? Yup!
- Outdoor play area? Absolutely!
- FREE Boats you can borrow and take out on the water? Yes.
- Discovery barn filled with hands on learning and science experiments? YOU BETCHA!
2. Check Out The New England Air Museum
Take advantage of all their Summer at the Museum fun! CLIMB INTO the cockpits of some planes. Then, there’s the indoor kids play area, the outdoor kids play area, science experiments, story hours, flight simulators– they are pulling out ALL THE STOPS for kids and we had a total BLAST!
3. Paint at the Florence Griswold Museum
Another one of our unexpected but wonderful Summer at the Museum Finds- the Florence Griswold Museum was AMAZING for our kids. We loved painting on Discovery Sundays, strolling the grounds, and eating at the incredible cafe.
4. Ride the Rails at the Connecticut Trolley Museum
My Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood loving kids were OBSESSED with this one. Climb aboard trolleys, play with trains, then head outside to take a REAL TROLLEY RIDE. It was so super cute!
(Also, did you know Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is coming to Jorgensen this fall!?!?!)
5. Visit the Connecticut Science Center
The Science Center is always a family favorite for us. This is partially because my child asks “Why” at least a bajillion times before noon and when we are at the Science Center, they get to answer that question. And their answers are GOOD and SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND and not just stuff I’ve made up ?
Plus, they have super interactive exhibits, like KidSpace and Forces in Motion. Check out our Science Center Guide.
6. Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village
My kids ask at least once a day if we can go here.
It’s easy to see why- between the HUGE splash pad, the dinosaur trails, the giant maze, the train, and everything else, there is something for EVERYONE! Definitely one of our favorite summer stops.
7. Imagine Nation Museum:
The open gallery hours were such a GAME CHANGER- not only because exhibits were super fun, but also because they had educators helping walk kids through them. Our kids loved the GIANT water tables, meeting the animals, and the life sized doctor’s office replica.
8. The Carousel Museum
Another surprisingly kid friendly stop! Our kids loved their ride on the indoor carousel. They also have a dress up area, a theater area, and special events like “My Grown Up and Me,” where kids can enjoy a craft and a snack.
9. Mystic Aquarium
So many outdoor animal exhibits- penguins, sea lions, JUNO (Enough said, right?)
Families can take advantage of this while it’s still free with summer at the museum!
10. Beardsley Zoo
So many outdoor animal exhibits-and next to a fun park and splash pad. It makes for a great full day adventure- see the animals, then head to the playground and splash pad.
Say hi to the prairie dogs for me!
11. EAT ALL OF THE ICE CREAM
Connecticut is the ICE CREAM CAPITOL OF THE UNITED STATES. There, I proclaimed it. And I am not taking it back.
Seriously- our stops are DELICIOUS, and it’s well worth stopping off at your favorite seasonal spots once or twice or 10,000 times.
I was going to list specific spots, but it turns out there are 100s of them. So just choose your fav and GO!
12. Connecticut Lobster Rolls: Abbott’s, Lobster Landing, or Jessica’s Garden
And enjoy a lobster roll.
Or like 10.
We all agree that Connecticut has the superior of the lobster rolls, correct? It is the ONLY way to eat a lobster roll. (Sorry Maine. I said what I said.)
13. Ride the Carousel at Madison’s Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale
And eat more ice cream. Or Fried Seafood.
It’s one of our fav seafood stands in my family- largely because it is by the Lavender Farm and has excellent food and ice cream.
14. Lyman Orchards (or any local farm!)
Head to the sunflower maze, pick your own peaches and more!
Honestly, it’s just the best season for fresh produce all around, so head to your local farm wherever it is!
15. Visit the Lavender Farm
This is one of the prettiest places we’ve visited this summer- take the train around the farm, explore the fairy houses, and just generally delight in being on the farm.
16. Visit the Beach
We have so many family friendly beaches!
Some of our favorites so far:
- Rocky Neck State Park
- Hammonassett Beach
- Ocean Beach Park, New London
17. Dino Days at Dinosaur State Park
So, Saturday, August 5 is the official DINO DAY at Dinosaur State Park- and there are many fun activities STEM activities planned!
Hike dino trails, enjoy the interactive sand table and exhibits, or just play outside.
But it’s free with Summer at the Museum, so really it’s like every day is Dino Day all summer long!
18. Visit literally any state park because they are all wonderful
All of the State Parks and Forests are FREE and honestly it is an amazing time to get out and about and explore them!
19. Milford Oyster Festival (Aug 19)
National Geographic voted The Milford Oyster Festival the BEST Food Festival in Connecticut0- and it’s easy to see why!
The Milford Oyster Festival will have 30,000 oysters! All oysters harvested in Milford waters by Briarpatch Enterprises, Inc. Try the sweet taste of Milford oysters and enjoy them with a craft beer or premium wine. Plus, entertainment, children’s programs and more.
20. POCO Fest in North Branford (Aug 4-6)
Usually corn and potatoes are considered common, some might even say lowly, but on the first weekend of August the residents of North Branford elevate the two starchy staples to extraordinary heights. The Potato and Corn Festival now brings tens of thousands of visitors to the typically sleepy farm town.
Emerging almost overnight in a hay field at the former Augur Farm on Rt. 22 in the middle of town, a midway with rides, dozens of food vendors, craft vendors, potato sack races, corn shucking contests, tractor pulls, and a classic car show all appear. Many local and far flung bands perform and a spectacular fireworks display – some say among the best in the state – occurs on Saturday night. And of course, there are baked potatoes and roasted corn.
21. The Brooklyn Fair (Aug 24-27)
The Brooklyn Fair is one of Windham County’s largest fairs. Featuring a wide range of traditional ag activities- as well as a whole Playland full of fun events: Pie Eating Contests, Drum Rides, Petting zoos, plus tons of other games, rides, and activities.
22. Plainville Hot Air Balloon Festival (Aug 25-26)
The festival will open on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. and close at 10:00 p.m. An arts and craft show will be open on both Friday and Saturday. There will be a firework display on Friday evening at 9:30 p.m. Prior to the fireworks display, several hot air balloons will provide a balloon glow. Entertainment will be provided on both Friday and Saturday. A car show will be held during the day on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
23. Hamburg Fair (Aug 18-20)
This family friendly fair showcases many agricultural fair traditions while highlighting top local music talent and entertainment. Visitors will enjoy Milestone Midway Carnival rides and games, Grange Hall coffee and breakfast sandwiches, food concessions, pony rides and entries and exhibits for farm, animal, crafts, fruits, vegetables and more. Participate in the kids games on Saturday or come to watch the car track and demos!
24. Terryville Lions Country Fair (Aug 25-27)
Motorsports, contests, rides, food and more make this a fun fair for people of all ages!
25. Watch one more CT Sporting event
Yard Goats, College Baseball, Hartford Athletic- they’re all fun, and a great family adventure!
Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments below or send me an email at Kate@Kidtivity.com!
