Connecticut Family Vacations

Conveniently located along the coast about two hours’ drive from both Boston and New York City, the Homestead Bed & Breakfast is a cozy, contemporary bed and breakfast where you and the family can walk to a large, beautiful beach.

From the bed and breakfast, the state’s longest public shoreline park with more than two miles of sandy beach is only a short stroll away. Madison has a total of four beaches, so it’s not too difficult to find a nice spot around town that’s not too crowded if the larger beach is too overwhelming.

Back at the inn, your family can relax in one of 10 individually decorated guest rooms. Each room has a refrigerator, flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi, water bottles, plush bedding and weighted blankets. Rooms also have their own record player with a nice selection of albums available in the sunroom.

A hearty buffet breakfast is served daily. The inn is near several delectable restaurants, quaint boutique shopping and plenty of culture, romantic spots, and lively after-hours entertainment.

The Whaler’s Inn in Mystic is perfect for a nautical-themed family getaway. Resting in the heart of downtown Mystic, the inn is only steps from the river and Bascule Drawbridge. The bed and breakfast is surrounded by historic neighborhoods, boutique shops, galleries and the popular Mystic Seaport Museum of American and the Sea.

The Olde Mistick Shoppes, the fun Mystic Aquarium and Fields of Fire Adventure Park round out the list of family must-dos. There’s also sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Adult family members will love the abundance of local wineries and breweries that offer free tours and tastings.  

Everyone will enjoy the delicious chocolate-chunk cookies served fresh out of the oven every day in the lobby. The complimentary Continental breakfast platter is a tasty and economical way to start the day. The Shipwright’s Daughter is the inn’s on-site restaurant with a full menu of fresh local flavors.

Families looking for an escape to the heart of the Connecticut River Valley enjoy the Inn at Middletown’s historic charm mixed with all today’s modern amenities. The luxury boutique inn has 100 new remodeled, elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites that exemplify remarkable living.

The inn was built as a grand residence in the early 19th Century and later used as a National Guard Armory. Today, the hotel retains much of its original charm, like the stunning marble main lobby and the gorgeous two-story curved staircase. The on-site Tavern at the Armory serves traditional American cuisine with a distinctly New England twist.

Families can pick from numerous exciting activities and destinations. The Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park is an outdoor adventure sports and recreation facility only three miles away. The innovative and interactive Kids City, Historic Essex community and the Essex Steam Train are all great day quests for families of all ages that are only a short drive from the hotel.

Charming and elegant, the 13-room Old Lyme Inn is the ideal destination for a family weekend getaway. Every room at the bed and breakfast is a relaxed escape in a lovely New England setting. Guest rooms at the hotel were designed with a combination of new and old – featuring antique furniture, custom duvets, organic linens, local artwork, bamboo bathrobes, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs and air conditioning. Each residence is uniquely decorated.

The list of family activities in the area is endless. Families looking for adventure can try their hand at biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking or sailing. More relaxed groups can check out the cool antique shops, play a round of golf, or soak up the rays at a local beach.

The Restaurant at the Old Lyme Inn serves up brunch, lunch and dinner favorites that run that gamut from traditional comfort foods to delicious plates that will wake up your palate.

The landmark Westport Inn serves up an impeccable mix of modern conveniences and sophisticated style in stunning Westport. The boutique hotel’s 117 guest rooms are charming, luxurious and feature top quality items throughout.

You will appreciate the stylish hotel and its family-friendly amenities like an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, and complimentary bicycles that you can check out, ride and return when you’re done. The hotel’s convenient location also makes it a vibrant backdrop for a long list of activities and events in the culture-rich coastal community. Popular attractions like Compo Beach, the Westport County Playhouse, Levitt Pavilion and Sherwood Island State Park are all close by.

The on-site restaurant, Bankside Farms Kitchen & Bar is open for breakfast and dinner. The American-inspired restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients to create innovative salads, charcuterie, small plates and main courses complimented by perfectly paired wines.

Families seeking a historic rural escape with the ambiance and quality of a first-class hotel should look no further than the Avon Old Farms Hotel, nestled on 20 beautifully landscaped acres just outside of the town of Avon. From fishing and mountain biking to hot air ballooning and antiquing, the area offers a bunch of enjoyable family outings.

The country hotel has 156 guest rooms and two suites appointed with fin furnishings, antiques, two- and four-poster down featherbeds, original New England artwork, free Wi-Fi and flatscreen TV. The hotel’s undying attention includes fine touches like turndown service, a heated pool, fitness center and a Continental breakfast served daily in the lobby.

The award-winning Seasons Restaurant & Tap room has panoramic views of Talcott Mountain Stream and a wonderful menu of locally sourced gourmet treats like succulent lobster rolls, pan-seared winter salmon or roasted duck with orange saffron risotto.

The Heritage Hotel, Golf, Spa & Conference Center is a full-service resort destination that offers a long list of family fun near the rolling Litchfield Hills in the center of the state. The rustic-yet-modern 163-room hotel has a pair challenging golf courses, two heated saltwater pools, a world-class athletic club, a rejuvenating full-service spa, a vineyard, tennis courts and a New England-style pub.

Nearby attractions like the Quassy Amusement & Water Park should top your to-do list, along with noted antiquing trails and several running, hiking and cycling paths in the region.

While the kids have their fun, adults can book a pampering treatment at The Spa at the Heritage Hotel. The spa offers massage therapy, facials, waxing, nail and make-up services, and body treatments. The facility has six treatment rooms, a couples’ massage room, two showers and a relaxation room.

Guest rooms are classic New England all the way. The inn’s 163 residences feature pillowtop beds, air conditioning, flatscreen TVs and free Wi-Fi.