The Ultimate Connecticut Summer Vacation Getaway Guide!
Are you looking for an exciting vacation to take this summer with your family? You’d be delighted to know that Connecticut has a wide range of destinations and activities for almost every interest. Whether you’re a foodie, wildlife lover, history enthusiast, or amusement park fan, there are plenty of wonderful vacation ideas for you and your family to consider.
When looking for a place to stay, there are a number of lodging options in Connecticut that range from the coast to inland, to meet your every need. From laid back lodges, to charming inns, and five star resorts, you’ll be sure to find plenty of choices that work for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Browse the exciting vacation ideas below and get ready to pack your bags!
Summer is a great time to introduce your kids to the wonders of the natural world and teach them the importance of conservation. Combine these lessons with a fun Connecticut summer vacation getaway at the Beardsley Zoo, the only one of its kind in the state.
Your kids can view all kinds of wild and domestic animals in their natural habitats, and may even be treated to an impromptu dance by one of the peacocks roaming freely in the zoo. Sign up to see the feeding breaks and let your kids ask the trainers questions.
The Mystic Aquarium is one of those vacation activities that you and your family are not soon to forget. Located in its namesake town of Mystic, this aquarium is home to a variety of unique and exotic undersea animals including beluga whales, African penguins, and a number of shark species.
The close-up encounters at the Mystic Aquarium are perhaps its most thrilling feature. During these encounters visitors are able to meet and interact with animals like sea lions, and even participate in a 20-minute training session. You can also receive a guided tour of the Foxwoods Marine Theatre from one of the training experts and learn about animal biology and current conservation issues.
After you’ve explored one of the many exhibits, sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie at the Foxwoods 4-D theatre which showcases educational and exciting features with stunning 3-D and special effects.
Finally, grab a bite to eat at the Penguins Café, which features a kid-friendly menu with healthy options.
Visiting theme parks is always an excellent vacation idea, and the exciting Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park in the charming city of Portland is just the place to go.
Your kids can enjoy activities such as swimming, playing games at the arcades, delicious food, and hopping on one of the many rides.
Lake Compounce is another great amusement park option for the whole family. Located in Bristol, Connecticut, this park holds the esteem of being the oldest running amusement park in North America. It is home to the world’s top-rated wooden roller coaster, The Boulder Dash, and also hosts the largest waterpark in Connecticut.
Between roller coasters and thrill rides, water rides, classic kid rides, and shows, there is no shortage of fun to be had.
If you enjoy exploring the beauty of nature be sure to head to one of the Connecticut state parks, including Southford Falls State Park, which is characterized by the gorgeous Southford Falls and picturesque bridges that add a hint of adventure.
You can also check out the Silver Sands State Park at Milford, which covers an area of 297 acres. Take in the gorgeous panoramic vistas while hiking through diverse landscapes such as forested glades, marshlands, and the ocean. Also, consider taking the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat or the Housatonic Rail Trail at Trumbull.
History buffs will be thrilled to visit the many landmarks and museums that honor the rich past of the state. For starters, try Connecticut family vacations at locations such as Simsbury, where you can climb the Heublein Tower to see sweeping views of the Farmington River Valley and Hartford.
You can also visit Fort Griswold to see the 135-feet high Groton Monument made of granite. Other museums to see include the Mark Twain House and Museum, Yale Center for British Art, Connecticut River Museum, The Children’s Museum, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center.
Connecticut’s immensely beautiful coastline offers a wide variety of summer vacation getaway ideas. For instance, should you visit the Ocean Beach Park in New England, you can spend hours lounging on the soft sand while the kids build sand castles on the beach. The park also has an Olympic sized swimming pool and a golf course to enjoy. Other exciting things to do on your Connecticut summer vacation include sailing along the shoreline with the Argia Mystic Cruises and a trip aboard the Black Hawk Party Boat.
Another kid friendly option is to visit the Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village, while adults can visit The Spa of Essex, The Spa at Norwich Inn, or the Connecticut Wine Trail.
Spoiled for choice? Connecticut can do that to you! New England Inns and Resorts offers the best in accommodations in the state including historic inns, upscale resorts, boutique hotels and stylish spas.
