Explore The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum Of Art
Get your culture on while traveling in Connecticut! The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, located in Hartford, boasts of a collection of nearly 50,000 works of art. Not only does it have 5,000 years of creativity on display, but it holds the honor of being the oldest continuously-operating public art museum in the United States.
Swim Or Boat In Lake Winnipesaukee
Have you ever seen the movie What About Bob? In this film, Bill Murrays character follows his psychiatrist Richard Dreyfus on vacation to Lake Winnipesaukee. Hilarity and shenanigans ensue. This lake and many others in New Hampshires lakes region are popular destinations for families because they offer scenic beauty and a laid back pace of lake life. Rent a cabin and spend a week swimming, boating, and watching the sun set over the water.
Handwrite A Letter To Your Best Friend
I know, right? Why would you want to handwrite a letter while you can simply Snapchat them or send them a DM? The thing about writing letters is that it is more personal plus you have more than just 140 characters to work with while crafting the message.
Use the opportunity to tell your close friend how much their friendship means to you. You could also use it as an opportunity to bond with your parents or grandparents. Ask them to show you how to properly address a handwritten letter . It is a chance for you to learn how to express yourself in full sentences, without emojis and texting abbreviations . Plus, it will give you a good head start on how to draft those all-important college application essays.
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Go 24 Hours Without Internet Radio Or Television
Now, I know, this is a tall order. We use the internet for everything nowadays. But think about it. When was the last time you went for two hours without your phone? Try going 24 hours without internet, radio or TV. Go camping sit and read a good book talk to your friends and family or use the time to complete some of the ideas on this teen bucket list.
Soon enough you will wish you had these quiet and peaceful moments more often.
Take A Scenic Drive On The Kancamagus Highway
Summer or fall, a drive along the 34.5 mile scenic Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountain National Forest is a beautiful drive. Just dont try it in the winter as it will likely be closed! This American Scenic Byway takes you past the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge, offering spots for stops along the way.
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Sample The Delights At Jonathan Edwards Winery
Wine is, to me, one of my favorite parts of travel, if not life itself. The Jonathan Edwards Winery is a fabulous CT winery of a bicoastal nature: much of the harvest still comes from Wine Country itself, Californias Napa Valley. Enjoy tastings and tours at this beautiful site and take home a bottle of your favorite, if you so choose.
Gillette Castle State Park
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Gillette Castle State Park is a 184-acre estate with a 24-room, medieval mansion situated on a Connecticut hilltop.
Conceived and built by William Gillette, famed actor, director, and playwright, this property is a magical sight to be seen.
Following Gillettes death in 1943, the property was acquired by the state of Connecticut along with an adjoining woodland property.
Today it is a beautiful tourist attraction and state park.
The custom estate features handsewn woodworking, intricately carved wood, 40-foot wooden trestles, stone-arch bridges, built-in couches, walking paths, and much more.
Architecturally speaking, the mansion is awe-inspiring.
The architecture, however, is beautifully juxtaposed by the natural setting in which it resides.
When visiting Gillette Castle, you can expect to make a day or even a weekend of your visit.
Available activities include picnicking, hiking, river camping, and touring the historic building.
Theres even an art trail site that hosts outdoor art exhibits created and curated by local artists.
This is a beautiful attraction to visit today, tomorrow, or this weekend.
Address: 67 River Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, United States
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Climb On The Rocks At Beavertail State Park
One of our favorite things to do in Rhode Island in the summer is to head down to Jamestown to spend the day at Beavertail State Park. Situated at the tip of Jamestown Island and surrounded by rocky coast, it is a great spot for a picnic. You can climb on the rocks and explore tide pools for hours. Or fly a kite and visit the small aquarium and lighthouse on the grounds.
Take A Scenic Drive Through Litchfield County
Autumn is the perfect time to take a scenic drive through Litchfield County in Western Connecticut. Litchfield County is known for its rolling hills and quaint villages, such as the town of Kent, which has been named one of the top foliage towns in New England. Far from rustic, you will find restaurants to satisfy foodies, antiquing and shopping, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing.
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Things To Do In Connecticut With Kids
Connecticut is that classic New England state which is peaceful, charming, and filled with beautiful kids fun. Close to the big cities like New York and Boston, it’s the perfect escape for some family time away. There are plenty of places to visit with the kids, from amazing State Parks, creative art attractions and unforgettable ocean adventures. Lighthouses, whales, wildlife, and a rich history will all make for an amazing family day out in Connecticut!
If you are looking for that classic New England adventure, Connecticut is the place to head. Its charming, quaint, and and utterly beautiful place to take kids. Its also very close to big cities like Boston or New York, so you dont have to travel far to find paradise!Embrace the relationship with the ocean with adventures like Mystic Whaler Cruises or Sheffield Island Lighthouse Tour. Expose kids to the incredible wildlife with Mystic Aquarium or Action Wildlife Park. Entertainment and education? A parents dream! This Constitution State has incredible museums – from the science-tastic Bridgeport Discovery Museum to the very colorful Barker Character Comic and Cartoon Museum.
Stop By The Mark Twain House
Are you a literary fan? You might want to pay a visit to The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford. Author Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, lived in this 11,500 square foot home from 1874 to 1891. While in residence, he wrote some of his most famous works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court.
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Cruise Around The Thimble Islands
A sliver of paradise exists in the form of an archipelago in Branford. Beautiful homes ranging in size from tiny cottages to sprawling mansions dot the Long Island Sound, spread between 23 of the over 100 islands.
Actually, there’s a great debate about how many isles make up the Thimble Islands. Some believe the number to be closer to 365 it all depends on what you think is a “rock” versus an “island.”
The largest, named Horse Island, covers 17 acres and is owned by Yale University, who uses it as an Ecolab for the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. The best way to discover this unique locale is by boat.
Insider’s Tip: Book a Thimble Islands Cruise aboard the Sea Mist for a fun and informative tour.
Wander Through The Shelburne Museum
The Shelburne Museum has expanded from back in the day when I was a kid. This museum of art, design, and Americana has over 150,000 works exhibited in 39 exhibition buildings. Twenty-five of these buildings are historic structures that were relocated to the Museum grounds. You can find a circus building, a covered bridge, a blacksmith shop, barns, a schoolhouse, and even a train!
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Kidcity Childrens Museum Middletown Ct
Kidcity is a unique childrens museum with handmade play exhibits created by local artists. The littlest ones will love the Toddler Sea Caves where they can dance with mermaids, and bigger kids and kids at heart will enjoy a pretend fishery and teeny medieval village. Kidcity is certainly one of Connecticuts favorite options to spend a playful day with children.
Get Spaced Out At The Mcauliffe
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord is a science center that lets children explore the worlds of astronomy, aviation, Earth, and space sciences. There are interactive exhibits, workshops, and a high-tech planetarium. The center is named after astronauts Alan Shepard and Christa McAuliffe.
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Learn Stuff At The Connecticut Science Center
Science museums are a wonderful way to pass a rainy day or a weekday afternoon: theres so much to see and do. The Connecticut Science Center is no exception. In addition to exciting traveling exhibits there are over a dozen permanent exhibits, including Exploring Space, Butterfly Encounter, River of Life, Engineering Lab, and Rooftop Garden. Kids will be thrilled about all the interactive stuff that invites them to touch, jump, and even be LOUD .
Fly Into The New England Air Museum
The New England Air Museum is located in Windsor Locks, CT, and is a great place to visit for those with an interest in aircraft. There are not only exhibits of historic aircraft, but regular demonstrations and opportunities for learning. More than 55 aircraft of all kinds are on display in large sweeping hangars.
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Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort
Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort
Connecticuts Powder Ridge Park is loaded with year-round outdoor activities for the whole family.
During the winter months, Powder Ridge is a destination ski resort.
Skiing, snowboarding, snow-tubing, and even snow biking are all available for wild winter fun.
In the warmer months, the park hosts activities such as mountain biking, ziplining, and disc golfing.
With so much to do and see, the mountain park is worth a whole weekends visit.
In addition to the mountain sports and outdoor activities, Powder Ridge is also a resort with suite-like day rooms available to rent for overnight stays.
The resorts amenities include a pro shop, restaurants, a tavern, picnic area, marketplace, fire pits, brunch, live entertainment, and more.
With lots to do on one giant property, Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is one of the best places to visit in Connecticut.
Address: 99 Powder Hill Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455, United States
Stop At Bf Clydes Cider Mill
Did you know there is only one remaining steam-powered cider mill in the United States? That is B.F. Clydes Cider Mil in Old Mystic. They make hard cider and many other delicious apple treats. Visit in the autumn , and get ready to wait in line for their delicious cider doughnuts.
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The Childrens Museum West Hartford Ct
Be welcomed to the Childrens Museum with a walk through a huge model whale, occasionally spraying water through its blowhole. Talk about a grand entrance! The rest of the Childrens Museum is just as fun. A highlight is certainly the light and color room, which is a favorite for babies and older children.
Fly A Kite At Breton Point State Park
Breton Point State Park sits at the tip of Aquidneck Island in the town of Newport, right where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The winds off the water make this a perfect spot to fly a kite. It is also a fun mid-way point when driving or biking scenic Ocean Drive. If you plan ahead you can bring a picnic and stay to watch the sunset.
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Spend Time At Bluff Point State Park
Bluff Point State Park is an 800-acre park on a largely undeveloped peninsula between the Poquonnock River and Mumford Cove. Here youll discover pleasant trails for biking and hiking, with views over Long Island Sound.
Keep your eyes peeled for plenty of avian wildlife, and if youre into fishing, bring your poles. Potential species to be caught include bluefish, striped bass, summer and winter flounder, blackfish, and more. With a permit, you can also fish for shellfish here.
Drive To The Top Of Mount Washington
One of the more harrowing drives I have ever done, there is a reason they give you a This Car Climbed Mount Washington sticker when you complete your journey on the Mount Washington Auto Road. You can drive yourself or take a guided tour to the 6,288 foot summit. In the winter, you can ride up in a snow coach. Just be prepared for cold, clouds, and lots of wind at the top.
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Get Medieval At King Richards Faire
Each fall, King Richards Faire returns to Carver, Massachusetts in all of its medieval finery. You can see jousting, juggling, and all sorts of shows while enjoying tasty treats like giant turkey legs. If you dont come decked out in your medieval dress, you can always buy or rent on site. Be sure to check for special theme and family days.
Harkness Memorial State Park
After Labor Day, Connecticut state parks are free so we stumbled upon Harkness Memorial State Park on accident. We turned in one morning thinking it would probably have a trail or two to stretch our legs.
We were pleasantly surprised to find an estate with a flourishing garden and ocean views.
Where: 275 Great Neck Rd, Waterford
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Take A Lobster Boat Cruise
The kids will love learning how to be a lobsterman on a lobster boat cruise from Portland. You will learn how to set a lobster trap, throw it out, and get to haul up the traps and check for lobsters. The best part? If you catch anything you can have a local restaurant cook them up for you for dinner.
Explore The World Of New York City High Fashion
If your teen has been hanging on every new episode of Project Runway, knows all the latest designs from Marc Jacobs, and has their heart set on the hottest new sneaker, then this walking tour should be right up their alley. A two-hour jaunt along Fifth Avenue that highlights the iconic windows of NYC’s most significant brands and fashion outposts, the NYC Fashion Windows Walking Tour is a must for fashion-obsessed teens.
It’s also a good way to get some context on the history of Fifth Avenue and the legendary stores that have called this stretch of pricey real estate home for decades. And while your teens may not be able to splurge on that coveted handbag, they can certainly snap all the photos they want for fashion inspiration later!
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Things To Do And Day Trip Ideas In Southwestern Connecticut
144 Oenoke Ridge New Canaan CT 06840203-966-9577The New Canaan Nature Center provides visitors with education about the preservation of the environment around them so people can learn about respecting, protecting, and enjoying the great outdoors!
10 North Water Street Norwalk CT 06654203-852-0700Explore the sea with the Maritime Aquarium. For over 30 years, the Maritime Aquarium has aimed to protect the Long Island Sound through education. Exhibits are unique to the museum, such as the Sea Turtle Nursery, where a baby turtle is rescues, taken care of, then released into the wild!
900 Lafayette Boulevard Bridgeport CT 203-332-5052The Housatonic Museum of Art provides visitors with the preservation of art from Bridgeport, Fairfiled County, and Southern New England. As one of the contemporary art museums in Connecticut, it is worth a visit.
820 Main Street Bridgeport CT 203-331-1104As the leading authority on P.T. Barnum’s life and work, The Barnum Museum is important to Connecticut and American history. This building is the last remaining building that is associated with pioneer Barnum. Learn about his life and contributions through this unique museum in CT.
1875 Noble Ave Bridgeport CT 06610203-304-6572The Bearsley Zoo may not be the Bronx Zoo, but it does provide you with the opportunity to get up close and personal with cool animals. From amphibians and reptiles to foxes, wolves, bats, monkeys, lions, and more, they can see their favorite animals up close
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What Youll Experience
Visit the mansion once owned by one of the countrys most iconic figures. Taking in the beautiful Victorian-style house is worth the visit all on itself. But this museum tour also offers an entertaining guide, an introductory film and enlightening exhibits.
After the tour, have a bite at the Nook Cafe and peruse the souvenir shop. This is simply one of our favorite family-friendly places to visit.
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Pick Your Own Produce
Farmers markets, berry farms, apple orchards: find a local spot in Connecticut where you can pick your own items fresh from the ground, tree, or bush. Ellsworth Farm in Litchfield Hills is a great option for these activities.
Christmas time? Consider cutting down your own Christmas tree from one of these Connecticut farms.
Fun Things To Do In Ct: Shore Line Trolley Museum
The Shore Line Trolley Museum is a National Historic District, and displays and educates about the oldest running trolley line in the United States. The museum is famed for its collection of over 100 vintage transit vehicles, and its diverse collection of equipment, photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the history of the Trolley era.
Visitors to the museum may take a ride on a vintage trolley through scenic salt marsh surroundings, and for an extra fee, may drive a trolley car. The Trolley Reading Program is for children 4-8 and includes a trolley ride and a children’s book read to them aboard the museum’s “Story Trolley”.
17 River Street, East Haven, Connecticut 06512, Phone: 203-467-6927
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