Despite its small size, Connecticut offers families with young children plenty of attractions, such as state parks, beaches, historic sites, museums, and year-round outdoor and indoor activities. Families who want to stay active and healthy will have no problem finding things to do in Connecticut.
State Parks
Dinosaur State Park is popular with children because of its fossilized dinosaur tracks. Sleeping Giant State Park and Mohawk State Forest both offer miles of hiking trails, and nature-loving children will enjoy birdwatching and wildlife-spotting. Bluff Point State Park and Bluff Point Coastal Reserve are good spots for viewing sea life, and Hammonasset Beach State Park is popular for swimming and sunbathing. Parks are open from dawn to dusk. If you want to go biking, head to Airline State Park.
Beaches
Connecticut is home to dozens of Atlantic Coast beaches. Beaches usually charge an entrance or parking fee ranging between $5 to $15 per person or car. Children will enjoy Calf Pasture Beach, a 33-acre beach with mini-golf, fishing, volleyball, softball, boating and kayak rental. Jenny's Beach has a popular children's playground, and Penfield Beach is known for its picnic area, concessions stand and playground. Misquamicut State Beach offers seven miles of shoreline and gets busy in the summer because parking is free. For families looking for a more action-packed beach experience, head to Ocean Beach Park, home to Splash Park, a beachside water park.
Camping
Camping offers families an affordable and flexible way to visit Connecticut. Although there are some RV-only establishments that cater to older, retired folks, most Connecticut campgrounds are family-friendly and offer amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, sports fields, camp stores, summertime educational and environmental programs, restroom and shower facilities, paddleboat and rowboat rental and paved biking and hiking paths. When traveling with children, it's wise to ask for a full hookup site. Campgrounds typically are open May 1 through Oct. 1.
Spring and Summer Activities
Because of its varied geography, including coastal flatlands and wooded plains, families can participate in dozens of activities during the spring and summer months. Visit an amusement park, museum, historic homes or take the kids swimming, sailing, boating, kayaking, jet skiing or water skiing. Fairfield Kayak Company on the Long Island Sound coastline rents adult and child kayaks by the week, weekend, day or half-day. Another family-friendly option is to take the kids to a local farmers market, let them pick out fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables on their own, and pack a healthy picnic lunch to enjoy between attractions or activities.
Winter and Fall Activities
Like the rest of New England, Connecticut is famous for its impressive fall foliage. Visit a local park and go on a foliage hike or take a scenic drive through rural Connecticut. Head to a local apple orchard with the family and do your own picking. In winter, significant snowfalls mean that skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and snowshoeing are popular. Most Connecticut ski resorts offer "kiddie" slopes for the littlest skiers. Mohawk Mountain Ski Resort and Mount Southington Ski Resorts are two family-friendly options.
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