There's never a dull moment when you're a kid in Connecticut. The nutmeg state has the best of both worlds, with over 300 miles of coastline and miles of scenic farms, orchards, and parks inland. Whether you're looking for healthy activities to do with your kids in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, you'll find many fun and affordable options in Connecticut, but you'll never hear the words "I'm bored!"
Summer's Endless Waterways
There are so many public beaches, lakes, rivers, and themed parks to choose from in Connecticut during the summer that it will be hard to decide where to go first. Kids will spend hours at the beach during low tide when tidal pools teeming with tiny marine life form along the shoreline--but always check your local paper's weather page for the tide charts to make sure you hit it just right. For a high-energy, splash-filled day, visit one of Connecticut's water parks. Lake Compounce, the nation's oldest theme park, opened in the 1800s as a picnic area, but today it's a popular water park destination, and its Wave Pool and Tunnel Twisters delight young and old.
Autumn's Picking Season
Autumn in New England is a dazzling spectacle for children and adults alike. The fall foliage season is at its height in October, so be sure to keep your weekends free to tour the brilliant fields of color from just about every region in the state. While you're enjoying leafy delights, give your kids a healthy treat during prime apple-picking season, taking place at farms and orchards statewide. Don't forget to let your little ones run a corn maze and pick out a pumpkin or two for carving at home.
Winter's Refreshing Activities
Kids relish winters in Connecticut. The mild weather combined with moderate snowfalls and a lack of harsh storms mean hours of sledding, skiing, snowboarding, and snow-shoeing down hills and through state and local parks and nearby resorts. One of the best things about visiting a ski resort in Connecticut is that it can be a day trip adventure for kids.
Springtime in Connecticut
Families love springtime in Connecticut because it means the weather is comfortable enough for strolling through the local zoos, meandering down bike paths, hiking through nature reserves, and, of course, spending hours running around the state's abundant modern playgrounds. There are five large zoos located in Connecticut, including the well-known Beardsley Zoo in Fairfield County. There are a number of smaller petting zoos located on farms, as well. Make sure to check your local library to find out whether it has free or discounted passes into many of the zoos and other attractions.
Year-Round Adventures
When your kids want a taste of something new, why not find a farmer's market and turn your children into locavores? Farmers' markets run through various times of the year, so always be on the lookout for ads in your local paper for when they open. Many farmers' markets have small petting zoos to entertain young children while mom and dad sample the delicacies. In addition to farmers' markets, visit a local farm any time during the year to buy fresh fruits and berries or to pick your own organic treats.
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