Connecticut's wide range of outdoor and educational venues makes it an ideal state to visit on a family vacation. For preschool aged children, in particular, there are many fun things to do. Kids can explore nature areas and beaches and visit arts and cultural outlets. Young children will have no shortage of active and healthy excursions to enjoy.
Zoos
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport has 300 animals and educational exhibits about rainforests, prairie dogs and New England farms. The zoo even hosts birthday parties and scavenger hunts for young visitors. Does your child like personal contact with animals? Visit the petting zoos at Jacob's Creek Farm in Gaylordsville and Petting Zoo or the Clark Farm in Higganun.
Beaches
Grab your towel and head out to one of Connecticut's beaches. Young kids can build sandcastles for hours, play in shallow water and learn how to swim accompanied by an adult. One popular beach spot is Calf Pasture Beach in East Norwalk. In addition to water activities, kids can go fishing and play mini golf here. Other favorite family beaches include Ocean Beach Park in New London and Seaside Beach Park in Bridgeport.
Amusement Parks
Get your adrenaline pumping at a Connecticut amusement park. Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury features family activities such as a water park, carousel, and slides. In addition, there are bumper cars and arcade games. In Bristol, Lake Compounce Amusement Park also has water slides, easy roller coasters and other rides, plus singing entertainment. Check websites for special events and seasonal hours.
Museums
Connecticut's fine museums inspire curiosity and learning in young children. The Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut in Niantic is well suited to children ages 1 to 12. It features an easy climbing wall, hands-on games and interactive stations. In Norwalk, the Stepping Stone Museum's exhibits include a rain forest adventure, gorilla's nest and even a weather station where kids can pretend to be weather reporters. The Science Center of Connecticut in Hartford features exciting replicas of dinosaurs and giant sperm whales.
Camping
Encourage your children to enjoy the great outdoors by going on a family camping trip. In Woodstock, Chamberlain Lake Camping Area is centered around a 50-acre lake with swimming, fishing and boating activities. There are also basketball courts and horseshoes. The Water's Edge Family Campground in Lebanon boasts a pool, beach area, paddle boats, arcade and two playgrounds. Some Connecticut campgrounds offer tent camping and RV hookups, while others have cabins.
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