Connecticut is famous for its prestigious Yale University, scenic autumn foliage, and rich history as one of the original 13 US colonies.
There are many tourist attractions if you plan a trip to Connecticut.
You’ll love the city, from the eerie Olde Mistic Village, beautiful art galleries, and history-rich museums to the sandy beaches.
If you are up for a weekend getaway or vacation to help you reconnect with nature, the rivers, wine trails, beaches, and forests in Connecticut will do the trick.
Read on to discover fun things to do in Connecticut.
1. Mystic Seaport Museum
When you walk into the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut, you enter the largest maritime museum in the United States.
The museum tour allows you to relive the 19th-century seafaring lifestyle with its collection of ancient sailing ships, boats, and other crafts.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful history by exploring the old ships and listening to the volunteers talk about 19th-century seafaring.
Bring your kids to participate in fun activities like candle making, boat building, boat rides, and more.
The 19-acre museum on Mystic River is a must-visit place in Connecticut, laden with over 500 historic watercraft and over 2 million artifacts.
Spend a day or two reliving the lives of sailors who made a living out of seafaring through paintings, video recordings, oral history archives, and photographs.
2. Yale University
Besides producing famous graduates like Meryl Streep and Bill Clinton, Yale University is an information-rich center that attracts over 130,000 visitors yearly, thanks to the Yale University Art Gallery and the Peabody Museum.
Take your family and friends to the varsity grounds in New Haven, and enjoy a self-guided tour to marvel at the history and architecture of the excellence center.
The Art Gallery showcases over 200,000 objects, including African art, American paintings, Asian art, coins and medals, and European art.
If ancient art isn’t your cup of tea, you will appreciate modern and contemporary art from Picasso, Albers, Mondrian, and Edgar Degas.
3. Gillette Castle State Park
This magnificent castle at the heart of East Haddam is named after William Gillette, the famous stage actor who portrayed Sherlock Holmes.
He lived here between 1919 and 1937, and the State of Connecticut bought the property in 1943.
It consists of a breathtaking castle in Lyme, a visitors center, a museum, a hiking trail, and a picnic area that attracts at least 350,000 visitors yearly.
A medieval fortress from the outside and a creative haven on the inside, you’ll enjoy the wood carvings, built-in couches, and Gillete-inspired furnishings.
Outside On the Property – You can enjoy picnicking with family and friends, peaceful strolls and hikes in the vast property, tunnels, a railroad station, and goldfish ponds.
4. Lake Compouse Amusement Park
Are you and your family all about amusement parks and playing with water?
You will find everything you want in Lake Compouse Amusement Park in Connecticut.
Scream your hearts aboard one of the best wooden rollercoasters, Boulder Dash, as it gets your adrenaline running.
Your kiddos will love the warm theme park and enjoy fun activities like classic rides, playing with water, and fireworks.
Bring your furry family members along to enjoy a refreshing meet and greet with other pets and many treats.
Moreover, whether here for a work vacay or grown-up time away, you can enjoy live concerts on the Lake, from stand-up comedy, live music, dance, and other forms of entertainment.
5. Mark Twain House and Museum
The Mark Twain House and Museum is a hub for various fun activities in Hartford, Connecticut.
Explore the historical sites, including The Harriet Beacher Stowe Center, The Old State House, the Butler McCook house, and the Connecticut State Capitol building.
If you are a history lover:
- the Museum of Connecticut History is an excellent place to start your tour
- then take a deep dive into the history of the Nutmeg State in the Victorian homes of Hartford’s West End.
Besides its rich history, the Mark Twain House and Museum is a visual art, outdoor fun activities, and performing arts powerhouse.
Treat your folks and friends to a dose of live music, orchestra, and indie bands, as they enjoy a tasty barbeque in Black Eyed Sally’s Barbeque & Blues.
6. Thimble Island Cruise in the Sea Mist
Are you up for a fun-filled cruise to the islands first discovered by Adrien Block in 1614?
Make your way to the Thimble Island Cruise, where expert seafarers will take you to the Thimble Islands off the Branford coast in Connecticut.
Enjoy locally brewed Misty IPA ale as you and your friends cruise aboard the Sea Mist on a 45-minute sightseeing adventure.
After the Cruise – You can calm your crumbling tummies in various restaurants, cafes, and food markets, including the USS Chowder Pot II, Willoughby’s Coffee & Tea, The Stand, and Bud’s Fish Market.
And finally, you can explore other neighborhood attractions, like Stony Creek Beach, Stony Creek Museum, and Legacy Theatre.
7. Glass House in New Canaan
The Glass House in New Canaan is undoubtedly one of Connecticut’s best tourist attractions.
It is a historic building designed and built in 1948 by famous architect Phillip Johnson as his residence.
Take a tour of the house that represents one of the greatest modern architectural landmarks.
The home is on the US National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmark District list.
Tours of the architectural masterpiece are available from April through December, and you need to place reservations earlier.
The house has a lot to offer as the visitors explore the interesting life of Phillip Johnson, from his personal, social, and work relationships.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation guards all this information.
8. Kent Falls State Park
It’s no secret that Connecticut has one of the most picturesque rivers in the United States.
The Kent Falls State Park is a key attraction with its green surroundings, multiple waterfalls, and ponds.
Take your family and friends on tour in the scenic park, just a few meters off Route 7, Kent highway.
You can start with the hike around the park, marveling at the green vegetation and fresh air.
There are picnic benches and tables if you and your crew want to enjoy a meal and quiet time in the wild.
There are covered bridges to help you cross the rivers, such as the one at the Kent Falls Brook river.
Bring your hiking shoes and drinking water and enjoy the cascading ¼ mile hike as the falls’ mist settle on your skin.
9. Mount Carmel Sleeping Giant State Park
The Mount Carmel State Park in Hamden consists of a designated state park, hiking trails, a watch tower, caves, and picnic areas to quench your thirst for nature.
The Sleeping Giant is christened because its different ridges create a figure that looks like a sleeping giant.
You can take a self-guided tour through the different ridges, conquer the cliffs, explore the caves, and catch your breath as you ascend to the topmost point of the sleeping giant’s left hip at 739ft.
If the trail gets you hungry, you can grab a bite at nearby eateries like:
- Sergio’s Restaurant and Pizza
- the Everyday Gourmet
- and Primo Pizza Hamden
10. Hammonasset Beach State Park
Located in Madison, Hammonasset Beach is an over 2-mile expanse of sandy beach for you and your family to bask in the sun and play with ocean water.
The stretch on the Long Island Sound is clean, well maintained, and guarded to give you and your vacay buddies a good time guarantee.
You can walk, play beach games, or build camps in the expansive area.
The parking space is ample and secure, which provides peace in knowing you’ll enjoy the beach and then return to your cars at the end of the day with zero security concerns.
To conclude, start planning your Connecticut trip today now that you know some activities you and your family can enjoy!
