Location: Hartford, Connecticut Years Active: 2009 – Active Want to experience science firsthand? Ditch the textbooks and head to the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford. This place is alive with hands-on experiments, mind-blowing exhibits, and a whole lot of “whoa!” moments. They cover everything – space, dinosaurs, the human body…you’ll feel like a kid again,…
Location: Ansonia, Connecticut Years Active: 1970 – Active Forget fancy nature preserves – Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center is the real deal. This place isn’t about manicured lawns and guided tours. It’s a little rough around the edges, with muddy trails and critters that might actually try to steal your snacks. That’s what makes it…
Location: New London, Connecticut Years Active: 1928 – Active Ocean Beach Park isn’t some glossy newcomer. It’s been a New London tradition since back in 1928. The sand’s perfect, the water’s usually calm – great for families. But if you’re bored with building sandcastles, Ocean Beach has plenty more up its sleeve. Think classic boardwalk…
Location: East Windsor, Connecticut Years Active: 1940 – Active The Connecticut Trolley Museum lets you jump aboard actual trolleys from another time. These aren’t just displays – they’re time machines! The rumble of the tracks, the clang of the bell… it’s way better than any history textbook. This place isn’t only for trolley nerds (though…
Location: Middlefield, Connecticut Years Active: 2013 – Active Forget those fancy ski resorts with their overpriced lattes and snooty crowds. Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort is where you go for real fun on the slopes. Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing – they’ve got all the winter classics, and some crazy festivals too (think live music…
Location: Niantic, Connecticut Years Active: 1992 – Active Okay parents, let’s be honest. Sometimes dragging kids to a museum feels like torture. But the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut? That’s a whole different story. This place understands kids. They get that learning is way more fun when it’s messy, loud, and a little bit crazy….
Location: Mystic, Connecticut Years Active: 1973 – Active Mystic Aquarium isn’t your average sea life exhibit. Sure, it’s got the cute seals and penguins, but this place dives deeper. They’re big into research and saving ocean animals, which you’ll get to see firsthand. Their beluga whales are a must-see – you won’t find these gentle…
Location: Portland, Connecticut Years Active: 2012 – Active Think you’re tough enough for Brownstone Adventure Sports Park? They took this old quarry and turned it into the ultimate test of guts. Cliff jumping, wild water contraptions, zip lines that feel way too high… you’ll be signing waivers before you know it. It’s the kind of…
Location: Goshen, Connecticut Years Active: 1989 – Active Action Wildlife Foundation isn’t your standard zoo. This place is wild. They’ve been around since 1989, tucked away in Goshen, Connecticut. It’s all about getting up close with amazing creatures, but there’s a conservation mission running deep too. Get ready to see animals you won’t find anywhere…
Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut Years Active: 1922 – Active Forget what you think you know about zoos. Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut, ain’t no Disneyfied animal theme park. It’s smaller, a little worn around the edges…and honestly? Way more interesting because of it. This place has history, and it’s not afraid to show it. The Beardsley…