Connecticut State Parks with Beaches 

You'll find all kinds of family-friendly (and budget-friendly) fun at these Connecticut State Beaches!

1. Sherwood Island State Park - Westport  

Connecticut’s first state park, Sherwood Island, remains a top pick for families seeking outdoor fun. Swim in Long Island Sound, play a 18 course disc golf (yes, it's a sport), or even fish, there’s something for everyone. Easy walking paths make it great for strolls, scooters, and strollers. The park offers a unique mix of beach, wetlands, and coastal forest which creates a variety of experiences in one place. Families can visit the Nature Center or grab food at the snack bar. The 9/11 Living Memorial is located near the pavilion, at the very spot where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were once visible on clear days. It’s the perfect blend of nature, recreation, and reflection. 

Westport offers plenty to see and do, making it easy to pair a visit to the park with more local adventures. Spend part of your day at the park, then explore the town. check out our guide for more family-friendly things to do in Westport.

2. Hammonsasset Beach State Park - Madison 

Hammonsasset is a beloved Connecticut destination. and most known. With two miles of sandy beaches, it’s the perfect spot for family fun. You can swim, build sandcastles, and ride the waves on boogie boards. The park offers so many more amenities and activities that families keep coming back for new adventures, including boating, fishing, biking, and hiking. You can even rent bikes (with helmets) through Labor Day. Definitely a trunk space win. It might be a hidden gem, Meigs Point Nature Center enhances a Hammonsasset outing with daily free programs, including touch tanks, live animal demonstrations, and interactive activities.  Plus, Hammonsasset has over 550 campsites with organized family fun activities like movies, bingo, and crafts. Believe me, this place is truly incredible and offers something for everyone.

If you are looking for a bite to eat after a beach day, drive to Lenny and Joe's Fish Tale. It’s the ideal place for casual seafood dining with built-in fun for kids, including a carousel.

3. Silver Sands State Park - Milford 

Silver Sands State Park is the perfect place for a refreshing day outdoors. For families with little ones it's ideal for a stroller-friendly walk with a view too. Families can swim, fish, fly kites, or look out for birds. The park is home to over 200 bird species, including herons and egrets. While the walk to Charles Island is closed during nesting season (May through September), bird watching remains a highlight of any visit.The park offers convenient amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and seasonal lifeguards during summer. For lunch, The Greek Spot on East Broadway Ave is a tasty casual local favorite. You can dine there or bring it back to your beach setup. Break up the day with a scenic two-mile stroll along the boardwalk, and treat the family to Walnut Creamery at the end. Pets are welcome on leashes in picnic areas, making it a great outing for all ages. 

While in the area, Milford is full of family- friendly places to go and explore. Take a look at our favorite places in Milford. 

4. Rocky Neck State Park - East Lyme

Looking for a big state park adventure the whole family will love? Rocky Neck State Park has so much more to offer than just a beach day. Spanning over 710 acres of beach, salt marsh, and tidal river, it’s a favorite summer spot for families looking to spend time outdoors. One of the best parts? You can camp here! The campground includes 160 wooded and grassy sites spread across several loops, each with easy access to restrooms, showers, and water. Rocky Neck is also a great spot for fishing, with bluefish, striped bass, and other local catches commonly found. There’s even a designated area just for crabbing. For families with curious explorers, the park’s glacial rock formations, steep cliffs, and massive boulders feel like a giant natural playground. Whether you're staying overnight or just visiting for the day, Rocky Neck offers a little bit of everything.

East Lyme is close to several charming coastal Connecticut towns—take a trip to Niantic and go explore!

Connecticut State Parks with Lake Views

5. Indian Well State Park - Shelton  

Indian Well State Park is one of those hidden gems that’s perfect for a family-friendly day outdoors. Set along the scenic Housatonic River, it offers a little bit of everything. Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying time outside together. Families can cool off in the designated swimming area or find the swimming hole at the base of a waterfall. With a mix of adventure and relaxation, the park is easy to enjoy all day long. Explore the family-friendly Paugussett Trail is a favorite in the area. 14 miles of trail so make sure to be prepared for the adventure. There are shaded picnic areas with tables and grills  so you can pack a lunch or cook up something on-site.. It’s a perfect spot for a laid-back day in nature with just the right amount of variety to keep everyone happy.

There is so much to do at Indian Well State Park, but if you want to explore Shelton more then take a look at things to do in the area.

6. Lake Waramaug State Park - Kent/New Preston

The views at Lake Waramaug State Park are truly breathtaking. It's no wonder the lake is considered one of the most beautiful in the world by1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Spanning 95 acres, the park offers a plenty to do beyond swimming and picnicking. Take a scenic bike ride along the eight-mile loop that circles the lake or head out on the water with canoe and kayak. Canoe and kayak rentals are  available at the park. Anglers will love it here too. The lake literally meaning “place of good fishing,” this lake is the second-largest natural lake in Connecticut and known for some of the best largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. Want to stay longer? The park offers 76 campsites and six rustic cabins, open through Columbus Day, making it a perfect spot for a weekend getaway.

Litchfield County has just as much to do in the cutest towns. Check out our guide.

All photos by author Kelly Patino