Scott's Orchard and Nursery - 8:00 AM
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Things To Do in Niantic: Connecticut Day Trip to the Coast
This summer, head down to Niantic, a seaside-village full of history, beaches, and fun places to go (as well as charming, local places to eat). The coastal destinations along the Connecticut shores are some of the best places to visit on a day trip. Niantic has retained its Colonial, small-town feel, with a charming Main Street full of businesses and easy beach access. Niantic is actually a village within the town of East Lyme, and it features great festivals, local seafood, and shops run by artisans.
For more great trips around Connecticut, check out 40 Awesome Summer Day Trips for Connecticut Families. It's packed with great trip ideas, like visitng Mystic, Connecticut with kids.
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The Book Barn in Niantic is a great day trip destination in CT. Book Barn yard photo by Ethan Long via Flickr 2.0
Where To Go In Niantic With Kids
1. Book Barn
Every Connecticut family should visit Book Barn at least once. Our family makes an annual (or even bi-annual trip) to Book Barn to enjoy the loads of books organized into tiny little sheds and barns. The main shop is the biggest, with interesting and eye-catching landscaping complete with goats and dozens of free-roaming, friendly kitties. Side note: most of the children's books are located in their annex downtown.
2. East Lyme Historic Society
History comes alive at the Thomas Lee Homestead, a fully restored home that is open to the public at specific times of the year. The Historic Society also has an annual Family Archeological Dig, where families can participate in a search for artifacts on the Lee Homestead grounds.
3. Niantic Children's Museum
A must-go stop for kids 9 and under, who love STEM, Niantic Children's Museum brings the fun in 5,000 square feet of play space. Kids can create and design in the Imagination Room and see live bees and how things work in the Discovery Room. The littles can get their wiggles out on the outdoor playscape, where there are giant blue blocks, a zip line, a dig pit, and water table. NCM also has regular programming and classes for families.
4. Main Street
Niantic's Main Street is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. Dig into some yummy pizza at Family Pizza or get dessert at Tony D's Craft Creamery or Gumdrops and Lollipops. If you have gluten-free needs, Dev's on Main has an entire GF menu. Also, the Niantic Bay Playhouse is a vintage cinema-turned-theater that offers a full line-up packed with theatrical productions for the whole family.
There are some striking views in Niantic, perfect for family pics! Niantic Boardwalk entrance photo by Amanda Watson via Flickr 2.0
5. Scenic Boardwalk
Maintained by the East Lyme Public Trust, the boardwalk is a well-maintained sidewalk on the beach that brings you close to the water (and some amazing sunsets). It is flat, easy to traverse, and only one mile long. But it's loved by all who visit. Bring your camera!
Visit Niantic's Beaches and More
6. Rocky Neck Beach
A smooth, sandy, long beach perfect for Summer visits with your family. Situated on hundreds of acres, Rocky Nech has a tidal marsh, with all the nature that comes with it. Bring your blankets or chairs and splash around in the surf, or enjoy fishing or crabbing nearby. And the kids will love the train that passes by every few hours or so!
7. Hole in the Wall Beach
This beach has access to the Niantic Boardwalk. Enter Hole in the Wall beach through the train tunnel and come out onto a cozy, forested beach with white sand.
8. McCook Point Park
Residents of town love McCooks (as it's called), and for good reason. There is a picnic pavilion and a bandshell where concerts are held all summer long. Enjoy the sand and surf or play on the playground which is great for kids of several ages.
9. Oswegatchie Preserve
Free and open to the public, Oswegatchie Preserve has 457 acres of wetlands and woodlands. There are 8 different hiking and walking trails of pristine habitats. You might even be able to see the animals that live there including beaver, pileated woodpeckers, turtles, and more.
Belly up to some great seafood in Niantic in 2025! Niantic Bay Oyster Festival event photo courtesy of the Miracle Network of South Eastern CT
Events in Niantic for the Whole Family
10. Celebrate East Lyme
Celebrate East Lyme is the annual festival for the area the community. Attended by hundreds, there is so much to do including the Sand Castle Competition, St. John's Carnival, live music, food vendors and fireworks!
11. Niantic Bay Oyster Festival
Try some of the local sea-fare at this festival which benefits the Miracle Network of South Eastern CT. There are other food vendors in addition to beer from local breweries. While you eat, enjoy live music on the stage, cornhole competitions and kids will love the Children's Corner.
Places featured in this article:
Book Barn
