2. Olde Mistick Village

Located across the street from the Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mistick Village is an outdoor shopping area designed to look like a Colonial Village. Complete with a town green, duck pond, and a gazebo, the walking paths connect to shops with handcrafted gifts and locally made souvenirs.  They have lots of events on their calendar all year long.

Kids can immerse themselves in another time at Mystic Seaport. Photo by Joe Michael/ Mystic Seaport Museum

3. Mystic Seaport

Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport.  The Seaport encompasses a huge complex spread across 17 waterfront acres and is set up as a 19th-century seaport village with 30 period buildings from around New England.  Historic vessels, a planetarium, working shipyard, gardens, and direct access to the water make this spot the nation’s leading maritime museum. Make sure to check out their daily calendar for wooden ship workshops, cooper demonstrations, and even a sea shanty or two. 

4. Historic Downtown 

Downtown Mystic is situated along the banks of the Mystic River. With more than 80 independently owned shops and restaurants, tourists and locals alike love to spend a lazy afternoon perusing this quaint New England Village. Make sure to check out family favorites like the Candy Shop, Mystical Toys, Mystic River Chocolate Cafe, and Bank Square Books. 

5. B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill

Every September, B.F. Clyde’s cranks on the country’s last steam-powered cider mill and opens its doors for the season. Weekends usually mean live music in a beautiful outdoor setting of this picturesque historic landmark. Kids will love the cider and donuts, while adults can grab a sampling hard cider to enjoy. 

Get in touch with nature along 10 miles of hiking trails. Photo courtesy of Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center 

6. Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

DPNC is a wildlife sanctuary with 10 miles of hiking trails to explore. Visitors can meet barred, great horned, and eastern screech owls, red-tailed hawks, and an American kestrel.  There is also a small Natural History Museum displaying the creatures of the woodland, wetlands, and meadows of Connecticut. 

7. Beaches

The town of Mystic only has one public beach, but a quick trip to the neighboring towns will provide your family with a little fun in the sun. Williams Beach is located at the Mystic YMCA. This small shoreline beach, but there is also a playground, pavilion, and sports fields.  Located in nearby Groton, Esker Point Beach, Eastern Point Beach ($30 to park for out of towners), and Bluff Point State Park (parking fees may apply) offer family-friendly beaches. 

8. Tours 

Whether you choose to explore Mystic by land or sea, there are many different ways to learn about the history of this town. Mystic Harbor Tours will take you on a narrated boat tour aboard the Mystic Express and departs from the drawbridge downtown. If you’re to things darker side, Seaside Shadows provides spooky lantern-lit tours through downtown Mystic and its Historic Graveyards. From May to mid-October, visitors can take a public sail and explore the surrounding islands and rich maritime history from the wooden deck of the Argia, the last commercial sailing ship in Mystic. Enjoy the views as you sail by scenic coastlines and historic lighthouses. 

9. Fairs and Fesitvals

There are tons of fairs and festivals in Mystic celebrated annually including:

• The Mystic River Jam Fest
• Lighted Boat Parade
• Concerts at Mystic River Park
• Summer Soundwaves at Esker Point Beach
• Mystic Outdoor Art Festival
• Antique and Classic Boat Parade
• Mystic Irish Parade and more!

10. Bike And Paddle 

If you want to take your family on a more personalized adventure, then a bike or kayak rental is just the thing. Adventure Mystic is your one-stop-shop for all things paddle and bike. With a full range of paddleboards, single and double kayaks, and bikes, you and the kids will be up and running in no time. Make sure to check out their schedule for bike and kayak tours of the area. Kids ages 8 and up can go along for a ride while grown-ups can rent their own personal powerboat with Mystic Boat Adventures. 

11. Family Fun Zones

If you want to give your kids the adventure of a lifetime, then nature and New England charm will only get you so far. Thankfully, Mystic has a few family fun zones to pick from. TreeTrails Adventures provides five elevated trails with 76 obstacles on their 50 acres of Connecticut Woodlands. You can also try your luck at the family-friendly escape rooms at Mystified. The Keeper of the Light Room challenges you to light the historic Ledge Lighthouse before a "hurricane" comes ashore.  

12. Historic Mystic

For a pure historic expeirence,  Mystic Seaport is a great way to begin, but they families can also see the dozens of historic buildings littering the town. Most of them were built in the 17th Century as the town exploded in growth and population. See the Denison Homestead (one of the oldest buildings), the Mystic Lighthouse and blow the kids mind with a trip to one of the tiny one-room school houses or Fishtown Chapel. Another interesting place to stop in is the Mystic Art Museum where you can see their permanent collection of art work or stop in on one of the kids' art classes.

13. Book Stores

Wander around Bank Square Books to find something to read on the beach or wander into Alice's Little Haunted Bookshop (if you dare) for a super-spooky read (note: spooky interior!).

The Howard Johnson Inn, Hilton Mystic, and Taber Inne all boast indoor pools—a bonus for families. ​

Where to Stay in Mystic

14. Howard Johnson Inn

Mystic Seaport and Aquarium are a short walk from the front doors of the Howard Johnson Mystic. This hotel offers an indoor pool and oversized rooms that are perfect for families.

15. Hilton Mystic

Located within walking distance from the aquarium, the Hilton Mystic is a convenient choice for many families. The Hilton has an indoor pool as well as a restaurant onsite. In season, the activity director also plans kid-friendly events like crafts and movies by the pool. 

16. Taber Inne and Suites

The Taber Inne has a convenient downtown location, friendly innkeepers, and beautifully appointed rooms and suites.  But, your kids will probably only care that it has the largest indoor pool in Mystic and the only indoor pool in downtown Mystic. 

Enjoy a slice of heaven at the famous Mystic Pizza.

Where to Eat in Mystic  

17. Mystic Pizza

Did you even go to Mystic if you didn’t get the pizza? Your kids may have no idea what the “big deal about Mystic Pizza is,” but grown-ups of a certain age will love this little “slice of heaven.” 

18. The Sea Swirl

Famous for its fried clams, hot dogs, and ice cream, this seasonal spot is typically open from April through October. Family owned and operated, this yummy shop has been making families happy for years. Plan a trip for sunset and you won’t be sorry. 

Kids can grab a donut while you get your morning coffee at Deviant Donuts.

19. Deviant Donuts

Located in Olde Mistick Village, these donuts are made fresh every morning. The hot and iced coffee drinks will hit the spot as well. Follow them on Instagram @deviantdonuts to get the flavors of the week. 

20. Alice in the Village

This tea room is quite the experience. Inspired by the classic Lewis Carroll tale, guests can enjoy a traditional British Afternoon Tea while enjoying a trip through Wonderland. Reservations are always recommended. 

Mystic Drawbridge serves up ice cream as well as sweet views.

21. Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream

The ice cream at Mystic Drawbridge is delicious, but the view is even more amazing. Watch the kayakers paddle by as you enjoy a scoop of Mystic Mud. 

22. Jealous Monk

The only beer garden in town, this spot has something for everyone, including burgers, a stocked kids menu, and a steady rotation of 32 beers on tap. 

Don a bib and eat like a local at Abbotts!

23. Abbotts

Although not located in Mystic, Abbotts Lobster in the Rough is definitely worth the 10-minute drive out of town. Abbotts is a seasonal outdoor restaurant located directly on the Mystic River. Famous for their stuffed lobster rolls, they also offer some kid-friendly options for landlubbers. Make sure to ask for some fish food to feed the fish in the river. 

24. Mystic Fish Camp

All seafood served here is caught within 10 miles of the restaurant. Fresh and tasty lobster rolls, oysters and more. Their menu includes other favorites like smash burgers, fish sticks, and a kids menu. *Fried item are cooked in beef tallow.

25. Kenzie's Fudge and Chocolate/Mystic Ice Cream/Candy Shop

All three of these destinations are connection and let's just say you're kids are gonna want to go to all three. The Candy Shop has everything sugar - over 300 different products including: nostalgic candy, huge gummy bears, and taffy. Kenzie's offers 16 different flavors of fudge (chocolate caramel truffle anyone?) and the Mystic Ice Cream give you plenty of dripping, cold ice cream from their list of flavors.

26. Sift Bake Shop

Many delectable treats can be found at Sift. From Artisanal breads to quiches and croissants - pick up a treat for the ride home. There are some gluten-friendly options on their menu, and there are several locals in Mystic and other nearby towns.

Not Mystic, But Near Mystic

27. Niantic Children's Museum - Niantic

Designed for the younger set, this is the perfect place for little to come and get out some wiggles. At this museum, they can touch all they want - they are supposed to!

28. Mashantucket Pequot Museum - Mashantucket

An amazing place to learn about Connecticut's Native people's. Three floors of stunning dioramas, exhibits, and more. 

29. Great Wolf Lodge - Uncasville

Located adjacent to Foxwoods Resort, this brand-new Great Wolf location offers families a place to go away where they will be able to splish-splash any time of the year.

All photos are by the author unless otherwise noted.

An earlier version of this post by Stephanie Ogozalek was originally published in 2016; updated in 2020, 2022, 2025.