Make a few new friends before school starts in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of Syman Says Farms

Things To Do Before School Starts - Connecticut Farms and Zoos

1. Visit a petting zoo

Hang out with some sweet alpacas at Roaring Acres Alpaca Farm.

2. See some sunflowers

Stop and smell the sunflowers at Lyman Orchards Sunflower Maze.The theme this year is The Hartford Yardgoats!

3. Pick your own peaches

Pick your own peaches, plums, and more for a late-summer pie at one of these PYO farms.

4. Visit the Beardsley Zoo

Gaze into the eyes of tigers, howl with a wolf, or swing with the monkeys—it's all happening at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.

 
Have some fun on the shore before school starts in Connecticut! Photo by Kelly Patino for Mommy Poppins

Things To Do Before School Starts - Connecticut Beaches

5. Explore a tide pool in CT

Get up close and personal with coastal creatures while exploring a natural tide pool. 

6. Visit Connecticut beaches

Explore coastal Connecticut at one of our favorite state beaches. 

7. See Meig's Point Nature Center

Go to Hammonasset beach to learn about nature - Meig's Point Nature Center has a daily program kids will love.

8. Take a day trip to the coast

Head to the shoreline town of Branford, one of our very favorite day trips.

Things To Do Before School Starts - Connecticut Lakes and Ponds

9. Cast away!

Drop a line in one of Connecticut’s fishing holes, from hidden lakes to the Sound.

10. Go for a dip

Take a road trip to one of these swimming ponds and dip yours toes in.

Things To Do Before School Starts - Connecticut Parks and Playgrounds

11. Take a camping trip!

These Connecticut campgrounds that cater to families and are still taking reservations.

12. Hit the splash pad

Cool off close to home at one of the best splash pads, splash parks, and water playgrounds in Connecticut.

13. Take a stroller-friendly hike

Get fresh air for you in a little one on one of these stroller hikes.

14. Enjoy Connecticut's State Parks

Explore more at one of Connecticut’s State Parks. Make sure you follow CT DEEP on Twitter for daily closures and information on hidden gems.  

15. Head for the tree tops

Climb, balance and move through the trees at Tree Trails Adventures in Mystic. 

Boat and Train Rides in Connecticut

16. Cruise Norwalk Harbor

Explore historic lighthouses, beaches, and wildlife from the water with Sheffield Island Cruises.

17. Paddle away

Rent a kayak and paddle rivers, streams, and the Long Island Sound.  

18. Have a scoop on a steam train!

Grab some tickets soon for the Ice Cream Train at the Naugatuck Railroad.

19. Visit the Connecticut Trolley Museum

Take a kid-friendly trolley ride at the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor.

20. Visit the Thimble Islands

The Thimble Islands are an archipelago of more than a hundred islands. Take a cruise on the Sea Mist and learn all about their history (hint: it involves pirates!) 

21. Explore the Trolley Museum

Visit the Shoreline Trolley Museum and take a ride on America's oldest, continually operated street-level railway line.

 
Connecticut's summer fairs and festivals are still in full swing! Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Renaissance Faire

Summer Live Festivals and Events in Connecticut

22. Behold the Renaissance Faire!

See in-person jousting, birds of prey, and more while you play the part of king, queen, princess, or brave knight in the kickoff to the Connecticut Renaissance Faire on Labor Day weekend.

23. See hot air balloons over CT

Watch amazing hot air balloons at the very popular Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival. 

24. Hit the Wigwam Festival

Uncasville hosts Native Americans from across the country in a cultural celebration at the Mohegan WigWam Festival.

 
There's still time to beat the CT heat before school starts in 2025! Splash pad photo courtesy of Natures Art Village.

Summer Entertainment and Theme Parks in Connecticut

25. Get splashing

Jump off cliffs and zoom into the water at Brownstone Adventure Sports Park or another New England water park.

26. See New England roadside attractions

Take your family to see on of these quirky roadside attractions right here in Connecticut. 

27. Spend a day at an amusement center

Take a drive to one of these all-in-one family entertainment centers in Connecticut.

28. Visit Chelsea Piers in Stamford

Plan ahead, and reserve some splash time at Chelsea Piers.

29. Bounce around

Bounce it out at one of many indoor trampoline parks in Connecticut for kids and family fun. 

Summer Outdoor Dining in Connecticut

30. Sample a scoop

Make it a goal to gobble up some tasty creations at the Best Ice Cream Spots in Connecticut for Kids.

31. Chow down on some Tacos

Tacos aren’t just for Tuesdays anymore. Our Taco Roadtrip will take you on a culinary journey all around the Nutmeg State. 

32. Dine al fresco

Take a break from the kitchen and reserve a table at one of these family-friendly outdoor restaurants.

 
Get some hands on fun in the waning days of Summer 2025 in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of the Maritime Aquarium

Museums and Aquarium Fun

33. Explore Connecticut Aquariums

See an octopus or ray or jellyfish up close: From Norwalk to Mystic, Connecticut has some of the best Aquariums in the country.

34. Spend a day at the museum

It is almost school time (sigh): Get kids thinking about art, culture, and history again with a visit to one of these Connecticut museums.

35. Have fun with strings attached

Attend Puppet Fest at Stepping Stones Museum where the theme is puppets all week long.

36. Experience history

See a reenactment of the American Revolution at the Old Newgate Prison in East Granby - costumes and all!

37. Visit Litchfield, Connecticut

Spend the afternoon in beautiful Litchfield where nature abounds and there are lots of things to do!

38. Get your game on

Save your quarters and go to of these old-school arcades.

39. Take a break from the heat

Feeling hot? Yeah, there is still a lot to do in air conditioned right here. Browse through our Heat Wave Hot List.

 
All that summer sun has made PYO berries ripe for the picking in Connecticut! Photo by Ally Noel

40. Go berry picking

Don't miss the opportunity to pick fresh berries at several great farms.

41. See a Connecticut lighthouse

One thing Connecticut has is a lot of (many historic) lighthouses - did you know you can get up close to see them?

42. Have some fun for free!

And if you're still looking for something to do, check out our massive 50+ Free List of Things to Do in Connecticut.

Originally published in 2020; updated annually