East Lyme/Niantic Memorial Day Parade—East Lyme
May 30, 2016
This annual parade kicks off near the Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut at Lake Avenue and Main Street in Niantic and ends at East Lyme Town Hall.

St. John's Green, 409 Main Street

Gillette Castle Connection—Essex
May 28-29, 2016
It's the opening weekend for this fun outing from the Essex Steam Train: ride the train to the historic Chester-Hadlyme Ferry to Gillette Castle State Park where you can hike up to the beautiful Gillette Castle. (Note: it's not a long hike, but it is uphill on a trail that does not easily accommodate strollers.) Advance reservations recommended.

One Railroad Avenue, 860-767-0103

Town-Wide Clean Up—Mystic
May 27, 2016
Start your weekend off right with a little community service. Join the Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, Stonington High School, and others to collect trash from locations around town.

Various locations around Mystic, 860-572-5955

Free Admission for Veterans and Active Duty Military at Mystic Aquarium—Mystic
May 28-30, 2016
The Mystic Aquarium offers veterans and active duty military free admission all weekend long, as well as discounts to their family members. Celebrate Long Island Sound Day or simply enjoy the penguins, beluga whales, and the other exhibits.

55 Coogan Boulevard, 860-572-5955

Salute to Summer—Mystic
May 28-29, 2016
Salute family, community, and country on Saturday and Sunday at Mystic Seaport. Kids can climb aboard historic vessels, explore exhibits, and take part in a wide range of outdoor activities from harpoon throwing to whaleboat rowing and more. On Saturday, there's even a costumed dog parade.

75 Greemanville Avenue, 860-572-0711

Decoration Day—Mystic
May 30, 2016
The national Memorial Day holiday has its origins in Decoration Day, a national day of remembrance instituted by the U.S. government in 1868. Mystic Seaport honors this history by paying tribute to fallen Civil War soldiers in their annual service that includes tending and decorating the graves of the fallen, church services, solemn processions, and more.

75 Greemanville Avenue, 860-572-0711

Memorial Day Concert with the United States Coast Guard Band—New London
May 29, 2016
Head to Fort Trumbull Park for this family friendly celebration of American music and tradition.

90 Walbach Street

Classic Cruise Night at Ocean Beach Park—New London
May 30, 2016
The boardwalk at Ocean Beach is the place to be on Monday nights all summer long. Classic cars will be on display and a DJ will be spinning oldies from the 50s and 60s. There are discounts for mini-golf and the waterslide, and parking and admission to the boardwalk are free!

98 Neptune Avenue, 800-510-7263

Norwich Rotary Club Carnival—Norwich
May 26-30, 2016
Who doesn't love a spring carnival? Enjoy food, games, rides, and all kinds of family fun. Unlimited ride bracelets are available for purchase.

Viaduct Road, 860-885-8532

Old Saybrook Memorial Day Parade—Old Saybrook
May 30, 2016
The Memorial Day celebration in Old Saybrook begins with a solemn dockside naval ceremony with a wreath laying followed by a parade that kicks off on Elm Street and ends on the Town Green.

Main Street

Photo courtesy of Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT