Tipi Camping—Bristol
Lake Compounce is one of our favorite amusement parks around because of it's manageable size, and because it includes both an amusement park with all the rides and games that you would expect, as well as the Crocodile Cove water park. However, we recently learned of the new, nearby Bear Creek Campground, which offers options to camp in tents, R/Vs, or even "deluxe" tipis that include all of the fun of camping (fire pits, picnics, the great outdoors!) with all the necessities of modern life (bathrooms, wifi, and sleeping cots!). Sounds like the makings of a fantastic overnight adventure. Reservations are a must.

186 Enterprise Drive, 860-583-3300 ext.6904

Bubblecones and Creamibuns—Fairfield
Because splurges come in many forms,we're reserving our high calorie blowout for Milkcraft, the newest place to be in Fairfield County for liquid nitrogen ice cream in bubblecones (that is, soft waffle cones) or creamibuns (glazed doughnuts with ice cream inside). Each time we've tried to sample this summer's most popular treat, we've been scared off by long lines, but we've heard that the S'mores Campfire bubblecone (which comes with a toasted marshmallow!) is worth the wait.

1215 Post Road, 475-888-9091

Dinner and a Movie at the Madison Beach Hotel—Madison
The gorgeous Madison Beach Hotel sponsors a fantastic, free Grassy Strip Film Festival that offers outdoor family movies every Tuesday evening all summer long, but you can make the evening truly special by adding dinner before the movie at the hotel's fabulous, splurge-worthy restaurant, The Wharf (dinner reservations are essential).

94 West Wharf Road, 203-245-1404  

Pancakes with Penguins—Mystic
Share the most important meal of the day with some of Mystic Aquarium's most popular attractions: the South African Penguins! Human guests will enjoy a buffet-style breakfast that includes pancakes, eggs, and more. This event typically sells out so reservations are absolutely essential (and you can add on admission to the aquarium for the day for only $10 more per person). 

Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Boulevard, 860-572-5955

Spirit of the Sound Cruise—Norwalk
The Maritime Aquarium is a regular stop in our summer rotation, but we have our eye on a 2.5 hour cruise of Norwalk Harbor in their fancy new hybrid-electric catamaran, The Spirit of the Sound, which offers opportunities to study marine biodiversity up close and personal with a variety of sampling equipment and techniques such as a plankton tow, bio-dredge, mud grab and otter trawl that may bring up fish, crabs, squid, skates and more. Cruise participants must be 42 inches tall and advanced reservations are required.

10 North Water Street, 203-852-0700

Trailriding—Prospect
My children each had a brief, intense infatuation with horses, but when it became clear that we really were not going to knock down the garage to build our own personal stable, they moved on to other passions. Still, we've always talked about going out on a trail as a family, and B&R Stables is happy to make that happen. They offer specific horses and rides for all rider levels, including children age 8 (if they've had some riding experience) and age 10 if they're complete novices. Reservations are required and must be made by phone.

120 Roaring Brook Road, 203-758-5031

Soundwaters Family Sail—Stamford
The Soundwaters organization is dedicated to protecting Long Island Sound through education and action, and one of the most exciting ways to join them in that mission is to sign off for a family afternoon on the 80-foot schooner (also named Soundwaters) for an exploration of the booming Stamford Harbor and the surrounding area. Passengers must be at least 5 years old, and reservations are required. 

Boccuzzi Park, 166 Southfield Avenue, 203-406-3335

Cockenoe Island Clambake—Westport
Cockenoe Island is rumored to be a potential resting ground of Captain Kidd's treasure, and while the gold has never been found, the island remains a popular destination among sailors, kayakers, and paddleboarders. The Downunder kayak and paddle board rental shop in Westport offers a special opportunity to explore the island with an afternoon or evening clambake, along with a single or double kayak rental to get you out to the island.  (There is a minimum enrollment requirement for this trip so make sure that you reserve in advance so that the trip will go on as scheduled.)

Downunder Kayaking, 575 Riverside Avenue, 203-956-6217

Boating at the Longshore Sailing School—Westport
The Longshore Sailing School makes it easy to get out on the water as a family. Sailors with some experience can rent a Hobie Getaway or Wave, which can accommodate a small family, but even folks without boating experience can rent paddleboards, kayaks, or canoes to explore the (usually calm) waters off Westport. Reservations are not required, but if you have a specific craft in mind you may want to call in advance.

260 Compo Road South, 203-226-4646

Photo: Courtesy of the Maritime Aquarium