12. White Memorial Nature Center

Located in 4,000-acres of the White Memorial Foundation, the White Memorial Nature Center offers year-round programs like family hikes, special events, and a wide variety of children’s programming. 

Laurel Ridge daffodils bloom in April. Photo by Ally Noel

14. Laurel Ridge Daffodils 

You can’t predict nature, but usually, sometime in April, daffodils make their appearance on Laurel Ridge. Make sure to pack your camera for picture-perfect vistas filled with these beautiful blooms.  

15. Clarke Outdoor River Guides

Even beginner paddlers can spend a day rafting down the scenic Housatonic River with Clarke Outdoor River Guides. Clarke has a variety of rafts, canoes, and kayaks to pick from. Once you have completed your 10-mile journey down the Housatonic, guides will come to pick you up. 

16. Action Wildlife 

Go on a drive-through safari where you may drive your vehicle through a 50-acre, fenced-in exotic wildlife park at Action Wildlife. Keep an eye out for zebras and buffalos.

Lake Waramaug is fun to visit for a paddle or just to gaze out over the calm waters. Photo by Ally Noel

17. Lake Waramaug

I challenge you to find a Connecticut lake that is quite as scenic as Lake Waramaug.  This pristine spot really shines in the fall, when the foliage is mirrored in its calm waters. In summer, you can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle around 680 acres of Lake Waramaug.

18. Litchfield Jazz Festival

Sit on the sprawling lawn and listen to Jazz during the Litchfield Jazz Festival. The festival has been bringing music to the Litchfield hills since 1996. Enjoy music from new and upcoming musicians as well as  

19. Kent Falls State Park

Kent Falls is probably one of Connecticut’s most well-known parks. It's most popular for its waterfall, and families enjoy the easy hike up to the top of the falls. The trail up is well established and provides several viewing platforms of the 250-foot waterfall.  

20. Sloane-Stanley Museum & Kent Iron Furnace 

Eric Sloane was an artist, author, illustrator, and a collector of Americana, specifically hand tools. Guests can visit a replica of a pioneer cabin as described by Eric Sloane in a journal dating back to 1805. Works of art by Sloane are also on display. 

21. Pratt Nature Center

Splash in the East Aspetuck River at Pratt Nature Center in New Milford. This 205-acre wildlife preserve encompasses a mountain, meadows, woods, wildlife, gardens, farm animals, a stream, a pond, and wetlands. With lots of opportunities for outdoor fun, you can spend the day hiking, bird watching, or partaking in one of the many family programs the center offers.

22. Mount Tom State Park 

Hike up to the lookout tower and enjoy the view at Mount Tom State Park, and then, if it's warm, visit the sandy beach for a swim on Lake Tom.

23. Railroad Museum of New England

Take a step back in time in a restored 1920s train coach while taking a scenic 20-mile round trip ride on the Naugatuck Railroad.  Hop aboard the  Easter Bunny Express, the Northern Lights Limited, or even indulge in a sweet treat in the Chocolate Decadence Express.

24. Warner Theater 

This art deco gem is a little piece of Connecticut history. Built in 1931 by Warner Brothers Studios, Torrington’s Warner Theater is often described as “Connecticut’s most beautiful theater.”  After a full restoration in 1983, the theater reopened as the performing arts center it is today. 

25. Covered Bridge Electric Bike Rental

Nothing is quite as “New England” as covered bridges. Take a trip over the Cornwall covered bridge while riding an electric bike. Drivers need to be 18 or over, but kids can ride along on a cargo bike.