Visitors come here for many reasons: the picturesque trails, the tranquil fishing pond, the picnic areas; but for children, the main attraction of the park is the beach. A sandy strip stretches the length of a medium-sized pond that has quite a large swimming area demarcated by rope. No lifeguards are on duty, but the drop-off is fairly gradual, so little ones can wade in and out without difficulty. Water toys and floatation devices are allowed. 

A boardwalk just beyond the sand makes the beach wheelchair and stroller accessible. There is plenty of room for little ones to run, play, and dig. Behind the boardwalk is a picnic area equipped with grills shaded by tall pines. On any given day, you can find at least a couple of families bonding over barbeque and enjoying the tranquil setting. Parents of capable swimmers can sit under the trees and still supervise, while parents of tots may want to set up on the sand while their little adventurers play at the water’s edge. 

Children love "fishing" for the elusive minnows that bask in the warm water. 

The trail that hugs the lake is an easy walk even for toddlers and preschoolers, and features a tree marked with a plaque explaining that it had been struck by lightning and split during an electrical storm. Most children find the tidbit interesting, and also love bird-watching in the area, looking for frogs, chasing dragonflies, or trying to entice minnows into their nets. 

Plenty of shaded picnic tables make for relaxing outdoor dining opportunities. 

A nature center equipped with bathrooms is open mostly on weekends. Adjacent to the main swimming area is a smaller pond where many people fish (the daily take-home allotment is two trout). A lovely red covered bridge (very New England) brings you over a rocky stream that leads to more trails and a more private picnic area. 

The red covered bridge is picturesque in any season.

Ample parking is found just past the entrance gate; however, if you proceed to the lower parking lot, which is usually not full, you can go directly from the pavement to the boardwalk. Stratton Brook is very manageable for families with young children, yet there is a lot to explore beyond the main area. Best of all, this wonderful resource is FREE on weekdays. Entrance fees per car on weekends and holidays is $9.00/resident or $15.00/nonresident.

Stratton Brook is a great place for fun, relaxation, and family bonding. 

Though Stratton Brook is located in an area comprised mostly of pristine neighborhoods, you can find plenty of excitement for little ones. Just a couple of miles away, they will enjoy feeding animals and picking up fresh eggs at Flamig Farm, or indulging in some of the best ice cream in Farmington Valley at Tulmeadow Farm (the chocolate chip raspberry is a local favorite) or J. Foster (kids go gaga for the Cookie Monster flavor and a playground is also nearby). So, pack a cooler, grab the beach toys and chairs, and spend a relaxing day in Simsbury. 

Originally published 6/14/14.