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. Hit the food trucks

Pack a blanket and enjoy Social Thursday, where there will be food trucks, music, and drinks for sale.

4. Pick your own peaches

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

5. 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.

Things To Do Before School Starts - Connecticut Beaches

6. Explore a tide pool in CT

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

7. Visit Connecticut beaches

Explore coastal Connecticut at one of our favorite state beaches. 

8. 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.

9. Take a day trip to the coast

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

 
Take a dip in a CT lake or pond while the summer is still blazing! Burr Pond State Park photo by Christina Hupfer

Things To Do Before School Starts - Connecticut Lakes and Ponds

10. Cast away!

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

11. 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

12. Take a camping trip!

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

13. Hit the splash pad

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

14. Take a stroller-friendly hike

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

15. 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.  

16. Head for the tree tops

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

Boat and Train Rides in Connecticut

This Norwalk Harbor Lighthouse Cruise goes past Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Photo courtesy of Newport Seaport Association

17. Cruise Norwalk Harbor

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

18. Paddle away

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

19. Have a scoop on a steam train!

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

20. Visit the Connecticut Trolley Museum

Play with some LEGOS and ride the trolley at the Connecticut Trolley Museum in East Windsor.

21. 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!) 

22. 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

23. See a laser show

Attend the Balloon Glow and Laser Show in Guilford where hot air balloons AND laser lights will astound viewers.

24. 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.

25. See hot air balloons over CT

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

26. Sample the flavors of Connecticut

Satisfy your delicious food cravings at Hey Stamford! Food Festival. Fifty Cent is also performing live. 

 
Families are hitting the road for a little fun before school starts in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of Sonny's Place

Summer Entertainment and Theme Parks in Connecticut

27. Get splashing

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

28. See New England roadside attractions

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

29. Spend a day at an amusement center

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

30. Visit Chelsea Piers in Stamford

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

31. Bounce around

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

Summer Outdoor Dining in Connecticut

32. Sample a scoop

Make it a goal to gobble up one of these insane, locally made ice cream creations. 

33. 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. 

34. Dine al fresco

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

 
Enjoy some hands-on fun at the Connecticut Science Center! Photo courtesy of the CT Science Center

Museums and Aquarium Fun

35. 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.

36. 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.

38. Have fun with strings attached

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

39. Experience history

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

40. Visit Litchfield, Connecticut

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

41. Get your game on

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

42. 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.

43. Go berry picking

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

44. 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?

45. 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.