4.0Lake Compounce(824 reviews) - Pretty, clean and well-maintained Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 29, 2023 Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
With over 402 acres of fun, Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, welcoming families since 1846. Lake Compounce has ten cozy catering pavilions and plenty of room to host your next birthday, party, family reunion, and corporate event! Lake Compounce combines unique and exciting thrill rides and coasters for all ages with a full-sized water park—all for one low price. As the park continues to delight families from all around the New England area and beyond, the balance of evolution and tradition continues to play an important role at the nation’s first amusement park.See more..
4.5Gillette Castle State Park(769 reviews) - Tickets sold out for castle tour but still worthwhile Wednesday: Historic Sites • State Parks • Parks
This 24-room mansion has undergone extensive renovations.See more..
4.5Hammonasset Beach State Park(587 reviews) - An amazing gem Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks • Beaches
Silver Sands State Park is a lovely recreational area that's great for a relaxing stroll by the sea. You'll find a picturesque 1.5-mile boardwalk that runs along the coastline, and a well-maintained beach, marsh, and grassland to explore. It's perfect to visit year-round, whether you're looking to take in some fresh air, have a picnic, or catch a stunning sunset. Plan your visit during low tide from mid-September to April when you'll be able to walk across the sandbar to Charles Island. Take your time to explore the island but make sure to watch when the tide comes back up. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Elizabeth Park(425 reviews) - Kathy (Director of Park Operations) Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Parks • Gardens • Jogging Paths & Tracks
This walkers' haven, with several gardens along its wildflower trail, a lovely pond and sports and concert facilities, is best known for its magnificent rose garden, with 800 varieties of roses.See more..
5.0The Adventure Park at The Discovery Museum(402 reviews) - Great Courses/ Compassionate Staff Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
Great ropes courses for a variety of ability levels: we had a blast! But above & beyond the fun, the customer service from the staff made for a very special day. I went with my adventurous 10 year old (off like a shot) & my slightly more careful 8 year old. After starting a course with my 8 y/o, one of the elements was just too scary for her & a staff member came to help her down. They were wonderfully kind & praised her for coming as far as she did. After she came down, the park manager, who'd seen what had happened, did the same & then showed her other courses she might want to try instead. After successfully completing one of those, she had the confidence to try the "scary" course again & it was her favorite of the day. It was such a fun, exciting day, but she also learned a lot about herself & facing fears & honoring her own "I'm not ready for this," too.See more..
4.0Ocean Beach Park(395 reviews) - Fun in sun Piers & Boardwalks • Parks
New England's finest beach and boardwalk attractions including mini golf course, rides, water slides, kiddy spray park, olympic pool, arcade, gift shop, food concessions, cafe with restaurant, banquet and catering facilities, picnic area, health club, nature walkSee more..
We were at the Falls during February when they were frozen. It was beautiful. We returned last weekend to see them in spring. They were very impressive. There is a walking path that goes to the top of the falls forxa really nice view. The surrounding park has picnic tables, bathrooms and lots of open space for recreation. Parking is good but on a really busy day it will fill up quick. There is no admission fee to vehicles with Connecticut plates. Well worth a trip especially when there is plenty of water coming over the falls.See more..
4.0Quassy Amusement & Waterpark(331 reviews) - Great family amusement park for younger kids! Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
Family amusement park offers great rides, waterpark, beach, arcade, food, entertainment and games. Home of the award-winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster and new thrill rides Frantic and Reverse Time. Several new slides in the waterpark.See more..
4.5Sleeping Giant State Park(300 reviews) - Beautiful Fall Hike Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks
A beautiful spot to view the autumn foliage.See more..
4.0The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village(260 reviews) - GREAT Dinosaur Experience for the Entire Family Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks
Fun Family Activities Encounter over 50 life-sized dinosaurs on our 1.5 miles of Dinosaur Trails in our unique dinosaur park, monkey around at Monty's Playground, get lost in our A"Maze"asaurus, and cool off at the Splashpad (New England's largest zero-depth water playground)! If you get hungry, fill up at Monty's Munchies or grab a sweet treat at the Ice Cream Shop. Whether it is an outing with the family, or your child's birthday there are fun family activities for every age.See more..
4.5Wickham Park(218 reviews) - I always love wakling in the different gardens in such a peaceful setting. Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Parks
I try to go yearly to take photos. The best time for photos of the gardens, I would say, is July and early August. The park is beautiful, serene, and very well-maintained. My only complaint is the little zoo that houses birds could e better maintained. Their cages aren't well maintained, and their water dishes were dirty. The Peacock cages were too small for them. When they spread their tail feathers, they touched the top and the sides of the cage.See more..
We went for our first hike of the year on January 1, 2020 at Bluff Point. We started on the higher trail, which includes a hill, and looped around to the lower trail along the water - maybe next time, we'll start on the lower trail because it's flatter. The trail is well-maintained, though muddy in some places this time of year. All in all, we hiked almost 4 miles along the scenic trail. There were many people out that day, several of whom were walking their leashed dogs or pushing strollers. No admission fee & there was ample parking.See more..
4.0Rocky Neck State Park(209 reviews) - This is not your typical beach Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
I would give this beach 5 stars for people with young children looking for something a little different and 3 stars for anyone looking for a typical beach experience (hence the 4-star score right in the middle). As I'm not that much of a beach person, I enjoy this beach on a not-too-crowded day. It's different. There are trains that run by (I know, not everyone's thing) and woods where you can walk on trails if you get tired of the sun. There are hardly any waves so it's a great place to visit with young children who aren't yet swimming well, especially if you are alone with them. But if you are looking for a typical beach with big waves and nothing but sand as far as the eye can see, go to Misquamicut or something like it!See more..
4.5Harkness Memorial State Park(206 reviews) - Parker says "Awesome, Newport-like experience right here in Connecticut" State Parks
This 1906 Roman Renaissance Classical Revival-style mansion belonged to philanthropist Edward Harkness.See more..
4.0Bushnell Park(201 reviews) - Beautiful!!! Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks • Jogging Paths & Tracks
The first public park in America that was financed with public funds, Bushnell Park draws visitors to its 1914 carousel, and also features memorials honoring Civil War and Spanish-American War soldiers and some 150 varieties of trees.See more..
4.5Cove Island Park(200 reviews) - Outdoor Appreciation with Expensive Parking Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Parks
If you like breathtaking water views, a sandy beach, rocky ledges, a walking/running path, grassy picnic areas, sitting areas and shade trees this park is perfect for you. The area is very family friendly with many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There are restrooms and water fountains in building by the beach. There is also a concession area there but you will need to check the hours. It was closed when we were there. The parking is $25 per car!! See more..
Hubbard Park is a nice place to relax on a bench and read or walk around the water. We did not hike up to the tower but could see it from the park. We stopped here on our way to another destination in Connecticut. There is plenty of space to spread out.See more..
4.5East Rock Park(184 reviews) - Great View from the top. Parks
Take your pick of routes up to the view: paved but winding road, or the shorter, but mildly rougher, often steeper walking trails. Major note: the road to the top is closed (review written May 18. '20) to vehicular traffic - walkers, bikers, (and apparently motor bikes, we saw two) are the only ones allowed. It makes for a peaceful walk. Parking lot on north end off Davis Rd is open - the entrance lane has a misleading "Road Closed" sign, but is open up to the actual parking lot entrance, and then is closed. We were amazed at one high viewing point with no fence or guard rail, open right up to the high and steep drop off. That would be a place to keep adventurous kids tightly held by your hand. The top has an impressive memorial to the four wars between the Revolutionary and the Civil, an 1886 tower which is seen from I-95 among other places.See more..
What an amazing park for ALL ages! We totally had fun. We didn't mind driving 2 hours from NJ to CT. We will definitely comeback! Very professional and cool staff. They're all wearing masks, I feel bad for them because of this heat but still doing a good job, ensuring the safety of their guests. Very clean atmosphere and they did have residents there, groundhogs. So cute. They can only accommodate 25% of the park's capacity so you have to book your tickets in advance. Not too crowded. Social distancing still being implemented.See more..
4.5Tarrywile Park & Mansion(177 reviews) - My old stomping grounds❤️ Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Parks • Hiking Trails
First, I'm biased having grown up on what used to be my family's property. I likely could be one of Tarrywile's worst critics, that said, it is a great place to hike, trail run, picnic, dog walk, etc. Tarrywile Mansion (once my Great-great Grandmother's home) is a perfect venue for a wedding or really any type of party, celebration, large get together. There's plenty of parking, either in the lower lots or up top behind the Mansion. The saddest waste of a perfect place is the collapse of Hearthstone Castle (once my Great Grandmother's home, whom I am named after), tragically the City of Danbury did not seize the opportunity to maintain this beautiful building despite having many chances to do so. Overall it is a beautiful property that I love and enjoy!See more..
4.0Sherwood Island State Park(169 reviews) - Nice place for a picnic Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Parks
We met friends here for a picnic and were pleasantly impressed with our experience. Entry is free for CT license plates, and there's a lot of parking here, which is nice - we had no trouble finding a spot on a summer weekend. The whole park is spread out, and there are plenty of picnic tables and places to grille, so even when the park is busy, there's still a lot of space. There's space to walk near the beach, although I wish that more of the pathways had been paved. I did see that there was a building for parties, and the bathrooms were pretty nice. There's a lifeguard on duty if you want to go swimming.See more..
3.5New Haven Green(166 reviews) - A haven in New Haven Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
A lovely park to relax in. Close to the centre of New Haven and easy to access. Lots of lovely spots to sit.See more..
This was a revisit for me. See my November 2013 review for fees, background, history, and details of the exhibits. It was a first visit for my friend. It was near closing time for the fort and the museum so we visited only the grounds. Even without going inside the fort, this state park can be enjoyed with a walk around the outside of the fort and the grounds down by the Thames River. There are benches on the walkway facing the river. There is a fishing pier. It was a pleasant stop on our drive around New London after eating a late lunch at Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock a short distance away. This fort is a worthwhile stop on a trip to the New London. The grounds and many areas of the fort are wheelchair accessible. I’d definitely come back here on another trip to or through the area. If you found this review and my earlier review helpful, kindly click YES below.See more..
My teenage daughter wanted to go ghost hunting,so we took a walk through the Devil's Hop Yard. As beautiful as the small falls were and old wooden bridge there were no ghosts in site that day. Maybe they only come out to play at night... It's a nice place for a picnic or a hike with the family. I would check the state website before heading out due to the recent Vivid-19, to make sure it's still open to the public.See more..
4.0Seaside Park(134 reviews) - Beautiful place for a stroll Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Parks
This beautiful, clean park is an excellent place for a walk, to relax and enjoy the weather, or to merely enjoy the views of the Long Island Sound. Half of this park is sandy beach and the other half is a stone breakwater, but both halves are equally pretty. There are a few statues throughout the park of famous local people. There are also sports fields and places to picnic. Every summer they used to have a festival with live music and various artworks, although this ended a few years ago. Still, sometimes there's live music.See more..
4.5Weir Farm National Historic Site(120 reviews) - Nice spot Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • National Parks • Art Museums
The summer home of J. Alden Weir, a pioneer of the American Impressionist movement.See more..
I have lived in Connecticut all my life, but started exploring areas I had not been to after Covid hit, looking for some interesting ways to spend my time. Chatfield Hollow is a pretty, clean, well taken care of park with a number of interesting, picturesque features. Not being a “hiker,” I was unsure how much of the park I could see, but it turned out I walked all of the paved roadway and saw just about all the highlights. Many trees are wearing their fall colors which was particularly gorgeous with the bright blue sky. It was an easy amble, which could also be driven for those with mobility issues who still want a chance to spend time with nature. A good number of parking areas throughout, as well. The only downside is that the bathrooms are closed for the season, but port a potties were spotted in a number of areas. Another time, I expect to try some of the trails, but I think the paved walk was a great overview choice for a first visit!See more..
4.0Wadsworth Falls State Park(91 reviews) - Hiking To The Falls Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
I was looking for things to see in the area, while on a day trip and I just love waterfalls. So when I saw there was a waterfalls we just had to stop and visit before making our way home. Little did we know at the time there was a long way and a short way to the falls, Lol. So we made the big hike right after lunch and just before sunset. Needless to say we burned off a few calories by the time we reached the falls. Just as we arrived at the falls, the park rangers asked if we made the hike because the park closed at dusk in about 45 minutes. We had no idea that there was a parking lot right next to the falls. So rule of thumb make sure if you are up for the hike, bring good walking shoes, a bottle of water, a use the facilities before you start out on your journey. Or if not have your GPS bring you to the closer parking lot. LolSee more..
4.5Northwest Park(85 reviews) - Beautiful spot for some outdoor activity Parks
It's a beautiful park with excellent facilities and a wide variety of walking/hiking paths. Paths are very well marked and clear. It was very buggy due to wetlands, so recommend using some kind of but repellent, but it's a beautiful spot that I'd definitely go back to. See more..
4.5Walnut Hill Park(84 reviews) - Walnut Hill Park - New Britain CT Parks
This is a jewel in our city. Always a favorite for walkers, runners, cyclists. It is well lit in the evening for summer night strolls. Roses at the top of the hill are lovely and there are exercise stations throughout the park. Baseball diamonds and tennis courts are very popular. And during the summer months, there are free outdoor concerts in the Darius Miller Bandshell. Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy the music on the lawn. We are very blessed to have this beautiful park in our midst.See more..
We hiked the Walcatt trail around the Pond. It was an easy trail, as we are beginners and had two young kids with us (5 and 7). It took us two hours to complete the hike as we did make frequent stops near the water. It was shaded most of the way and had a nice breeze. You need to always watch where you are going as there are many tree roots and rocks to look out for!See more..
Beautiful and elegant town park with walking trails, dog park (membership required), sports fields, brick garden, and large lawn area where the Wednesday night summer concerts are held behind Waveny house. The NC town pool also is located in the park too (membership required). There's also an art gallery and play house. Waveny is where to go for town fireworks (pass required), and for car shows (open to the public). Its a real town gem.See more..
4.0Lake Waramaug State Park(78 reviews) - Beautiful! But no privacy.... State Parks • Bodies of Water
Connecticut's second largest natural lake.See more..
4.5Greenwich Point Park(73 reviews) - Beautiful leg stretcher Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks
Passes are required for access to Town park/beach facilities by all visitors five years and older May 3 through October 31 (subject to change). Single Entry Passes: Provides individuals with one-time single access to Greenwich Point Park, Byram Park, Island Beach and Great Captain Island. Ferry ridership fees and single entry vehicle parking fees apply. Passes are only valid for the season in which they were purchased, no refunds.See more..
I stopped in here for the first time to go for a fall hike over the weekend. There were a few trails you could take and they were all extremely well marked and took you through various parts of the woods. There were some views but you definitely would want to come once all the leaves fell off the trees to see better. There was good parking, maps now and then, and free to get in for CT residents. You can't ride bikes on the trails here, something to keep in mind.See more..
4.5Lovers Leap State Park(68 reviews) - Great views of Lake Lillinona Spent 1-2 hours State Parks • Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails
My family and I had a hike here on 3/18. We hiked only on the east side of the lake where the hill overs the best view. I recommend getting to the cliff overlooking the lake and walking all the way to the summit. There are interesting ruins on the hill and we saw an immature bald eagle circling at the top of the hill.See more..
One only has to walk a couple of feet from the parking lot to see the most beautiful part of this hike— Veering to the right places the multi tiered falls within arms reach, Followed closely by the quaint covered bridge. This part alone is definitely worth the trip. Continuing on the path from here takes you deep into the preserve, rocky the entire way. Some of the hills are quite steep so appropriate footwear is advised. While the trail is maintained, recent storms and a rumored tornado from several years ago has left large swaths of destruction along the way. There is a watch tower on property although I did not see it myself See more..
We arrived at the state park only to be met with signs that said it was closed. But from the road we could clearly see the parking lot had cars in it, I asked a ranger, who was very courteous, what gives. Turns out that when there are 250 cars in the lot, they reach maximum capacity and they close! Looks like a nice park.See more..
4.5Edgerton Park(57 reviews) - A green space jewel Parks
Edgerton Park was donated by Frederick Brewster. Interesting history, feastures conservancy, community gardens, plays/festivals, greenhouses.See more..
This pleasant, quiet park has a very pretty waterfall with a pool at the bottom for swimming, and there are nearby picnic tables where we could sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There's also the larger lake for swimming. There are also trails for hiking/walking. This park wasn't too crowded when we came, which was even better. Please note: I don't think that alcohol is allowed in the park, so if you're going to bring a picnic here, please be mindful.See more..
Beautiful state park that offers various hiking trails. Some can be challenging for those older hikers as you have to climb up some rocks, but you can avoid those trails. It is very serene and each season brings its beauty. It would be nice if people listened to the leash law. Many owners leave their dogs free to run which can be scary when they run and jump on you.See more..
Challenging and loads of FUN!!! Bring your upper body strength, Legs/Back/Stomach muscles and you'll enjoy the "American Ninja" like obstacles...just to get to the ziplines. Looking forward to the next time.See more..
4.5Penwood State Park(40 reviews) - Spectacular views from the edge State Parks
I have extensively hiked Talcott Mountain State Park, and was surprised to have not known about the Pennwood state park just a little further on down the road. To start, it is also right off Rt 185 however unlike Talcott Mountain, there’s very meager parking—so a majority of the cars are “over parked “on the grass. The main “path “is paved all way around although in parts is eroding significantly, and you really have to watch your step. The offshoots, the yellow and blue trails, are dirt and are fairly well defined. The yellow trail in particular hugs the rim of the Mountain allowing for spectacular views. On my particular hike, Lake Louise had over flowed making that end of the hike somewhat muddy Even the offshoot paths aren’t too rigorous so you get a decent work out but not too strenuousSee more..
A little bit of a steep climb but the views were worth it. It was also noticeably cooler at the top the day we went. See more..
4.5Harrybrooke Park(40 reviews) - A great place to walk Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Harrybrooke park is a great place to take a walk. You can also have a picnic there beautiful scenery. A great place for a family gathering. Harrybrooke is also a great park to take pictures make sure you take along your camera.See more..
A beautiful walk in the woods with the fall foliage in full color was delightful! Trail was mostly easy until close to the top where it got a lot more rugged. It was popular but socially distant. The trail and tower are well-maintained. Beach area looked very nice for swim and fish. See more..
Been going to Satan's Kingdom every year for over 10 years since my mid 20's. Now, I live out of state and my friends from MA love driving all the way to CT to do this river tubing as there is nothing like it anywhere else! It is the only spot I've found which is as organized and fun as this one. They also have lifeguards on duty along the areas which might have faster rapids which are only 3 in a 2-hour ride. The rest of the way is easy, beautiful, and peaceful. Best for young adults for sure but anyone that is okay with big groups of people who likes having fun would do fine! Everything is so organized you just need to bring your fun self and sunscreen!See more..
Impressive waterfall, 50 feet high. We almost missed it, seeing smaller waterfalls and thinking it might have dried up. It started raining, we almost went back but we continued on and were well-rewarded!See more..
