Best Family Weekend Getaways in CT - The Ultimate Guide for 2023
Connecticut, a picturesque New England state, offers a treasure trove of family weekend getaways in CT just waiting to be discovered. From thrilling amusement parks to serene beach retreats, and from charming small towns to enriching educational experiences, there's something for everyone in the family. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure as we unveil the ultimate guide to the best family weekend getaways in Connecticut!
Short Summary
Discover Hartford for a fun family getaway with its unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment!
Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions at Lake Compounce & Quassy Amusement Parks or explore nature escapes like Finnegan's Farm West & Kent Falls State Park.
Visit charming small towns Essex & Stonington or indulge in delicious cuisine from the New Haven pizza scene to family-friendly restaurants in Westport.
Discovering Hartford
Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, promises a delightful family weekend getaway with a blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Known for its kid-approved attractions, Hartford boasts some of the top-notch family hotels in Connecticut, providing a comfortable base to explore the city's offerings and Connecticut family vacations.
Kid-Approved Museums
Hartford offers urban attractions that cater to the interests of the whole family. A visit to the Connecticut Science Center will leave you and your little ones amazed with over 165 hands-on exhibits and a 3D digital theater.
Don't miss the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, where special kid tours bring history to life with engaging stories, activities, and props. The city's vintage carousel adds a touch of nostalgic charm to your family trip, ensuring that Hartford remains a memorable experience for all.
Fun for All Ages
For a refreshing day trip near Hartford, Talcott Mountain State Park offers scenic hiking trails, bird watching, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Hartford Marriott Downtown is an excellent family-friendly hotel option, ensuring a comfortable stay while you create cherished memories exploring the city and its nearby attractions.
Relaxing Beach Retreats
Looking for a family escape filled with sun, sand, and surf? Look no further than Madison's Hammonasset Beach State Park and Westport's Compo Beach, two of Connecticut's most popular beach retreats. These beaches provide an idyllic setting for families to unwind, soak up the sun, and indulge in various beachside activities.
From swimming and sunbathing to fishing and kayaking, there's something for everyone at these two beaches. Both beaches offer a variety of amenities, including a variety of amenities.
Madison's Hammonasset Beach State Park
Madison's Hammonasset Beach State Park boasts a 2-mile sandy stretch that invites families to relax and enjoy a variety of activities. From biking and picnicking to camping and fishing, there's something for everyone at this picturesque beachfront park.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the park's diverse ecosystem through bird watching or a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
Westport's Compo Beach
Nestled in the charming town of Westport, Compo Beach offers a sandy haven for families seeking relaxation and fun. With a playground, picnic area, and kayak rentals, this beach caters to families with children of all ages.
Don't forget to visit the nearby Westport Arts Center, Westport Historical Society, and Westport Country Playhouse for a dose of local culture and entertainment.
Thrilling Amusement Parks
For families seeking excitement and adventure, Connecticut is home to two fantastic amusement parks – Lake Compounce and Quassy Amusement Park. These parks promise a thrilling experience for the entire family, featuring exhilarating rides, water attractions, and fun-filled activities that will keep everyone entertained for hours.
From roller coasters to bumper cars, Lake Compounce and Quassy Amusement Park have something for everyone. Both parks offer a variety of food options, from classic carnival fare to sit-down restaurants. There is no excuse.
Lake Compounce
Located in Bristol, Lake Compounce holds the title of the country's oldest theme park and offers a wide array of attractions for all ages. Get your adrenaline pumping on the park's wooden roller coaster or steel coaster, or cool off at the water park with a splash.
Nearby, you can also visit the American Clock and Watch Museum for a fascinating look at the history of timekeeping.
Quassy Amusement Park
In Middlebury, Quassy Amusement Park features a delightful mix of amusement and waterpark rides, ensuring a fun-filled day for the entire family. From the Wooden Warrior roller coaster and the Grand Carousel to the Splash Away Bay Waterpark, this park offers endless entertainment options that cater to thrill-seekers and water enthusiasts alike.
Whether you're looking for a thrilling ride or a relaxing day in the sun, Quassy Amusement Park has something for everyone. With its wide variety of attractions, this park is sure to provide a memorable experience for all ages.
Nature Escapes
For families looking to reconnect with nature, Connecticut offers a variety of scenic escapes that will leave you in awe of the state's natural beauty. Explore the serene landscapes of Finnegan's Farm West, the cascading waters of Kent Falls State Park, and the panoramic views from Talcott Mountain State Park – each providing unique experiences for families to cherish.
Finnegan's Farm West
Located in New Milford, Finnegan's Farm West invites families to experience the charm of a working farm. With farm tours, animal encounters, a farm stand market, and more, this nature escape offers a glimpse into the bucolic lifestyle while providing ample opportunities for family bonding and fresh air.
Visitors can explore the grounds, meet the animals, and learn about the history of the farm. There are also plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. In addition, there is a guest house and a yurt for glamping so you can stay for a few nights and take in all of the scenery and nearby attractions.
Kent Falls State Park
Nestled in the picturesque town of Kent, Kent Falls State Park boasts a breathtaking 250-ft drop waterfall, the only one of its kind in the state.
Gather the family for a day of trout fishing, picnicking, and admiring the stunning views of the Catskill Mountains in the distance.
Talcott Mountain State Park
In Simsbury, Talcott Mountain State Park offers a scenic retreat with hiking trails, bird watching, and panoramic overlooks. The park's observation tower provides an impressive vantage point to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape. It serves as an inspiring reminder of nature's splendor.
Enriching Educational Experiences
For families seeking to combine leisure with learning, Connecticut boasts a wealth of enriching educational experiences. The Mystic Seaport Museum and Peabody Natural History Museum offer interactive exhibits, engaging activities, and educational programs that will captivate the minds of children and adults alike.
These museums provide a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the region, while also providing a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Visitors can explore the exhibits, and take pictures.
Mystic Seaport Museum
Immerse yourself in the maritime history of Connecticut at the Mystic Seaport Museum, a living museum located in the coastal town of Mystic. With hands-on boatbuilding, sailing, and maritime history activities, the museum provides a fascinating and educational experience for the entire family.
Explore the museum's 19th-century seafaring village, which includes a recreated shipyard, a working preservation shipyard, and a variety of historic vessels. Take a tour of the Charles W. Morgan, the world's largest building.
Peabody Natural History Museum
Discover the wonders of the natural world at New Haven's Peabody Natural History Museum. Home to captivating exhibits and educational programs covering natural history, geology, and anthropology, the museum offers an enriching experience that will leave families with a newfound appreciation for our planet and its diverse inhabitants.
Family-Friendly Resorts and Accommodations
When planning the perfect family getaway in Connecticut, choosing the right accommodations is essential. Water's Edge Resort & Spa and Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, are two of the best family-friendly resorts in the state. They provide an array of amenities and activities that cater to families with children of all ages.
Water's Edge Resort & Spa
Indulge in a luxurious beach getaway at Water's Edge Resort & Spa, offering world-class services and amenities for the whole family. Enjoy golfing, playgrounds, water sports, art galleries, tennis courts, and a rejuvenating spa experience.
With its beachside location and an array of family-friendly amenities, Water's Edge Resort & Spa is the ideal choice for a memorable and relaxing vacation.
Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
Experience the charm of a New England beach vacation at Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. With private beach access, kayak rentals, bike rentals, a spa, fitness center, and on-site restaurants, this hotel offers a variety of options for families to enjoy.
Unwind with open-air concerts or explore the picturesque surroundings, making your Connecticut family vacation unforgettable.
Adventure Awaits
For families seeking a more adrenaline-pumping experience, Connecticut offers thrilling adventure opportunities at Brownstone Adventure Sports Park and The Dinosaur Place. Both locations provide unique and exciting activities that will leave families with a sense of accomplishment and unforgettable memories.
Brownstone Adventure Sports Park
Set in Portland, Brownstone Adventure Sports Park promises an exhilarating day of outdoor adventure. Get your adrenaline pumping with snorkeling, cliff boarding, wakeboarding, and much more.
With a diverse range of activities available, this adventure park offers something for everyone, guaranteeing a thrilling experience for the entire family.
The Dinosaur Place
Located in Oakdale, The Dinosaur Place offers a unique and educational experience for dino-loving families. With over 60 life-sized dinosaur exhibits on 1.5 miles of nature trails, a fossil dig, and gem mining, this attraction brings the prehistoric world to life. Captivating the imaginations of children and adults alike, it is a great way to explore the world of dinosaurs.
Culinary Delights
Savor the flavors of Connecticut with a visit to New Haven and Westport, two destinations that offer some of the best culinary delights for families in the state. From classic pizza joints to family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating, these towns provide a diverse range of dining options that will satisfy the taste buds of everyone in the family.
Whether you're looking for a casual lunch spot or a romantic dinner, New Haven and Westport have something for everyone. With a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Mexican, you'll be sure to find something that will please everyone.
New Haven Pizza Scene
New Haven is renowned for its legendary and varied pizza scene, offering a mouthwatering array of Italian eateries that have earned national recognition. Satisfy your cravings at iconic spots like Modern Apizza, Bar, Sally's Apizza, and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, to name a few.
The city's vibrant pizza culture is a must-try experience for any Connecticut family vacation.
Westport's Family-Friendly Restaurants
Westport is a charming coastal town, offering a variety of family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating. From American to Italian, Mexican, and Asian cuisine, there is something to suit every palate.
Enjoy a delightful dining experience while taking in the picturesque surroundings, making your Connecticut family vacation complete.
Charming Small Towns
Discover the charm of Connecticut's small towns with a visit to Essex and Stonington, two enchanting destinations that provide an idyllic setting for a family getaway. With a rich history, striking landscapes, and picture-perfect locations, these towns offer an unforgettable experience for families seeking a more laid-back and scenic retreat.
Essex
Located along the Connecticut River, Essex is known for its Federal-style architecture and the iconic Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. This charming town provides a glimpse into Connecticut's early history, with family-friendly attractions such as the Connecticut River Museum and quaint shops lining Main Street.
A visit to Essex is sure to leave your family with lasting memories of this picturesque New England town.
Stonington
Nestled on the shores of Long Island Sound, Stonington offers a wealth of attractions for families to explore. Marvel at the Victorian architecture, visit the Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House, and discover the Old Lighthouse Museum.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit Saltwater Farm Vineyard for a taste of Connecticut's burgeoning wine scene. With its charming atmosphere and stunning coastal views, Stonington is the perfect destination for a relaxing family getaway.
Summary
From bustling cities to serene beach retreats and from thrilling amusement parks to charming small towns, Connecticut offers a diverse range of family weekend getaways that cater to every taste and interest. With so many unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered, it's time to pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the picturesque landscapes and captivating attractions of Connecticut.