11 Best Family Vacations in Connecticut
Do you need assistance organizing a family trip to Connecticut?
Looking for entertaining family vacation ideas?
What do you think?
We’re making your trip planning easier by highlighting the best locations to visit in Connecticut with kids.
From an upmarket city to beach resorts, our list of the top family vacations in Connecticut will provide you with plenty of travel ideas and suggestions.
- Hartford
Hartford is undoubtedly one of the top kid-friendly weekend destinations in Connecticut, with informative museums and kid-approved attractions.
Who should vacation here
With its unique mix of family-friendly attractions, Hartford provides unlimited urban entertainment.
Bushnell Park’s old carousel and the Connecticut Science Center will delight children.
Meanwhile, adults will love the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, which offers special kid tours that teach children through stories, activities, and props.
And finding lodging in Hartford won’t be a problem because the city is home to some of Connecticut’s greatest family hotels.
Expert tip
Do you desperately need a getaway from the city for a while?
Talcott Mountain State Park is not far from Hartford.
It’s a terrific day excursion from the city for families, with gorgeous views and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Water’s Edge Resort & Spa
Looking for interesting and tranquil Connecticut family resorts?
This resort may provide a holiday with world-class services and amazing facilities.
Who should vacation here
Water’s Edge is a magnificent beach resort with plenty of amenities to keep everyone in your group entertained.
You can use their golf course, playground, water sports facilities, temporary art galleries, and tennis courts.
Plus, it features a spa with rejuvenating facial treatments and massages.
Expert tip
The lanai suite is ideal for large groups and family gatherings.
This suite can sleep up to ten adults with a queen bed, two twin beds, and a couch bed.
It is spacious and has an overall size of 65 square meters.
- Bristol
Bristol has some of Connecticut’s most wonderful fun things to do with kids.
Who should vacation here
Bristol has an intriguing mix of activities for people of all ages.
Lake Compounce, the country’s oldest theme park, has thrilling rides like the Boulder Dash and water coasters.
Visit the American Clock and Watch Museum for a more peaceful and educational experience.
Expert tip
Visit the Children’s Museum Imagine Nation, which features educational and interactive displays.
You might also like to visit Witch’s Dungeon – Classic Movie Museum to spice up your vacation.
- Madison
Madison is undoubtedly one of the best family vacations in Connecticut, especially for beach enthusiasts.
Who should vacation here
Madison is ideal for a family holiday that includes relaxing on the beach.
After all, Hammonasset Beach State Park has the state’s longest shoreline.
The 2-mile sandy beach offers plenty of space for people to rest and children to play.
The park is also good for fishing, picnicking, and bird-watching.
Expert tip
We recommend the Madison Beach Hotel.
This hotel makes your vacation sandy and sunny, filled with adventures with its beachside location.
It also has spacious rooms and a wide range of amenities.
- Westport
Westport lures families with its tasty cuisine and awesome beach activities.
Who should vacation here
The energetic downtown and senior-friendly beach activities in Westport are well-known.
At Compo Beach, families may go swimming, make sandcastles, or simply relax.
Visit Sherwood Island State Park if you’d want a more rural beach getaway.
Additionally, Westport is in a good position, providing quick access to several family holiday destinations close to Connecticut.
Expert tip
Visit the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk as a side excursion.
Allow your children to marvel at the loggerhead turtles, rays, jellyfish, and sharks.
There’s also an IMAX Theater to please everyone in your group.
- Mohegan Sun
Who says a casino can’t be a fun place for the whole family?
Families can enjoy a variety of family-friendly amenities at Mohegan Sun.
Who should vacation here
Who says a casino can’t be a fun place for the whole family?
Families can enjoy a variety of family-friendly amenities at Mohegan Sun.
Expert tip
Traveling with a baby or a toddler?
What do you think?
The resort offers babysitting services, allowing parents to relax and enjoy the adults-only events.
- New Haven
New Haven has many informative museums and enjoyable attractions, making it one of the top Connecticut vacations for families.
Who should vacation here
New Haven, which is cultured and sophisticated, is great for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and even school-age children.
With 59 buildings included in the National Register of Historic Places, New Haven is rich in history.
The Yale Art Gallery and other city institutions will also appeal to you.
Expert tip
Don’t forget to stop at Jordane’s Furniture shop, which houses one of the world’s largest indoor adventure ropes courses.
- Mystic
Mystic is rich with exciting, family-friendly places, ranging from adventure parks to museums.
Who should vacation here
There are several family-friendly marine attractions in Mystic.
The Mystic Seaport Museum, where youngsters may explore exhibits and the shipyard, is a local favorite.
The Mystic Aquarium, which is home to penguins, sharks, and beluga whales, is yet another attraction.
Expert tip
The Fields of Fire Adventure Park is 50 acres of family-friendly excitement.
It’s an exciting place with obstacles, ziplines, platforms, and elevated trails winding through the forest.
- Kent
A family vacation in Kent lets you get away from it all and reconnect with nature.
Who should vacation here
Kent is an inexpensive family holiday resort that is great for families who enjoy the outdoors.
While no luxurious retail centers are here, your children will appreciate the animal interactions and fresh air.
There are also excellent areas for trout fishing and picnicking in the park.
Expert tip
Try to visit Kent in the fall for a fantastic trip.
Kent’s spectrum of magnificent autumn hues will undoubtedly provide many wonderful trip photos.
- Greenwich
Greenwich mixes upmarket luxuries with family-friendly activities to provide you with a wonderful holiday.
Who should vacation here
Greenwich, with its trendy cafes, sophisticated restaurants, and luxury designers, provides an affluent holiday for families.
Some museums and galleries provide entertaining and educational experiences for children.
The Bruce Museum, for example, features mechanical banking and dinosaur tracks.
Expert tip
Spend a day at the Audubon Center.
It’s a peaceful complex with various bird-spotting spots.
The Hilfiger Children’s Learning Center is located within and includes a story nook, a puppet theater, and interactive displays. Did I also mention that your kids can engage with real animals there?
- Essex
Essex is a delightful tiny town filled with historical attractions and family-friendly activities.
Who should vacation here
Essex is a classic New England town with Federal-style buildings and family-friendly attractions.
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is a must-see here.
It’s a fun, 11-minute, family-friendly adventure highlighting the region’s history and striking landscapes.
Expert tip
Abby’s Restaurant is well-liked by all.
This restaurant serves a variety of mouthwatering American favorites, from succulent meats and seafood to soups.
It also boasts a picture-perfect location overlooking the waterfront.