Connecticut’s Top 10 Family Attractions

Connecticut is known as “the Constitution State,” and it was the fifth state to join the Union in 1788. Over the years, its friendly and hardworking people have transformed the area into an ideal place to live and raise a family.

Despite the fact that it is the third smallest state in terms of land size, it is home to many incredible natural landscapes as well as fun attractions that are ideal for families to enjoy.

Whether you live in the area and do not want to venture far from home for a getaway or you are looking for a family-friendly vacation destination in New England, Connecticut is a wonderful place to consider visiting.

In fact, when you learn more about some of the top family attractions in Connecticut, you may decide to spend several days or more enjoying all that this state offers.

Make sure you are prepared for your travels with the right insurance coverage for you! Get a free quote today with our free insurance comparison tool above!

Top 10 Family Attractions in Connecticut

Regardless of your family’s interests and your time availability for fun and sightseeing in Connecticut, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These are among the top spots to visit with your family across the state.

#1 – Mystic Aquarium

Price: $24 to $34 per person based on age; some attractions have additional costs
Hours: Spring to Summer 9 am to 5:50 pm; times vary by season

You and your loved ones can spend a full day exploring all of the exhibits and displays at the Mystic Aquarium in Stonington. This aquarium facility is located in Stonington, and it has excellent exhibits that feature aquatic life from both saltwater and freshwater environments around the globe.

There are permanent exhibits as well as a few limited time experiences for guests to enjoy. In addition to touring the exhibits, you can see live animal shows in the theaters and explore the animal rescue section to learn more about conservation and relief projects that the aquarium’s staff are participating in actively.

The Mystic Aquarium is open most days of the year.

#2 – Connecticut Science Center

Price: $16 to 24; movie tickets are additional
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

Situated in Hartford, the Connecticut Science Center is the ideal place to bring kids when you want to explore the world around you in greater detail.

This science center has exhibits and displays that cover a wide range of topics, and these include butterflies, forces of nature, the planet, river ecosystems, and more. There are also temporary exhibits that make this a fun place to visit repeatedly over the years.

Admission prices range from $16 to $24, and admission to the movie is available for an additional price. The Connecticut Science Center is open most days of the year.

#3 – Lake Compounce Theme Park Bristol

Price:$43 to $124 depending on the type of pass
Hours: times vary dependent on season

If you are looking for a thrilling way to spend a full day with your family, a trip to the Lake Compounce Theme Park Bristol is a great idea.

This huge theme park has roller coasters and thrill rides that older kids and adults will love as well as many smaller or milder rides for younger kids.

There are also a few special attractions and events planned throughout the year seasonally. This includes water park attractions in the summer as well as holiday and Halloween attractions.

Park hours vary seasonally. Ticket prices are approximately $40 to $45 per day per person, and season passes are available.

#4 – Northeast Air Museum Windsor Locks

Price:$7-12>50
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

Situated in Windsor Locks, the Northeast Air Museum has been an institution in Connecticut since 1959. This attraction has several buildings that each is dedicated to a different aspect of aviation history, and these include military history, restoration history, civilian history, and more.

You can find an extensive selection of aircraft, uniforms, and other types of aerospace historical memorabilia at this museum.

The museum is open daily except on major holidays. Admission prices range from $7 to $12.50, and veterans and active duty military professionals may receive a discount.

#5 – Maritime Aquarium Norwalk

Price:$15 to $23 per day, and IMAX tickets and cruise tickets are available at an additional cost.
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

Adults and children of all ages will love exploring maritime and oceanic topics at the Maritime Aquarium Norwalk. This fabulous venue is located on the waterfront, and it boasts an IMAX theater, live animal demonstrations, aquatic exhibits featuring sea life from around the world.

The venue also has a café and a gift shop. Special, limited time exhibits are featured periodically as well, and you can buy cruise tickets to explore different maritime locations nearby and related topics.

#6 – Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Price:$10 to $15 per person
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm

If you plan to visit the Norwalk area with younger children, make plans to visit the Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Some of the fun exhibits and features at this science and exploration museum include a community garden, an energy lab, a ColorCoaster, a tot town play center, and more.

Hours of operation vary seasonally, and the museum is closed on most major holidays. Admission prices are $10 to $15 per person per day depending on age.

#7 – USS Nautilus and Submarine Force Museum

Price: FREE
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm; closed Tuesdays

The USS Nautilus and the Submarine Force Museum are located on the Thames River in beautiful Groton. This is a family-friendly attraction that is run by the United States Navy. At this museum, you will see tens of thousands of photographs, submarine artifacts, documents, and more. There is also a huge library of submarines and maritime military collective works.

The museum is open every day of the week except Tuesday throughout the year, but it is closed on major holidays. Parking and admission are free.

#8 – Connecticut Beardsley Zoo

Price: $11-15; free parking
Hours: 9 am to 4 pm

Adults and children of all ages will love spending time at the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo exploring the different indoor and outdoor exhibits and attractions. There are stunning exhibits featuring reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and more.

Everything from a desert scorpion and a miniature horse to a white-tailed deer and a red panda is featured here. The zoo also features a carousel, a rainforest building, a gift shop, and a café.

Admission prices range from $11 to $15, and parking is free. The zoo is open most days throughout the year except on major holidays.

#9 – Dinosaur State Park

Price: $2-6
Hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm; closed Mondays

The Dinosaur State Park located in Rocky Hill is a great place to visit when you want to learn more about the paleo history of the area. This venue boasts a huge geodesic dome with indoor exhibits as well as two miles of outdoor walking trails for you and your children to explore.

In addition to viewing dinosaur fossils and other related exhibits, you can also see more than 200 different plant species.

The park and hiking trails are open during the day from Tuesday through Sunday. Admission prices are $2 for children and $6 for adults.

#10 – Peabody Museum of Natural History

Price: $6-13
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm; Sundays 12 pm to 5 pm

The Peabody Museum of Natural History is one of the largest history museums in the state. Located in New Haven, it spans across three full floors and boasts a wide range of exhibits. These exhibits cover topics like ancient Egypt, minerals, dinosaurs, human origins mammalian evolution, and more. There are also special exhibits and a fun discovery room that you can explore with your family.

The Museum is open on Tuesday through Sunday throughout the year except on major holidays.

Safety for Families while Traveling

Before you begin a fun family road trip to explore many of the top attractions in the state, consider your safety on the road.

Review your current auto insurance coverage, and ensure that you have the minimum level of coverage required by law. Remember that it is a smart idea to review at least three or four different policies every six months to look for the best rates available.

You can also take other safety steps to reduce the change of a mishap on the road. These include:

• Servicing your vehicle before you trip
• Ensuring everyone is properly fastened in a seat belt or booster seat
• Applying sunscreen while outdoors
• Checking the back seat each time when you get out of the car before walking away
• Stocking your car with an emergency kit

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