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Connecticut Attractions
School’s out and, for families looking for something to do to escape the summertime heat, a trip to the Northern states may seem very appealing. For your next vacation, plan a week-long excursion or a road trip through Connecticut, the state known as the southern gateway to New England. An easy drive from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and eastern Pennsylvania, Connecticut is separated into five distinct regions where landscapes range from the sea to the mountains and from country villages to skyscraper-filled cities.
Read on for quick beach getaways, popular and lesser-known attractions, organized according to their location in the state’s regions, to plan a full-day outing or a quick break from driving. Although our guide focuses on summer travel, most of these attractions are open and fun for a holiday all year round. For more information on activities, accommodations, or dining in Connecticut, search VisitConnecticut or CTVisit for ideas.
Northwest Connecticut
Warner Theatre
68 Main Street
Torrington, CT 06790
860/489-7180
This majestic theater was opened by Warner Brothers in the 1930's, but after a slow decline it was slated to be demolished in the 1980's, until a non-profit group, the Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts Inc. stepped in and raised the money to save the old-time building. In 2002, after years of renovations, the theater re-opened and now hosts many performances, with the line-up this summer including "Grease," "The Graduate," and the "Wizard of Oz." The building is reminiscent of the classic movie houses that have mostly disappeared from the modern landscape. Kids will love it because it has a magical quality to it, while parents will enjoy the deep-rooted history.
The Connecticut Store
116 Bank Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
800/474-6728
Home to all products Made in Connecticut, the Connecticut Store offers consumers a variety of products from brands including Wiffle Ball Inc, Bovano, Woodbury Pewter, Waterbury Button Co., and PEZ, to name a few. Discover all of the great products that come from Connecticut, while enjoying some PEZ in one of their many great dispensers. It will be a discovery adventure, learning about all of the things you never knew came from Connecticut.
Lake Compounce
822 Lake Avenue
Bristol, CT 06010
860/583-3300
With thrills and chills and family rides, Lake Compounce, one of the oldest amusement parks in the nation, is one of Connecticut's main attractions. The Boulder Dash, one of the many roller coasters at the park, was voted the #1 wooden rollercoaster in the world, and drops riders 115 feet while charging through the tracks at 65mph. After that thrill you might want to opt for a more relaxing ride, like the Sky Ride, which takes passengers on a scenic, 30-minute ride over the mountain. They also have a trolley, sky coaster, and Thunder Rapids, where you'll splash through waters while bumping into rocks. If it's really hot out, take a break in the wave pool to cool off. This park has a traditional midway, so there are lots of fun things for infants and toddlers to enjoy. The great thing about it is open to all ages, no height restrictions. Admission for 2009: Regular (52" tall+) $34.99, Junior (under 52" tall) $25.99, Senior $17.99; after 5pm $17.99. Open seasonally, parking $7
Imagine Nation
One Pleasant Street
Bristol, CT 06010
860/314-1400
This interactive children’s museum is for kids ages 2-10, and provides numerous hands-on activities and exhibits for smaller children. Bristol is home to the ESPN Network, and the museum includes a special ESPN exhibit, Play Your Way, which invites kids to anchor their own sports shows or even play the role of their favorite sports heroes. If you love your work so much, you can buy a taped recording for a small fee. In the Kid Zone, your children can take on the role of construction worker, and use the provided construction sets to design their own buildings, or sculptures. Your children will beg you to take them to the Soda Fountain, which is a re-creation of a classic 1940’s soda fountain with ice cream sundaes and more. The museum offers many programs including summer classes so be sure to check out their events and programs. Admission is $5/PP and infants under 1-year are free.
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