Spring Break Fun in Mystic Country

The holy grail for kids, this 60-acre outdoor adventure park is located within Nature’s.  It is the home to over 50 life-sized dinosaurs on pristine nature trails, and attractions include a dinosaur-themed maze, two caves with animatronic dinosaurs, Monty’s Playground, and T-Rex Tower. Also, is the Lapilli Landing which includes the Peewee Putters, a 6-hole miniature golf experience for children of all ages; and Pedal Pushers, an equestrian-themed pedal kart track for ages 6 and up. For older kids and adults, there is also a challenging (that’s putting it lightly) mini-golf course called Copper Creek onsite, but you must be over 6 to play.  A few tips from the pros when visiting The Dinosaur Place, be sure to bring socks for the kiddos, they are required for certain attractions.

The Seaport is a classic New England destination for families of all ages. There is a lot of things to explore here, from the world-class exhibits to the recreated 19th-century maritime village. Sometimes, just walking around and taking in the view of the boats can provide plenty of entertainment, but the history behind the vessels is certainly enough to pique any kid’s interest. The most famous ship at the Museum is the Charles W. Morgan, which is the last wooden whaling ship in the world. Visitors can don their sea legs and climb aboard this boat as well as several others from the good ole’ seafaring days. Want to really impress the little ones? Grab your compass and your treasure map for a visit during Pirate Days (April 14 and April 15, 2021). There will be crafts, games, and pirate adventures galore, and yes, real-life pirates in proper attire too, so don’t forget your eye patch.

Image @MysticSeaportMuseum

Sometimes the only way to lure the kids out of the house is the promise of some sweets. The famous Sugar Factory located inside Foxwoods Resort Casino should certainly do the trick. Celebrities love this place and you and your kids will too! Their outrageous milkshakes are the obvious showstoppers, and they also make adult versions of all their creations, including their signature alcohol-infused smoking candy goblets. Besides sweets, they also offer other food options including salads, burgers and sandwiches.

Other family-friendly activities include the Tree House Arcade or High Rollers, and a luxury bowling alley. For a great deal, check out the Family Fun package including two hours of bowling, shoe rentals and refreshments. For older kids, they can have some active adventure at the Monza world-class karting attraction.

Image via @Foxwoods

This annual event is a great way to get the family outside, while also exploring the beauty of the National Heritage Corridor. This year’s event runs from March 20 through June 20, 2021 and includes a variety of hikes, adventures and organized clean-ups, all aimed at discovering the magic of spring in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. There are lots of events centered around Earth Day, as well as the 13th Annual Putnam Beautification Day, a Fairy Tale Scavenger Hunt and the Yantic Cemetery Civil War Tour.

Image via @thelastgreenvalley

Make a day of it and head the quaint seaside town of Niantic. The Niantic Children’s Museum is the perfect place to spend a few hours with kids of all ages.  From sailing your own fishing boat to climbing aboard a fire truck, kids will love all the hands-on opportunities. Outside, there is a giant sand pit with kid-size excavation tools, a water play area, music making with giant instruments, a zip line, a kid’s climbing wall and a huge kid-designed tree house. During the week of April 19, 2021, they are having some special Earth Day events this year, including making art from recycled materials and the chance to add your masterpiece to the “Recycling Wall of Fame.”

After a few hours of playing, hit up one of Niantic’s most iconic landmarks, The Book Barn, with three locations in town. The Main Barn, at 41 West Main Street, is home to the largest selection of books spread throughout several themed buildings. Besides books, of which there are more than 500,000 of, there are lush gardens in the spring and summer perfect for reading and relaxing, and a myriad of friendly cats roaming the store for a little added ambiance. 

Finish off your day with a stroll on the Niantic Boardwalk and a stop at Gumdrops & Lollipops Candy Shoppe for some sweet provisions for the car ride home.

Image via @niantickids