12 Summer Experiences You Just Can't Have in the City

Connecticut’s Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park in Portland was built around a historic quarry, where the stone was mined for many of the most iconic brownstone buildings in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and other cities. Guests can enjoy ziplining, swimming, jumping, climbing, and more. Other zip line adventures in Connecticut include Bridgeport’s Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum, Adventure Park at Storrs, and HighFlyer Zipline at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket.

A uniquely American experience, drive-in movies are a summer tradition. Connecticut has two drive-in movie attractions that make for the perfect night out for families, friends, or a romantic old-school date night. Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace, not far from Storrs, offers multiple screens, a snack bar, and a flea market on Sundays. Find another drive-in in Southington, too.

Electric bikes are a great way to see all that northwest Connecticut has to offer. In West Cornwall, the Covered Bridge Electric Bike rental allows you to get up the hills of the Litchfield Hills area with ease. Visit one of the local villages or just go for a scenic ride.

From strawberries and blueberries to peaches, apples, flowers, pumpkins, and even Christmas trees, Connecticut is filled with farms and orchards that invite you to come and “pick-your-own.” Lyman Orchards in Middlefield welcomes visitors to pick from nearly 100 varieties of fruits from June through October. 

Away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll find Connecticut’s picturesque family farms. Many offer opportunities for guests to help feed the animals, go for a wagon ride and shop fresh products. Flamig Farm in Simsbury has been around for over 100 years and features a petting zoo, pony and hayrides, farm store, and lots of seasonal fun.

In late July and early August, the sunflower fields in Connecticut come to life. Visit the extraordinary display at Buttonwood Farm in Griswold and grab a scoop of its famous farm-fresh ice cream while you’re there, or if you prefer, call and place an order to go over the phone.

Kayak among the scenic Thimble Islands, off the coast of Branford. The Native American name for these pink granite islands translates to “beautiful sea rocks,” and on a calm summer morning, you can see why. Put your kayak in at the boat launch along Stony Creek Beach. If you’re looking to rent, visit Branford River Paddlesports for gear and tips.

Connecticut has many spectacular waterfalls and to see them, you don’t have to go far. Whether you want a challenging hike, an easy stroll or just a peek from the road, Connecticut has a waterfall for everyone. Wadsworth Falls in Middlefield is a popular destination that people return to every year to see the falls, hike the trails, picnic, and more.

Glamping, or glamourous camping, is both fun and fabulous. Places like Odetah Camping Resort in Bozrah offer premier cabins, jacuzzis, and other amenities, while Club Getaway in Kent offers an all-inclusive summer camp for adults only. Additional options include the Geodesic Dome, Water Forest Octagon, or Finnegan’s Farm West Yurt.

Want to go all out? Winvian Farm in Morris has cottages nestled among 113 wooded acres that give you the feel of camping, with the luxury of a 5-star resort. Or stay up in the trees at the Treehouse at Bluebird Farm.

Bald eagles are just one of the many birds that make their home along the Connecticut River - but they are best seen in the winter months. Luckily, in August and September, you can take a cruise to see the amazing spectacle of tree swallows that flock in the thousands. RiverQuest in Essex offers nature cruises along the Connecticut River to see these majestic birds, along with ospreys, egrets, and other wildlife.

Go for a refreshing dip at one of Connecticut’s swimming holes and make a day out of it by packing a picnic or grabbing takeout from a nearby restaurant to enjoy outside.

Are you ready for Phobia Phear? The first ride of its kind in New England and the first triple launch coaster to hit the northeast, Phobia Phear hits speeds up to 65 mph, and features a cobra roll inversion at 150 feet in the air. It joins Boulderdash and Wildcat as one of the premier attractions at Lake Compounce, the longest continuously operated amusement park in North America.