Where to Go for Family Fun After Dark

Mansfield Drive-In is Connecticut’s only three-screen drive-in theater playing first-run double features, always a film for the entire family. Beautiful country setting with a playground under the trees.  Come for dinner or just a snack at the clean, full service snack bar.

For a special treat, climb aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train for a delicious dinner served in beautifully restored 1920s Pullman diners, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Ambiance, impeccable service, and fabulous food, served during a sightseeing journey through the pristine Connecticut River Valley. Dates through October. 

Want to sleep with a shark? Not only is Mystic Aquarium the perfect place to enjoy the day, now you can spend the night there, too. Family Overnights include an outdoor tour in the dark, a class on sharks, a cool craft and even a scavenger hunt! Finish it off with a light evening snack before you fall asleep next to your favorite fish tank. Be on the lookout via the aquarium's website for details on the return on this activity!

Work off any excess energy with an evening visit to Jordan’s Furniture’s IT™ Adventure in New Haven. It's the world's largest indoor ropes course, with indoor liquid fireworks and all kinds of adventurous activities. Open until 7 p.m. weeknights and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and perfect for some suprisingly different after-dinner fun.

What goes on at The Connecticut Science Center after everyone goes home? See for yourself when you set up camp in front of your favorite exhibit during this exclusive overnight experience. Explore 10 exhibit galleries with more than 165 hands-on activities and exciting science challenges on every floor. You'll also get to see how the live animals, including exotic reptiles and cool insects, spend the night. There's even a 3D film in the state-of-the-art Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation Science Theater, plus a late-night snack and light breakfast in the morning. Be sure to check the museum's website for the return of this fun overnight adventure!

Take a one-of-a-kind zip-lining adventure by the light of the full moon and stars! TreeTrails Adventures Mystic offers evening adventures under the lights that let you experience the night sky from a treetop view. And Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport (above) lets you zip and zoom through the darkness along lighted paths.

If you’re particularly brave, join one of Seaside Shadows Haunted History Walking Tours. Step back in time and hear stories filled with mystery and dark tales of the seaside town of Mystic.

For a special treat, climb aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train for a delicious dinner served in beautifully restored 1920s Pullman diners, pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Ambiance, impeccable service, and fabulous food, served during a sightseeing journey through the pristine Connecticut River Valley. Dates through October.