For the Little Ones

Set on a 116-acre former dairy farm in rural Litchfield County, Action Wildlife features dozens of wild animals grazing in the fields (where you can go on a drive-through safari), as well as a petting zoo, a museum/exploration center and hayrides. Among the many animals in the fields are ostriches, ibex, bison, zebras and elk.

It’s not a long ride from Goshen down to Middlebury, where Quassy Amusement Park has been situated alongside Lake Quassapaug since 1908. Quassy has rides and activities for all ages, but the little ones have their own space with rides (dune buggies, boats, helicopters, jet fighters, “Little Dipper” roller coaster and the brand-new “Collidoscope” bumper car ride) suitable to their size. Quassy’s water park, Splash Away Bay, also has plenty of places for the little ones to cool off and have fun.

Next, head east on I-84 and you’ll find places to eat and stay over about 15 miles away in Southington.

In the morning, drive east through Hartford and out to Manchester, where the Lutz Children’s Museum has many displays tailored for young children. You might first want to go for a hike through the nearby 52-acre Oak Grove Nature Center, then have the kids explore the museum, where walk-through, hands-on displays take them through Main Street, Farm, Art and Live Animals areas.

A fun way to re-cross the Connecticut River is to take the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, which has been plying this part of the river since 1655. The ride across is short but memorable (and only $5 per vehicle).

Cap off this little kids’ tour of Connecticut with a stop at the Kidcity Children’s Museum in Middletown, which describes itself as being “for one-to eight-year-olds and their favorite grown-ups.” There are three floors of fun and activities here, covering dinosaurs, space, trains, farms, sailing and music. There’s a video theater and the magical, mysterious-sounding “Toddler Sea Caves.”