Live It Like a Movie

Ferris Bueller did a lot on his infamous day off, but since you probably won’t commandeer the musical number at a parade, we’ve narrowed it down. Just like Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane, attend a baseball game, then head off to an art museum. See the Yard Goats, New Britain Bees, or the Sea Unicorns and then visit The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, The Bruce Museum in Greenwich, the Slater Memorial Museum in Norwich.

If you’re a fan of this 1980s classic, then tap into the ambiance of the Catskills resort at Interlaken Inn in Lakeville, a romantic lakeside resort with countless recreational offerings. Or perhaps you’ll try the adult summer camp at Kent’s Club Getaway or go glamping at Tamarack Lodge & Indie Glamping Resort in Voluntown. If you want to show off your moves like Baby and Johnny, try these places to dance across the state.

Fans of Jurassic Park will love anything along the Dinosaur Trail, including a trip to Rocky Hill’s Dinosaur State Park. Discover Jurassic-period dinosaur tracks, see a diorama depicting where the park's tracks were made, and even make plaster casts of tracks! You may not see real, living dinosaurs like in the film… but it’s probably safer that way, right?

If you always wanted a night at the drive-in like Danny and Sandy (before she stranded him, of course) then see a movie at the Mansfield Drive-In or Southington Drive-In. Grab the popcorn, sit back, and feel just like a T-Bird or Pink Lady!

Happy Gilmore wasn’t filmed in Connecticut, but it does take place here! Take a swing like Happy at these top golf courses. Not ready to go pro? Enjoy an afternoon mini golfing at spots like Copper Creek in Montville, Safari Golf in Berlin, Monster Mini Golf in Bethel, or  Saybrook Point Miniature Golf in Old Saybrook.

If you’ve ever dreamed of swinging through the trees like this Disney jungle hero, now you can. Zipline or challenge yourself with ropes courses way up high at Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, Adventure Park at Storrs, or Tree Trails in Mystic. Looking for indoor ropes adventures? Try IT Adventure Ropes Course in New Haven. You’ll feel just like Tarzan – you won’t, however, see any gorillas or elephants.

This more recent box office hit plays homage to campy murder mystery tropes – and now you can feel like a member of the Thrombey family. Solve your own mystery (and enjoy a four-course meal) when you dine with the interactive Dinner Detective in New Haven and Hartford. Actors are dressed like guests and begin the night seated amongst the crowd; anyone in the room may become part of the show! And be on the lookout for the next Murder Mystery Dinner Train aboard the Essex Steam Train.

If you agree that “fish are friends, not food,” then you’ll love a trip to Mystic Aquarium or the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. See stunning marine creatures up close and maybe even meet them. See if you can “find” all of your favorite fish – just like Marlin and Dory!

If you’re a fan of Pretty Woman, shopping will not be a mistake. Stroll through Connecticut’s favorite shopping towns for a day of treating yourself.

If you love the excitement of The Hunt for Red October you will be happy to know that the world's first nuclear-powered submarine is right in Connecticut! On a trip to the Historic Ship Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum, visitors can board the Nautilus and experience first-hand what it was like to be a member of the crew. 

Who could forget the Griswold’s zany, obstacle-filled trip to Walley World? If you’re a fan of the movie (and amusement parks) spend the day riding rollercoasters and more at Lake Compounce Theme Park in Bristol or Quassy Amusement & Waterpark in Middlebury. And if you’re also a fan of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, cut down your own Christmas tree at these tree farms – and not on the side of the road like Clark.

If The Fast and the Furious movies give you the need for speed, try zooming around the track at  OnTrack Karting in Wallingford, Supercharged Indoor Karting & Trampoline Park in Montville,  Monza World Class Karting at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, or  Brass City Raceway & Axe Throwing in Waterbury. Or experience the chance to drive a stock car or exotic sports car around the track at Thompson Speedway

Fans of Night at the Museum will love exploring Connecticut’s vast selection of museums from history museums to science museums and more. The exhibits may not come to life, but you’re still in for many exciting discoveries.

Whether you love the original, the following two remakes, or prefer watching Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, fans of A Star is Born will love a night out to any of Connecticut’s live music venues – you may even see an emerging artist before they make it big!

And finally, if you love this coming-of-age pizza parlor favorite… why not go to the real place? Whether you prefer pepperoni, pineapple, sausage, or plain cheese, grab a slice and hang out at Mystic Pizza like Kat, Daisy, and Jojo.