Connecticut has many nature and science centers, arboretums, aquariums

For a fairly urbanized state, Connecticut is rich with places to enjoy and learn from the outdoors, including Audubon centers, science and nature centers, aquariums, observatories, and arboretums. Highlights of places with visitors, children, and families can enjoy forests, plant and bird life, and sea life include the Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield, Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University, Bull's Covered Bridge River Walk in Kent, Science Center of Eastern Connecticut in New London, and the Dinosaur Place in Montville.

Fairfield/Southwest Hartford/Central Litchfield/Northwest
Mystic/Eastern New Haven/South Central
Fairfield/Southwest top of listings

Audubon Center of Greenwich

613 Riversville Road Greenwich, CT Phone: 203-869-5272

Open Year Round Monday - Sunday

This 285-acre nature sanctuary in the backcountry of Greenwich CT has 7 miles of walking trails, nature exhibit displays, a children's learning center, a nature gift shop and nature arts gallery. Nature programs year round for all ages, summer nature camp and school programs. Admission fee.

Bartlett Arboretum

151 Brookdale Road Stamford, CT Phone: 203-322-6971

Open: Daily, year round

Set on 63 acres. Visitors will find woodland and swamp environments, as well as a pond. There are several ecology trails, a swamp walk, library and greenhouse. No charge for admission.

Boothe Memorial Astronomical Society

Stratford, CT

We invite you to visit our site and sign our guestbook!

Bowman Observatory

Millbank and East Elm Streets Greenwich, CT Phone: 203-869-0376

Open: Year round, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month

There is no charge for admission. Sponsored by the Astronomical Society of Greenwich.

Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum

314 Unquowa Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Phone: 203-259-0416

Open: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Historic (1914) museum highlights natural history of the state with dioramas, wildlife exhibits, and dinosaur footprints. Adjacent 6-acre sanctuary with trails. A National Historic Landmark, first nature center in America, on the Connecticut Women’s Heritage Trail. Admissions: Adults, $2; children, $1.

CT Audubon Society Nature Center

2325 Burr Street Fairfield, CT Phone: 203-259-6305

Open: Year round, Tuesday - Saturday

On this site visitors will find exhibits, a library and a gift shop. In addition, there is an injured bird compound where visitors can observe the treatment and recuperation of birds that have been harmed in the wild. The 160 acre Larsen Sanctuary has many trails that wind through the woods and around ponds, including walks for the blind, elderly and disabled.

Darien Nature Center

120 Brookside Road Darien, CT Phone: 203-655-7459

Open: Year-round, Monday - Saturday

This center has a natural walking trail and exhibits featuring live animals. Childrens programs are held year round. Free admission.

Devil's Den Preserve

33 Pent Road Weston, CT Phone: 203-226-4991

Open: Daily, year-round

More than 20 miles of hiking trails and several historical sites are featured on this preserve. Programs are scheduled throughout the year. No admission fee.

Earthplace

10 Woodside Lane Westport, CT Phone: 203-227-7253

Open: Year-round, daily except major holidays

Interactive natural history museum, hands-on exhibits for children, live animals, trails, playground and a gift shop are all part of this 62 acre wildlife sanctuary. Admission: Adults and children older than 12, $7; children and seniors, $5. Grounds and outdoor bird enclosures free. Information: www.earthplace.org

Mianus River Preserve

Westover Road Stamford, CT Phone: 203-977-4692

Open: Daily, year round

Facilities for walking, hiking, biking and fishing. No charge for admission.

New Canaan Nature Center

144 Oenoke Ridge New Canaan, CT 06840 Phone: 203-966-9577

Dedicated to helping people of all ages better understand, appreciate and care for the world of nature

Take a fascinating look into the science and nature in the area. Set on 40 acres, the nature center features gardens and a solar-heated greenhouse, as well as many trails, exhibits, an arboretum, live animals, and a maple sugar shed.
Hours: Grounds open dawn to dusk daily; buildings and officer open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Donation requested.

Ordway Preserve

165 Goodhill Weston, CT Phone: 203-226-4991

Open: Daily, year-round

This preserve is home to an arboretum with 3 miles of walking trails. Special programs are scheduled on the site throughout the year. No admission fee.

Rolnick Observatory

182 Bayberry Lane Westport, CT Phone: 203-227-0925

Open: Year-round, Wednesday and Thursday evenings

Sponsored by the Westport Astronomical Society. Call ahead, no admission charge.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center

39 Scofieldtown Road Stamford, CT 06903 Phone: 203-322-1646

Open: Monday-Saturday and holidays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Main Building galleries closed Mondays January to March.

Experience nature, science and the outdoors at this 118-acre site. Includes New England working farm, hiking trails, picnic area, nature's playground, boardwalk (accessible to wheelchairs), galleries for interactive exhibitions with hands-on area for children, two stores, special events, planetarium. Observatory Friday evenings (weather permitting). Admission: Adults, $6; seniors and children age 4 to 14, $5.

Weir Farm National Historic Site

735 Nod Hill Road Wilton, CT Phone: 203-834-1896

Open: Year Round; April - October, daily; November - March, Mon - Fri

A national park that was the impressionist artist J. Alden Weir's summer home. The park hosts many exhibits and special programs. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking and nature trails.

Woodcock Nature Center

56 Deer Run Road Ridgefield, CT Phone: 203-762-7280

Set on 146 acres, the nature center has numerous walking and hiking trails. The area offers great opportunities for birdwatching and observation of geology. Regular walks and programs are scheduled throughout the year. Gift shop on the premises.
Hartford/Central top of listings

Campbell Falls

Route 272 Norfolk, CT

Cascading waters are the centerpiece of this park, which features fishing, hiking trails and picnic areas.

Connecticut Audubon Center

1361 Main Street Glastonbury, CT Phone: 860-633-8402

Open: Tues-Fri, 1-5 pm; Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, 1-4 pm; Closed the last week in December.

Maintained by the Audubon Society of CT, this science and nature center features exhibits on area wildlife and plants, and a hands-on area for children. A gift shop and programs are available year-round. The center is located next to Earle Park, a 48-acre outdoor setting with numerous walking trails.

Connecticut Science Center

250 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT 06103 Phone: 860-724-3623

A visit to the Center is a high-impact learning experience in a green, clean, bright, and stimulating environment. Adults and children alike will find entertainment and educational value in hands-on, engaging, and exciting exhibits and programs that emphasize current science and science you can use every day. Open year-round. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Adults, $17; seniors above age 65, $15.50; youth ages 3 to 17, $14. Information: www.ctsciencecenter.org

Copernican Space Science Center

Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street New Britain, CT Phone: 860-832-3399

Open: Call for show times, also by appointment

This planetarium and observatory is home to one of the biggest telescopes in the country. Programs and events for children and adults are held there throughout the year. Admission: $3.50 adults, $2.50 seniors and children.

Dinosaur State Park

400 West Street Rocky Hill, CT Phone: 860-529-8423

Open: Daily, 9 am - 4:30 pm

One of New England's most amazing places, Dinosaur Park features authentic dinosaur tracks that are 200 million years old. These are protected under a dome, which also houses exhibits and special programs that are held throughout the year. Visitors with their own materials are permitted to take plaster casts of the tracks.

Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens

Corner of Prospect Avenue and Asylum Avenue Hartford, CT Phone: 860-231-9443

The park’s world famous rose garden is the oldest municipally operated rose garden in the country. The two-and-a half-acre rose garden has 15,000 plants in about 800 varieties of roses. The park is also home to a rock garden and specialized gardens of annuals, herbs, and perennials. Open: Daily all year, dawn to dusk.

Enders State Forest

Route 219 West Granby, CT Phone: 860-379-2469

Open: Year round.

This wildlife sanctuary features a walking trail that leads to beautiful, scenic waterfalls.

Flanders Nature Center

Flanders Road Woodbury, CT Phone: 203-263-3711

Open: Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm

Many special programs are scheduled here. Visitors can enjoy nature walks that feature wildflowers (seasonal), a bog and an arboretum made up of nut trees. The Center's trail house features nature exhibits and a gift shop.

H.O.R.S.E of Connecticut

43 Wilbur Road Washington, CT Phone: 860-868-1960

Open: Year-round, Friday - Sunday, 8am - 4pm

This equine rescue organization houses horses it has saved, holds information events, treats injured animals and even offers animals for adoption. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and feed horses. Trail rides can be arranged with advance reservations.

Hungerford Park

191 Farmington Avenue Kensington, CT Phone: 860-827-9064

Open: Tuesday - Friday, year-round

This park is home to a farm, a collection of exotic animals, a system of trails, science exhibits and programs led by the New Britain Youth Museum.

Lake Waramaug State Park

Route 45 New Preston, CT Phone: 860-868-2592

Park is set entirely on the lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, fishing, boat rentals, sports fields, hiking trails and more. In season nature programs are scheduled. A 78 site camping area is available for a fee.

McLean Game Refuge

Route 10, Salmon Brook Road Granby, CT Phone: 860-653-7869

Open: Year round.

Enjoy a hiking and cross-country skiing on refuge trails. The area provides ample observation areas for both general nature study and birding in particular.

Metacomet Trail

Route 20 East Granby, CT Phone: 860-346-2372

Open: Year round

This trail is blue-blazed and extremely popular with hikers.

Northwest Park Nature Center

145 Lang Road Windsor, CT Phone: 860-285-1886

Open: Year round.

A local area nature center, with a barn, a museum focusing on the tobacco industry, a trail marked in Braille, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and an animal barn.

Oak Grove Nature Center

Oak Grove Street Manchester, CT Phone: 860-643-0949

Open: Daily, dawn to dusk

Free admission to this nature center, featuring picturesque and naturally revealing trails.

Penwood State Park

Route 185, Simsbury Road Bloomfield, CT Phone: 860-566-2304

Open: Year round

Park has bicycle, hiking and nature trails, as well as sports areas and cross-country ski areas in season.

Peoples State Forest

East River Road Barkhamsted, CT Phone: 860-379-2469

Along the Farmington River, this forest features hunting areas, fishing areas, hiking and cross-country ski trails, snowmobiling, and sports fields. Of particular interest is the Mathies Grove picnic area, set among great pines that are over 2 centuries old. Hiking trails include the Beaver Swamp Loop, which leads visitors past the remains of 18th and 19th century charcoal pits and ancient Indian villages, as well as the ruins of a colonial home. Another trail also forks off to the site of an ancient Indian soapstone quarry. A campground is also available.

Roaring Brook Nature Center

70 Gracey Road Canton, CT Phone: 860-693-0263

Tues - Sat, 10 am - 5 pm; Sun 1 - 5 pm; July-Aug, also Monday, 10 am - 5 pm

This nature center features walking trails, live animals and an Indian longhouse. Classes and special programs are also scheduled periodically throughout the year.

Salmon Brook Park

Route 10 Granby, CT Phone: 860-844-5356

Open: Year round.

This park is set on 114 acres, and features hiking trails, an old fashioned swimming pond, and a state-of-the-art children's play area.

Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area

Route 69 Burlington, CT Phone: 860-675-8130

Open: Year-round, dawn to dusk.

Visitors to this natural preserve are treated to a beaver marsh, an observation tower, and a waterfall. Walking and hiking trails feature information signs and demonstrations of wildlife management practices.

Shenipsit Trail

Route 190 Somers, CT Phone: 860-346-2372

Open: Year round.

Several blazed hiking trails are situated on this site.

Stratton Brook State Park

149 Farms Village Road (Route 309) Simsbury, CT Phone: 860-242-1158

Stratton Brook is a completely wheelchair accessible park offering swimming, picnicking and interpretive programs in a beautifully wooded setting. Stratton Brook State Park is a designated trout park. Activities bicycling, hiking, field sports, picnicking, fishing, swimming, cross-country skiing, ice skating. Facilities: bathrooms, changing houses, picnic shelters, picnic tables, seasonal interpretive displays.

Talcott Mountain State Park

Route 185 Simsbury, CT Phone: 860-242-1158

This park is located on the site of a Hartford family's former summer home. The main feature is the Heublein Tower, 165 feet high, with four states visible from the top. The tower is reached by hiking a 1.5 mile trail. A museum detailing the history of the area is also located in the park. Tower open late May to end of August, Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; labor Day through October 31, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Pratt Center

163 Papermill Road New Milford, CT Phone: 860-355-3137

Nature preserve with hiking trails and river walks. There are also special programs scheduled throughout the year, and live farm animals on the premises in the spring, summer and fall.

Tomasso Nature Park

Granger Lane Plainville, CT Phone: 860-747-6022

Open: March 15 - November 15, dawn to dusk

This 11 acre nature park includes 4 acres of wetlands. Visitors can observe varieties of animals, birds and fish. Walking trails provide ample views of native flora. Free admission.

Wethersfield Nature Center

30 Greenfield Street Wethersfield, CT Phone: 860-721-2953

Open: Saturdays, 10 am - 1 pm

This nature park features educational and hands-on exhibits, including live animals and scheduled programs. A log cabin on the site has a library and gift shop.

Wickham Park

1329 West Middle Turnpike Manchester, CT 06040 Phone: 860-528-0856

This park features 10 acres of gardens and an aviary, recreational and sports areas, and walking trails. The park contains 250 acres of gardens, open fields, woodlands, ponds, picnic areas, sports facilities, and other attractions.
Hours: First weekend in April through the last weekend in October and for dates listed on the Web site under ‘special events.’ Hours: 9:30 a.m.-sunset except in inclement weather. Fee for parking.

Wilcox Park

71 Hoskins Road Bloomfield, CT Phone: 860-243-2923

Open: Year round

Maintained by the town of Bloomfield, this 222 acre park is set in area woodlands and features dozens of marked trails. A map of the trails is available at Bloomfield town offices.
Litchfield/Northwest top of listings

Bull's Covered Bridge River Walk

Bull's Bridge Road Kent, CT

A scenic part of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can enjoy the Bull's Bridge Scenic Trail loop, featuring views of waterfalls and gorges down below on the Housatonic River. The covered bridge itself was built in 1842, and is one of the few in New England still open to auto traffic. The trail follows the Housatonic River to Ten Mile River Gorge, and then up to the top of Ten Mile Hill.

Connecticut Antique Machinery Association

U.S. Route 7 Kent, CT 06557 Phone: 860-927-0050

Open: May through October, Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Museum dedicated to the preservation, restoration and demonstration of antique machinery from our rich industrial and agricultural past. Areas of focus include Agricultural equipment and mechanical farm implements, The Cream Hill Agricultural School, Internal Combustion Engines, Industrial steam power, Connecticut Museum of Mining and Mineral Science, Narrow gauge railroad. Admission: Adults, $3; children under age 12, free.

H.C. Barnes Nature Center

175 Shrub Road Bristol, CT Phone: 860-589-6082

Open: Wed - Fri, 2 - 5 pm; Sat 9 am - 5 pm; Sun 1 -5 pm

This nature center features a variety of self-guiding trails, as well as interpretive exhibits and a nature library. The 70 acre sanctuary is home to a variety of species.

Kent Falls State Park

Route 7 Kent, CT Phone: 860-927-3238

One of the most visually stunning places in Connecticut, Kent Falls features a 200-foot, cascading waterfall. Along the falls visitors can utilize a staired path which allows views from top to bottom. The park also has picnic areas, hiking trails and fishing areas. There is a charge for admission on weekends and holidays.

Mattatuck Museum

144 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702 Phone: 203-753-0381

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.; closed major holidays

Exhibits chronicle the industrial history of the Naugatuck Valley as well as its social, architectural and cultural past. Period settings, decorative arts, furniture, 19th- and 20th-century art, changing exhibits. Cafe, museum shop. Admission: Adults, $4; Children under age 16, free.

Saugatuck Valley Hiking Trail System

Route 53 Redding, CT Phone: 203-958-2551

Open: Year round.

Over 65 miles of hiking trails wend their way through Redding, Easton and Weston. Hikers will pass historic and natural sites, including the view from a 200 foot cliff overlooking a reservoir. A permit is required, and available -- along with maps -- at the Redding Town Clerk's office.

Sharon Audubon Center

325 Cornwall Bridge Road / Route 4 Sharon, CT 06069 Phone: 860-364-0520

Nature trails meander through gardens, woods and around ponds. Exhibits include a children’s discovery room, live animals and natural history. A gift shop and book store can also be found in the museum.
Hours: The Visitors Center and Nature Store are open year round, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The building is closed on all major holidays. Fee charged.

White Memorial Conservation Center and Museum

Route 202 Litchfield, CT Phone: 860-567-0857

Open: Year-round, daily

Sanctuary set on 4,000 acres features 35 miles of trails, including a wooden boardwalk through wetland areas. The sanctuary museum examines the flora and fauna on the property more closely. Visitors can also enjoy the gift shop. A 3.1 mile trail is ideal for the novice and nature lover, and takes visitors alongside the Bantam River and along a 1.2 mile wooden boardwalk that will take you through a large portion of the sanctuary's wetlands.
Mystic/Eastern top of listings

Albert E. Moss Forest

Junction of Routes 195 and 275 Mansfield, CT

This wildlife sanctuary is used as an outdoor laboratory by the University of Connecticut. Open to the general public.

Argia Mystic Cruises

Schooner Wharf - 15 Holmes Street Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416 Fax: 860-536-0000

Hands-On Marine Science

Set sail on the sailing ship Argia for a 2 1/2 hour Marine Sciences expedition. Our experienced instructors guide you through a discovery of oceanography, coastal ecology, and our marine environment, using a variety of nets and scientific instruments.

Haul back a commercial trawl net, hand-over-hand, just like the fishermen of old. Handle the organisms you catch, as our Marine Scientist explains their characteristics and importance in ecology and to humans. Collect plankton with a special net. See the tiny organisms through discovery scopes and learn about their importance to the food chain of the ocean. Find out what environmental and human factors affect plankton and the far reaching affects these can have.

Connecticut College Arboretum

270 Mohegan Avenue New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-439-5020

Over 750 acres of beautifully preserved open space

Connecticut College Arboretum's 750 acres include the college campus, plant collections, natural areas, and managed areas. Its three major plants collections for public enjoyment are the Campus Landscape with 120 acres of trees and shrubs from around the world; the Native Plant collection, with 20 acres of woody plants and wildflowers indigenous to North America with a pond, and walking trails; Caroline Black Garden with an exquisite display of diverse woody plants in a garden setting. Open every day from sunrise to sunset. Free public guided tours every Sunday afternoon May - October at 2 p.m. Call 860-439-5060 for more information. Private group tours can be arranged upon request.

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center

109 Pequotsepos Road Mystic, CT 06355 Phone: 860-536-1216

Open: Year-round, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed January 1, Easter, Christmas

Discover live owls, turtles, frogs, and snakes in new natural history exhibits. Experience “A Night in the Meadow” theatre, hike up to 8 miles of trails on beautiful 300-acre sanctuary, and view birds of prey in outdoor flight enclosures. Excellent birding; picnic areas; wildflowers; gift shop. Open daily. Adults $6, Children 4.

Dennis Farm

Dennis Road Pomfret, CT

The Nature Conservancy maintains this 2 mile trail, available for hiking or skiing.

Fenton-Ruby Park and Wildlife Preserve

Burma Road Willington, CT

This nature preserve and park offers ample opportunity for wildlife observation and bird-watching. A one mile, marked trail runs through the preserve.

James L. Goodwin Forest

Route 6 Hampton, CT

2002 acre conservation center with displays representing different types of woodlands. The conservancy also has fishing areas, cross-country skiing, hiking trails and a rest area.

Milo Appley Showcase Nature Trail

Wolf Den Road, off Route 6 Brooklyn, CT

This 1.5 mile trail wends its way through a nature conservancy at an easy pace.

Pomfret Farms

220 Day Road Pomfret, CT

Maintained by the Audobon Society. Designated trails run throughout the property. The Audobon Society sponsors guided birdwalks and workshops on gardening and area wildlife.

Pudding Hill Wildlife Area

Route 97 Scotland, CT

Wildlife area with fishing, hiking and small game hunting.

Rock Spring Wildlife Refuge

Route 97 Scotland, CT

Walking trails, hiking trails and cross-country skiing along the Little River.

Science Center of Eastern Connecticut

33 Gallows Lane New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860-442-0391

Can light be bent? Can sound waves be seen? Young and old can explore hands-on exhibits that will answer these questions... and more. Even have a birthday party or bring a group. Located in Connecticut Collage Arboretum with hiking trails and picnic tables. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. Members FREE. Non-members: Adults $6, children under 12 and senior citizens $4.

The Dinosaur Place

1650 Route 85 Montville, CT 06370 Phone: 860-443-4367 Fax: 860-443-0253

Discover an interactive science and nature adventure

At the Dinosaur Place, outdoor adventure can be found with over 25 life-sized dinosaurs nestled along 1 mile of easy walking trails. The nature trails include hands-on discovery stations and educational signs. During the summer, cool off on New England’s largest SPLASHPAD. Indoor activities include digging for gems, panning for “gold” or unearthing a dinosaur skeleton. The world-class gift shop is a must stop on your visit whether you are looking for mineral and fossil specimens, fine jewelry, gourmet foods, educational toys, or unique giftware. Plus, treat yourself and your family to a tasty lunch or snack at Cobalt Café. Picnic areas, snack bar, ice cream shop, and playground onsite. Visit our website for hours, rates, and directions.

Trail Wood

Kenyon Road Hampton, CT

This farm was owned by naturalist and author Edwin Way Teale. There are many nature programs held at the site, as well as three miles of trails for walking.

Trolley Trail and Two Rivers Trail

Cady Lane Plainfield, CT

These one mile trails are terrific locales for bird watching. The trails are on the site of the Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery.

Yale Forest

Route 197 Union, CT

Yale University uses this forest for study and field work. Fishing is available in the forest. The blue-marked Nipmuck trail runs through the forest for hiking.
New Haven/South Central top of listings

Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center

10 Deerfield Lane Ansonia, CT 06401 Phone: 203-736-1053

One hundred-acre nature preserve, with several gardens featuring ferns and wildflowers. Of particular note is the butterfly and hummingbird garden. Natural exhibits and programs are scheduled throughout the year. Over two miles of trails run through the preserve for hiking and cross-country skiing. Visitors can also enjoy a fishing pond, picnic areas and a gift shop.
Hours: Sunup to sundown. Office and interpretive center open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except holidays. Free admission.

Connecticut Audobon Coastal Center

1 Milford Point Road Milford, CT Phone: 203-878-7440

Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm

Set on the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound, this natural haven is one of Connecticut's best bird-watching spots. Admission: $3 adults, $2 children under 13.

Eli Whitney Museum

915 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06517 Phone: 203-777-1833

Open: Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Other times, Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed major holidays.

Museum focusing on Eli Whitney's life, his inventions and his legacy. In addition to historic exhibits, the museum also holds a water learning lab and outdoor study areas. The barn, built in 1816, is the site of special events throughout the year. Admission: free; charge for programs.

Hammonasset Beach State Park

1288 Boston Post Road Madison, CT Phone: 203-245-2785

Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over two miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf. Activities include saltwater swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, fishing, paddling, bicycling, and camping. The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors on a limited year round basis.
Facilities: Bathrooms, boardwalk, car top boat launch, concessions, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic tables, showers. Park fees: Weekends, $20 for Connecticut residents and $30 for non-residents; weekday fees are $14 and $20. All days, $10 after 4 p.m. Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites. Open for the season from May 21 through October 30 (203-245-1817).

Lighthouse Point Park

Lighthouse Road New Haven, CT Phone: 203-946-8005

Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 6 pm - sunset

This 82 acre park on Long Island Sound features exhibits on natural history, swimming areas, nature trails, a bird sanctuary and an antique carousel. There is a parking fee.

Pardee Rose Gardens

180 Park Road New Haven, CT 06517 Phone: 203-946-8025

These gardens include more than 15 different types of roses (peaking in June and July), annuals, perennials, and herbs. Picnic areas are available in this tranquil formal rose garden open free to the public. The garden is also available for weddings and special events.
Hours: Open mid-May to early September.

Peabody Museum of Natural History (Yale University)

170 Whitney Avenue New Haven, CT 06511 Phone: 203-432-5050

Open: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Closed major holidays.

Brontosaurus and Stegosaurus haunt the Great Hall of Dinosaurs, where Rudolph Zallinger's famous Age of Reptiles mural spans 108 feet. Live animals inhabit, exhibits on Native America, Ancient Egypt, human origins, birds, minerals, meteorites. Gift shop. Admission: Adults, $7; seniors, $6; students and children aged 3-18, $5; free admission Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. from September to June.

West Rock Nature Center

Wintergreen Avenue New Haven, CT Phone: 203-946-8016

Open: Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm

Preserve set on 40 acres with live birds and animals. An exhibit area features information on area and regional wildlife. Free admission.