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Connecticut attractions include sea history, roller coasters, dinosaurs, and more

Connecticut > State > Things to Do and See > Attractions

Connecticut attractions offer an wide variety of great things to do during your CT vacation. Learn about Connecticut’s ship building history at the Mystic Seaport in Mystic, discover the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, experience the thrill of the Wooden Warrior award-winning roller coaster at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, and enjoy the only steam train to riverboat Connecticut in the entire country at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Essex. The number and variety of family activities is legendary!

Follow these links for : Zoos, Aquariums & Animal Parks - Casinos - Amusement Parks - Outdoor Adventures

Attractions in Connecticut - Wooden Warrior Roller Coaster at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT
Steam Into Spring - Essex Steam Train & Riverboat - Essex, CT
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

One Railroad Avenue Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-0103 Toll-Free: 800-377-3987

The best of both worlds, on land and on the water, are part of this exciting attraction

At Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, they really do offer the best of both worlds: one-of-a-kind experiences on the water and on railroad tracks! Board the train at historic Essex Station and take a train journey through the picturesque Connecticut River Valley on board lovingly restored 1920s-era Pullman coaches pulled by steam engines. When you get to Deep River, you can board the Becky Thatcher, a 150-passenger Mississippi-style riverboat, for a cruise on the river, past scenic coves, inlets and rocky shores, watching for wildlife. Then return to Essex via train. Or, just take a round-trip train ride or book an elegant four-course meal on the dinner train. Lunch items, snacks and beverages are also available at the Trackside Cafe and on the riverboat. Please check our website for current train & riverboat schedules.
Cruising off Rathbuns New - Argia Mystic Cruises - Mystic, CT
Argia Mystic Cruises

75 Steamboat Wharf Mystic, CT, 06355 Phone: 860-536-0416

Explore New England's coast aboard a traditional sailing ship

Return to the romantic Age of Sail aboard the 81-foot schooner Argia. She is a US Coast Guard-inspected vessel and one of the last sailing ships in New England. Departing from Mystic CT, the ship sails in Fishers Island Sound, a calm, protected body of water, from May to mid-October. Bask in the sun on her spacious wooden deck while you sail past the seafaring village of Mystic, the surrounding islands, and historic lighthouses. Delight in quirky sea stories of the area, told by the crew and Captain of Argia. Feel free to bring your own picnic and beverages. Wine and beer are permitted. Enjoy a 2 hour day-sail, or experience the romance of the sea at twilight with a sunset sail.
Aug 2020 Image - IT Rope Adventures at Jordan's Furniture - New Haven, CT
IT Adventure Ropes Course

40 Sargent Drive New Haven, CT, 06511 Phone: 203-812-9981

Get your heart rate going on the world’s largest indoor ropes course

There’s a thrill-a-minute adventure waiting for you inside Jordan’s Furniture: the it Adventure Ropes Course, the largest indoor ropes course on the planet. Securely connected at all times in your full-body harness and sling line, you’ll climb, scramble over and through over 100 obstacles and challenges, including bridges, zig-zag swinging beams, cargo nets and crisscross angle rope ladders. You’ll also do some soaring, over a liquid fireworks water show from one end of the course to the other, with zip rails that sit at heights up to 56 feet. For kids under 48 inches tall, there’s a specially designed Little It course, with platforms less than three feet from the ground and adult chaperones close by to help out if needed.
Atractions Outdoor Adventure - The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village - Oakdale CT
The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village

1650 Hartford-New London Tpke. (Rt. 85) Oakdale, CT, 06370 Phone: 860-443-4367

Splash Pad, dino maze, obstacle tower and playground all part of this adventure village

A day full of fun and adventure awaits everyone at The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village, a 60-acre activity-filled park that features over 50 life-sized dinosaurs on 1.5 miles of nature trails. There’s also a dino-themed maze, where your only escape is sliding through the mouth of a T-rex, a Splash Pad with over 30 dino-themed features including water cannons and dumping buckets, a playground with the newest play technology including a three-dimensional climbing web that swings and vibrates, and Copper Creek Mini Golf. At T-rex Tower, you can slide down a super-slick slide and swing on a zip line. Shopping experiences include an antiques marketplace, fossil shop, mineral shop and toy shop.
Old Sturbridge Village - More than a Museum!
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat -Train & Boat Excursions through the Connecticut River Valley - with all the bells & whistles!
Onrust at the Dock - Connecticut River Museum - Essex, CT
Connecticut River Museum

67 Main Street, Steamboat Dock Essex, CT, 06426 Phone: 860-767-8269

Lots of fun things to do and see both inside and outside at this educational river museum

Take a cruise aboard a replica of America’s first yacht, examine the very small interior of the Turtle, the first submarine to be used in combat in 1776, and examine historical artifacts and artwork at the Connecticut River Museum, a cultural center for activities and exhibits about the river and the river valley. Museum exhibits explore everything from the history of the river and its Native American communities to a look at the era of speed racing on the river, from 1900 to 1940. You can take an afternoon or evening cruise on the Onrust, a re-creation of a 1614 sailing vessel built in Manhattan, making it the country’s first yacht, or spy an osprey or eagle from the deck of the eco-tour boat RiverQuest.
Big Fish 500x250 - Black Hawk Party Boat - Niantic, CT
Blackhawk Sport Fishing

Sailing from the Niantic Bay Marina Niantic, CT, 06357 Phone: 860-448-3662 Toll-Free: 800-382-2824

Catch a fish, or a fabulous sunset, when you book a cruise with this experienced crew

Catch a bluefish, or a sunset, when you book a trip with Blackhawk Sport Fishing. Head out in search of porgy, stripers, cod, sea bass, tautog, fluke and those glorious blues, under the guidance of an experienced captain and crew on an impeccably maintained party boat. Or, book a sunset or nature cruise or a seal or eagle watch cruise. A galley serves up hot dogs, burgers, snacks and beverages (you can bring your own cooler if you wish, and beer is OK as long as it’s not in glass bottles). You can also rent a rod and reel if needed. And for a small fee, the crew will even clean and fillet your catch – or help you toss it back or donate it to a food bank.
Foliage View - Visit New Haven, CT - Photo Credit Visit New Haven
Visit New Haven

28 Orange Street North Haven, CT, 06473 Phone: 203-777-8550

A restaurant renaissance has made Greater New Haven a most exciting culinary destination. And then there's Yale University: with its medieval courtyards and stunning buildings -- from Gothic revival to acclaimed modernism. Can you name another area this size with world-class museums, theater and music? There are town greens to rival any in New England and preserved historic homes in even the smallest village. And alongside every town green are tiny boutiques and eclectic shops as well as superb bookstores. Now add the outdoors for long: sandy shores, nature preserves, centuries-old orchards, rocky hikes.
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center - Ledyard, CT - Photo Credit Mashantucket Pequot Museum
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

110 Pequot Trail Ledyard, CT, 06338 Phone: 860-396-6910 Toll-Free: 800-411-9671

Permanent exhibits on the Native and natural history of southern New England include a cool descent into a glacial crevasse from 18,000 years ago. Walk through a 1550 Pequot Village. Interactive computer programs, films providing additional information and interpretation of the exhibits. Two research libraries, one for children. Museum store and restaurant.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 9am - 5pm.
Admission: Adults $22, Seniors & Students with ID $17, Youths 6-17 $13, Children under 6 Free.
Castle Craig Fall View - Central CT Regional Tourism District - Photo Credit CTVisit
Central CT Regional Tourism District

One Constitution Plaza Hartford, CT, 06103 Phone: 860-787-9640

Since 1974, the Central CT Regional Tourism District has marketed and promoted the Hartford region as a convention and meeting destination. We provide complimentary services to all convention and meeting planners. We can assist you in finding a meeting facility, provide promotional literature and much more. For more information, please give us a call!