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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!

Attractions in Connecticut
Cruising off Mouse - Argia Mystic Cruises - Mystic, CT
Argia Mystic Cruises

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

Sail Away!

Opening for the season May 1st, 2022!
Discover islands, lighthouses and the beauty of sailing as you bask in the sun and salt air aboard the traditional schooner, Argia. This unique trip aboard one of the last sailing ships in New England offers you an ideal way to see the quaint maritime village of Mystic CT and its beautiful shoreline. Step aboard for a journey into the past. Depart from Mystic's historic Bascule Bridge, a national historic landmark, and sail down the Mystic River. Morgan Point Lighthouse and the quaint fishing village of Noank greet you at the river’s mouth, followed by islands and peaceful sailing. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine (or order snacks from us when you book) to make this excursion truly memorable.

May 1st through mid-October, choose a day or sunset sail aboard ARGIA!
Big Fish 500x250 - Black Hawk Party Boat - Niantic, CT
Black Hawk Sportfishing

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

Go fishing or go in search of seals, or eagles, aboard this fast, comfortable excursion boat

Looking to reel in a striper, fish for fluke or go after a bluefish with diamond jigs? Or maybe you want to get up close to seals or check out eagles from a vantage point on the water. Or, you just want to relax on board a great boat while watching the sun set. Any and all of these activities are possible when you book with Blackhawk Sportfishing out of Niantic, Conn. On this fast, impeccably maintained boat, an experienced captain and crew will make sure your fishing trip or nature cruise is unforgettable. The boat’s galley serves hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks and sodas, and coolers are welcome. Kids of all ages are also welcome and might even get a chance to honk the horn!
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.
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.
Old Sturbridge Village - More than a Museum!
Explore New England TV on NESN!
The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat -Train & Boat Excursions through the Connecticut River Valley - with all the bells & whistles!
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

At this steam train/railroad attraction, all the tracks lead to new adventures

All tracks lead to adventure at the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, the only steam and riverboat connection in the country, with two operating steam locomotives and multiple classes of passenger service, including an elegant, romantic dinner train. From the historic 1892 Essex Station, board vintage cars, pulled by steam locomotives, to travel past fields, wetlands and coves, past classic New England towns, then back to the station. Or take the train to the Deep River Landing and board the Mississippi-style three-deck riverboat Becky Thatcher for a scenic cruise along the Connecticut River. The attraction also offers two rail-bike journeys, where you will pedal along an 8- or 9-mile route on a two- or four-seat bike. Please check our website for current train & riverboat schedules.
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.
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.
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 call us at (860)787-9640.
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.