50 Things to do in connecticut this summer

Looking for the best things to do in Connecticut this summer? Whether you're a local or just visiting, this small but mighty New England state packs in everything from coastal beach days and waterfall hikes to historic towns, drive-in movies, and outdoor festivals. I’ve lived in Connecticut most of my life and spent every summer exploring new spots—and I’m sharing my favorite 50 warm-weather activities to help you make the most of the season.

1. GRAB A LOBSTER ROLL AT LOBSTER LANDING

You can't come to Connecticut in the summer without getting a lobster roll. It would be like going to the movies and not getting popcorn or going to a baseball game without buying a hot dog-it just doesn't make sense. And the place to get a hot, buttery lobster roll? Lobster Landing in Clinton. This charming little red and white shack overlooks the Clinton Harbor and it's a beautiful place to grab fresh seafood for lunch or dinner. There's a little wooden dock directly next to the restaurant with picnic tables so you can enjoy your meal with a view, and it's BYOB so don't be afraid to bring a bottle of wine or a couple beers! This spot is actually one of the most famous spots in the United States for a lobster roll, so iconic that it was mentioned on the Kelly Clarkson Show. And I'll even let you in on a little local secret- they soak their lobster in LEMON!

2. WALK THE NIANTIC BAY BOARDWALK

One of the best ways to enjoy a beautiful sunny day in Connecticut is to go and walk one of our boardwalks. My personal favorite is the Niantic Bay Boardwalk because it's over a mile long and runs parallel with the ocean. It's also located in the cutest little beach town of Niantic, so it's a great place to stop, go for a stroll in the sun, and then grab some food from a nearby restaurant. There's also the Poquonnock River Trail, which is a shorter boardwalk that goes through the trees and has a view of the Poquonnock River.

3. GO BLUEBERRY PICKING AT LYMAN ORCHARDS

Lyman Orchards is a fantastic place to go regardless of the season. With fresh produce, two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 9-hole executive golf course, and a seasonal corn and sunflower maze, there's plenty of things to do that'll keep you busy. In the summer though, I would advise going to pick some blueberries! Blueberries are a delicious seasonal fruit to pick because the bushes are smaller/not too hard to pick from and you can use the blueberries for pies, jams, sauces, and more. Depending on the what month you go, there may be strawberries, honeyberries, raspberries, blueberries, jostaberries, peaches/nectarines, pears, asian pears, and/or apples available for picking as well.

4. HIKE TO THE TOP OF Heublein Tower

Located at the very top of Talcott Mountain in Simsbury is the historic Heublein Tower. Built in 1914 as a summer home for Gilbert Heublein, this tower was bought and sold countless times since it's creation. Though the property was first promised to Heublein's wife Louise as a "castle on the mountain", it only stayed in the family for a couple generations until it was sold to the Hartford Times newspaper. While the Times kept it for events for 20+ years, it was later sold to real estate developers, and then finally to the state. It was restored in 1973 and since then attracts about 130,000 visitors per year who make the hike up the mountain to walk through this gorgeous property. Some of the highlights you can expect to see inside Heublein Tower include a living room, dining room, garden room, and the observation room/ballroom.

If you're an oyster fan then you can't miss Milford's annual Oyster Festival. For just two nights every year, the town of Milford attracts over 50,000 visitors with the promise of fresh, locally sourced oysters from Milford’s own Briarpatch Shellfish Company, live music, alcoholic beverages, and a variety of other food options. This has been a highly anticipated event since it's inception back in 1975, and it's a great way for the town of Milford to raise money for local civic projects and groups. To learn more about the festival's information for this year, click here.

6. CATCH A MOVIE AT THE MANSFIELD DRIVE-IN

Tired of going to the movie's indoors when the weather outside has been gorgeous? Why not go to a drive-in movie at the outdoor movie theater in Mansfield? This piece of entertainment history has been one of the biggest appeals in the area since 1954, and it's easy to see why. With three different movie screens, a flea market, multiple food and beverage options, and two movies that play on each screen per night, you and your friends or family have so many different choices to choose from. Just make sure to get there early so you have a good spot, and to bring a portable radio if you don't want to leave your car on!

7. VISIT A VINEYARD FROM THE CONNECTICUT WINE TRAIL LIST

Did you know that Connecticut has over 45 licensed wineries and 125+ independent breweries? Yep, and there's even a list known as the "Connecticut Wine Trail" to help you keep track. Some of my personal favorites to visit are Hawk Ridge Winery in Watertown, Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford, and Crystal Ridge Winery in South Glastonbury. So grab a glass of wine and make sure you have a sober ride home!

8. RENT A PADDLEBOARD OR KAYAK IN OLD LYME

Connecticut has so many beautiful lakes, ponds, and rivers that it's CRAZY. You can spend years trying to hit every single one, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy these areas is while on a kayak or paddleboard. If you have your own, you can go basically anywhere in Connecticut, including Bashan Lake and Bantam Lake (some of my favs). If not, don't worry! You can go to a place like Collinsville Canoe & Kayak in Collinsville or Black Hall Outfitters in Old Lyme and rent one. 

9. TRY ONE OF NEW HAVEN'S FAMOUS PIZZA PLACES

New Haven pizza isn't just some of the best pizza in Connecticut...it's some of the best pizza in the United States. Thin crust, coal-fired Neapolitan pizza cooked to perfection in a wood oven is something you just can't miss when you're in Connecticut. It's one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon, and there are so many options to choose from that you can't go wrong! Whether you decide to go to Frank Pepe's, Sally's, or Modern Pizza, all three are super highly rated and a great thing to do this summer alone or with friends/family.

10. GO TO MYSTIC AQUARIUM FOR THE AFTERNOON

Mystic Aquarium is a great place to spend a morning or an afternoon, especially if you have kids or just love the underwater world. Admission is $30-$45 per person depending on the day that you choose to go and how early you book your tickets, and there are discounts available. From African penguins and Beluga whales to seals, sea lions, and sand tiger sharks, there's something here for everyone to enjoy! My personal favorite is the "Birds of the Outback" aviary located towards the back of the aquarium where visitors can pay a little extra to feed birds straight out of their hand.

11. FLOAT ON A TUBE ALONG THE FARMINGTON RIVER

One of the cheapest and most fun ways to cool off in Connecticut on a hot day is to bring a tube and float down the Connecticut River. The water is refreshing and the current does a great job pulling you from point A to point B without bringing you through any dangerous rapids or areas that are too deep. If you don't have a tube or transportation from the bottom of the river back up to the top, you can go through Farmington River Tubing for around $30 a person. If you'd rather save money or you want to put your money towards a tube that you can keep, I would advise buying a highly-rated river tube for two for under $50 and then going with two cars. Park one car at the bottom of the river where you plan on finishing your floating experience and then take the tube to the top to launch. And the great part bout buying your own tube? You can go as often as you want and it's FREE!

12. WALK THROUGH THE SUNFLOWER FARM AT BUTTONWOOD FARM

Since 1975, Buttonwood Farm in Griswold has been a place where visitors can come for farm fresh ice cream and to purchase gorgeous sunflowers. The sunflower field is a popular spot for people to take pictures and it's supporting a great cause because 100% of proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut. This field has also been voted by Better Homes & Gardens as one of the 11 most beautiful sunflower fields in the country, with more than 300,000 sunflowers spanning on over 14 acres. Admission is $3 per person in order to enter the cutting field and $3 per flower after that.

13. TAKE A RIDE ON THE ESSEX STEAM TRAIN AND/OR RIVER BOAT

The Essex Steam Train is one of my favorite things to do in Connecticut because it's such unique experience. The steam train has events throughout the year, including a themed murder mystery dinner, a romantic train ride for Valentine's Day, a North Pole Express ride, and more. There's also afternoon tea events and events more geared towards children or adults. The food is great, and while many of the experiences cost around $100-$300 per person, it's well worth the money. My boyfriend and I went on the Valentines Day train ride on the Essex Steam Train and we enjoyed a multi-course lunch complete with fresh bread, a small cheese board to split, a salad, an entree, and a dessert.

14. SPEND A DAY AT LAKE COMPOUNCE AMUSEMENT & WATER PARK

If you love waterslides or amusement park rides, make sure to add visiting Lake Compounce in Bristol to your summer bucket list! Tickets can go for around $35-$90 depending on the day of the week, time of the year, and package you choose so make sure to look online to see if you can find any deals. This is a special amusement park and local attraction because it's actually the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, having opened all the way back in 1846. According to the website, "it also features the world-famous Boulder Dash wooden roller coaster and Connecticut's largest water park, Crocodile Cove." While summer is the best time to visit, there are events year round at Lake Compounce.

15. GO CRAB CATCHING IN CLINTON

If you're looking to spend some time in the sun but simply laying on the beach is a little too boring to you, why not try your hand at crabbing? All you need is some raw chicken or hot dog, some string, and a pail full of water, and you're all ready to go! Anyone who is 13 years or older who plans on keeping the crabs once they're caught does need a shellfishing license, but if you're just catching and releasing them for fun then that's not problem at all. One of the best places to do this is at the town beach in Clinton, where there are plenty of rocks to climb and let down some bait.

16. VISIT THE BEARDSLEY ZOO IN BRIDGEPORT

There is only one zoo to visit in Connecticut and that's the Beardsley Zoo! This zoo features animals like alligators, pythons, tarantulas, pandas, and various different species of plants and trees. Admission prices are $20 per ticket for anyone over the age of 12 and $16 for children or seniors over the age of 62, and the zoo is open 7 days a week. This is a great place to go alone, on a date with your significant other, with a group of friends, or with the entire family.

17. GRAB LUNCH ON THE WATER IN MYSTIC

One of my favorite things to do in Connecticut on a summer day is to grab lunch in Mystic. From fresh seafood at Red 36 to Italian food with a modern twist at Bravo Bravo, there's so much to do and see in Mystic. The best afternoons can be spent strolling the main streets, going in and out of all the cute little shops in town, and then grabbing a bite to eat at one of the restaurants. If you do plan on coming to Mystic for lunch or dinner, I would definitely advise trying to make a reservation. While some places like Red 36 don't take reservations, many do, so it's best to look and see if either you can get a time slot or if you should just go to the restaurant earlier.

18. TAKE A NARRATED CRUISE AROUND THE THIMBLE ISLANDS

Did you know that there are 100-365 islands that are a part of the Thimble Islands, depending on what you constitute as an island? While some are just very small, rugged pieces of land, others contain homes or properties that people live in today. If the Thimble Islands interest you and you want to learn more about their history or to just see the beautiful properties on some of these islands for yourself, spend an afternoon on a narrated boat cruise. Tickets are usually under $25 a person for either a 45 minute ride or an hour long ride that includes happy hour on the boat.

19. HAVE YOURSELF A DAY SWIMMING AND CLIFF JUMPING AT BROWNSTONE

Swimming, cliff jumping, zip lining, wake boarding...you name it, and Brownstone Adventure Sports Park in Portland probably has it. There's so many water activities to choose from it could make your head spin. It's also great for people of all ages, and there are food options on the premise so you can spend an entire day in the water trying all different activities. Summer is the prime season to visit Brownstone, so just make sure to plan in advance and try to get there early if you want to maximize your day here.

20. WALK THE SHORELINE & MANSION GARDENS AT HARKNESS MEMORIAL STATE PARK

Harkness Memorial State Park is arguably one of the most beautiful state parks in Connecticut, if not THE most beautiful. Built in 1906, this Roman Renaissance Revival-style mansion features 42 lavish rooms and six different gardens. Today, visitors come to walk the 230 acre park, enjoying the view of Long Island Sound, the on-site beach, the gardens, and the extensive lawn space. This is an exceptional place to bring your dog to take a long walk or to set up a picnic with a gorgeous water view. The beach is also beautiful but small, so if you plan on spending the day on the sand here just make sure to either come early or on a week day. Otherwise, there's plenty of room to walk and keep your distance from others, and admission is free for anyone with a Connecticut state license plate.

21. TAKE A BIKE RIDE NEXT TO THE WATER ON THE FARMINGTON RIVER TRAIL

Looking for a free thing to do on a warm summer day? Why not bike the Farmington River Trail? As long as you have your own bike all you have to do is show up, pick which area you'd like to start at, and you're off! There are multiple different parking lots across Plainville, Farmington, and Collinsville where you can park your car and set up. Once you get into the Farmington/Collinsville area, you'll be riding directly next to the Farmington River which makes for a great breeze and beautiful view. This is my family's favorite trail to walk or take a bike ride on. Though it can get pretty busy, it's so long that you'll be able to keep yourself distanced from others with ease.

22. GO TO A HOME GAME FOR THE HARTFORD YARD GOATS

Baseball fan or not, there's something so appealing about sitting next to a baseball diamond with a drink in one hand and a hot dog in the other. The Hartford Yard Goats is a great team to come and watch play baseball, and the stadium was built more recently so all the facilities are clean. Ticket prices vary depending on the day you're going, the team the Yard Goats are playing, and seat location but you can usually get a decent single adult ticket for around $25 a person. Bear's Smokehouse Barbecue is one of my favorite food options there so if the traditional hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels aren't really your thing then you might want to try some of their mac and cheese or pulled pork!

23. TREAT YOURSELF TO A SPA DAY AT THE NORWICH SPA & INN

Whether it's a beautiful sunny summer day or a rainy weekday, the Norwich Spa & Inn is one of my favorite places to just relax in Connecticut. The spa was built on a gorgeous piece of land with multiple different outdoor seating area options. Guests who purchase a day pass can enjoy workout classes, a steam room, a sauna, and an indoor pool in between getting their treatments. Some of the most popular treatments to get here include massages, facials, body wraps, nail care, and more. There's also various dining options on the property, including Kensington's Restaurant, Ascot's Pub, and the Spa Juice Bar.

24. TUBE DOWN THE WATERSLIDES AT POWDER RIDGE IN MIDDLEFIELD

If you thought that Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort was ONLY for skiing and snowboarding, then I'm sorry to say that you're wrong. Powder Ridge in Middlefield does a great job of holding different activities tailored to each season so that your friends and family can have fun on the mountain regardless of the time of year. During the summer, visitors have a blast going down water slides on plastic tubes. There's also mountain biking, zip lining, paint ball, and disc golf available.

25. ENJOY A CONCERT ON THE LAWN AT THE XFINITY THEATRE

Xfinity Theatre in Hartford is the largest outdoor concert venue in the entire state. With a lawn area that has a capacity of 22,500 people, this stage attracts thousands for events each and every single week. It's especially popular in the summer when the weather is beautiful out. If you're looking to see a concert at the Xfinity Theatre this summer, navigate to their website and look for which show is the most appealing to you. Lawn tickets are the cheapest but there are seating options closer to the stage area as well, similar to any other concert venue.

26. BOOK A ROUND OF GOLF AT THE LAKE OF ISLES NORTH COURSE

According to the website, "Lake of Isles has consistently been ranked as one of the top golf facilities in the country." The North Course, which is the course that's open to the public, is a challenging 18-hole course located right near the Foxwoods Resort Casino. A round of golf typically costs around $195 at this course, which is a high price compared to other courses in the area, but it's well worth the price because of the quality. Many golf enthusiasts rank this course as one of the best courses in the state.

27. GRAB A BREW AND SOME SNACKS AT DOCKSIDE BREWERY IN MILFORD

While there are countless breweries across Connecticut, Dockside Brewery in Milford stands out for its location. Directly on the water with plenty of outdoor tables and fantastic food options, this brewery doesn't just make great craft beer, but it creates a great and memorable experience for all who visit. They also have live music or events like movie night, yoga, and more so there's always something new and exciting going on here.

28. HAVE A PICNIC AT ELIZABETH PARK IN WEST HARTFORD

If it's a sunny summer day in Connecticut and you want to relish in the sun without having to do any physical activity, visiting Elizabeth Park might be just the ticket for you. Elizabeth Park in West Hartford has some of the most beautiful grounds and gardens that you'd ever see. There's an annual garden, a perennial garden, a flag garden, and EPC garden. There's also 212 rose beds and 75 rose arches with over 150 unique varieties of roses. The lawn here is pretty large so you can lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy the scent of fresh flowers while snacking on some cheese and crackers. There's also a walking trail if you do feel like being a little more active and exploring more of the property.

29. WAKE UP EARLY TO WALK THROUGH COVENTRY FARMERS MARKET

Wake up early, grab your favorite morning beverage, and head on down to Coventry Farmers Market for some fresh produce. While this market is only open on Sunday mornings, it's worth it. Some of the best of CT-grown, CT-made products are sold here, and it's a great way to get outside and turn your usual weekly grocery run into something that's a little bit more fun this summer. There are so many different vendors and options to choose from including meat and poultry vendors, tents selling fresh fruits and vegetables, and even homemade cheeses.

30. GO DOWN THE WATERSLIDES AT QUASSY AMUSEMENT & WATERPARK

Quassy Amusement and Waterpark, located in Middlebury, has been a Connecticut summer favorite since it's inception back in 1908. From your favorite amusement park rides to Splash Away Bay Waterpark and access to Lake Quassapaug, this is a great place for the entire family to have some fun. A single ticket costs between $32.99 and $42.99 depending on the type of pass and whether it's purchased online or at the gate but there are special discounts and promotions that you can look out for to make the experience a little cheaper.

31. HAVE BRUNCH AT WATER'S EDGE RESORT & SPA

Every Sunday Water's Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook offers a fantastic brunch buffet that just can't be beat. With both your favorite brunch classics and the chef's weekly specials, diners report an extensive number of breakfast, lunch, and dessert options while being able to enjoy their breakfast on the water. The price can be a little steep at $49++ for adults and $24++ for children under 10 but the variety and quality of this brunch makes it well worth it. To make a reservation for this upcoming Sunday, call 860-577-3511.

32. BRING YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS TO THE DINOSAUR STATE PARK IN ROCKY HILL

Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill is a 200-million-year-old fossil trackway that includes nature trails and interactive exhibits for visitors to walk through, read about, learn, and experience. Admission is very inexpensive at $6 for adults and teens (youth 13 and over), $2 for youth (ages 6 -12), and free for any child under the age of 5. It's a great family activity, especially if your Connecticut summer involves trying to keep kids entertained!

33. PLAY A ROUND OF DISC GOLF AT WICKHAM PARK

Wickham Park in Manchester is 280 acres of gorgeous land that includes an 26-hole disc golf course, a garden, a pond with a cute little bridge, picnic areas, an aviary and more. The disc golf course is very well-kept and if you have your own discs, this is a great place to spend an afternoon in the shade of the woods playing disc golf. My boyfriend and I frequently visit this course because he loves disc golf and this is one of his favorite spots to do it.

34. COOL OFF WITH A SCOOP OR TWO AT RICH FARM'S

Rich Farm's ice cream is so iconic in Connecticut that if you just said the words "Rich Farm" then odds are another person would then say "has the best ice cream in the state". Creamy, delicious, and locally made, this ice cream shop has turned into a little franchise with locations across CT in Rockfall, Bristol, and Oxford. There are both classic, every day flavors and 2-3 specialty flavors each time you visit, so there's something for everyone!

35. GO TO THE END-OF-SUMMER SOUNDSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL IN BRIDGEPORT

This is my favorite event of the summer every single year in Connecticut. Though relatively newer, Soundside Music Festival in Bridgeport is a music event held annually at the end of September that features top artists for two full days of music. With over 25+ food vendors, a lawn where anyone can bring their chairs or picnic blankets, and a new line up of outstanding artists each year, it's something many truly look forward to to close out the summer. Some artists who've headlined at this festival include John Mayer, Noah Kahan, Hozier, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Lumineers, and more.

36. SPEND A WEEKEND CAMPING AT HAMMONASSET STATE PARK

Hammonasset State Park in Madison is the largest state beach in the area. And the great part about it? It's not just a beach. There are paved walking trails, a bike path, a learning center, and camping at Hammonasset, and these aspects attract thousands of visitors each and every day. If you plan on camping here though, make sure to book your camp site months in advance. While you may be able to get a tent site at the last minute, RV sites are snagged up rather quickly since it's such a popular spot for locals to stay at. If you can't camp here then make sure to take a day trip so you can walk the paved trail near the water or catch some rays in the sun at the beach.

37. THROW BACK OYSTERS AT SHELL & BONES OYSTER BAR AND GRILL

A staple summer food in Connecticut is oysters, and where better to eat oysters than Shell & Bones Oysters Bar & Grill in New Haven? The menu features fresh seafood, steaks, and rawbar items and there is a seasonal outdoor deck that locals love to enjoy their cuisine on during the summer months. The restaurant is located next to the Pequonnock Yacht Club so many large boats go by and it's just an absolutely breathtaking place to have lunch or dinner.

38. SEE A MUSICAL AT THE GOODSPEED OPERA HOUSE

Did you know that the Goodspeed Opera House has been the birthplace of some of the world's most famous musicals, including Annie, Man of La Mancha, and Shenandoah? With a beautiful view of the Connecticut River, this opera house stands out for its history, its location, and the quality of productions it has consistently put on since its inception in 1877. Today, visitors come from near and far to watch dramatic or musical productions. To see the current shows the Goodspeed Opera House is featuring, click here.

39. GRAB A MINT JULEP & WATCH A MATCH AT THE GREENWICH POLO CLUB

If you're looking to be part of something a little more luxury this summer then make sure to check out the Greenwich Polo Club. Though they only play a couple times a month, guests typically arrive in traditional smart casual or casual chic attire and will order a mint julep to sip on while watching from the field's sidelines. Tickets are around $50 to $1000, depending on the type of seating and access and they can purchased directly from the website in advance.

40. BUY SOME BOOKS FROM THE OUTDOOR BOOK BARN IN NIANTIC

There's not one, not two, but THREE famous book barns you could visit in Niantic! Though all three have a great selection of books, the most "fun" book barn to visit is the main and largest location a couple streets away from the downtown. This is because half of the shelves are arranged outside like a little maze for visitors to walk through. Each little book hut has a different theme so it's super exciting to walk through each and see the new theme. There's also multiple sitting areas arranged outside, and goats that you can pay a few quarters to feed. Purchase books or just come to sit and read a used book for a bit, either is totally fine at these establishments! You can also sell your used books here.

41. COOL OFF WITH A SWIM UNDER THE FALLS AT DEVIL'S HOPYARD STATE PARK

Another local hidden gem is Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam. It's free to visit this park and many people love to come and make the hike to the waterfall and then take a quick dip. There's also a fishing platform for those who love to fish and there are picnic tables so you can enjoy lunch here while spending a day in the sun.

42. BOOK A GOAT YOGA CLASS AT BRADLEY MOUNTAIN FARM IN SOUTHINGTON

Have you seen that trend where everyone is going to goat yoga classes? Well, it looks like it's your turn to try it out! Goat yoga at Bradley Mountain Farm in Southington is a popular weekend class with one class per day for $35 per person. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that's great for all ages but children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

43. HIKE ACROSS BOTH BRIDGES AT HIDDEN VALLEY PRESERVE

While there are thousands of great hiking trails across the state of Connecticut, there aren't many trails that have features that really stick out to you. At Hidden Valley Preserve in Washington Depot, there are not one but TWO great bridges for hikers to walk to. The first bridge is only a couple hundred feet into the trail and it's a large steel bridge known as The Thoreau Bridge. The second bridge, which connects you to the yellow trail, is a wooden bridge with multiple different tiers and levels. That bridge is my personal favorite, and it feels super rewarding when you get there. This is a great spot for hikers looking to do something fun in Connecticut in the summer, but it's also great for people who just like a nice outdoor walk because the trail isn't tough at all.

44. SAMPLE DIFFERENT CUISINES AT THE HARTFORD FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

The Hartford Food Truck Festival is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the summer. Every year this event is held from Thursday to Saturday on the third week of July and 15+ different trucks are featured. The event is held at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and there's live music, a kid's zone, and even a hot dog eating contest every single year. Admission is free so bring your friends and family and make sure that you're ready to EAT!

45. WATCH THE BALLOONS DURING SUNRISE AT PLAINVILLE FIRE COMPANY HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

Every year during the end of August the town of Plainville hosts their annual Plainville Fire Company Hot Air Balloon Festival and it's such a pretty sight to see. There is both an early morning balloon launch and an evening balloon launch so spectators could come to either 6:00 am or 6:00 pm to watch the colorful balloons take flight. There's also a fireworks display on Friday each year, amusement rides, a giant slide, and an arts and crafts fair with 100 different vendors.

46. TAKE A PRIVATE SAILING LESSON IN STONINGTON

If you've always wanted to try your hand at sailing then the summer is the season to do it! Stonington offers private sailing lessons from the New England Science & Sailing (NESS) at $210 per person for two level one group classes that last 3.5 hours long each. There are also private lessons that cost $150 for a two hour lesson on a weekday or $170 for a two hour lesson on the weekend with a $50 fee for each additional guest. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and learn a new seasonal activity.

47. EAT DINNER AT A GREAT RESTAURANT IN WEST HARTFORD CENTER

West Hartford Center and Blueback Square have some of the best restaurants in the state. From Bar Taco and Restaurant Bricco to Max's Oyster Bar and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, there are various different cuisines at different price levels so you can choose a restaurant tailored to your tastes and budget. It's also a very walkable area so you can find a spot from the street parking or park in one of the larger lots or parking garages. This is such a cute place to go with friends, family, or with your significant other on a date!

48. SHOP FOR THE NEXT SEASON AT THE CLINTON OUTLETS

Shopping is a great passtime in the summer, but a lot of shopping malls only have stores inside. That's why the Clinton Outlets are such a great place to shop in warmer weather! All the stores are arranged outside so you can walk from store to store and still enjoy the day even though most of your shopping is done inside cool, air conditioned storefronts. From Nike and Adidas to Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, and Bath & Body Works, there's something for everyone.

49. HAVE DINNER ON THE PATIO & ENJOY THE MUSIC AT PARKVILLE MARKET FOOD HALL

Parkville Market Food Hall in Hartford is an indoor food hall that hosts 22 restaurants and three bars- all under one roof! From poke bowls and burritos to jamaican jerk, American BBQ, and classic Italian dishes, Parkville Market serves so many different options that it's impossible to leave with an empty stomach. There are also both tables indoors that are split into two different levels or there are tables outside in the courtyard where live music plays in the summer.

50. TAKE A TOUR OF YALE UNIVERSITY

Yale University is not only one of the top institutions in the state, but in the country. Every year Yale's admissions office receives about 50,000 applications and only about 4.5% of students actually getting accepted. It's a school that has become a household name, and with that there comes great curiosity about what the school is actually like. Fortunately for you, you can come and find out for yourself without having to pay for admission! You can either walk the Yale campus or you can go on a tour, often run by a Yale student, to learn more and take a deeper look inside the famous campus.

Explore More Connecticut Adventures

Whether you're hiking waterfalls, eating lobster rolls by the water, or catching a sunset on the beach, Connecticut has a summer experience for everyone. As a lifelong New Englander who's explored 17 countries, I can honestly say there's something uniquely special about summers on the East Coast—especially right here in CT. Scroll down for more Connecticut travel inspiration, and don’t forget to subscribe for local tips, hidden gems, and travel ideas from around the world.