Connecticut Summer Bucket List

     Summertime in Connecticut is spectacular. After a long winter, and rainy spring, Nutmeg-ers can emerge from their cocoons to beautiful sunshine, gentle breezes, and pristine summer skies.  We make a serious effort to enjoy every ounce of sunshine and fresh air, so this year I decided to make a summer bucket list to make sure we get to all of our favorite spots before winter shows up again. These are the spots I can’t wait to visit this summer, at least once!
 
Hike at the Audubon at Bent of the River, Southbury CT.
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We love exploring the Audubon in all seasons, but when the weather warms, there is a rocky beach that reaches into a mellow part of the Housatonic River. My kids love to splash and cool off after a hike through the nature preserve. Make sure to use tick spray and dress for adventure!
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Lavender Pond Farm, Killingworth CT.

This beautiful 25- acre lavender farm is family owned and operated in Killingworth, Connecticut. Complete with a purple train to bring you around the farm for a tour, visitors will enjoy the incredible fragrant plants, a gift shop, I love lavender, and enjoy the opportunity to harvest my own! 

Evergreen Berry Farm, Watertown CT.

Evergreen is a family run berry farm that allows visitors to come and pick their own organic berries! They offer Blueberries from July to August, Black Raspberries in Early-Mid July, Red Raspberries in Early July and Early September, and Blackberry in Late August thru Early September. Their  Facebook page will keep you updated as to how the berries are ripening so you can plan to visit at the perfect time.  Not only is this a delicious stop, but the farm is serenely beautiful and has been the backdrop for our family’s Christmas card photos the last few years!
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​Silver Sands Beach, Milford CT.

Connecticut is home to some beautiful beaches, but to me, Silver Sands takes the cake AND offers ramps which make it more accessible for moms lugging strollers with 4 kids too much beach gear! We frequent this stop many days throughout the summer and enjoy finding crabs, watching red spotted black birds, and collecting shiny shells which give homage to the name, Silver Sands. There’s even legend that Captain William Kidd buried treasure there, so those plastic buckets and shovels just might pay for themselves!

Visit Mystic Aquarium
The aquarium certainly is an all season activity, but a visit to the Mystic Aquarium during the summer evokes the need to not only visit the explore the quaint town of Mystic, known for their pizza, and sea faring ways. On designated evenings, the Mystic Aquarium remains opened late for visitors who want to tour without the crowds. Special reduced tickets can be purchased at 6 pm. Learn more about their upcoming days here!

Visit a Splash Park!
Splash parks are such a fun way to cool down and let the kids burn off some energy. They're especially great for kids who can't yet swim, or moms with too many littles to go to a pool without having a panic attack (aka me). 

New Britian is home to three splash parks: Chesley Park, Willow Street Park, and Wolcott Park.
Danbury recently opened a brand new splash pad at Rogers Park and Highland Park
and Stamford has two spalsh pads, one at Mill River Park and one at Scalzi Park.

I'm sure there are many more scattered about the state, have you been to one?
What's on your summer bucket list?? Let me know in the comment sections!