[inmyownwords15]

Hello all,

My sister and her family recently relocated to Middletown CT and me and a few other members of the family will be going up to visit(It will be my twin nieces 1st bday). We also wanted to set aside a day to go out and visit an "attraction" nearby(within 2 hours driving max).

Any recommendations for a place to checkout? Keep in mind we will have 2 one year old girls with us so we would also like to keep them entertained as well. We don't mind walking and being outdoors either. Thanks!

[MrGompers]

Originally Posted by inmyownwords15

Hello all,

My sister and her family recently relocated to Middletown CT and me and a few other members of the family will be going up to visit(It will be my twin nieces 1st bday). We also wanted to set aside a day to go out and visit an "attraction" nearby(within 2 hours driving max).

Any recommendations for a place to checkout? Keep in mind we will have 2 one year old girls with us so we would also like to keep them entertained as well. We don't mind walking and being outdoors either. Thanks!

If you have never been before, I would highly recommend these two places

DEEP: Gillette Castle State Park

This place has some spectacular views of the CT river, since the castle was built on a bluff.

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride | A nostalgic and exciting tourist destination operating live steam trains in the Connecticut River Valley since 1971. All Aboard!

Both are within one hour of Middletown and are two of the top attractions in CT.

You can also consider Hammonasset beach about one hour from Middletown.

DEEP: Hammonasset Beach State Park

and Mystic Seaport about 90 minutes from Middletown.

Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea

or the aquariam

Mystic Aquarium

If cost is important I have ranked them from cheapest to most expensive

1. Gillette Castle
2. Hammonasset
3. Essex Steam Train
4. Mystic Village
5. Mystic aquarium

I think you can buy a combo ticket for mystic village and the aquarium. I'm not sure because I haven't been there in years.

[willow wind]

Perhaps Lake Compounce Amusement park in Bristol, CT - about half an hour from Middletown

Amusement park with lots of rides, a water park and a lake shore. You can bring a stroller or rent them, lots of restrooms, food, etc.

https://www.lakecompounce.com/

Something there for everyone of any age. The one year olds you can push around and let them get wet. Adults and older kids will find plenty to do.

[inmyownwords15]

thank you for your contributions! Lake compounce looks intriguing, definitely something for everyone. Also, mystic aquarium looks fun too! I'll forward these recommendations to my sis.

[JerryG411]

Mystic is 90 minutes from Middletown if you're going 30 mph. It's more like 45 minutes at normal speed. Ditto for hammonassett.

[reed303]

Brownstone Park, right across the river from Middletown

Zip lines, swim, rock climb, kayak, wakeboard, etc

Brownstone Park - Connecticut - Zip Lines, Wakeboards, Rock Climb, Water Slides and Toys, Scuba and Swim

[NewJeffCT]

Originally Posted by JerryG411

Mystic is 90 minutes from Middletown if you're going 30 mph. It's more like 45 minutes at normal speed. Ditto for hammonassett.

but, if they're battling summer traffic on 95, it could be a good 90 minutes

[Stylo]

Peabody Museum (New Haven), Newport, Block Island, Watch Hill, Maritime Aquarium (Norwalk), Connecticut Science Center (Hartford), Six Flags New England.

Boston is about 2 hours away and offers more than can easily be listed. Same with NYC.

[hyechica]

i second lake compounce its great plus they offer free soda and water all day in the park they have plenty of drinking stations around the various parts of the park. parking is reasonable and it is very family friendly.

[SunFlower33]

I would not suggest Six Flags or Lake Compounce for anyone schlepping around two infants.


Mystic Aquarium and/or Seaport both have outside activities and are much more friendly to stroller or carried infants.