Amusement parks, State parks, Mini golf, Summer concerts, Country fairs, Breweries and wineries, Outdoor adventures, Canoeing/Kayaking

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — It’s officially summer in Connecticut!

With a diverse array of activities, Connecticut has a lot to offer during the summer months. Whether you’re looking to ride a coaster at an amusement park, catch some rays at the beach or try ziplining, here’s a list of things to check out in Connecticut this summer.

Amusement parks

Connecticut is home to two amusement parks, Quassy in Middlebury and Lake Compounce in Bristol. Both parks are historic, with Quassy opening in 1908 and Lake Compounce in 1846.

Quassy has two new rides debuting this summer: Crazy 8 Family Rollercoaster and the Aladdin Wave Swinger. Their website describes Crazy 8 as a “zany” coaster that takes you on a “fast-paced adventure” with unexpected spins and fun, while the Aladdin Wave Swinger is a swing ride inspired by the story of Aladdin.

Lake Compounce is home to five-time “World’s Best Wooden Coaster” winner Boulder Dash, a wooden roller coaster that takes you through the woods and goes at a speed of over 60 miles per hour.

If you’re looking to take a break from the summer heat, both parks feature waterpark sections with slides, buckets, and more, providing fun for all ages.

State parks

Connecticut has 142 state parks and forests statewide, which means you’re guaranteed to have one just a short drive away, no matter where you live. Each park is unique: some offer challenging hikes, others feature waterfalls, and some provide water sports and activities, catering to a diverse range of interests.

Here’s a list of a few parks to check out this summer:

Harkness State Park – Waterford
Chatfield Hollow State Park – Killingworth
Devil’s Hopyard State Park – East Haddam
Dinosaur State Park – Rocky Hill
Kent Falls State Park – Kent
Lover’s Leap State Park – New Milford
Hammonasset State Park – Madison
Rocky Neck State Park – Niantic
Sleeping Giant State Park – Hamden
Squantz Pond State Park – New Milford

Kent Falls

Mini golf

The Travelers Championship may have brought some of the world’s best golfers to the Constitution State the weekend of June 19, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there.

Pick up your putters and head to one of Connecticut’s outdoor miniature golf courses. Mini golf is perfect for a date night, children’s playdates, birthday parties, and more. Our state offers a variety of themed courses.

TripAdvisor has a list of eight of the highest-rated mini golf courses in the state:

Sonny’s Place – Somers
Berlin Batting Cages – Berlin
Copper Creek Mini Golf at Nature’s Art Village – Montville
Matterhorn Mini Golf – Canton
R&B Sports World – Winsted
Knolls and Holes – Bozrah
Riverfront Miniature Golf – Unionville

Summer concerts

Some big artists are heading to Connecticut this summer, from Nelly to Luke Bryan. But whether you’re going to see a well-known star or your local cover band, Connecticut has plenty of outdoor venues for you to enjoy some live music.

Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts – Westport
Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center – Simsbury
Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater – Bridgeport
Westville Music Bowl – New Haven
Xfinity Theatre – Hartford

Bridgeport’s Hartford HealthCare Amphitheatre | Photo courtesy Olivia Perreault

Country fairs

Nothing says summer more than a country fair, and lucky for us, Connecticut has plenty to choose from all summer long. From North Stonington to Bridgewater, there’s something for everyone.

North Stonington Agricultural Fair – July 10-13
Lebanon Country Fair – July 25-27
Wolcott Country Fair – Aug. 8-10
Bridgewater Country Fair – Aug. 15-17
Brooklyn Fair – Aug. 21-24
Chester Fair – Aug. 22-24
Terryville Lions Club Fair – Aug. 22-24
Haddam Neck Fair – Aug. 29 – Sept. 1
Woodstock Fair – Aug. 28 – Sept. 1
Goshen Fair – Aug. 30 – Sept. 1

Breweries and wineries

Nothing like some 21+ fun! Connecticut is home to numerous wineries and breweries offering unique options and distinct vibes. Since Connecticut is so old and many of our breweries are start-ups, many breweries are housed in buildings with a lot of character. Some that fit the bill are:

Willimantic Brewing Company – Willimantic
Two Roads Brewing Company – Stratford
Stony Creek Brewery – Branford
Beer’d Brewing Company – Stonington

Connecticut also boasts its own wine trail, which spans the entire state. From Aquila’s Nest in Newtown to Kingdom of the Hawk in North Stonington, there are plenty of options for you to try a new wine.

Outdoor adventures

If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity that allows you to try something new, this category is for you. Try ziplining at Brownstone Adventure Sports Park in Portland or float down the Housatonic River at Clarke Outdoors in West Cornwall.