Are you looking for some fun things to do in Connecticut this summer? You’re in luck! The Constitution State has plenty of exciting activities and events, many of which are low-cost or free!!

Here are 21 ideas to get you started on your summer bucket list. Keep reading to get more information about each!

1. Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum and learn about Connecticut’s maritime history.
2. Take a hike in Sleeping Giant State Park and enjoy the stunning views from the mountaintop.
3. Check out the Connecticut Wine Trail and sample some of the state’s best wines.
4. Go on a zip-lining adventure at the Adventure Park at Storrs.
5. Attend a concert at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford or the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford.
6. Explore the Yale University Art Gallery and see works by famous artists like Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso.
7. Walk through the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden in Hartford and admire the colorful blooms.
8. Go on a hot air balloon ride with Aer Blarney Balloons in Southbury.
9. Hit the beach! There is nothing like the calm Connecticut waters and the fun activities at the beach.
10. Visit the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford and learn about the famous author’s life and works.
11. Go on a kayaking adventure on the Farmington River with Farmington River Tubing.
12. Attend the Milford Oyster Festival and sample some of the freshest seafood around.
13. Take a tour of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford and learn about the famous author’s role in the abolitionist movement.
14. Enjoy concerts on the green in New Haven.
15. Attend the Connecticut Renaissance Faire in Lebanon and return to the 16th century.
16. Visit the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport and see over 300 animals.
17. Take a day trip to the charming town of Mystic and explore its quaint shops and restaurants.
18. Attend the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven and experience a diverse range of performances and exhibits.
19. Go on a fishing excursion with Black Hawk Sport Fishing in Niantic.
20. Visit the Mystic Aquarium or the Norwalk Aquarium and see various marine life, including beluga whales and African penguins.
21. Visit the unusual and quirky Gilettes Castle and enjoy an easy hike on the property.

Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum

The Mystic Seaport Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the maritime history of Connecticut. Or for anyone who loves a living history museum.

The museum is home to the largest collection of historic ships in the country, including the last wooden whaleship in the world, the Charles W. Morgan.

Visitors can explore the ships, take part in hands-on activities, and learn about the history of the seafaring life.

In addition to the ships, the museum also has exhibits on the history of boatbuilding, navigation, and the maritime industries that have shaped Connecticut’s history.

There are also demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as blacksmithing and sailmaking, that give visitors a glimpse into the skills and techniques that were used in the past.

Hike in Sleeping Giant State Park

Sleeping Giant State Park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails with beautiful scenic views just a few miles away from downtown New Haven. It is one of the most popular hiking spots in all of Connecticut becasue of the variety of trails and the view from the top.

The park has several trails that cater to different levels of hikers, ranging from easy to difficult.

Zip-Lining at the Adventure Park at Storrs

The Adventure Park at Storrs offers a thrilling zip-lining experience for all ages. This is a fabulous place to take your kids when they are going stir crazy, but it is also a great place for grownups.

The park has several zip-lining courses that cater to different levels of difficulty, ranging from beginner to advanced.

The courses are designed to challenge and excite the participants, while also providing a safe and enjoyable experience.

Hot Air Balloon Ride with Aer Blarney Balloons

Aer Blarney Balloons offers a totally unique and exciting way to experience Connecticut’s scenic beauty.

The hot air balloon rides provide a bird’s eye view of the picturesque countryside, making it a perfect adventure for couples, families, and friends.

The rides are safe and guided by experienced pilots, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Kayaking on the Farmington River

The Farmington River offers a beautiful and peaceful kayaking experience for all ages. The river has several sections that cater to different levels of kayakers, ranging from easy to difficult.

Don’t expect rapids and fast moving water, the Farmington River is generally quite calm and a great spot for beginners to kayak. Plus there are kayak and  tube rentals all along the river if you want some options.

Connecticut Wine Trail

Connecticut is home to over 30 wineries, each with its unique character and charm.

The Connecticut Wine Trail is a popular destination for wine lovers and tourists alike.

Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and events at the wineries, which offer a variety of red, white, and fruit wines.

Milford Oyster Festival

The Milford Oyster Festival is an annual event that celebrates the town’s history as an oyster farming community.

The festival features live music, boating competitions, arts and crafts, and of course, delicious oysters.

Visitors can try raw, fried, and grilled oysters from local vendors, as well as other seafood dishes and snacks.

Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a unique culinary experience, the Milford Oyster Festival is a great place to try.

Concerts at Xfinity Theatre or the Oakdale Theater

Music lovers can enjoy a variety of concerts at one of the larger concert halls this summer

Each venue hosts popular artists from different genres, including rock, pop, and country.  While Connecticut may not the get the sheer amount of concerts as New York City or Boston, there are enough to satisfy most music lovers. Plus there is always available parking!

Hit The Beach

Connecticut’s coastline boasts beautiful beaches perfect for a relaxing day by the water. Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison offers over two miles of sandy shore and scenic trails. Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme is known for its picturesque views and family-friendly amenities. Silver Sands State Park in Milford features a unique boardwalk and stunning views of Long Island Sound.

Concerts on the Green in New Haven

The Concerts on the Green series in New Haven is a free outdoor music event every Wednesday evening in July and August.

The concerts feature local and regional artists performing a variety of genres, including jazz, rock, and blues.

Visitors can bring their chairs and blankets to enjoy the music under the stars.

Connecticut Renaissance Faire

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is a family-friendly event that takes visitors back to the 16th century.

The faire features live entertainment, including jousting and sword fighting, and vendors selling handmade crafts and food.

Visitors can also participate in games and activities, such as archery and axe throwing.

While this is not a huge Renaissance Faire like some around the country, it is certainly fun and the price reflects that fact that it is a small faire. The faire begins at the end of August and runs through September.

International Festival of Arts & Ideas

The International Festival of Arts & Ideas is a 15-day event in New Haven every June.

The festival features performances by artists from around the world, as well as lectures, workshops, and other events.

Visitors can enjoy music, theater, dance, visual arts, food vendors, and other activities.

Yale University Art Gallery

The Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

With over 200,000 objects in its collection, the gallery has a huge range of pieces.

Visitors can explore the galleries and view works from a wide range of cultures and time periods, including ancient art, contemporary art, and everything in between.

The gallery also offers various educational programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and tours.

Mark Twain House & Museum

The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, is a must-see for literature lovers.

This historic home was the residence of the famous author Mark Twain from 1874 to 1891.

Visitors can tour the house, learn about Twain’s life and work, and view exhibits on his legacy.

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and literary events.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, Connecticut, is a must-visit for history buffs.

This historic home was the residence of the famous author Harriet Beecher Stowe from 1873 to 1896.

Visitors can tour the house, learn about Stowe’s life and work, and view exhibits on her legacy.

The center also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and literary events.

Elizabeth Park Rose Garden

The Elizabeth Park Rose Garden is a beautiful and serene place to visit this summer.

With over 15,000 rose bushes and 800 varieties, it is the perfect spot to leisurly walk and enjoy the fragrant and colorful blooms.

The garden also features a beautiful gazebo and lots of areas to picnic or throw a frizbee, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Beardsley Zoo

The Beardsley Zoo is a fun and educational destination for families and animal lovers.

The zoo has over 300 animals, including tigers, wolves, and bears.

Visitors can also see exotic animals like the Amur leopard and the Red panda. This is a great sized zoo for younger kids, as it isn’t too much walking.

Mystic Aquarium

The Mystic Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life.

The aquarium is home to over 4,000 animals, including beluga whales, sea lions, and penguins.

Visitors can watch sea lion shows, touch stingrays, and even go on a behind-the-scenes tour.

The aquarium also offers educational programs and events throughout the summer.

Gillette’s Castle

Gillette’s Castle is a unique attraction located in East Haddam, Connecticut. It is not a looker from the outside, but the inside holds all kinds of secrets.

Built in the early 20th century, this medieval-style castle was once the home of actor William Gillette.

Visitors can explore the castle’s interior and exterior, which features impressive stonework and intricate wood carvings. The interior has hidden doors, furniture on sliders, and other suprises.

There are some lovely walking trails on the propery as well.

Charming Town of Mystic

The charming town of Mystic, Connecticut, is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves quaint towns and yummy food.

This historic town is home to the Mystic Seaport Museum, which features exhibits on maritime history and culture.

Visitors can also explore the town’s quaint shops and restaurants, take a scenic boat ride, or visit the Mystic Aquarium to see various marine life.

Fishing Excursion with Black Hawk Sport Fishing

For those who enjoy fishing, Black Hawk Sport Fishing offers an exciting excursion to catch some of the most sought-after fish in the Long Island Sound.

The experienced crew will guide you through the process and provide all necessary equipment.

The trip lasts approximately 8 hours. It offers the opportunity to catch striped bass, bluefish, fluke, porgy, and black sea bass.

The boat is equipped with a galley, restrooms, and comfortable seating areas to ensure a pleasant experience for all.

It is recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket.

The crew will clean and filet your catch, so you can take it home and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner.

Do You Want More Things to do in Connecticut?

For such a small state, Connecticut has a lot going on. You can check out my post about Things to Do in Connecticut, go to the site CT Visit, or just get here and start exploring!