33 Fun Things to Do in CT This Summer (Beyond the Beach!)

Looking for fun and adventure in Connecticut this summer? Let me help you! You’ll find summer activities listed here from flower garden strolls to the best outdoor concert venues, historic castles, and scenic towers with views – to help you have the best summer in Connecticut.

As someone who grew up in Connecticut and continues to live here, I’m always hunting for new experiences and adventurous, out-of-the-box activities, especially during the summer when I’m off from teaching.

This CT summer activity guide is for you if you like doing more than just going to the beach on the weekends. While the ocean is pretty, I’m more of a land lover and like to explore both inland – our hills and mountains – as well as CT’s coast. There’s a ton to do across the state which we will cover here!

I’ve written several posts about outdoor adventures in Connecticut; day trips in CT, scenic walks, etc, so I link a lot of what’s below to those posts where you can find more information and details as you plan your activities.

From the Litchfield Hills to the shores of eastern Connecticut, there’s a lot to explore and summer is the perfect time to do it! Let this be the summer of adventure for you and use this list to guide you.

⬇️ Let’s make a CT summer bucket list! ⬇️

What to do this summer in Connecticut? 33 fun activities 📝

1. Visit a Waterfall

Nothing says summer like being by water and since we have so many beautiful waterfalls in Connecticut why not visit them on a hot summer day!

Walking in the shaded woods to a waterfall spot is actually a great outdoor activity for a warm day. And if you work up a sweat on the way, take your shoes off and wade in.

Unlike the beach, you’ll often have these spots to yourself which is the best! Check out my post on 16 different waterfalls in Connecticut – several of them require just a short walk to get to and no advanced hiking experience required! 🙂

2. Walk the Pachaug State Forest Rhododendron Sanctuary Trail, Voluntown

Located in a part of the state I rarely venture to, you’ll find this Rhododendron Sanctuary Trail on the very eastern part of CT, almost in Rhode Island.

Within Pachaug Forest, (Connecticut’s largest state forest!🌲🌲) you’ll find this flat 0.4-mile trail that takes you along a boardwalk through tall rhododendron bushes.

I visited in early July and only a few were in bloom so head here mid July for a good chance of seeing these summer beauties! 🌸🌸

3. Stroll through Elizabeth Park Conservancy & Rose Garden, West Hartford

Another CT flower garden that’s a must-visit in the summer! Elizabeth Park is home to over 100 acres of formal gardens, green space, and walking trails.

While there are many kinds of flowers and gardens at Elizabeth Park, the Rose Garden is a must-see in summer as it covers 2.5 acres and is the oldest municipal rose garden in the United States, containing about 15,000 bushes of 800 rose varieties.

4. Visit Buttonwood Farm’s Sunflowers For Wishes, Griswold

Visit the sunflower capital of Connecticut, where sunflowers tower above the paths, creating a stunning display. Explore 14 acres filled with 300,000 blooms and treat yourself to delicious homemade ice cream on-site!

Named by Better Homes & Gardens as one of the 11 most beautiful sunflower fields in the country, you can cut and take home sunflowers at $3 each all benefitting the Make-A-Wish foundation.

For summer 2024 the sunflowers are open July 20-28th. Usually open the last week of July, check Buttonwood Farm’s website for details!

5. Pair a Walk with CT’s Best Ice Cream

When you think summer you’ve got to think ice cream! To feel a little less guilty about indulging why not pick a spot to walk close to the ice cream shop first?!

I sought out the best ice cream places in Connecticut (with the highest and best reviews) and visited 10 different places. I paired each one with a nearby walk.

Check out the post here: 10 Summer Walks in Connecticut Paired with Nearby Ice Cream. Get your steps in then go cool off and reward yourself with a treat!

6. Head to the Shoreline for a Lobster Roll

Of course, you must seek out a lobster roll during the summer months in Connecticut! And there are so many places on the shoreline to choose from.

Check out this list of the best places to get a lobster roll in CT from the CT Post.

I love the laidback coastal feel of Abbott’s Lobster in Noank. Right on the water – order your lobster or clam strips at the counter then pick a picnic table under the tent. Your fresh lobster will be ready soon! And don’t forget to try a buttery corn on the cob. 🙂 🌽

7. Paddleboard, Kayak, or Tubing

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Science and Forestry says there are between 2,000 and 3,000 lakes and ponds that are at least 10 acres in size. And over 180 public lakes and ponds and then thousands of miles of rivers and streams.

What this means is that there are plenty of places to drop a tube and float or put in a board and paddle. A popular spot for tubing is on the Farmington River with Farmington River Tubing.

For kayaking or paddleboarding you can go to any nearby lake or river but paddleboarding on the Farmington River in Collinsville is a spot I like. You can rent kayaks or boards along with life vests at Collinsville Canoe and Kayak. I also like paddling at the very calm pond at Fisher Meadow in Avon.

8. Visit a Connecticut Tower with a View

What a fun summer adventure! Climb to one of Connecticut’s historic towers and gaze out at the freshly popped green summer trees

Connecticut has 8 different towers you can climb to a view and several are accessible with a short walk.

See which tower is near you with my post: 8 Tower Hikes in Connecticut. It’s a great activity to do later in the day just before sunset! Feel the breeze and watch the sun go down with the best view in town!

9. Visit a CT State Park

Did you know that Connecticut has over 100 state parks?! I’m sure you haven’t been to them all. So how about a list of state parks to visit this summer!

State parks offer everything from pretty picnic areas and benches with views to leisurely walks and moderate hikes. There are several state parks along the shoreline that are great ones to visit in summer as well.

In the summer I love visiting Harkness Memorial State Park and admiring the grounds and gardens with the ocean in the background. On the other end of the state, Kent Falls State Park is another scenic spot where you can have a picnic lunch while admiring CT’s tallest waterfall!

10. Visit a Winery for Sunset

What good are those long summer days and late sunsets if you never get to see one?! While it’s easy to be home and comfy on the couch after dinner time, a great option particularly in the summer is to head to a winery with a view.

A couple of favorite vineyards with sprawling views include Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford and Hawk Ridge Winery in Watertown.

Bring snacks, lay out a blanket, and enjoy 🎶 oh, those summer niiiights. 🎶 (That’s for my Grease fans!) And if the vineyards have a band – what a relaxing summer night it will be!

11. Visit a CT Boardwalk

Piggybacking off the above idea with a winery for sunset – heading to a boardwalk along the ocean for sunset time (or anytime of day) is another perfect activity for summer.

After dinner time the temps are cooling off and if you’ve been inside in airconditioning all day it feels great to be out and about. Lucky for us Connecticut has multiple boardwalks along the Long Island Sound that are made for walking!

A must-stop place for summer in Connecticut would be the Hammonasset Boardwalk Trail. Running parallel to the water you can walk for 2 miles down and back. Another CT boardwalk I love is Niantic Bay Beach Boardwalk where you can even see the sun set. Be sure to stop at Gumdrops & Lollipops for ice cream since it’s located in the same lot as the boardwalk! 🙂

12. Take a Road/Day Trip in Connecticut

While I’ve listed lots of places to go in CT for summer why not hit the road for a full day out and head to a CT town you’ve never explored before?

Make a whole day of fun and take a local CT summer day trip.

I’ve written several day trip itinerary posts for Connecticut. Check out one of the towns below!

• Day Trip to Newtown, CT; Hikes, Waterfalls, Food!
• Day Trip to the Scenic Town of Sharon, CT
• Day Trip to the Charming Town of Salisbury, CT

13. Flower or Garden Walk

In addition to the few special flower garden destinations I wrote about above there are about 10 others worthy of a visit in the summertime.

Check out my post about 13 Flower Spots and Walks in CT which comes with a map of them all so you can find one closest to you! 🙂

14. Catch an Outdoor Concert

Catching an outdoor concert in the summer is a fun way to enjoy live music in beautiful settings under the open sky. Whether you’re into classical, rock, jazz, or pop, there’s a venue to suit your musical tastes.

I grew up in Hamden, CT, where there were lots of concerts held on the town green. I bet your town has a green that has outdoor concerts! Whether you will like the performer, I can’t guarantee. 😉 It may not be Billy Joel but it could be Mike Delguidice (who my parents love to see!) a Billy Joel cover singer who will be performing outdoors at Simsbury Meadows on Friday September 6, 2024 if you’re interested. 🙂

Here are a few places where you can catch an outdoor concert in Connecticut:

1. Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport offers a wide range of performances from various artists in a state-of-the-art facility.
2. Xfinity Theatre in Hartford is a popular spot for big-name acts and offers both covered and lawn seating for a versatile concert experience.
3. Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Westport hosts a summer concert series with free performances in a scenic riverside setting.
4. Ives Concert Park in Danbury is known for its diverse lineup of events, including concerts, festivals, and cultural performances in a serene park environment.
5. Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center in Simsbury features world-class performances in classical music, pop, country, and jazz, as well as family programming, festivals, athletic events, races, and markets

15. Find a Swimming Hole

How many times have I left the house with the dogs on a 90 degree day in search of some water?! Too many to count!

While we mentioned above, there are over 180 public lakes and ponds but of course you wouldn’t want to just jump into any one of them!

Below are a few trusted spots with fresh water that are great for taking a dip:

• Burr Pond State Park, Torrington
• Lake Waramaug State Park, Kent
• Gardner Lake State Park, Salem
• Mount Tom State Park, Litchfield
• Gay City State Park, Hebron
• Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth

16. Visit Connecticut’s Scenic Land Trusts

Land Trusts are beautiful parts of our state-protected land. In Connecticut, we have 123 Land Trusts in CT comprised of over 39,000 members who together take care of more than 62,000 acres of open space.

That’s a lot of land! And so many feature super pretty walks that take you by old stone walls, on top of hills with views, and by waterfalls and streams.

Check out my post – 16 Land Trusts in Connecticut Worth Visiting – and find one near you!

17. Plan a Picnic

Planning a picnic in the summer is a great idea as it allows you to enjoy the beautiful weather (on a mild day) and connect with nature! It’s a perfect opportunity to relax, spend quality time with someone you love, and have fun picking up or making delicious food to eat in a serene outdoor setting.

A couple of my favorite places to picnic include Topsmead State Forest and Harkness Memorial State Park.

Linked here is a list of Connecticut’s 100+ state parks. Pack some snacks, a blanket, maybe even a book (and bug spray) and find a park near you!

18. Pick Your Own Fruit

Picking fruit in Connecticut in the summer is a delightful way to enjoy the state’s agricultural bounty while spending time outside. Not only will you get fruit better than what’s offered at Stop and Shop but the experience of picking it will be worth it!

Here are a few popular pick-your-own fruit places in Connecticut:

1. Lyman Orchards in Middlefield for strawberries, blueberries, and peaches
2. Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford for strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
3. Ellsworth Hill Orchard and Berry Farm in Sharon for strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
4. Rose Orchards Farm in North Branford for strawberries, and blueberries
5. Silverman’s Farm in Easton for peaches

19. Groton Lighthouse

Groton Lighthouse, also known as New London Ledge Light, is a historic and picturesque lighthouse located at the mouth of the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut.

This distinctive lighthouse, with its unique French Second Empire architectural style, offers a glimpse into maritime history and stunning views of the surrounding waters. Visit Groton Lighthouse to experience its fascinating stories, including tales of ghostly hauntings, and to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery that makes it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.

I visited this lighthouse as part of my collection of Haunted Trails in Connecticut post. So check it out if you’re looking for more historic and possibly haunted places in CT. 😉

20. Visit a Castle

Taking a ride in the summer to visit a castle in Connecticut offers a unique glimpse into the state’s history and beauty against the backdrop of summer. Often set amidst picturesque landscapes these castles provide a fun experience for visitors of all ages!

Here are a few castles in Connecticut that are open to the public:

1. Gillette Castle in East Haddam, the former home of actor William Gillette, is a stunning medieval-style mansion with intricate stonework and unique interior features.
2. Castle Craig in Meriden, located in Hubbard Park, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area from its stone tower.
3. St. Clements Castle in Portland is a historic estate with beautiful gardens and scenic views of the Connecticut River, often used for events and weddings but also open for tours.
4. Thimble Islands off the coast of Branford features several small private islands, some of which have castle-like homes visible from boat tours.

21. Dog-Friendly Brewery

If you’re like me you don’t like to leave your dogs at home and if it’s summertime you also don’t want to leave them in the car! Instead, head to one of these dog-friendly breweries in Connecticut.

These breweries have outdoor seating where your pup can relax and enjoy the outdoors with you while you enjoy a brew and bite to eat.

Check out my post: 8 Connecticut Dog-Friendly Breweries and find one near you!

22. Bike Ride along Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

Riding a bike along the Farmington Canal in Connecticut is a wonderful way to enjoy a summer day. Especially if it’s hot outside, riding a bike where the wind will be blowing through your hair, is such a fun experience and way to exercise in the summer!

Connecticut’s most popular paved path is the 58-mile-long Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. This multi-use trail spans several towns, providing a smooth, enjoyable, and scenic route. Starting in New Haven, the trail passes through towns like Hamden, Cheshire, Southington, and Farmington, offering a mix of urban and rural landscapes.

Not surprisingly, my favorite section of this trail is the stretch from Farmington to Collinsville and Simsbury. Wind your way down the path with peaks and views of the Farmington River and end at Popovers Cafe (or Starbucks ;)) in Simsbury!

23. Farm-to-Table Feasts

This is something I’ve wanted to do in CT for a while – the ultimate summer experience that combines the outdoors and amazing food! Every summer farms across the state host outdoor farm dinners – under a white tent with the freshest food around.

Several farms partner with well-known and loved restaurants and chefs to bring a multi-course meal to the farm using what’s in season.

Here are a few farm-to-table experiences in CT:

• Max’s Chef to Farm Dinners 
• Dinners at the Farm in Quaker Hill (part of New England’s original farm dinner benefit series now in its 10th season!)
• Summer Nights Farm Dinners at Stone Acres Farm in Stonington

24. Mystic Seaport Museum

Nothing says summer in CT like the town of Mystic! On the eastern shores of the state, there’s so much to do and see in this coastal town.

And visiting Mystic Seaport Museum on a hot day (get a break with the airconditioning!) is a great idea for all ages.

Reveal your personal connection to the sea through our specially curated exhibitions that delve into ocean exploration, maritime innovation, recreation, art, artifacts, and more. Click for tickets & hours: mysticseaport.org

25. Sunset (or Daytime) Boat Ride

Summer is the perfect time for a boat ride in Connecticut. Whether down a river or in the ocean, there are plenty of choices. And how amazing would it be for sunset?!

Here are a few of the best boat rides to choose from this summer:

• Argia Mystic Schooner Cruises
• Mystic River Cruises
• Riverquest in Essex
• Poet’s Lounge Sailing Charters, Mystic

26. Attend the New London Sailfest

One summer signature event in Connecticut is the New London Sailfest taking place this year (2024) on June 13th and 14th.

See the major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, ships, and over 200 vendors lining the streets!

Check sailfest.org for tickets and details! They even sell a picnic and fireworks dinner! 🎆🎇

27. Visit a Connecticut Country Fair

There are tons of fairs this summer in Connecticut. It’s so much fun to walk around with your kettle corn and pop around different craft tables and sample foods you wouldn’t normally eat – cheese curds anyone?! Fairs provide a perfect opportunity for families and friends to enjoy warm-weather fun and celebrate the local community.

Find a list of country fairs linked here and below are a few examples of fairs happening in Connecticut this summer:

1. Bridgewater Country Fair: Known for its charming small-town atmosphere, this fair features livestock shows, carnival rides, and a variety of local vendors. 8/16/24-8/18/24
2. Durham Fair: One of the largest agricultural fairs in the state, it offers everything from concerts and tractor pulls to craft exhibits and animal displays. 9/26-9/29/24
3. Litchfield County 4H Fair: 8/2-8/4/24
4. Lebanon County Fair: 7/26/24 – 7/28/24

28. Walk Along a Connecticut River

Yes, we know, summer can be hot. But being outside, particularly when walking is a lot more tolerable when you’re near water.

This is a great option for people with dogs as the dogs get a chance to pop in the river for water or to cool off.

Pick a river spot from my post featuring 8 scenic trails along Connecticut’s rivers! 🥾💦

29. Do a Sunrise Hike

I know this idea may not appeal to many and sunrise time in the summer is pretty early (currently rises at 5:32am in mid July!) but if you’re looking for something new and adventurous to do in CT this could be a great option!

One, it gets you and the pups out there and exercising before it gets too hot and two, you’ll get to experience what I like to call a little sunrise high. I am sure there’s a scientific explanation for it but I always have a ton of energy for the rest of the day after a sunrise hike.

Check out my post here featuring 11 short sunrise hikes in Connecticut!

30. Do a Sunset Hike

Have you always wanted to do a sunset hike? To get to a lookout and watch the sun turn to orange and dip below the horizon lighting up the surrounding clouds in pink and gold.

There’s really nothing like a sunset hike – watching it go down and then walking out of the quiet woods during dusk (bring a headlamp!)

For sunset hike ideas check out my post; 6 Sunset Hikes in Western Connecticut and for a fun (and sometimes accurate) sunset predictor check out this website here!

31. Go for a Scenic Walk

We are stuck inside all winter so take the summer months as an opportunity to get outside. It doesn’t have to be a big strenuous hike – as much as I love hiking summer is definitely not the best season for it between the humidity and the bugs.

But a flat stroll protected from the sun under a canopy of trees? Or a paved path that runs through quaint downtown centers in Collinsville or Simsbury?! Count me in!

Here’s a post I wrote: The Best Walks in Connecticut – which features easy walks in the woods as well as paved pathways. Grab an iced coffee, your pup, and enjoy the fresh air without working too hard! 🙂

32. Climb a Mountain in CT!

See a perfect 70 degree day in the forecast?! Fill a couple bottles of water, pack a snack, get your pup in the car and hit the trails in CT.

Check out one of these mountains in CT to hike and take in the summer views. 💚⛰

33. Visit the Beach

Ok, though this article is about all there is to do in Connecticut aside from its beaches we still have to include a visit to the beach on our list!

I am not a big lay in the sun kind of person – I get bored, hot, and antsy, but on a breezy day with a book and umbrella I could be happy watching the waves for a few hours!

And we have beautiful beaches here in CT so you definitely should go enjoy the coast in the summer. This article here from CTVisit gives a list of several public beaches whether you’re on the eastern, central, or western shore!

That’s it, friends!

I hope you enjoyed this CT summer guide featuring the best things to do in Connecticut this summer! 🌞🕶🌅

As you can see Connecticut is a great place to be in the summer between the ocean, shoreline towns, Litchfield Hills, over 100 state parks, castles, flower farms, breweries, fun events, and more. The state comes to life!

You won’t run out of things to do with this list. Get out there and make 2024 your best summer yet! 😉

Save this CT summer list for later!

More Connecticut posts:

• 25 Must-See Scenic Outdoor Places in Connecticut
• Best Connecticut Waterfalls
• Secret Connecticut Waterfalls