Three Great Summer DayTrips in Connecticut

It's a beautiful Connecticut day and you want to get out near the water and do something fun, right? Well, here in Connecticut, there are many great day-trip destinations to water-related destinations. Are you and your kids ready for some fun in the sun and surf? Read on for where to day-trip in Connecticut for just that.

Day-Trip 1: Mystic Seaport; Mystic, Connecticut

Learn more about maritime history as you and your kids check out tall-ships, a museum and a shipyard where new ships are constructed the old fashioned way. This day-trip will take you deep into Connecticut's seafaring roots. Is one of your kids fascinated by boats? This is the day-trip for you.

While in the Mystic area, your day-trip can also step back in time to Olde Mistick Village, an 18^th Century village with shops and restaurants. It's a pretty area with a waterwheel, beautiful foliage and duck ponds - great for day-trip pictures with your kids.

Need to know more? This article provides a great overview of Mystic Seaport, and all the wonderful experiences it offers as a day-trip.

Summer Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Adults - $17.50; Seniors (65+), Active Duty Military and College Students (with ID) - $15.50; Kids age 6 to 17 - $12; Kids age 5 and under - free

Directions: See the Mystic Seaport website for directions from points in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Day-Trip 2: Hammonasset Beach; Madison, Connecticut

Hammonasset is Connecticut's largest park on the shoreline. A day-trip here truly brings you and your kids to the sun, sand and surf. Though it's a pretty popular beach spot, with about two acres of beachfront, there is room to spread out. Besides swimming, sunbathing and sandcastle building, you and your kids can bring a picnic along on this day-trip to eat.

Don't worry if you forget the food though: Hammonasset has a boardwalk, concession stand, public bathrooms, showers and even a nature center. Want to know more about this day-trip destination? Check out this article, Enjoy a Day at Hammonassett Beach in Connecticut.

Summer Hours: 8 a.m. until sunset