Mystic, Connecticut: 10 Fun Things to Do

Mystic, Connecticut, might be best known for it's old-fashioned charm and it's historic seaport, but there are many other fun attractions in the Mystic area. The attractions range from wineries to boat day trips to the aquarium to shopping! Listed below are several fun things to do on your next family vacation to Mystic.

1. Mystic Seaport
75 Greenmanville Avenue
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 572-5315 or (888) 973-2767
http://www.mysticseaport.org

If you go to Mystic, CT you really should go see the Mystic Seaport. This is the nation's leading maritime museum. Kids & adults can explore historic ships, and visit the 19^th century coastal village. This exciting village also includes a planetarium and beautiful gardens.

2. Olde Mystic Village

Enjoy walking through beautiful Olde Mystic Village. Stop at the duck pond and feed the ducks, or listen to the band play in the gazebo. Shop in any of the unique stores for souvenirs or sports team items! There are over 60 shops located in Old Mystic Village offering a wide array of items, including a Christmas shop that's open year round. The Village also has a couple of restaurants and some novelty snack/food stores.

3. Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Boulevard
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 572-5955
http://www.mysticaquarium.org

Delight the kids & yourself by visiting the aquarium! In the summer months you can see a Sting Ray pool up close and reach in and touch a sting ray! This aquarium has beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, and a sea lion show. There are also ship wreck exhibits to explore within the aquarium.

4. B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill
129 North Stonington Road
Mystic, CT 06355
(860) 536-3354
http://www.bfclydescidermill.com/

The last steam powered cider mill in New England is B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill which has been run by the family since the late 1800s. They make fresh cider during the fall.

5. Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

Fun for everyone! Whether you want to take only a steam train ride, or pair it with a river boat ride, this is a very fun way to see some of the Connecticut countryside as well as the Connecticut River. The steam train offers and open car letting in the cool natural breezes.

6. Wineries

There are two wineries in nearby Stonington. The Jonathan Edwards Winery and the Stonington Winery both are open to the public for touring the winery.

7. The Dinosaur Place
1650 ROUTE 85
MONTVILLE, CT 06370
860-443-GEMS
http://www.thedinosaurplace.com/

You don't have to be a dinosaur lover to appreciate The Dinosaur Place. The Dinosaur Place has both an indoor interactive science center where you can dig for gems, pan for gold or dig up an dinosaur fossils! The Outdoor Adventure offers over 1 mile of walking trails. Nestled in the woods along the trails are over two dozen life-sized dinosaur replicas! In the summer months the kids can enjoy a small water park and all year round they can play on the outdoor play area!

8. Gillette Castle
67 River Road
East Haddam, CT 06423
1-860-526-2336

This castle was built in the early 1900's by famous actor William Gillett who was best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. You can tour the castle & see the secret passages, hidden compartments & beautiful wood & stonework throughout the castle. The castle also has an observation deck, hiking trails and picnic areas.

9. Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
109 Pequotsepos Road,
P.O. Box 122, Mystic, CT 06355.
(860 ) 536-1216
http://www.dpnc.org/

Over 300 acres of preserved land, with 8 miles of walking, hiking and bird watching trails. This non-profit center has a wildlife sanctuary, a natural history museum with interactive exhibits, bird nest and egg collections, live birds or prey, frogs and turtles.

10. Casinos

If a night at one of the renowned CT casinos is what you had in mind you'll be pleased with whichever casino you chose! Foxwoods is the largest casino in the world with over 6,500 slot machines, more than 350 table games, a poker room, 24 restaurants and over a dozen retail shops. Mohegan Sun is the 2^nd largest Casino in the world with over 6,000 slot machines and 300 gaming tables. The Mohegan Sun also features some unique & stunning architectural elements including an indoor seven story waterfall and the world's largest planetarium dome.

Foxwoods Resort & Casino: http://www.foxwoods.com/
Mohegan Sun: http://www.mohegansun.com/gateway/index.html

Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway, or a fun-filled vacation Mystic, Connecticut, has plenty to offer! Consider making it your next destination for fun!