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

Admission: There are no admission charges, but you must pay for parking (and it's located far off the road so you have to part there. The parking cost on weekends and holidays is $9.00 for Connecticut residents and $14.00 for non-residents. On weekdays, the parking fee is $7 for Connecticut residents and $10 for non-residents. This is by far one of the most affordable day-trips in Connecticut.

Directions: Visit the DEP website for directions.

Day-Trip 3: Farmington River Tubing, New Hartford, Connecticut

The rapids of Connecticut's Farmington River set the stage for a great day-trip tubing. Better than an amusement park ride, this is the real thing - unpredictable, fun and sometimes a little wild. There are lifeguards posted by the second set of rapids, but most of the course is unattended.

You and your kids must be able to swim, over 10 years old and taller than 4 foot, 5 inches. Be sure to wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes such as Tevas or watershoes. They also recommend wearing a light long-sleeve t-shirt to protect against chaffing. There is an area for picnicking during your day-trip nearby at a Connecticut State Park where the tubing area starts.

Not sure if a tubing day-trip is right for your family? Associated Content Producer Selina Bankert gives a great overview of her family's day-trip experience was in West Virginia along with some great tips on how to prepare for the journey in this article.

Summer Hours: varies, call on day you want to tube for information and river conditions. (860) 693-6465.

Admission: Weekends and holidays -$20 per person; Weekdays - $18 per person. Admission includes use of a life vest, tube, and a shuttle ride to the starting point. Want to do it again on the same day? You can for an additional $10. Cash only.

Directions: Visit the Farmington River Tubing website for directions from many points in Connecticut.