Traveling and vacations do not always have to be by plane, train, or ship. Rather, you can drive across state borders for a fun family weekend getaway in Connecticut. This New England state may be the third smallest in our country, but it has a lot to offer, just in Mystic and Oakdale alone, for families of all types.
Below are a few places to visit in Mystic during a weekend getaway in Connecticut:
Old Mystic Village
If you have never been to Mystic, you can add this cute little nautical town to your bucket list. In Mystic Village, you can explore all of the unique and themed shops and restaurants. Our favorites are the Cloak and Wand (a Harry Potter-themed store) and Alice in the Village (Alice in Wonderland-themed tea room), and Sofia’s Mystical Christmas. You can grab a bite at Pink Basil or Mango’s Firewood Pizza, and top that off with dessert from Deviant Craft Coffee and Donuts, Never Enough Bake Shop, or Seven Birds Ice Cream. Monson’s Chocolates sells frozen chocolate-covered bananas, and you can choose the topping—so worth the trip! The Strawberry Festival will be June 21-21.
Mystic Aquarium
Right across the street from Old Mystic Village is the Mystic Aquarium. This aquarium has Beluga whales, African penguins, and a variety of seals, sea lions, and sharks, to name only a few of the animals there. The “Discover Long Island Sound” exhibit is a 12-foot hands-on water table and touch tank. In this tank, you can see, touch, and learn about crabs, snails, and even sharks and rays.
If your budget allows, there are several different animal encounter experiences. These opportunities may be “once in a lifetime,” but the memories will last forever. New to the aquarium is the Aerial Adventure Course located in Dino Seas. Make sure to check out the gift shop for a cool souvenir as you leave.
Downtown Mystic
Downtown Mystic offers a lot of boutiques and restaurants. We all get excited, though, about watching the bridge raise when a tall boat is passing by. You can visit the Mystic Seaport Museum. You can attend a summer concert or a boat parade. Mystic even has Lighted Boat Parades during the holidays.
Below are a few places to visit in Oakdale during a weekend getaway in Connecticut:
Nature’s Art Village & The Dinosaur Place
Oakdale is just 17 miles northwest of Mystic. Oakdale should also be added to your “places to check out” list. Nature’s Art Village is a whole “mini-city” with new things to do, explore, experience, and learn. They are open daily 10am-6pm with free parking.
The Dinosaur Place
The Dinosaur Place is a 60-acre outdoor theme park that has over 100 life-sized dinos! It is the largest dinosaur park in New England. You can visit the A-MAZE-asaurus, Melody Magic musical playground, Splash Pad (Memorial Day to Labor Day), T-Rex Tower (open Fri-Sun in Pre and Post Season), and walk along the Dinosaur Trail. The Splash Pad and T-Rex Tower open daily starting mid-June. You can grab lunch at Monty’s Munchies and dessert at The Village Ice Cream Shoppe.
A to Z Mineral Shop
If your child likes to collect rocks, minerals, and gems, the A to Z Mineral Shop is the place! This store is like a museum of gorgeous (and fragile) pieces. As you browse, you can see full replica skeletons of a few different dinosaurs and a bear. Make sure to ask the store clerk for the black light flashlight for the Fluorescent Mineral Gallery. The fossils and mammoth teeth are incredible to see. Make a fun purchase to add to your own collection.
If you like to dig for your own gems to add to your collection, check out the Discovery Depot. In the Jackpot Mine, you can dig for gemstones and learn how to identify them. Not only do you get to keep the gems that you dug for yourself, but you also get to keep the bucket. There are more than 50 varieties of gems, crystals, and minerals that you can find.
Things to consider if participating in the Discovery Depot are that it will be dark (lit by a candle), and it is recommended for children 4 and up. Children must be potty-trained to participate. In addition to Jackpot Mine, you can also dig for Fool’s gold at Thunder Creek. Again, you get to keep what you find, and you even get a prospector’s pouch to carry all of it.
Other things to do at Nature’s Art Village
Like I mentioned before, Nature’s Art Village has a plethora of things to do. These other activities include Copper Creek Mini Golf (18 holes, ages 6+ only), The Past Antiques Marketplace, and The Genius Museum, where you learn about Retro Technology. Don’t forget to visit the Ageless Toy Shop, too!
What I mentioned above is just a sample of things to do in Mystic and Oakdale, but there is so much more you can do on your weekend getaway in Connecticut. Have fun on your adventures!
