Things to do in Mystic Connecticut with Kids
If you are looking for an awesome family trip in New England then you for sure want to check out Mystic Connecticut. Mystic is a great place that has plenty to do and see for the whole family. We took a visit and based on our trip came up with this list of Things to do in Mystic Connecticut with Kids.
Visiting Mystic Connecticut with Kids
The younger 2 kids and I took a quick long weekend trip to Mystic Connecticut to explore the area and fell in love with this awesome coastal village. There is so much to do and see when you visit Mystic Connecticut with Kids. Tons of fun places and the historic Downtown Mystic is a great place just to walk around and enjoy some fresh air.
The fun things to do in Mystic Ct made it perfect for a quick getaway to explore something new. For this trip I wanted it to be fun while including learning it so we could also count it as part of our history class for homeschooling.
We started our trip with a stop at the Pez Factory in Orange Connecticut since we were driving from the Poconos and I highly suggest that you take a stop there if can. On our way home we went 20 minutes out of our way to make a stop at Dinosaur Place in Montville which the kids all enjoyed.
Where is Mystic Connecticut located?
Mystic is situated on the banks of the Mystic River and is located approximately 10 miles east of New London, Connecticut, and 90 miles northeast of New York City. Mystic is easily accessible by car via Interstate 95 or by train via the Amtrak Northeast Regional service. While being only a short drive from New York City and the Pocono Mountains it makes Mystic the perfect place to take a weekend trip if you live in the North East.
Is Mystic Worth Visiting?
Yes, Mystic, Connecticut is definitely worth visiting! This charming New England town has a rich history, beautiful scenery, and a variety of fun activities and attractions that make it a great destination for travelers.
Is Mystic a good place to take kids?
Yes, Mystic is a great place to visit with kids! There are a wide variety of family-friendly activities and attractions in Mystic. Mystic offers a wide range of fun and engaging activities for kids of all ages. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in this charming New England town.
What is the best time of year to visit Mystic CT?
The best time of year to visit Mystic, CT depends on what you’re looking for in your travel experience. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons and what they have to offer:
- Spring (March – May): Spring is a great time to visit Mystic if you’re looking for mild weather and fewer crowds. The flowers are in bloom and many outdoor attractions, such as Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mystic Aquarium, begin to open for the season.
- Summer (June – August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Mystic, and for good reason. The weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as beaches, kayaking, and hiking. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.
- Fall (September – November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Mystic, with the leaves changing color and the temperatures cooling down. This is also a great time to explore Mystic’s historic downtown and enjoy seasonal events, such as the Mystic Eats food festival.
- Winter (December – February): Winter in Mystic is cold and snowy, but it can also be a magical time to visit. The Mystic Seaport Museum offers a holiday lights display, and there are plenty of indoor attractions, such as museums and galleries, to explore.
How long should I plan my visit for?
If you want to explore the town’s main attractions, such as the Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium, and also take some time to explore the shops and restaurants in the historic downtown area, a weekend trip (2-3 days) would be sufficient. However, if you’re interested in outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and visiting nearby beaches, you may want to plan for a longer stay. Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring the surrounding area, including nearby towns like Stonington and Groton, you may want to plan for a longer visit.
What Is Mystic CT Known For?
Mystic, CT was once renowned as one of the foremost ship-building yards in the United States. However, it is now popularly recognized as the setting for the famous movie Mystic Pizza, and is also home to two of Connecticut’s most notable tourist destinations: The Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium. Additionally, Mystic boasts the distinction of housing the last remaining wooden whale ship in the world, the Charles W. Morgan.
Where to Stay when Visiting Mystic with Kids
When staying in Mystic with kids I think it is best to stay somewhere that it close by to the things that you are visiting. We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Mystic and it was perfect for the places we were visiting. Other hotel options that are in the same area and are close to all the attractions are the Hyatt Place Mystic, Whaler’s Inn, and Taber Inn.
Things to do in Mystic Connecticut with Kids
There are so many things to do with kids when you are visiting Mystic Connecticut. You can plan your trip to fit the things that your family enjoys doing. If you are looking for a great way to have fun with the kids and a fun place to visit then you are going to want to plan a trip to Mystic with the family. While there are other places in the area including Denison homestead museum, movie theaters, and Mystic river cruises, we did not have time for those things so I am sharing with you the fun that we had on our visit to Mystic. Everything on this list of things to do in Mystic Connecticut with kids is perfect for both older kids and younger kids.
Mystic Aquarium
The Mystic Aquarium is home to a variety of marine animals, including fish, reptiles, and mammals, such as beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, and sharks. Visitors can observe the animals in a variety of exhibits, including the “Arctic Coast,” “Jelly Gallery,” “Pacific Northwest,” “Main Gallery,” “Shark Lagoon,” and “Tropical Coast.”.
The world-class aquarium also offers educational programs for children and adults, including classes, lectures, and interactive exhibits. Mystic Aquarium has a particular focus on research and conservation, with a variety of programs dedicated to studying marine life and promoting sustainable practices.
There are touch tanks and hands on fun that the kids will also enjoy along with the many other exhibits that are there. Be sure to checkout our in-depth post on visiting the Mystic Aquarium with kids for all of the details.
Shop and Dine at Olde Mistick village
The present-day village, constructed in the 1970s, draws inspiration from the Colonial period of the 1700s. The village’s distinctiveness lies in its unique design where each building is different from the others, making it a destination on its own.
The village features over 40 unique shops and boutiques, ranging from clothing and jewelry stores to gift shops and specialty food stores. Visitors can browse through a variety of unique and locally-made items, including handmade pottery, artisanal chocolates, and fine art prints. In addition to shopping, Olde Mistick Village is also home to a number of restaurants and cafes serving a variety of cuisines, from classic American fare to international specialties. Visitors can enjoy a meal in one of the village’s outdoor seating areas or grab a quick snack while exploring the shops.
Mystic Seaport Museum
The museum is dedicated to preserving America’s maritime heritage and is home to one of the largest collections of historic ships and maritime artifacts in the country. There is so much to do here that you can easily make it a full-day adventure. This is a short list of the things to do when you are visiting the nation’s largest maritime museum, but before you take a visit be sure to checkout the full in depth post we have on on visiting.
- Historic Ships: The museum includes four national historic landmark vessels that you can explore. The museum’s historic ships include the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world, and the Joseph Conrad, a full-rigged ship.
- Exhibits: Discover a variety of exhibits that showcase the museum’s collection of more than two million artifacts, including ship models, maritime art, and tools and equipment used by sailors.
- Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops and demonstrations that allow visitors to learn about traditional crafts and skills like blacksmithing, woodworking, and sail making.
- Activities: Take part in a range of activities such as rope-making, net-mending, and other traditional maritime tasks.
Walk around downtown Mystic and see the historic landmarks
There are many historic landmarks in Mystic to check out. You can see them by driving around but they are even more fun to see by walking thru the historic areas. Mystic offers a wealth of historic landmarks to explore and is a great destination for history buffs and anyone interested in American maritime history and culture.
There are many historic landmarks in Mystic to check out. You can see them by driving around but they are even more fun to see by walking thru the historic areas. Mystic offers a wealth of historic landmarks to explore and is a great destination for history buffs and anyone interested in American maritime history and culture.
There are many places to stop and see but these are the ones I think are the best places to stop and see when you are in Mystic.
Mystic River Bascule Bridge
One of the most popular attractions in the historic downtown area of Mystic is the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, a historic drawbridge that spans the Mystic River. Visitors can watch as the bridge opens and closes to let boats pass through, or take a stroll across the bridge to enjoy the scenic views of the river. This historic bridge spans the Mystic River and has been in operation since 1920. It opens and closes several times a day to allow boats to pass through.
Noank Village
This charming coastal village is located just a few miles from Mystic and features a variety of historic homes and buildings, as well as scenic views of the coastline.
Mystic Pizza
Made famous by the 1988 movie of the same name, Mystic Pizza is a landmark pizzeria that has been serving up delicious pies since 1973.
Olde Mistick Village
This historic shopping village features a variety of shops and restaurants housed in traditional New England-style buildings. It was established in 1973 and has become a popular tourist destination.
Mystic Seaport Museum
As mentioned earlier, the Mystic Seaport Museum is an interactive maritime museum that showcases the history of American maritime culture. It features a wide range of exhibits, workshops, and activities.
Mystic drawbridge ice cream
While walking around making a stop for a sweet treat is a must and the best place we found for ice cream was here. There are tons of options from homemade ice cream to sundaes made with homemade ice cream.
Williams Beach Park
Williams Beach is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Mystic River. Its small size and secluded location make it a great choice for visitors looking for a more private beach experience. There are no lifeguards on duty and there are no restrooms or changing facilities available, so plan accordingly. However, there are a few picnic tables and grills available for public use. There is also a large playground that is perfect for having the kids play while the parents enjoy a few minutes of relaxing and enjoying the views.
Mini golf at Great Brook Sports
A little bit away from mystic is Great Brook Sports.This family-friendly entertainment center located in Groton, Connecticut, offers a range of fun activities, including mini golf. The 18-hole mini golf course that features a variety of obstacles, including water hazards, windmills, and other challenging structures was perfect for the kids to enjoy playing.
