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Outdoor pool at Great Wolf Lodge Arizona
 

THINGS TO DO IN
  CONNECTICUT


Welcome to Mashantucket, Connecticut, home to Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park as well as countless opportunities for family fun, cultural exploration, and outdoor recreation in the surrounding areas. Just minutes away, discover the historic charm of Mystic, CT, with its renowned aquarium and seaport village where maritime history comes alive. Venture to nearby Norwich, CT, known for its colorful colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene, and scenic riverfront. Whether you're seeking casino entertainment right in Mashantucket, tranquil nature escapes, or fascinating historical sites, our central location puts you within easy reach of New England's most treasured destinations. 



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Things to Do in Mashantucket
 
The Mashantucket and Foxwoods area combines family fun with adult entertainment in southeastern Connecticut. Great Wolf Lodge features an indoor water park and themed accommodations that keep kids entertained year-round. Parents can enjoy a quick visit to Foxwoods Resort Casino for gaming, dining, and entertainment just minutes away. The area's prime location offers easy driving access to Norwich's historic sites, Mystic's maritime attractions, and New London's cultural offerings, making it an ideal base for exploring multiple destinations.
 

Great Wolf Lodge South Florida, open since 2025, is the ideal family getaway. With its 92,000-square-foot indoor water park, themed attractions, comfortable suites, and delicious dining, Great Wolf Lodge has incredible fun for kids of all ages. We hope to see you soon!

Adults can try their luck at one of North America's largest resort casinos offering thousands of gaming options, world-class entertainment, luxury accommodations, and diverse dining experiences on the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation reservation. Visit Foxwoods Website

Journey through thousands of years of Native American history at North America's largest indigenous museum featuring immersive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and a recreated 16th-century Pequot village.

Things to Do in Mystic, CT
 
Mystic, Connecticut is a charming coastal town where coastal history meets family fun. The iconic Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Museum of Art are some of the top attractions in the area, offering everything from historic ships to beluga whale encounters. There are lots of things to do in Mystic with kids [IC1] including interactive exhibits at the Mystic Aquarium and a stop at the famous Mystic Pizza for a slice of local culture, making it a perfect destination for families seeking both education and entertainment along Connecticut's scenic coastline.
 
Top Attractions
 

Kids can get up close with beluga whales, African penguins, and thousands of other marine animals while learning about ocean conservation through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

Savor a "slice of heaven" at the world-famous pizzeria that inspired the 1988 Julia Roberts film and continues to serve delicious, hand-crafted pizza with movie memorabilia adorning the walls.

Step back in time at America's premier maritime museum where you can explore historic ships, watch skilled craftspeople at work, and experience life in a recreated 19th-century coastal village.

Wander through a charming recreation of a New England village featuring unique specialty shops, art galleries, and restaurants nestled among colonial-style buildings and landscaped walkways.

Discover works by regional artists in a historic building overlooking the Mystic River, featuring changing exhibitions that showcase New England's rich artistic heritage.

Families can stroll through this picturesque waterfront district lined with boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in historic buildings along the banks of the Mystic River.

Try some award-winning homemade ice cream in unique flavors served in the perfect location to watch boats pass beneath the famous Mystic drawbridge.

Watch boats glide beneath the iconic 1920s drawbridge that opens hourly during summer, providing the perfect photo opportunity in the heart of historic downtown Mystic.

Tour the preserved 1850s home of the sea captain credited with discovering Antarctica, filled with period furnishings and maritime artifacts that tell the story of Mystic's seafaring history.

 

Outdoor & Unique Experiences
 

Explore 350 acres of diverse habitats along well-maintained trails where you can observe native wildlife, participate in educational programs, and connect with Connecticut's natural environment.

Gain a new perspective of Mystic's charming coastline and historic sites during a narrated boat tour that navigates the scenic river and harbor while sharing tales of the area's maritime past.

Things to Do in Norwich, CT
 
The Norwich area provides family-friendly entertainment options with concerts and cultural events, while parents can enjoy nearby Mohegan Sun casino for gaming and dining. Norwich's central location offers easy access to Mystic's maritime attractions, Foxwoods Resort, and New London's waterfront, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's diverse attractions.
 

Escape to 360 acres of natural beauty with scenic hiking trails, a peaceful pond, and a vibrant rose garden perfect for outdoor recreation year-round.

Immerse yourself in local culture through rotating art exhibitions, live performances, and community events held in a beautifully restored 19th-century church.

Wander through centuries of architectural history in Norwich's downtown district, where beautifully preserved Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian buildings line the streets. The area offers a charming mix of boutique shops, restaurants, and historical markers that tell the story of this once-thriving mill town.

Things to Do in CT This Weekend
 
Looking for last-minute plans in the Norwich, CT area? The following attractions are family-friendly and don’t require booking ahead.
 

Wander through formal gardens surrounding a magnificent Renaissance Revival mansion set on 230 acres of shorefront property with sweeping lawns perfect for picnicking and photographing Long Island Sound.

Hike, bike, or beach-comb at this coastal preserve offering miles of trails through one of the last undeveloped stretches of Connecticut shoreline with spectacular water views.

Play a round on this historic Donald Ross-designed municipal golf course offering challenging holes and breathtaking views of Long Island Sound that has tested golfers since 1898.

Escape to 360 acres of natural beauty with scenic hiking trails, a peaceful pond, and a vibrant rose garden perfect for outdoor recreation year-round.

Explore a meticulously restored 19th-century fort featuring interactive exhibits about military history and technology while enjoying spectacular views of the Thames River and New London harbor.

The Slater Memorial Museum showcases an impressive collection of global art and artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history. Perfect for families looking for an educational experience.

Discover tranquility along scenic trails winding past historic stone walls, meadows, and woodlands perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or bird watching just minutes from the coast.

The Leffingwell House Museum provides fascinating insights into early Connecticut life through its period furnishings, historical artifacts, and engaging guided tours.

Climb Connecticut's oldest and tallest lighthouse for panoramic views of Long Island Sound and learn about its crucial role in guiding mariners since 1760.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Connecticut most famous for?

Southern Connecticut is most famous for its coastal charm, particularly in Mystic with its renowned Seaport Museum and Aquarium. The historic city of Norwich offers preserved colonial architecture, Mohegan Sun casino, and the new Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park resort. Yale University in New Haven, New Haven-style "apizza", and the maritime heritage along Long Island Sound complete the region's distinctive character.

What is the number one attraction in Connecticut?

Mystic Seaport Museum consistently ranks as Connecticut's top attraction, drawing visitors to America's largest maritime museum with its historic ships and recreated 19th-century coastal village. Nearby attractions enhance the Mystic experience, including Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mistick Village for shopping, the scenic Mystic River, and the historic Mystic Pizza restaurant made famous by the 1988 film.

Does Connecticut have an indoor water park?

Yes, Connecticut has indoor water parks, including the Great Wolf Lodge in Mashantucket which opened in April 2025. This 91,000-square-foot facility features numerous water slides, pools, and attractions for families year-round regardless of weather.

Is Connecticut family friendly?
Yes, Connecticut is extremely family-friendly, offering year-round indoor and outdoor attractions perfect for all ages. The state features world-class family resorts like Great Wolf Lodge, educational attractions such as Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium, and scenic outdoor activities from beaches to hiking trails.
Is there a Great Wolf Lodge in Foxwoods?
Yes, the Great Wolf lodge Connecticut location opened in 2025. Great Wolf Lodge is located in nearby Mashantucket, CT, just minutes from Foxwoods Resort Casino. While not directly inside the Foxwoods complex, the lodge is conveniently situated less than 2 miles away, making it easily accessible for families who want to enjoy both the indoor water park experience and the entertainment options at Foxwoods.