Connecticut - Science and Nature

Audubon Center of Greenwich
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, CT
Phone: 203-869-5272

Open Year Round Monday - Sunday

This 285-acre nature sanctuary in the backcountry of Greenwich CT has 7 miles of walking trails, nature exhibit displays, a children's learning center, a nature gift shop and nature arts gallery. Nature programs year round for all ages, summer nature camp and school programs. Admission fee.

Bartlett Arboretum
151 Brookdale Road
Stamford, CT
Phone: 203-322-6971

Open: Daily, year round

Set on 63 acres. Visitors will find woodland and swamp environments, as well as a pond. There are several ecology trails, a swamp walk, library and greenhouse. No charge for admission.

Boothe Memorial Astronomical Society
Stratford, CT

We invite you to visit our site and sign our guestbook!

Bowman Observatory
Millbank and East Elm Streets
Greenwich, CT
Phone: 203-869-0376

Open: Year round, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month

There is no charge for admission. Sponsored by the Astronomical Society of Greenwich.

Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum
314 Unquowa Road
Fairfield, CT  06824
Phone: 203-259-0416

Open: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

See Map

Historic (1914) museum highlights natural history of the state with dioramas, wildlife exhibits, and dinosaur footprints. Adjacent 6-acre sanctuary with trails. A National Historic Landmark, first nature center in America, on the Connecticut Women’s Heritage Trail. Admissions: Adults, $2; children, $1.

CT Audubon Society Nature Center
2325 Burr Street
Fairfield, CT
Phone: 203-259-6305

Open: Year round, Tuesday - Saturday

On this site visitors will find exhibits, a library and a gift shop. In addition, there is an injured bird compound where visitors can observe the treatment and recuperation of birds that have been harmed in the wild. The 160 acre Larsen Sanctuary has many trails that wind through the woods and around ponds, including walks for the blind, elderly and disabled.

Darien Nature Center
120 Brookside Road
Darien, CT
Phone: 203-655-7459

Open: Year-round, Monday - Saturday

This center has a natural walking trail and exhibits featuring live animals. Childrens programs are held year round. Free admission.

Devil's Den Preserve
33 Pent Road
Weston, CT
Phone: 203-226-4991

Open: Daily, year-round

More than 20 miles of hiking trails and several historical sites are featured on this preserve. Programs are scheduled throughout the year. No admission fee.

Earthplace
10 Woodside Lane
Westport, CT
Phone: 203-227-7253

Open: Year-round, daily except major holidays

Interactive natural history museum, hands-on exhibits for children, live animals, trails, playground and a gift shop are all part of this 62 acre wildlife sanctuary. Admission: Adults and children older than 12, $7; children and seniors, $5. Grounds and outdoor bird enclosures free. Information: www.earthplace.org

Mianus River Preserve
Westover Road
Stamford, CT
Phone: 203-977-4692

Open: Daily, year round

Facilities for walking, hiking, biking and fishing. No charge for admission.

New Canaan Nature Center
144 Oenoke Ridge
New Canaan, CT  06840
Phone: 203-966-9577

Dedicated to helping people of all ages better understand, appreciate and care for the world of nature

See Map

Take a fascinating look into the science and nature in the area. Set on 40 acres, the nature center features gardens and a solar-heated greenhouse, as well as many trails, exhibits, an arboretum, live animals, and a maple sugar shed.
Hours: Grounds open dawn to dusk daily; buildings and officer open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Donation requested.

Ordway Preserve
165 Goodhill
Weston, CT
Phone: 203-226-4991

Open: Daily, year-round

This preserve is home to an arboretum with 3 miles of walking trails. Special programs are scheduled on the site throughout the year. No admission fee.

Rolnick Observatory
182 Bayberry Lane
Westport, CT
Phone: 203-227-0925

Open: Year-round, Wednesday and Thursday evenings

Sponsored by the Westport Astronomical Society. Call ahead, no admission charge.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT  06903
Phone: 203-322-1646

Open: Monday-Saturday and holidays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Main Building galleries closed Mondays January to March.

See Map

Experience nature, science and the outdoors at this 118-acre site. Includes New England working farm, hiking trails, picnic area, nature's playground, boardwalk (accessible to wheelchairs), galleries for interactive exhibitions with hands-on area for children, two stores, special events, planetarium. Observatory Friday evenings (weather permitting). Admission: Adults, $6; seniors and children age 4 to 14, $5.

Weir Farm National Historic Site
735 Nod Hill Road
Wilton, CT
Phone: 203-834-1896

Open: Year Round; April - October, daily; November - March, Mon - Fri

A national park that was the impressionist artist J. Alden Weir's summer home. The park hosts many exhibits and special programs. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking and nature trails.

Woodcock Nature Center
56 Deer Run Road
Ridgefield, CT
Phone: 203-762-7280

Set on 146 acres, the nature center has numerous walking and hiking trails. The area offers great opportunities for birdwatching and observation of geology. Regular walks and programs are scheduled throughout the year. Gift shop on the premises.

Campbell Falls
Route 272
Norfolk, CT

Cascading waters are the centerpiece of this park, which features fishing, hiking trails and picnic areas.

Connecticut Audubon Center
1361 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT
Phone: 860-633-8402

Open: Tues-Fri, 1-5 pm; Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sun, 1-4 pm; Closed the last week in December.

Maintained by the Audubon Society of CT, this science and nature center features exhibits on area wildlife and plants, and a hands-on area for children. A gift shop and programs are available year-round. The center is located next to Earle Park, a 48-acre outdoor setting with numerous walking trails.

Copernican Space Science Center
Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT
Phone: 860-832-3399

Open: Call for show times, also by appointment

This planetarium and observatory is home to one of the biggest telescopes in the country. Programs and events for children and adults are held there throughout the year. Admission: $3.50 adults, $2.50 seniors and children.

Dinosaur State Park
400 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT
Phone: 860-529-8423

Open: Daily, 9 am - 4:30 pm

One of New England's most amazing places, Dinosaur Park features authentic dinosaur tracks that are 200 million years old. These are protected under a dome, which also houses exhibits and special programs that are held throughout the year. Visitors with their own materials are permitted to take plaster casts of the tracks.

Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens
Corner of Prospect Avenue and Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-231-9443

See Map

The park’s world famous rose garden is the oldest municipally operated rose garden in the country. The two-and-a half-acre rose garden has 15,000 plants in about 800 varieties of roses. The park is also home to a rock garden and specialized gardens of annuals, herbs, and perennials. Open: Daily all year, dawn to dusk.

Enders State Forest
Route 219
West Granby, CT
Phone: 860-379-2469

Open: Year round.

This wildlife sanctuary features a walking trail that leads to beautiful, scenic waterfalls.

Flanders Nature Center
Flanders Road
Woodbury, CT
Phone: 203-263-3711

Open: Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm

Many special programs are scheduled here. Visitors can enjoy nature walks that feature wildflowers (seasonal), a bog and an arboretum made up of nut trees. The Center's trail house features nature exhibits and a gift shop.

H.O.R.S.E of Connecticut
43 Wilbur Road
Washington, CT
Phone: 860-868-1960

Open: Year-round, Friday - Sunday, 8am - 4pm

This equine rescue organization houses horses it has saved, holds information events, treats injured animals and even offers animals for adoption. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and feed horses. Trail rides can be arranged with advance reservations.

Hungerford Park
191 Farmington Avenue
Kensington, CT
Phone: 860-827-9064

Open: Tuesday - Friday, year-round

This park is home to a farm, a collection of exotic animals, a system of trails, science exhibits and programs led by the New Britain Youth Museum.

Lake Waramaug State Park
Route 45
New Preston, CT
Phone: 860-868-2592

Park is set entirely on the lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, fishing, boat rentals, sports fields, hiking trails and more. In season nature programs are scheduled. A 78 site camping area is available for a fee.

McLean Game Refuge
Route 10, Salmon Brook Road
Granby, CT
Phone: 860-653-7869

Open: Year round.

Enjoy a hiking and cross-country skiing on refuge trails. The area provides ample observation areas for both general nature study and birding in particular.

Metacomet Trail
Route 20
East Granby, CT
Phone: 860-346-2372

Open: Year round

This trail is blue-blazed and extremely popular with hikers.

Northwest Park Nature Center
145 Lang Road
Windsor, CT
Phone: 860-285-1886

Open: Year round.

A local area nature center, with a barn, a museum focusing on the tobacco industry, a trail marked in Braille, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and an animal barn.

Oak Grove Nature Center
Oak Grove Street
Manchester, CT
Phone: 860-643-0949

Open: Daily, dawn to dusk

Free admission to this nature center, featuring picturesque and naturally revealing trails.

Penwood State Park
Route 185, Simsbury Road
Bloomfield, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304

Open: Year round

Park has bicycle, hiking and nature trails, as well as sports areas and cross-country ski areas in season.

Peoples State Forest
East River Road
Barkhamsted, CT
Phone: 860-379-2469

Along the Farmington River, this forest features hunting areas, fishing areas, hiking and cross-country ski trails, snowmobiling, and sports fields. Of particular interest is the Mathies Grove picnic area, set among great pines that are over 2 centuries old. Hiking trails include the Beaver Swamp Loop, which leads visitors past the remains of 18th and 19th century charcoal pits and ancient Indian villages, as well as the ruins of a colonial home. Another trail also forks off to the site of an ancient Indian soapstone quarry. A campground is also available.

Roaring Brook Nature Center
70 Gracey Road
Canton, CT
Phone: 860-693-0263

Tues - Sat, 10 am - 5 pm; Sun 1 - 5 pm; July-Aug, also Monday, 10 am - 5 pm

This nature center features walking trails, live animals and an Indian longhouse. Classes and special programs are also scheduled periodically throughout the year.

Salmon Brook Park
Route 10
Granby, CT
Phone: 860-844-5356

Open: Year round.

This park is set on 114 acres, and features hiking trails, an old fashioned swimming pond, and a state-of-the-art children's play area.

Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area
Route 69
Burlington, CT
Phone: 860-675-8130

Open: Year-round, dawn to dusk.

Visitors to this natural preserve are treated to a beaver marsh, an observation tower, and a waterfall. Walking and hiking trails feature information signs and demonstrations of wildlife management practices.

Sharon Audubon Center
325 Cornwall Bridge Road / Route 4
Sharon, CT  06069
Phone: 860-364-0520

See Map

Nature trails meander through gardens, woods and around ponds. Exhibits include a children’s discovery room, live animals and natural history. A gift shop and book store can also be found in the museum.
Hours: The Visitors Center and Nature Store are open year round, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The building is closed on all major holidays. Fee charged.

Shenipsit Trail
Route 190
Somers, CT
Phone: 860-346-2372

Open: Year round.

Several blazed hiking trails are situated on this site.

Stratton Brook State Park
149 Farms Village Road (Route 309)
Simsbury, CT
Phone: 860-242-1158

See Map

Stratton Brook is a completely wheelchair accessible park offering swimming, picnicking and interpretive programs in a beautifully wooded setting. Stratton Brook State Park is a designated trout park. Activities bicycling, hiking, field sports, picnicking, fishing, swimming, cross-country skiing, ice skating. Facilities: bathrooms, changing houses, picnic shelters, picnic tables, seasonal interpretive displays.

Sundial Gardens
59 Hidden Lake Road
Higganum, CT  06441
Phone: 860-345-4290

Open: Year-round, Sat - Sun, 10 am - 5 pm; Daily Nov 1 - Dec 24

See Map

Formal gardens, tea and gift shop in the Higganum section of Haddam. Formal gardens include a Persian-style knot garden, an 18th-century style garden with geometric walkways, and a topiary garden with boxwood, roses and ivy garlands surrounding a fountain. These architectural gardens are carefully incorporated into the landscape around a restored 18th century farm house.
Hours: Tea shop and Christmas Shop open first three weekends in November, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. After Thanksgiving Day, open every day except Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Christmas Eve 2005. Fee charged.

Talcott Mountain State Park
Route 185
Simsbury, CT
Phone: 860-242-1158

See Map

This park is located on the site of a Hartford family's former summer home. The main feature is the Heublein Tower, 165 feet high, with four states visible from the top. The tower is reached by hiking a 1.5 mile trail. A museum detailing the history of the area is also located in the park. Tower open late May to end of August, Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; labor Day through October 31, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Pratt Center
163 Papermill Road
New Milford, CT
Phone: 860-355-3137

Nature preserve with hiking trails and river walks. There are also special programs scheduled throughout the year, and live farm animals on the premises in the spring, summer and fall.

Tomasso Nature Park
Granger Lane
Plainville, CT
Phone: 860-747-6022

Open: March 15 - November 15, dawn to dusk

This 11 acre nature park includes 4 acres of wetlands. Visitors can observe varieties of animals, birds and fish. Walking trails provide ample views of native flora. Free admission.

Wethersfield Nature Center
30 Greenfield Street
Wethersfield, CT
Phone: 860-721-2953

Open: Saturdays, 10 am - 1 pm

This nature park features educational and hands-on exhibits, including live animals and scheduled programs. A log cabin on the site has a library and gift shop.

Wickham Park
1329 West Middle Turnpike
Manchester, CT  06040
Phone: 860-528-0856

See Map

This park features 10 acres of gardens and an aviary, recreational and sports areas, and walking trails. The park contains 250 acres of gardens, open fields, woodlands, ponds, picnic areas, sports facilities, and other attractions.
Hours: First weekend in April through the last weekend in October and for dates listed on the Web site under ‘special events.’ Hours: 9:30 a.m.-sunset except in inclement weather. Fee for parking.

Wilcox Park
71 Hoskins Road
Bloomfield, CT
Phone: 860-243-2923

Open: Year round

Maintained by the town of Bloomfield, this 222 acre park is set in area woodlands and features dozens of marked trails. A map of the trails is available at Bloomfield town offices.

Bull's Covered Bridge River Walk
Bull's Bridge Road
Kent, CT

A scenic part of the Appalachian Trail. Hikers can enjoy the Bull's Bridge Scenic Trail loop, featuring views of waterfalls and gorges down below on the Housatonic River. The covered bridge itself was built in 1842, and is one of the few in New England still open to auto traffic. The trail follows the Housatonic River to Ten Mile River Gorge, and then up to the top of Ten Mile Hill.

Connecticut Antique Machinery Association
U.S. Route 7
Kent, CT  06557
Phone: 860-927-0050

Open: May through October, Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

See Map

Museum dedicated to the preservation, restoration and demonstration of antique machinery from our rich industrial and agricultural past. Areas of focus include Agricultural equipment and mechanical farm implements, The Cream Hill Agricultural School, Internal Combustion Engines, Industrial steam power, Connecticut Museum of Mining and Mineral Science, Narrow gauge railroad. Admission: Adults, $3; children under age 12, free.

H.C. Barnes Nature Center
175 Shrub Road
Bristol, CT
Phone: 860-589-6082

Open: Wed - Fri, 2 - 5 pm; Sat 9 am - 5 pm; Sun 1 -5 pm

This nature center features a variety of self-guiding trails, as well as interpretive exhibits and a nature library. The 70 acre sanctuary is home to a variety of species.

Kent Falls State Park
Route 7
Kent, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238

One of the most visually stunning places in Connecticut, Kent Falls features a 200-foot, cascading waterfall. Along the falls visitors can utilize a staired path which allows views from top to bottom. The park also has picnic areas, hiking trails and fishing areas. There is a charge for admission on weekends and holidays.

Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main Street,
Waterbury, CT  06702
Phone: 203-753-0381

Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.; closed major holidays

See Map

Exhibits chronicle the industrial history of the Naugatuck Valley as well as its social, architectural and cultural past. Period settings, decorative arts, furniture, 19th- and 20th-century art, changing exhibits. Cafe, museum shop. Admission: Adults, $4; Children under age 16, free.

Saugatuck Valley Hiking Trail System
Route 53
Redding, CT
Phone: 203-958-2551

Open: Year round.

Over 65 miles of hiking trails wend their way through Redding, Easton and Weston. Hikers will pass historic and natural sites, including the view from a 200 foot cliff overlooking a reservoir. A permit is required, and available -- along with maps -- at the Redding Town Clerk's office.

White Memorial Conservation Center and Museum
Route 202
Litchfield, CT
Phone: 860-567-0857

Open: Year-round, daily

Sanctuary set on 4,000 acres features 35 miles of trails, including a wooden boardwalk through wetland areas. The sanctuary museum examines the flora and fauna on the property more closely. Visitors can also enjoy the gift shop. A 3.1 mile trail is ideal for the novice and nature lover, and takes visitors alongside the Bantam River and along a 1.2 mile wooden boardwalk that will take you through a large portion of the sanctuary's wetlands.

Albert E. Moss Forest
Junction of Routes 195 and 275
Mansfield, CT

This wildlife sanctuary is used as an outdoor laboratory by the University of Connecticut. Open to the general public.

Connecticut College Arboretum
270 Mohegan Avenue
New London, CT  06320
Phone: 860-439-5020

Over 750 acres of beautifully preserved open space

Email   See Map

Connecticut College Arboretum's 750 acres include the college campus, plant collections, natural areas, and managed areas. Its three major plants collections for public enjoyment are the Campus Landscape with 120 acres of trees and shrubs from around the world; the Native Plant collection, with 20 acres of woody plants and wildflowers indigenous to North America with a pond, and walking trails; Caroline Black Garden with an exquisite display of diverse woody plants in a garden setting. Open every day from sunrise to sunset. Free public guided tours every Sunday afternoon May - October at 2 p.m. Call 860-439-5060 for more information. Private group tours can be arranged upon request.

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
109 Pequotsepos Road
Mystic, CT  06355
Phone: 860-536-1216

Open: Year-round, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed January 1, Easter, Christmas

See Map

Discover live owls, turtles, frogs, and snakes in new natural history exhibits. Experience “A Night in the Meadow” theatre, hike up to 8 miles of trails on beautiful 300-acre sanctuary, and view birds of prey in outdoor flight enclosures. Excellent birding; picnic areas; wildflowers; gift shop. Open daily. Adults $6, Children 4.

Dennis Farm
Dennis Road
Pomfret, CT

The Nature Conservancy maintains this 2 mile trail, available for hiking or skiing.

Fenton-Ruby Park and Wildlife Preserve
Burma Road
Willington, CT

This nature preserve and park offers ample opportunity for wildlife observation and bird-watching. A one mile, marked trail runs through the preserve.

James L. Goodwin Forest
Route 6
Hampton, CT

2002 acre conservation center with displays representing different types of woodlands. The conservancy also has fishing areas, cross-country skiing, hiking trails and a rest area.

Milo Appley Showcase Nature Trail
Wolf Den Road, off Route 6
Brooklyn, CT

This 1.5 mile trail wends its way through a nature conservancy at an easy pace.

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
55 Coogan Boulevard
Mystic, CT
Phone: 860-572-5595
Fax: 860-572-5969

Get closer than you ever thought possible!

Email   See Map

Encounter ocean animals in an exciting new way – no scuba gear required! Reach in and touch a ray, go beak-to-nose with a penguin and feel the splash of a beluga whale. Through spring 2009, see the seven belugas (including two calves!) and four Pacific white-sided dolphins visiting from Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Watch our California sea lions – including Boomerang, the sea lion pup – strut their stuff during a live show, and meet a variety of animals, from African penguins and Steller sea lions to sharks and blue-tongued skinks. Take a ride in the XD Motion Theater “Deep Sea 3D.” Explore the deep ocean with the world’s only exhibits on Dr. Robert Ballard’s fascinating expeditions, including his discovery of the R.M.S. Titanic and visit his newest exhibit, “Exploring Your National Marine Sanctuaries,” which takes you live into some of the country’s sanctuaries to discover shipwrecks and see colorful corals – all without ever leaving the aquarium!

Pomfret Farms
220 Day Road
Pomfret, CT

Maintained by the Audobon Society. Designated trails run throughout the property. The Audobon Society sponsors guided birdwalks and workshops on gardening and area wildlife.

Pudding Hill Wildlife Area
Route 97
Scotland, CT

Wildlife area with fishing, hiking and small game hunting.

Rock Spring Wildlife Refuge
Route 97
Scotland, CT

Walking trails, hiking trails and cross-country skiing along the Little River.

Science Center of Eastern Connecticut
33 Gallows Lane
New London, CT  06320
Phone: 860-442-0391

See Map

Can light be bent? Can sound waves be seen? Young and old can explore hands-on exhibits that will answer these questions... and more. Even have a birthday party or bring a group. Located in Connecticut Collage Arboretum with hiking trails and picnic tables. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. Members FREE. Non-members: Adults $6, children under 12 and senior citizens $4.

The Dinosaur Place
1650 Route 85
Montville, CT  06370
Phone: 860-443-4367

Discover an interactive science and nature adventure

See Map

At the Dinosaur Place, outdoor adventure can be found with over 25 life-sized dinosaurs nestled along 1 mile of easy walking trails. The nature trails include hands-on discovery stations and educational signs. During the summer, cool off on New England’s largest SPLASHPAD. Indoor activities include digging for gems, panning for “gold” or unearthing a dinosaur skeleton. The world-class gift shop is a must stop on your visit whether you are looking for mineral and fossil specimens, fine jewelry, gourmet foods, educational toys, or unique giftware. Plus, treat yourself and your family to a tasty lunch or snack at Cobalt Café. Picnic areas, snack bar, ice cream shop, and playground onsite. Visit our website for hours, rates, and directions.

Trail Wood
Kenyon Road
Hampton, CT

This farm was owned by naturalist and author Edwin Way Teale. There are many nature programs held at the site, as well as three miles of trails for walking.

Trolley Trail and Two Rivers Trail
Cady Lane
Plainfield, CT

These one mile trails are terrific locales for bird watching. The trails are on the site of the Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery.

Yale Forest
Route 197
Union, CT

Yale University uses this forest for study and field work. Fishing is available in the forest. The blue-marked Nipmuck trail runs through the forest for hiking.

Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center
10 Deerfield Lane
Ansonia, CT  06401
Phone: 203-736-1053

See Map

One hundred-acre nature preserve, with several gardens featuring ferns and wildflowers. Of particular note is the butterfly and hummingbird garden. Natural exhibits and programs are scheduled throughout the year. Over two miles of trails run through the preserve for hiking and cross-country skiing. Visitors can also enjoy a fishing pond, picnic areas and a gift shop.
Hours: Sunup to sundown. Office and interpretive center open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except holidays. Free admission.

Connecticut Audobon Coastal Center
1 Milford Point Road
Milford, CT
Phone: 203-878-7440

Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm

Set on the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound, this natural haven is one of Connecticut's best bird-watching spots. Admission: $3 adults, $2 children under 13.

Eli Whitney Museum
915 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT  06517
Phone: 203-777-1833

Open: Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Other times, Wednesday-Friday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed major holidays.

See Map

Museum focusing on Eli Whitney's life, his inventions and his legacy. In addition to historic exhibits, the museum also holds a water learning lab and outdoor study areas. The barn, built in 1816, is the site of special events throughout the year. Admission: free; charge for programs.

Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
Phone: 203-245-2785

See Map

Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over two miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf. Activities include saltwater swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, fishing, paddling, bicycling, and camping. The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors on a limited year round basis.
Facilities: Bathrooms, boardwalk, car top boat launch, concessions, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic tables, showers. Park fees: Weekends, $20 for Connecticut residents and $30 for non-residents; weekday fees are $14 and $20. All days, $10 after 4 p.m. Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites. Open for the season from May 21 through October 30 (203-245-1817).

Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Road
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-8005

Open: Memorial Day - Labor Day, 6 pm - sunset

This 82 acre park on Long Island Sound features exhibits on natural history, swimming areas, nature trails, a bird sanctuary and an antique carousel. There is a parking fee.

Pardee Rose Gardens
180 Park Road
New Haven, CT  06517
Phone: 203-946-8025

See Map

These gardens include more than 15 different types of roses (peaking in June and July), annuals, perennials, and herbs. Picnic areas are available in this tranquil formal rose garden open free to the public. The garden is also available for weddings and special events.
Hours: Open mid-May to early September.

Peabody Museum of Natural History (Yale University)
170 Whitney Avenue
New Haven, CT  06511
Phone: 203-432-5050

Open: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Closed major holidays.

See Map

Brontosaurus and Stegosaurus haunt the Great Hall of Dinosaurs, where Rudolph Zallinger's famous Age of Reptiles mural spans 108 feet. Live animals inhabit, exhibits on Native America, Ancient Egypt, human origins, birds, minerals, meteorites. Gift shop. Admission: Adults, $7; seniors, $6; students and children aged 3-18, $5; free admission Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. from September to June.

West Rock Nature Center
Wintergreen Avenue
New Haven, CT
Phone: 203-946-8016

Open: Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm

Preserve set on 40 acres with live birds and animals. An exhibit area features information on area and regional wildlife. Free admission.