After a seemingly endless winter, spring has finally sprung in Connecticut. Like so many families, we are so ready for all of the spring things. We’re most looking forward to that first double scoop of the season, heading out on the trails and visiting some of our favorite playgrounds. Here is our list of 20 things to do with your kids this spring in Greater New Haven.
- Go on a picnic. Whether it’s in your backyard, at a playground, or a scenic location like the top of East Rock, spend an afternoon picnicking with your family.
- Grab some binoculars and visit the Coastal Center at Milford Point. We especially love climbing to the top of the tower and searching the sky for ospreys landing in their nest.
- Go out on a family hike this season and discover all of the signs of spring. We enjoy visiting Mondo Ponds, Eisenhower Park and the Ansonia Nature Center during the spring because there are so many little creatures to encounter along the way.
- Hunt for animal tracks on the trail, plant in the learning garden, learn the farm life cycle, and understand the impact of climate change on food production at Massaro Farm’s Spring Explorer Series.
- Go fishing! My 10 year old loves to discover new places to fish. Eisenhower Park, the Lower Ansonia Reservoir and Lake Saltonstal are perfect for the budding angler.
- Hit one of New Haven County’s awesome playgrounds. Our top picks include Pease Place, Painter's Park, the Ansonia Nature Center and Bodie’s Place.
- Grab a double scoop from Walnut Beach Creamery, Sundae House or Aretheusa.
- Farms in the springtime mean one thing--BABY ANIMALS! What kid doesn't love getting up close and personal with little chicks and lambs? Hop in the car and take a ride to Flamig Farm in Simbsbury or Silverman’s Farm in Easton to visit those sweet baby animals.
- Go fly a kite at Milford's Silver Sands State Park or at the top of East Rock.
- While there won’t be a Cherry Blossom Festival until 2022, the Wooster Square Cherry Blossoms will be in full bloom. Grab a pizza from Frank Pepe’s (or Sally’s Pizza) and stroll through Wooster Square Park while the trees are blossoming. It’s truly spectacular.
- Rent kayaks from the Quinnipiac River Marina, or get an annual membership to Canal Dock Boathouse to access their fleet of sea kayaks, canoes, and standing paddle board.
- Go old school and learn to skateboard together and Milford’s Skate Park!
- Stretch your muscles and zip-line through It Adventure Park.
- Take a ride and check out the Institute for American Indian Studies which is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
- Set out on the water and take a tour of the Thimble Islands on a boat cruise.
- In June, head to Glendale Farms in Milford for strawberry picking.
- Go on a wonderful waterfall hike at Wadsworth Falls, Southford Falls, or Indian Wells State Park.
- Get creative. Take a trip to The Clay Date in New Haven or Fired Up in Branford and paint your own pottery! Or, check out Picasso Parties for some virtual painting classes.
- Go letterboxing! Check out AtlasQuest or Letterboxing.org for a list of local trails with letterboxes to discover.
- Take a stroll through Yale’s historic campus.
