The 21 Best Things to Do in Mystic, CT With Kids

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Are you looking for things to do in Mystic, CT with kids? Then look no further than these memorable family-friendly activities from a Mystic native.

Mystic is my hometown, and while I don’t live there anymore, my family goes down to this quaint seaside town several times a year to see family and enjoy all there is to do in town.

Things to do in Mystic CT with kids Pinterest Pin

There are many fun things to do in Mystic with its many attractions, museums, and walkable downtown that will keep kids of all ages (and adults) entertained for hours or even days!

Make some unforgettable memories as a family by exploring all that Mystic, CT has to offer.

Is Mystic, CT Good For Kids?

Yes, Mystic CT is a great place for kids! With its many attractions, museums, and historic downtown, There are many amazing things to do in Mystic, CT, with kids that will keep them busy and entertained.

There are also plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in Mystic, a wonderful bakery, delicious fresh ice cream, and a candy shop that sells retro candy and their current favorites.

Family-Friendly Mystic, CT Attractions

When the weather gets warm, Mystic is the perfect place to visit. Located on the southeastern Connecticut Shoreline, families can enjoy the many outdoor activities available in the area, visit one of the nearby beaches, or take a scenic boat ride down the Mystic River.

Mystic is also the perfect place to visit in the fall. Your family will enjoy the fall foliage that New England is known for and smaller crowds.

Whether you’re looking for a fun fall activity or a place to visit while on summer vacation, Mystic is the perfect destination for families.

Without further ado, let’s find out why Mystic is one of our favorite places to bring the kids.

Related: 10 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Connecticut This Christmas

Kids Mystic, CT Travel Planner

Get your kids involved in planning and organizing your trip to Mystic, Connecticut. This fun seven-page planner comes in two different designs and includes:

  • Planner with attractions, activities, kid-friendly restaurants, and where to find ice cream shops, bakeries, and candy shops.
  • A blank planner page
  • Fillable five-day travel itinerary sheet
  • A two-page travel journal for kids to write about their trip
  • A fun scavenger hunt to find iconic Mystic locations + and an answer sheet.

GET THE KIDS MYSTIC TRAVEL PLANNER FOR $5.97

downtown mystic connecticut

Get a Mystic Pass for discounted admission to both the Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium.

Explore Historic Downtown Mystic

Downtown Mystic is a great place to explore with kids. The many shops, restaurants, and attractions will keep the kids entertained. Families can also take a stroll along the Mystic Riverwalk.

Be sure to catch the drawbridge going up to let boats through to the other side of the Mystic River. The kids will love it!

Enjoy A Walking Tour Through Town

Mystic has several walking tours to choose from depending on the interests and ages of your children.

Mystic Seafarer’s Trail Self-Guided Tour

This self-guided tour takes you through the historic downtown area. Families can learn about the history of Mystic while enjoying the scenic views.

Mystic River Historical Society Walking Tour

The Mystic River Historical Society offers a self-guided walking tour for families to learn about the history of Mystic while enjoying the scenic views.

Mystic Revealed

If you want to learn about the history of Mystic but don’t want to do a walking tour, then take the Mystic Revealed Tour. This private tour of no more than six people takes you through the historic downtown area.

Families can learn about the history of Mystic with a Mystic local while enjoying the scenic views.

Seaside Shadows Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour

This is a great option for families with older kids interested in learning about the history of Mystic. This two-hour ghost tour takes you from the 17th Century to the 20th Century of Mystic history. From the Pequot Wars, Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and more, you’ll hear stories about the history, lore, and ghosts that are said to haunt the town.

Seaside Shadows hosts other spooky tours if this one isn’t your cup of tea.

Mystic Seaport

Visit The Mystic Seaport

One of the most popular things to do with kids in Mystic, CT, is to visit the Mystic Seaport. The Mystic Seaport is a living museum that tells the story of America and the sea. Families can explore historic ships, watch demonstrations, and learn about maritime history. There is also a planetarium, a children’s museum, and various shops and restaurants on-site.

Is Mystic Seaport Kid-Friendly?

Yes! Mystic Seaport is incredibly kid-friendly. In addition to the standard exhibits that kids will enjoy, there are also fun activities for children to do.

  • Younger children can play in the children’s museum
  • Older children make crafts and more in the P.R. Mallory Building
  • Build a souvenir boat in the Toy Boat Building
  • Explore the science of motion in the Discovery Barn
  • Play on the playscape

Go For A Nature Walk At Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center 

The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is a great place to learn about the natural world. The nature center has hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a variety of animal exhibits.

Families can also participate in hands-on programs and workshops.

Visit The Denison Homestead Museum

The Denison Homestead Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Mystic.

The museum is located in a historic home that was built in 1654. Families can tour the house, see exhibitions, and participate in hands-on activities.

Beluga whale at Mystic Aquarium

Discover Marine Animals At Mystic Aquarium

The Mystic Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Mystic. Families can see many types of ocean animals up close, including penguins, sea lions, and beluga whales.

The aquarium also has sea lion shows and a hands-on stingray touch pool.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, there are plenty of Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Mystic Aquarium and Olde Mistick Village next door.

Is Mystic Aquarium Good For Toddlers?

Yes, Mystic Aquarium is great for toddlers! Many of the exhibits and shows are geared towards toddlers and young children.

Most exhibits and tanks are also low enough for toddlers to see them easily.

Is Mystic Aquarium Stroller Friendly?

Yes, Mystic Aquarium is stroller friendly. The main area of the aquarium is wide open for easy stroller use and designated stroller parking areas throughout the aquarium.

Ramps lead up to the marine theater for the sea lion show and walkways through the outdoor exhibits. All outdoor walkways are either paved or have flat wooden bridges to cross marshy areas.

Go Paddling, Kayaking, Or Biking

If you want to take your family on a more personalized adventure, then a paddleboard, kayak, or bike rental is just what you’re looking for.

Reserve your paddle board, bicycle, or kayak early as rentals typically go quickly, especially in the busy season.

Adventure Mystic

Adventure Mystic is your one-stop shop for all things paddle, kayak, and bike. With a full range of paddleboards, single and double kayaks, and bikes to either rent or buy, you and the kids will be ready for an outdoor adventure in no time.

Blue Heaven Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals

Blue Heaven is a great option if you’re looking to rent a paddleboard or kayak. They offer hourly and daily rentals so you can go at your own pace.

Mallard duck at Olde Mistick Village

Feed The Ducks At Olde Mistick Village

Olde Mistick Village is a cute outdoor shopping village that looks like it’s right out of the 1800s. It’s a perfect place for families to find a cool souvenir, get a bite to eat, or just walk around.

The village has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a duck pond where families can feed the ducks, relax on the grass, and enjoy the scenery.

Tree Trails Adventure Park 

Tree Trails Adventure Park is a great option for families looking for things to do in Mystic, CT, with kids. They offer a variety of outdoor activities, including a ropes course, zip line, and rock climbing. Families can also enjoy a game of paintball or laser tag.

Glow in the Park is another fun option for kids seven and older.

Test Your Skills In An Escape Room

If your family is looking for a unique and exciting adventure, you should go to an escape room. Mystified Escape Rooms offers several different escape room and scavenger hunt experiences that are fun for families with older kids.

BF Clyde's cider mill, Old Mystic CT

Get A Cider Slushie At B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill 

If you’re looking for a fun fall activity, head to B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill in Old Mystic. Clyde’s is home to the oldest continuously running steam-powered cider mill, which has been in operation since 1898 and is a must-visit in the fall.

The mill is open from September to November and offers a variety of apple cider products. Families can buy fresh apple cider, donuts, and pies. Don’t forget to get an apple cider slushie. So good!

Take a Boat Ride

Another fun thing to do in Mystic with kids is to take a boat ride. Several companies offer boat tours of the Mystic River and Long Island Sound. Families can learn about the area’s history while enjoying the scenic views.

Mystic Boat Adventures

Mystic Boat Adventures is a great option for families with kids. They offer a variety of boat tours, including a pirate-themed tour that is sure to please the whole family.

Sabino Steamboat Cruises

This historic Sabino steamboat offers cruises on the Mystic River. Families can enjoy scenic views and learn about Mystic’s history aboard the Sabino.

Argia Mystic Cruises

Argia Mystic Cruises offer a variety of boat tours, including a 90-minute sightseeing tour and a sunset cruise. Families can learn about the history of Mystic while enjoying the scenic views.

Mystic Harbor Tours 

Mystic Harbor Tours offers various boat tours, including a 1-hour harbor tour and a 2-hour lighthouse tour. Families can learn about the history of Mystic while enjoying the scenic views.

Stonington Point, Stonington Borough CT

Play At The Beach

Mystic isn’t a beach town, and there is only one public beach in Mystic proper. If you want to go to the beach, you can go to Williams Beach or a beach in a neighboring town such as Groton, Stonington, or Westerly, Rhode Island.

Williams Beach 

Located at the Mystic YMCA, Williams Beach is a small shoreline beach. There is also a playground, pavilion, and sports fields. 

Nearby Beaches

Final Thoughts

Mystic is a great place to visit with its many attractions, museums, and historic downtown.

Families can enjoy a lot of fun activities, shopping, and delicious food at one of Mystic’s many kid-friendly restaurants.

Whether you’re looking for a fun fall activity or a place to cool off in the summer, Mystic is the perfect destination for families.

DON’T FORGET THE KIDS MYSTIC TRAVEL PLANNER!

More Things To Do with Kids In The Mystic, CT. Area

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