8 Fun Things to Do with Kids in New London, CT
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It might be a small state, but there are plenty of things to do in Connecticut. If you have children and find yourself in the Southeastern corner of the state, you might be wondering if there are things to do with kids in New London.
The answer is yes, and I’ve got you covered. Find out all of the fun family-friendly things the Whaling City has to offer.
Mystic gets all of the attention in Southeastern Connecticut, but it also gets all of the tourists. For a day trip with kids, that’s off the beaten path, New London is a great choice.
Things to Do with Kids in New London
Downtown New London
Take a stroll through the Downtown New London waterfront district to look at the tallships from the dock, watch the trains at Union Station, or visit the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, You could also take a selfie in front of the Wyland Whaling Wall.
Ocean Beach Park
Lay on the beach, ride the waterslides or amusement park rides and get a bite to eat on the boardwalk.
If that’s not your speed, you could play games in the arcade, play a round of miniature golf, or even swim in the pool if the ocean isn’t your thing.
Ocean Beach is a fun family destination that will keep kids and adults busy all day.
Ledge Lighthouse
If you have a boat, you can ride out to the Ledge Lighthouse in Fisher’s Island Sound at the mouth of the Thames River. If not, you could book a cruise or take photos of it from the shore.
Another great place to view Ledge Light is from Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, CT.
Custom House Maritime Museum
Located on the waterfront in downtown New London, the Custom House Maritime Museum is a fun place for the whole family to discover maritime history. See the exhibits and artifacts, take a boat trip or tour of the New London Harbor Lighthouse.
Connecticut College Arboretum
The Connecticut College Arboretum is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk for nature walks Take a walk in nature and discover plants and animals native to Southern New England.
Explore over 200 acres of oak and hemlock forests in the Bolleswood Natural Area, the Arboretum Pond, Goodwin Natural Area, and the wooded 40 acres of Mamacoke Island in the Thames River, which can be reached from the mainland by crossing over a small tidal salt marsh.
Fort Trumbull State Park
Fort Trumbull State Park is a restored defense fort build in the 1850s has lots to do on the 16-acre grounds along the Thames River.
Go fishing off the 500-foot pier, a two-story visitor’s center with a theater and interactive exhibits, or just enjoy the outdoors by taking a walk on the walking paths along the water
US Coast Guard Academy Museum
Discover historical artifacts from the US Coast Guard at the US Coast Guard Academy Museum. You will see interesting artifacts such as model ships, medals, uniforms, paintings, and more.
Mystic Whaler Tallship Cruises
Take a cruise on a tallship while having a delicious lunch, brunch, or dinner during one of their daily excursions. For a more memorable family outing, you can take an overnight cruise for 2-5 nights.
There is a children’s rate for kids 5-12; children under 5 are not permitted on the cruise.
What to Do in Southeastern Connecticut with Kids
- The Best Things to Do in Mystic, CT With Kids
- Clyde’s Cider Mill
- Places to Eat in Mystic, CT with Kids
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Mystic Aquarium
Only a few minutes away from Mystic, Groton, and Westerly, RI, skip the crowds find out the fun things to do in New London with kids the next time you’re on the Eastern Connecticut Shoreline.
