Connecticut is known for its New England-style villages and seaports, and can serve as a vacation destination for historically minded adults. For those traveling with children, there are numerous attractions near Connecticut's historic areas that provide a wide variety of family activities. They range from hands-on exhibits at one of New England's best aquariums to full-service indoor water parks.
The Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration is located in Mystic, just off Exit 90 on Interstate 95. Founded in 1973, it offers New England's only Beluga whales, a sea lion show and hands-on activities where visitors can touch whales, white-spotted bamboo sharks, stingrays and penguins. Exhibits include more than 1,200 Australian birds, a 3-D motion theater and the world's only exhibits of Dr. Robert Ballard's underwater explorations that include the R.M.S. Titanic.
The Institute for Exploration specializes in aquatic sciences and advanced deep-sea vehicle systems, and provides educational programs for the community. There are also dining options in the on-site Penguins Cafe as well as a gift shop. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Ocean Beach Park and Boardwalk is a multi-purpose recreation area located on a half-mile portion of beach in New London. For water activities away from the beach, it offers a Splash Park (for children less than eight years old), an Olympic-size swimming pool and a triple waterslide. It also provides a variety of amusement rides for all ages, a landscaped 18-hole miniature golf course, a video arcade, a playground and a health club for adults. Dining options include a full-service restaurant, a food court and ice-cream stands. A nature trail and observation deck is just steps away from the boardwalk, and nightly entertainment includes live bands, magic shows and movies on the beach.
The CoCo Key Water Resort, located in Waterbury, is a 55,000-square-foot indoor water park with a tropical-island theme. The climate-controlled facility is set at 84 degrees Fahrenheit and provides a variety of water activities including Parrot's Perch (which offers water slides for younger children), Coconut Grove (a fast tube ride), Coral Reef Cavern (an activity pool with water basketball), three body-and-raft waterslides, and an indoor and outdoor spa with whirlpools. Away from the water area is the Key Quest Arcade, which features state-of-the-art video games. Several dining options include A & W as well as Pizza Hut Express. The facility is open daily with hours of operation that change seasonally.
