Labor Day Family Fun

Mystic Country– The Dog Days of summer are finally coming to an end. Kids are going back to school soon and will be trading their playing in the sun for doing homework. Soon the waterparks are going to close down, and the beaches will be considerably less crowded (until memorial day that is). The great thing about Mystic Country is the entertainment and education doesn’t stop when we hit Labor Day!

The Submarine Museum will continue to be open (and don’t forget FREE) every day except Tuesdays. On labor Day Weekend they are hosting an exciting scavenger hunt that is 3 DAYS LONG. Starting on Saturday (9/3) running through to Labor Day (9/5). Learn about an important part of our areas history while having fun looking for the different pieces of the hunt. There is a prize waiting for every hunt completed, work fast so you can find out what it is!

Labor Day is considered by many as a last hoorah for the summer. What better way for kids to celebrate the “last days of freedom” than to go to the beach? Aside from the usual sun, sand, and surf, Ocean Beach Park has plenty of things to do to keep your kids busy. If you’re up for a challenge there’s the classic mini-golf course, or maybe you want to be more modern? The arcade right next door has everything from  modern racing games, to skee-ball, and even a Pac Man Machine. So come visit even when the sand starts to get cold because the arcade at Ocean Beach Park is also open year round!

The Dinosaur Place has more than a couple ways to enjoy time with our prehistoric pals once the leaves begin to change. you can dig for gems in our candle-lit mines and have the chance to identify them yourself after! If your kids don’t like the dark they can uncover fossils in The Bone Zone, Or sift for “gold” at Thunder Creek. If fresh air is what you want go for a walk around the trails outside at The Dinosaur Place. With the trees changing it might be difficult to find some of the more colorful creatures.

A great attraction for Mystic Country in the Fall is the Essex Steam Train. The already beautiful train ride becomes even more picturesque as the colors of the trees start to change. Get more than one perspective by taking the Steam Train and Riverboat Connection. Starting October 21st the Essex Steam Train will be running the Fright Train, a Mystical evening where you might have some visitors in the cab with you. Warning, this is not a trip for the easily scared. It’s a perfect event for the Halloween season.

Whatever you choose to do make sure you keep an eye out for all the exciting events to come in Mystic Country!

Planning on a Budget: Five Family Fun things to do for $5 (or less!)

Mystic Country, CT – Don’t miss out on the final days of summer! Enjoy the many fun filled activities  and save! Family Fun Mystic has plenty of adventure for everyone.

• Submarine Museum: Always completely FREE! don’t miss out on their fun summer events (that are also free)!

• Go to the beach : At Ocean Beach Park admission for a car on a weekend is only $18, thats less than $5 each for a family of four!

• Grab some ice cream at The Dinosaur Place, a tasty way to cool off on a hot summer day.

• Take a Free Tour of the Valley Railroad Museum at Essex Steam Train.

• Come to Cruise Night: Every Monday at Ocean Beach Park. Aside from being able to walk around the 300+ Classic Cars, Ocean Beach offers a multitude of discounts Monday night. Including free parking, $2 mini-golf, and $2 waterslide tickets.

For a family of four, movie tickets alone will cost $46. This doesn’t include popcorn, candy, and soda. There are lots of things to do and places to see right here in CT that wont break the bank. Even better, some of these attractions will keep the kids occupied and educated. Get out and explore, and don’t miss the fun that’s right here in Mystic Country!

3 Ways to make the most of your Family Fun in Mystic Country!

Spring Hill Suites

Waterford, CT-

One Night Family Vacation package includes:

• Overnight accommodations at the Waterford Spring Hill Suites in Waterford, CT
• Delicious hot breakfast the following morning
• Your choice of:
  • 4 Tickets to the Dino Trails & Park, Monty’s Splashpad and a”Maze”asaurus
    (located at The Dinosaur Place) plus a $5 gift card for The Dinosaur Place gift shop

  OR

  • Parking and admission for 4 to Ocean Beach Park (includes beach access, kids’ Spray Park, unlimited use of the olympic swimming pool, mini golf course, nightly entertainment per schedule and choice of waterslide or rides).

  OR

  • 2 Adult & 2 Children tickets to the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat.

  The Hotel has an indoor pool and fitness room, plus plenty of free parking. Enjoy some time away at the Spring Hill Suites by Marriott in Waterford, CT!

  Based on availability and pricing ranges from $199-$269

Groton Inn and Suites

Groton, CT-

Build your own “Land and Sea Package”

Build your own “Land and Sea Package” for a mini-vacation getaway. Start with a two night stay and breakfast (served hot breakfast of choice) for 4 in a traditional room $330 plus tax OR Two Bedroom apartment for $430 plus tax. All rooms have microwave, refrigerator and TV with Disney Channels and Kids Programming. We can add a DVD at no charge if you bring along your DVD’s.

Tour the Nautilus Museum-walk through an actual Submarine and exhibits and get coupon for both 10% off any merchandise and free gift with purchase.

The above package INCLUDES any ONE of the following items (please select):

• Essex Steam Train and River Boat Trip
  Enjoy a coal fired journey and the hiss of steam as you travel in a Steam Train (2 ½ hrs.) along in a Steam Train a scenic route that is inaccessible by car. You will sail aboard the Becky Thatcher(1 ½ hrs.) on the Connecticut River and then return by Train. Watch for cormorants, ducks, swans, blue heron, egrets and bald eagles in season.

OR

• Ocean Beach Park
  Rated one of the Best Beaches by National Geographic, with ½ mile of white sugar sand beach and wooden boardwalk if you prefer not to get sand between your toes. Includes Parking and Admission to Ocean Beach Park, Unlimited Use of Olympic fresh water swimming pool and Mini Golf, and All Park Rides OR Triple Water Slide.

OR

• The Dinosaur Place
  Journey back in time to life-sized dinosaurs and cool off in New England’s largest Splashpad Tickets include a day of adventure with the outside dino trails, outdoor adventure in the splash pad and the a”maze”asaurus mammoth-sized maze which is a challenge to guests of all ages and two tickets to Dig for Gems (an experience kids will be talking about long after they have left the park).

Odetah Camping Resort

Bozrah, CT-

Whistle Stop Wilderness Adventure

Take your family on an awesome outdoor camping adventure this summer at CT’s premier camping resort and enjoy a one-of-a-kind steam train and riverboat experience. Enjoy a coal fired journey and the hiss of steam as you travel in the Essex Steam Train (2 ½ hrs.) along the CT River and CT’s picturesque hills on a scenic route that is inaccessible by car. You will also sail aboard the Becky Thatcher (1 ½ hrs.) on the CT River and then return by train. Watch for cormorants, ducks, swans, blue heron, egrets and bald eagles in season. Relax, refresh, and retreat each evening around the campfire while tent camping within Odetah Camping Resort’s picturesque hillside and enjoying first class amenities and facilities.

Your family vacation package includes:

• Four-night stay in any Tent site at Odetah Camping Resort for two adults and two children
• $25 Odetah “Bucks” Camping Resort Credit
• Family Campfire Essentials, including 1 bundle of wood and s’mores for four.
• 2 Adult and 2 Children tickets to the Essex Steam Train and River Boat

Guests receive tickets at check-in.

*Unused portions are non-redeemable. Prices may vary during holidays and special events. Rates do not include taxes.

Prices start at $229 for a mid-week (Sunday to Thursday night) stay and $259 Weekends.

For more packages and information Click Here

5 Family Fun things to do on a rainy day.

The summer goal for the majority of families is usually to enjoy the summer weather, and to be outside as much as possible. This means most of the things on our to-do lists involve being outside in the hot sunny weather. So what happens if the weather isn’t so nice? It’s got to rain sometime right? Here is our list of fun summer activities that you can enjoy rain or shine!

1.     The U.S.S. Nautilus Tour – See how sailors lived on the first nuclear submarine commissioned by the United States Navy. The Tour is a self guided audio tour that takes you in and around the large submarine.

2.     Crafts at The Dinosaur Place – Feeling artistic? You may surprise yourself with your very own piece of sand art or spin art.

3.     The Bone Zone at The Dinosaur Place– Become a junior paleontologist as you work as a team to uncover a dinosaur skeleton.

4.     Essex Steam Train – Take a tour of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley as a steam powered locomotive pulls you through the countryside. A natural highlight of the tour is the undeveloped Selden Neck State Park, accessible only by boat.

5.     Jackpot Mine at The Dinosaur Place – Get hands on in either our candle-lit mine or the dark mine looking for over 50 kinds of gems and crystals hidden among the gravel. The best part is whatever you find, you keep!

Essex Steam Train Presents: The Valley Railroad Circus Train and Big Top Tent.

Essex CT – Come one, come all, the Valley Railroad Circus Train is coming to town!

Your adventure begins from when you and your family are welcomed on the diesel powered train by the ringmaster himself. From there you ride the authentic Circus Train to the fairgrounds. Stepping off the train the only thing you’ll be wondering is what to do first!

Head over to the Big Top Tent for an amazing acrobatic show. Watch the troupe perform daring acrobatic stunts, a show that’s sure to be thrilling for everyone in the family. When you’re leaving the Big Top Tent, look for the “Punch and Judy” Puppet Show. It is fine if you get distracted though with everything going on at the Circus Midway. Don’t forget about the petting zoo that is sure to get the younger set excited. Here you’ll find a real camel and their very own Z-Donk (half Zebra/half Donkey)!

Keep an eye out for Kaboose the clown while you’re walking around, and make sure to stop in at the Clown in Progress tent. Here clowns let you into their world and show you how they get ready for the day, and each person walks out with their very own clown nose! Between the thrilling amusement rides, delicious circus food, and the live entertainment there are plenty of things to do for everyone.

Ocean Beach Park: Monday Cruise Night & July 4th Fireworks!

New London, CT –     For the only the second occurrence of the season, Cruise Night at  Ocean Beach Park last monday night had a huge turn out, and It’s not surprising why.  There are tons of things to do from discounts at the mini golf to checking out Classic cars lined up in front of the main
building. Even a few cars from Waterford Speedbowl came by and gave kids the chance to see the inside of a real race car!

Don’t miss out on another one of Ocean Beach Park’s big events, their spectacular fireworks show! The Sand Bar Cafe is a great spot to grab some dinner before the show. Remember to bring a big enough blanket for Everyone in your family to sit on so you can enjoy the skyshow from the beach. Fireworks are a great event for families, there’s something about watching the sky illuminate into a kaleidoscope of colors that even brings the parents back to when they were kids. This atmosphere is only enhanced by the talented live bands paying right on the boardwalk.

Kids can’t sit still? Head over by Work Out World and you can’t miss the great carnival rides perfect for the little ones. If you still have your suits on kids can’t seem to get enough of the splash park, located right next to the olympic sized swimming pool. But watch out because you’ll never know when the buckets are going to drop!

Classic Car Cruise Night – Every Monday Night

Bring the entire family to Ocean Beach for the KOOL101, Classic Car Cruise Night!  Swing to the oldies, and enjoy a stroll back to the ‘good-ol-days’!  A live DJ spins the sounds of the 50’s and 60’s while a parade of classic cars lines the boardwalk.  Play a round of miniature golf for a special discount price of $2.00, ride the water-slide from 5:30 to 8pm for only $10.00, or enjoy the rides and take advantage of their special Cruise Night pricing.  Don’t forget to cap off the evening with a delicious soft serve ice cream cone.  Parking and admission is FREE!

Beach Blanket Movie Series  – Every Tuesday Night

Families are invited to bring a blanket and curl up on the beach to enjoy a featured classic children’s movie.  All movies are scheduled to begin at sundown.  Parking is $5.00 per car.  To get the latest movie schedule, email: BCGOBP@aol.com.

Magician Show – Every Wednesday Night
The boardwalk at Ocean Beach Park sets the stage for a magical night of family fun!  The magic begins at 7pm each Wednesday night.  Bring the entire family for laughs, excitement and thrills!  Parking is $5.00 per car.

For a list of upcoming events, visit: http://www.ocean-beach-park.com/23.html

The Submarine Force Library & Museum Home of the USS Nautilus

Groton, CT – The Submarine Force Museum, located on the Thames River, maintains the world’s finest collection of submarine artifacts. As the only submarine museum operated by the United States Navy, the museum is a great place for a family day trip.  Special events, and special summer programs blend rich history, in fun, and educational setting.

Originally established as “The Submarine Library” by Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in 1955, the Submarine Force Library and Museum soon gained respect for its archival and research value. In April 1964, the entire collection was donated to the Navy and relocated to the Naval Submarine Base, New London, Groton, Connecticut. The name “Submarine Force Library and Museum” was officially adopted in 1969.

The museum’s collections include more than 33,000 artifacts, 20,000 significant documents and 30,000 photographs. With so many holdings, the displays change frequently and a return visit will be a new experience. The 6,000 volume reference and research library is a world-renowned collection relative to the history of U.S. submarines and is open to anyone looking for information on submarines or submarine history.

For a list of upcoming events, visit: http://www.ussnautilus.org/events/index.shtml

For information on Summer Programs, visit: http://www.ussnautilus.org/education/index.shtml

All programs are free and no registration is required!

The Splashpad® at The Dinosaur Place

Largest Splashpad® In New England

Montville, CT – Monty’s Splashpad® at The Dinosaur Place in Montville promises loads of fun and “cool times” for families and children of all ages and abilities.

At 10,000 square feet, Monty’s Splashpad® at The Dinosaur Place will be the largest of its kind to open in New England. The Splashpad® is a fully automated, zero-depth recreational system that allows children to experience an aquatic playground.  Over 400 tons of concrete was poured to create the pad on which children will play.  9,400 feet of steel pipes wind beneath the ground to provide 800 gallons a minute of water to the Splashpad®.

Many of the thirty stainless steel, brightly colored features will be unique to The Dinosaur Place location.  Dinosaur-themed features will range from dinosaur “ribcage” waterfalls to dueling Tyrannosaurus Rex and Velociraptor headed water cannons. Children can run from a spitting Stegosaurus or dash through the Triceratops loop.  Also, a “flying” Pterandodon will rise when children step on sensors embedded in the concrete.  The Splashpad® represents state-of-the-art aquatic play and offers it in a dynamic, exciting, and safe environment.

The Dinosaur Place is 60 acres of outdoor exploration with one mile of nature trails that offers the perfect prehistoric backdrop for more than 25 life-sized dinosaur recreations.  Nature’s Art houses a science and nature activity center and a 10,000 square foot shopping center. The Activity Center includes areas in which children can mine for crystals, pan for ‘gold’ in a flowing river, unearth a dinosaur skeleton at a dig, or see a geode cut before their eyes.

The Dinosaur Place is a unique attraction in southeastern Connecticut, which is owned and operated by the Phillips family.  Only 30 minutes from Hartford, 45 minutes from New Haven, and 65 minutes from Providence; The Dinosaur Place is located on Route 85, off Interstate 95.  Look for Monty, the 31-foot long Tyrannosaurus Rex towering over the parking lot.  For more information on The Dinosaur Place or Monty’s Splashpad®, call 860-443-4367 or visit www.thedinosaurplace.com            .

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat’s 2½-hour journey begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley – designated “one of the last great places on earth” by the Nature Conservancy.

Gather family and friends for a sightseeing journey…aboard the only steam train and riverboat connection in the United States!

The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches at 20 mph through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester. The picturesque countryside includes pristine meadows, a quaint farm, a millpond with waterfall, and trestles and bridges over rivers and creeks. A natural highlight is the undeveloped Selden Neck State Park, accessible only by boat.

Essex Steam Train offers unique access to several coves and preserves, immersing passengers in an on-board eco-excursion. The train travels near the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek – – bountiful, natural habitats for birds. Among those typically spotted are Cormorants, Ducks, Swans, Greenland Geese, Blue Heron, Egrets, and Red-winged Blackbirds. In February and March, the majestic Bald Eagle is the star of the show, when it migrates south to the Connecticut River Valley from Canada and Maine.

At Deep River Landing, passengers are escorted onto the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a 1¼- hour cruise along the Connecticut River. The visual serenity of the river valley is on full display from Becky’s multiple decks. The deep water, coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife, and rocky shoreline are all at once, simply breathtaking! Just as impressive are the historic sights including Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, and the Haddam Swing Bridge. Upon Becky’s return to Deep River Landing, the steam train welcomes passengers for the return trip back to Essex Station.