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

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.