There are going to be days this summer where the temperatures soar into the upper 90s and the sun is sending down scorching rays. But don’t worry, we’ve put together a list of water wonderlands that are sure to keep you cool and are a whole lot of fun to boot. From sandy beaches to water parks, check out these captivating spots in Connecticut that the whole family can fill up on an exciting, splash-filled adventure.
- Ocean Beach Park, New London
TripAdvisor/management Splash around in this Olympic sized swimming pool right next to the sandy shore at Ocean Park Beach. You’ll really stay cool at this park with its multiple swimming options but you can also enjoy water slides and a splash pad too! Need a break from the water then take a stroll down the boardwalk, play in the arcade, or build a sandcastle. This family fun spot can be found at 98 Neptune Ave., New London, CT 06320.
- Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk
TripAdvisor/Greg S This popular swimming hole is a great spot to bring the whole family. There is a sandy beach for swimming, but everyone loves to cool down on the splash pad too. If you need some time out of the water, there is also a great playground at this seaside spot. You can find Calf Pasture Beach on Calf Pasture Beach Rd., Norwalk, CT 06851.
- Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven
Google Images/Kelly LaChioma Situated right on the Long Island Sound, this park is one of the water wonderlands you won’t want to miss. Swim at the beach or play on the interactive splash pad to keep cool. You can also visit the lighthouse or take a ride on the historic carousel. Lighthouse Point Park can be found at 2 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven, CT 06512.
- Farmington River, New Hartford
Facebook/Farmington River Tubing If you prefer a more relaxing type of water recreation, try tubing. Enjoy a 2.5-mile float down the Farmington River. This trip takes around 1 1/2 hour to complete and you’ll love the thrill of the rapids. Farmington River Tubing is located at 92 Main St., New Hartford CT, 06057.
- Lake Compounce, Bristol
Facebook/Lake Compounce There is no doubt that Lake Compounce has plenty of water fun to enjoy this summer. Experience the wave pool, dozens of water slides, a splash pad, and of course the lake itself. When you’ve gotten cooled down, take a ride on some of the amusements at the giant park. Have an amazing day at this epic attraction found at 186 Enterprise Dr., Bristol, CT 06010.
- Lake McDonough, Barkamsted
Connecticut Office of Tourism If you are interested in something a little quieter, Lake McDonough is the perfect place to enjoy a natural water spot this summer. This unspoiled area has rowboat rentals or you can launch your own kayaks and canoes. There is also a beach for swimming and plenty of fishing opportunities at this scenic gem. You can find the lake on Rte. 219, Barkhamsted, CT 06063.
- Jennings Beach, Fairfield
TripAdvisor/ANACHAVES44 Although not as popular as some of the state beaches, Jennings Beach has 27-acres of pretty and sandy shoreline to take a dip in the Sound. You’ll also find a volleyball court, boat racks, and a huge playground that the kids will go crazy over. This prime spot is located at 880 S Benson Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824.
- Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park, Portland
Facebook/Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park, LLC This natural quarry has been converted into a water playground for all ages. You’ll find huge inflatables, zip lines, cliff jumping, kayaking, and much more at this oasis. Full of thrills and fun, there’s no doubt as to why this incredible place was added to our list of water wonderlands. Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park can be found at 161 Brownstone Ave., Portland, CT 06480.
- Nature’s Art Village, Oakdale
Facebook/Nature’s Art Village Nature’s Art Village is most famous for its outdoor adventure park, Dinosaur Place but it also has a seriously cool dinosaur themed splash pad too. You can spend the whole day at this park while keeping cool this summer. You can find this action-packed attraction at 1650 Hartford-New London Tpke., Oakdale, CT 06370.
- Harvey’s Beach, Old Saybrook
TripAdvisor/MrsFawn This natural swimming spot is a paradise for smaller children. When the tide is low, splash around in the sun warmed shallow pools. There is also a playground, concession stand, and some of the whitest sand on the Connecticut shore. You can visit Harvey’s Beach on Route 154, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.
- Robert G. Beach Memorial Park, Trumbull
Google Images/James Wright Enjoy a large outdoor swimming pool to take the edge off the heat this summer at Robert G. Beach Memorial Park. There is also a splash pad and playground that will keep the kids more than occupied at this sweet spot. You can find it at 31 Old Dike Rd., Trumbull, Connecticut 06611.
Which of these water wonderlands just made it to your summer bucket list? And who is joining you in the summer fun? Let us know in the comments section below.
TripAdvisor/management
Splash around in this Olympic sized swimming pool right next to the sandy shore at Ocean Park Beach. You’ll really stay cool at this park with its multiple swimming options but you can also enjoy water slides and a splash pad too! Need a break from the water then take a stroll down the boardwalk, play in the arcade, or build a sandcastle. This family fun spot can be found at 98 Neptune Ave., New London, CT 06320.
TripAdvisor/Greg S
This popular swimming hole is a great spot to bring the whole family. There is a sandy beach for swimming, but everyone loves to cool down on the splash pad too. If you need some time out of the water, there is also a great playground at this seaside spot. You can find Calf Pasture Beach on Calf Pasture Beach Rd., Norwalk, CT 06851.
Google Images/Kelly LaChioma
Situated right on the Long Island Sound, this park is one of the water wonderlands you won’t want to miss. Swim at the beach or play on the interactive splash pad to keep cool. You can also visit the lighthouse or take a ride on the historic carousel. Lighthouse Point Park can be found at 2 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven, CT 06512.
Facebook/Farmington River Tubing
If you prefer a more relaxing type of water recreation, try tubing. Enjoy a 2.5-mile float down the Farmington River. This trip takes around 1 1/2 hour to complete and you’ll love the thrill of the rapids. Farmington River Tubing is located at 92 Main St., New Hartford CT, 06057.
Facebook/Lake Compounce
There is no doubt that Lake Compounce has plenty of water fun to enjoy this summer. Experience the wave pool, dozens of water slides, a splash pad, and of course the lake itself. When you’ve gotten cooled down, take a ride on some of the amusements at the giant park. Have an amazing day at this epic attraction found at 186 Enterprise Dr., Bristol, CT 06010.
Connecticut Office of Tourism
If you are interested in something a little quieter, Lake McDonough is the perfect place to enjoy a natural water spot this summer. This unspoiled area has rowboat rentals or you can launch your own kayaks and canoes. There is also a beach for swimming and plenty of fishing opportunities at this scenic gem. You can find the lake on Rte. 219, Barkhamsted, CT 06063.
TripAdvisor/ANACHAVES44
Although not as popular as some of the state beaches, Jennings Beach has 27-acres of pretty and sandy shoreline to take a dip in the Sound. You’ll also find a volleyball court, boat racks, and a huge playground that the kids will go crazy over. This prime spot is located at 880 S Benson Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824.
Facebook/Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park, LLC
This natural quarry has been converted into a water playground for all ages. You’ll find huge inflatables, zip lines, cliff jumping, kayaking, and much more at this oasis. Full of thrills and fun, there’s no doubt as to why this incredible place was added to our list of water wonderlands. Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park can be found at 161 Brownstone Ave., Portland, CT 06480.
Facebook/Nature’s Art Village
Nature’s Art Village is most famous for its outdoor adventure park, Dinosaur Place but it also has a seriously cool dinosaur themed splash pad too. You can spend the whole day at this park while keeping cool this summer. You can find this action-packed attraction at 1650 Hartford-New London Tpke., Oakdale, CT 06370.
TripAdvisor/MrsFawn
This natural swimming spot is a paradise for smaller children. When the tide is low, splash around in the sun warmed shallow pools. There is also a playground, concession stand, and some of the whitest sand on the Connecticut shore. You can visit Harvey’s Beach on Route 154, Old Saybrook, CT 06475.
Google Images/James Wright
Enjoy a large outdoor swimming pool to take the edge off the heat this summer at Robert G. Beach Memorial Park. There is also a splash pad and playground that will keep the kids more than occupied at this sweet spot. You can find it at 31 Old Dike Rd., Trumbull, Connecticut 06611.
To make the most out of your summer, try taking this Connecticut Beach Day Road Trip.
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