Top Things to do in Connecticut
Top Hotels in Connecticut
What to do and see in Connecticut, United States: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Connecticut is a study in attraction and contrast. In one small state, you’ll find miles of sandy oceanfront shoreline, acres of forested hiking trails, and world-class museums, art and theater. Here family-friendly adventure parks and aquariums are just minutes from dynamic casino resorts and quaint, historic small towns — offering experiences that range from culinary to cultural, luxurious to laid-back. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge, all at the same time.
Restaurants in Connecticut
1. Yale University Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 953 reviews
Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest college art museum in America. The Gallery’s encyclopedic holdings of more than 250,000 objects range from ancient times to the present day and represent civilizations from around the globe. Spanning a block and a half of the city of New Haven, Connecticut, the Gallery comprises three architecturally distinct buildings, including a masterpiece of modern architecture from 1953 designed by Louis Kahn through which visitors enter. The museum is free and open to the public.
Reviewed By 397markc397 - Hudson, United States
I know people are attracted for special exhibits, and the one during my visit was indeed very special, however the gallery is well worth a visit at any time. A very diverse and deep amount of art is always on display, and along with the helpful and friendly security staff, its a true pleasure to visit! Just a note on the current exhibit: Matthew Barney Redoubt. Absolutely breathtaking. If you miss this at least google. Its stunning!
2. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By tobyc530 - Monroe, United States
Unless things have changed, this library is free to visit. In the height of summer, there is (was) a steady stream of groups—outside these times - a magical place especially when the light coming in through the marble windows is sufficient to illuminate the interior.
3. The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By fcannarella - Hartford, United States
A really nice overall theater experience. And knowledgeable and helpful staff and very comfortable seating
4. Mystic Dark Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Mystic Dark Room is an intimate show lounge offering unique entertainment experiences, accommodating its guests with all front row seating, allowing all who enter to feel like a VIP. Up a winding staircase, past the iron and brass gates, guests escape into a chic metro-loft atmosphere, ornamented with leather couches, private tables, larger than life concert style sets, lighting and special effects. This year’s line-up includes adult’s only fare with Grab weekend evenings in the fall. In December, Nutcracker Spectacular is the holiday hit that is returning from Foxwood’s Grand Theater to make Mystic its new home, with an extravaganza that’s family oriented and packed with edge of your seat excitement. February shifts gears back to an adult evening line-up with Flash perfect for sharing with a Valentine, and March marks the encore season of The Little Mermaid a Broadway style “dancical” that enchanted children and families last spring. Guests attending Grab or Flash are invited to BYOB, relax and unwind with wine, champagne, ale or brew - or their non-alcoholic beverage of choice. Following all shows, the soirée continues with intriguing interactions between guests and artists - we encourage you to take advantage of the dance floor and light show.
Reviewed By m0llymully - Mystic, United States
I was lucky enough to be able to see this amazing performance twice throughout it’s run, and I enjoyed every second of it. The dancers captivate you right from the get go and I was grinning ear to ear the entire time! The way they interact with the audience makes you feel like you are part of the show and the atmosphere is awesome. The Dark Room is really something else and the dancers are amazing...I cannot recommend it enough!
5. Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
The Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist was founded in the 1850s by Irish immigrants, it is the Mother Church, and Minor Basilica, of Stamford, Connecticut. Visit the website for more information and upcoming events.
Reviewed By seekeradventurer
inspire peace and tranquility as you admire them from an inside pew The Gothic architecture is another beauty to admire as this unique church is within a five minute walk from Stamford Metro North station. I have visited many times and always experienced great peace
6. Bruce Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Explore Art and Science at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm;; closed Mondays and major holidays. Closed Christmas Eve, Monday,12-24-18, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, Monday, 12-31-18, and New Year's Day. Tuesdays are free, all other days are "Pay as You Wish," with a $10 suggested donation.
Reviewed By ArthurG121 - Scarsdale, United States
We have visited the Bruce Museum Numerous times over the last few years. When we heard that they had reopened, we decided to plan our visit. As a result of the Pandemic of 2020, you must reserve in advance by going to their website And picking a specific tine you’d like to arrive. They are limiting the number of guests to twenty five people per time slot. The Bruce Museum is small however they had three very interesting exhibits. They are in the process of planning and building an entirely new and much larger museum on their property. There are many reasons to plan a visit. They are located in a beautiful part of Greenwich and you’ll want to allow time to stroll to the water as well as to walk on Greenwich Avenue. The museum staff is made up of people who live their jobs and more importantly, the Bruce Museum’s organization values them too. During the months that the museum was closed, they didn’t furlough any of their staff. Not even their security guards. Everyone was kept on and received their full salaries. When I heard this from one of the security guards, I decided that we had to become members to support this wonderful institution!
7. The Mark Twain House & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,622 reviews
The Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, was the home of America's greatest author, Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) and his family from 1874 to 1891. It is also where Twain lived when he wrote his most important works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and The Pauper and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. A stunning example of Picturesque Gothic architecture, the 25-room home features a dramatic grand hall, a lush glass conservatory, a grand library and the handsome billiard room where Twain wrote his famous books. The Webster Bank Museum Center at The Mark Twain House & Museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about Mark Twain, his family, the historic house, and the author's legacy. This state-of-the-art facility houses our ticket desk; the Aetna Gallery with a permanent exhibition on Twain's life and work; a rotating exhibition hall, The Hartford Financial Services Theatre, showing a Ken Burns mini-documentary on Twain; classroom space; the lecture hall-style Lincoln Financial Auditorium; The Mark Twain Store; entertaining spaces like the soaring Hal Holbrook and the sunny second floor cafe/patio area.
Reviewed By christinerH1415MU
Located right in Hartford, but tucked away in it's own little area, the Mark Twain house is a must see if you are in the area. It's available only by prebooked tour, and they do book up ahead of time so purchase tickets before driving out there. The cost of an adult ticket is $20, which seemed a little pricey until we were on the tour, and it quickly became apparent the price is worth it. Our tour guide Brendan was phenomenal, his knowledge of the history of both Mark Twain and the house itself was unmatched. The house is rich in history and was very advanced for its time, including having one of the first residential telephones which is still there today. The tour takes about 60-90 minutes, and then plan an extra 20-30 for time at the museum and gift shop.
8. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 403 reviews
Pequot Museum, located in an ancient cedar forest minutes away from Foxwoods Resort Casino, is the largest Native American museum in the world. REOPENING MAY 19TH!!
Reviewed By GregK1239 - Contoocook, United States
We went here for the first time on our recent trip to Foxwoods. We were all very impressed with the size and scope of the museum. The exhibits were all top quality, and the recreated village is spectacular. I would definitely recommend spending a few hours here if you are in the area.
9. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 563 reviews
This museum has a diverse collection ranging from Indian artifacts to Egyptian art to a large bird collection.
Reviewed By joannebY8878ZI - Blairstown, United States
From dinosaurs to beautiful minerals to dioramas to a wonderful Discovery Room (where kids can watch ants work, observe stick bugs and newly hatched butterflies, work on puzzles and do other fun activities), this museum is designed to entertain children and visitors of all ages. Exhibits promote the study of natural history, conservation and the love of science. The museum is a manageable size, and we had a wonderful time with our young grandsons. Don't delay your visit--the museum is closing at the end of the year for renovations!
10. Kidcity Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Kidcity is temporarily closed so that we don't add to the coronavirus crisis. We'll re-open when things are getting back to normal! Imagination play for kids from 1 to 7 and their favorite grown-ups. Picked by Yankee Magazine in 2012 as the "Best Indoor Adventure" in New England!
Reviewed By 278cherylm - Coventry, United States
Great pretend play experience for 2-5 year olds! Had two 2 year olds, one 3 year old, and one 4 year old. Loved all the play areas that allow kids to imagine! The dinosaurs tucked into an alcove were a hit when the older two needed a break from the crowd. The boat and fish were popular although the boys fought over the fish! Never enough! The block room was a nice place to calm down and create as well as share with other kids. The oldest boy loved the medieval room, flinging the balls and building with blocks. We brought lunch and had plenty if room to eat and drink before returning to play. I am sad that COVID has limited these play spaces, but look forward to returning when safe. I hope our family membership is pro-rated! I have not checked. Great space, miss KID CITY!
