All the Fun at Connecticut Fairs

It's fair to say the great State of Connecticut is home to almost 50 agricultural fairs from July through October. Fairs featuring tractor-pulls, delicious fried-dough, carnival rides, best-in-show farm animals, petting zoos, baking competitions for the foodies and a lot more! Best of all - they're so local you can add them to your Staycation To Do List.

Here is the 2008 listing of the Major Fairs, District Fairs, Local Fairs and 4-H Fairs in Connecticut. They are organized by type and date. If there is any information missing that I should include please feel free to contact me.




THE MAJOR FAIRS

North Stonington Agricultural Fair
This is the 44th North Stonington Agricultural Fair, providing the finest in entertainment, food, and wholesome fun for the whole family. Enjoy and learn about farm life - see tractor and animal pulls, view beautiful arts and crafts and award-winning vegetables, fruits, and baked goods.
July 10, 11, 12, 13, 2008
Adults: $7
Senior Citizen Day: Saturday only, $4
Children: Under 12: Free
Wyassup Road (off Route 2), North Stonington, CT
Phone: (860) 535-3956
www.northstoningtonfair.org


49th Annual Lebanon Country Fair
August 8, 9 & 10, 2008
Hours: Friday: 6 pm - 11:30 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 12 Midnight
Sunday: 9 am - 8 pm
Adults: $8
Adults (Sunday): $7
Children: Under 12: Free
Seniors (65) Friday and Saturday: $7
Seniors (65) Sunday: $6
Mack Road, (Off Routes 87 & 207) Lebanon, CT
www.lebanoncountryfair.org


Bridgewater Country Fair
The Bridgewater Country Fair is a long standing tradition, preserving the character of the country fairs of yesterday, when farmers and other country folk congregated to compete with their prized livestock, produce, and arts and crafts. It was also, and still is a place where one can compare the latest farm and lawn equipment and haggle on the price of a new vehicle.
August 15, 16, 17, 2008
Hours: Friday 4 pm - 11 pm
Saturday 8 am - 11 pm
Sunday 8 am - 6 pm
Adults: $8
Children under 12: Free
Senior Citizen Day: Saturday & Sunday - $5
Parking: Free
Route 133, 100 Main Street, South Bridgewater, CT
www.bridgewaterfair.com


Wolcott Country Fair
Something for everyone at the Wolcott Lions Agricultural Fair from animal pulling contests, agriculture, animals, arts and crafts, Yankee Pro Wrestling, great food and more!
August 15, 16 & 17, 2008
Hours: Friday: 4 pm - 11 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 11 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 10 pm
Admission: Adults: $6
(reduced to $4 Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 4 pm)
Seniors: $3
Children under 12: Free
Parking: $3 with free shuttle service
Frisbie School, Woodtick Road & Todd Road, Wolcott, CT
www.wolcottfair.com


Brooklyn Fair
Featuring entertainment from Darryl Worley, Joe Diffie and Lady Antebellum and mnore.
August 21, 22, 23, 24, 2008
Hours: Thursday 4 pm - 11 pm
Friday: 8 am - 11 pm
Saturday: 8 am - 11 pm
Sunday: 8 am - 11 pm
Admission: Adults: $10
Children 12 and under: Free
Senior Day (Friday): $6
Parking: $4
Route 169, 101 Canterbury Road, Brooklyn, CT
www.brooklynfair.org


Chester Fair
Tradition. Livestock. Pulse of the land. Home made crafts & cooking. And most of all - people having fun. That's what the Chester Fair is all about.
August 22, 23 & 24, 2008
Hours: Friday 5 pm to 11 pm
Saturday 8 am to 11 pm
Sunday 9 am to 6 pm
Admission: Adults: $7
Children 10 and under: Free
Seniors: $5 on Sunday only
Parking: Free
Middlesex Turnpike (Route 154) Chester, CT
www.chesterfair.org


Terryville 60th Annual Country Fair
Featuring Freestyle Motorcross Team FMX Show, B. B. Q. Ribs and Chicken Wings, Mass Mini Tractor Pullers, Animal shows and more.
August 22,23,24, 2008
Hours: Friday: 4 pm - 11 pm
Saturday: 8 am - 11 pm
Sunday: 8 am - 7 pm
Admission: Adults: Friday: $6, Saturday. & Sunday. $8
Seniors : Fri. $4, Sat. & Sun. $6
Children : 12 & under Free
Parking: Free
135 Town Hill Road (off Route 6), Terryville, CT
www.terryvillefair.org


Haddam Neck Fair
August 29, 30, 31 & September 1, 2008
Hours: Fri. 4 pm to 10 pm
Sat. 7:30 am to 10 pm
Sun. 7:30 am to 10 pm
Monday 7:30 am to 6 pm
Admission: Adults $7
Seniors: $6
Children under 12: Free
Parking: Free
26 Quarry Hill Road, Haddam Neck, CT
www.haddamneckfair.com


148th Woodstock Fair
"The Woodstock Fair is a Harvest Celebration; it's a Homecoming; it's Fun, Educational, and Entertaining. It's an Institution of it's very own."
August 29, 30, 31 & September 1, 2008
Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 9 am - 9 pm
Monday: 9 am - 6 pm
Admission: Adults: $12
Seniors DAY: Friday & Saturday: $8
Children: 10 & under Free
Parking: $5
Juctions of Route 171 & 169, South Woodstock, CT
www.woodstockfair.com


Goshen Fair
Features Draft Horse Show, Lynn Flanders Country Line Dance Lessons, Antique Tractor Pull, wood cutting contest and more!
August 30, 31 & September 1, 2008
Hours: Sat. & Sun. 8 am to 8 pm
Mon. 8 am to 6 pm
Admission: Adults: $7
Children 12 and under: Free
Seniors: $5 on Saturday & Sunday
Parking: Free
Route 63 South of Goshen Center, Location A, 116 Old Middle Street, Goshen, CT
www.goshenfair.org


Hebron Harvest Fair
September 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2008
Hours: Thurs. 4 pm to 10 pm
Fri. 12 pm to 11 pm
Sat. 9 am to 11 pm
Sun. 9 am to 8 pm
Admission: Thursday & Friday: $9
Saturday & Sunday: $10
Seniors CITIZENS: Free (Friday 12 pm - 4 pm)
Children: 12 and under Free
Parking: $5 per car. Free with shuttle from outer lots
Handicap access, parking & facilities.
Hebron Lions Fairground, 347 Gilead Street (Route 85), Hebron, CT
www.hebronharvestfair.org
www.myspace.com/HebronHarvestFair


66th Annual North Haven Fair
September 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2008
Hours: Thurs. 5 pm to 10 pm
Fri. 3 pm to 11 pm
Sat. 10 am to 11 pm
Sun. 10 am to 8 pm
Admission: Adults: $9
Children : Under 12 Free
Seniors DAY: Sunday $5
Parking: Free
Route 5, 220 Washington Avenue, Exit 12 off I-91, North Haven, CT
www.northhaven-fair.com


Bethlehem Fair
The Bethlehem Fair is Going GREEN. They Have Agreed To Purchase All Power From Non-Polluting Sources, Making Them Perhaps The First Fair In The County To Use Only Clean Power. They Are Also Initiating An Extensive Recycling Program For The Waste Generated During The Fair. There Will Be More Efforts Coming, Be Sure To Stop At The Energy Booth For More Information.
September 5, 6 & 7, 2008
Hours: Friday 5 pm to 10 pm,
Saturday 8 am to 9 pm
Sunday 8 am to 5:30 pm
Admission: Adults: $7
Seniors: $5
Children: Under 12 Free, PARKING: Free
Parking: Free
388 Main Street North, Bethlehem, CT
www.bethlehemfair.com


Four Town Fair
Featuring: King of the Pumpkin Patch Contest, Beef Steer Show - Youth & Open, Fair Parade - Main Street, Somers to Fairgrounds, Pedal Pull Contest and much more.
September 11, 12, 13 & 14, 2008
Hours: Thursday 4 pm to 11 pm
Friday 4 pm to 11 pm
Saturday 8 am to 11 pm
Sunday 8 am to 7 pm
Admission: Adults: $7
Children 12 and under: Free
Seniors: $5 (Thurs & Friday only)
Parking: Free
56 Egypt Road (Off Route 83) Somers, CT
www.fourtownfair.com

Guilford Fair
All three days: Flowers, Arts & Crafts, Fruits, Vegetables, Canning, Collections, Baked Goods, Photography, Group Exhibits, Needlework, Landscaping, Barnyard, Adult & Junior Departments, Midway, Antique Machinery, State Adult/Junior Baking Contest, Dairy & Beef Cattle, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, Goats, Swine, Petting Zoo, Instructional Demonstrations, Giant Pumpkin Contest, Antique Farm Museum.
September 19, 20 & 21, 2008
Hours: Friday 1 pm to 11 pm
Saturday 9 am to 11 pm
Sunday 9 am to 7 pm
Admission: $10, Children 6-11 $2 and under 11 - Free
Seniors CITIZENS : $8
2-DAY discount PASS : $16
Parking: Fair Grounds $3/Off Grounds
Free Shuttle Bus/Parking off I-95 Exits 57 & 59
Stone House Lane, Guilford, CT
www.guilfordfair.org


Durham Fair
Featuring music from The Guess Who, Blake Shelton and Phil Vassar.
September 26, 27 & 28, 2008
Hours: Fri. 9 am - 11 pm
Sat. 9 am - 11 pm
Sun. 9 am - 7 pm
Admission: Adults: $12, Seniors $10
Children under 11: Free
Parking: Free with shuttle bus
Routes 17 & 68, Durham, CT
www.durhamfair.com


Berlin Fair
Featuring: Friday firework display, Saturday Country Music star Joe Nichols.
October 3, 4 & 5, 2008
Hours: Friday 11 am - 10 pm
Saturday 9 am - 10 pm
Sunday 9 am - 6:30 pm
Admission: Adults: $12
Seniors (62+) $8
Children (12+) $6 children (11 & under) FREE
Parking: Free with shuttle from off-site lots
260 Beckley Road, Berlin, CT
www.ctberlinfair.com


Harwinton Fair
October 4 & 5, 2008
Hours: Saturday: 8 am until 6 pm
Sunday: 8 am to 5 pm
Admission: Adults: $7
Children 12 and under: Free
Parking: Free
150 Locust Road, one mile S.E. of Harwinton Center off Rte. 4
www.harwintonfair.com


Portland Fair
October 10, 11 & 12, 2008
Hours: Friday: 5 - 11 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 11 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 5 pm
Admission: Adults: $6
Seniors: $5
Children 10 and under: Free
Parking: Free
Exchange Club Grounds, Route 17A, Portland, CT
www.portlandfair.com



THE DISTRICT FAIRS

Hamburg Fair
August 15, 16 & 17, 2008
Revolutionary War Encampment, The 6th Connecticut Regiment, Campfire Cooking, Marching Drills, Living History, Camp Life, Blacksmith Demonstrations, Medieval Reenactors, Renaissance Faire Living History, Authentic Dress and more.
Hours: Friday: 5 pm - 11 pm
Saturday: 9 am- 11 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 6 pm
Admission: Adults: $5, Seniors: $3
Children under 12: Free
Parking: Free
Hamburg Fair, Lyme Grange Fairgrounds, Hamburg Rd (Rt. 156) and Sterling City Road,
Lyme, CT
www.hamburgfair.org


The 116th Wapping Fair
September 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2008
Fairgoers can see a variety of animals during the fair, including the three-day-old baby chicks, along with more than 700 baking and arts and crafts exhibits on display for all to see. Exhibitors that win certain quilting and baking categories are eligible to compete at the Connecticut Fair Association meeting. Individuals of all ages are welcome to exhibit their items. All children that enter are guaranteed a ribbon! Look for our exhibitors guide on the agricultural section.
Hours: Thursday: 6 pm - 10 pm
Friday: 6 pm - 11 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 11 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
Admission: Adults and Children 57" and above: $6
Seniors: $3
Children under 57": Free
Parking: Free
Evergreen Walk Behind LA Fitness South Windsor, CT
www.wappingfair.org


63rd Annual Ledyard Fair
September 5, 6 & 7, 2008
Featuring American Idol contestants: Justin Guarini, Chris Sligh, Diana DeGarmo.
Hours: Friday: 6 pm - 11 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 11 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm
Admission: Adults: $8
Youth 13 yrs - 18 yrs: $5
Seniors: $5
Children under 13: Free
Parking: Free at Jr. & Sr. High Schools
Route 117 at Ledyard Center, Ledyard, CT
www.ledyardfair.org


34th Annual Orange Country Fair
September 20 & 21, 2008
Hours: Saturday: 8 am - 7 pm
Sunday: 8 am - 6 pm
New attractions for this year include a Police Dog Demonstration, a wonderful, new band The Navels, along with Wade Henry Entertainer who will stroll the grounds all weekend juggling, tall unicycling, fire eating and more.
Admission: Adults: $7
Children : 15 and under Free, PARKING: Free,
Seniors CITIZENS : $5
Parking: Free
Orange Center Road, Route 152, Orange, CT
www.orangectfair.com


Riverton Fair
October 10, 11 & 12, 2008
Hours: Friday: 4 - 9 pm
Saturday: 8 am - 6 pm (later weather permitting)
Sunday: 8 am - 5 pm
Admission: Adults: $5
Children : Under 12 Free
Parking: Free
Route 20, Riverton, CT
www.rivertonfair.org



THE 4-H FAIRS

New London County 4-H Exposition
July 25, 26 & 27, 2008
Hours: Friday: 6 pm - 11 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am - 11 pm
Sunday 8:30 am - 4 pm
Admission: Adults: $3
Seniors:$2
Exhibitors & Children under 12: Free
Parking: Free
Grange Grounds, Wyassup Road, North Stonington, CT
www.4-hfair.org/newlondon/county.html


Windam County 4-H Fair
August 1, 2 & 3, 2008
Hours: Friday: 7 pm - 9 pm
Saturday: 8 am - 9 pm
Sunday: 8 am - 5 pm
Admission & Parking Free
Brooklyn Fairgrounds, Route 169, Brooklyn, CT
www.4-hfair.org/windham/county.html


Middlesex & New Haven County 4-H Fair
August 1, 2 & 3, 2008
Hours: Friday: 5 pm - 10 pm
Saturday: 8 am - 10 pm
Sunday: 8 am - 10 pm
Admission: Free
Parking: $5 per car
Durham Fairgrounds, Route 17, Durham, CT
www.4-hfair.org


65th Annual Tolland County 4-H Fair
August 8, 9 & 10, 2008
Hours: Friday: 10 am to 10 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 10 pm
Sunday: 8 am to 3 pm
24 Hyde Avenue (Route 30) Vernon, CT
www.4-hfair.org/tolland/county.html


Litchfield County 4-H Fair
August 9 & 10, 2008
Hours: Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday: 9 am - 4 pm
Admission & Parking Free
Route 63 Goshen, CT
www.4-hfair.org/litchfield/county.html


Hartford County 4-H Fair
August 15, 16 & 17, 2008
Hours: Friday: 10 am - 10 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 10 pm
Sunday: 9 am- 5 pm
Admission: Adults: $5
Children under 12: Free
Seniors: Seniors 65 and older are free on Friday only
Parking: Free
Four Town Fairgrounds, Egypt Road, Somers, CT
www.4-hfair.org/hartford/county.html



THE LOCAL FAIRS


Riverton Grange Fair
August 6, 2008
Hours: 10 am - 2 pm
Admission & Parking Free
Grange Hall, Route 20, Riverton CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=72


Ekonk Community Grange Fair
August 9, 2008
Hours: 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Admission & Parking Free
723 Ekonk Hill Road, Sterling, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=31


Winchester Grange Fair
August 9, 2008
Hours: 8 am - 4 pm
Admission & Parking Free
Winchester Center Green (Route 63) CT
100 Newfield Road, Winchester Center, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=93


Norfield Grange Agricultural Fair
August 14, 2008
Hours: 11 am to 4 pm
Admission: Adults: $2
Seniors: $1
Children : Free
Parking: Free
12 Goodhill Road, Weston, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=59


Litchfield Grange Fair
August 16, 2008
Hours: 10 am - 2 pm
Admission & Parking Free
453 Bantam Road, Litchfield CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=50


Norwich Grange Fair
August 16, 2008
Hours: 10 am to evening Vegetable Auction
Admission & Parking Free
172 West Town Rd., Norwich, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=62


Southington Grange Community Fair
August 16, 2008
Hours: Saturday. 8 am - 7 pm
Admission & Parking Free
Corner of Knowles Ave & Summit St., Plantsville, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=75


Harmony Grange Fair
August 23, 2008
Hours: 9 am - 3 pm
Admission & Parking Free
2 Shelton Road (Corner of Rt 110 and 111), Monroe, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=39


Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair & Exposition
August 24, 2008
Hours: 10 am to 4 pm
Admission: Adults: $2
GRANGERS $1
Children: 12 and under Free
Parking: Free - at Cannondale at Railroad Station
Cannon Grange Hall, 25 Cannon Road, (Just off Route 7), Wilton CT www.geocities.com/cannongrange/cannon_fairnext.html


Simsbury Grange Agricultural Fair
August 30, 2008
Hours: Saturday. 10 am - 3 pm
Admission & Parking Free
236 Farms Village Road, (Route 309), West Simsbury, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=74


Greenfield Hill Grange
September, 2008 (Date TBA)
Hours: 10 am - 3 pm
Admission & Parking Free
1873 Hillside Road, Fairfield, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=38


Cherry Brook Grange Fair
September 13, 2008
Hours: 2 pm to 6 pm
Entries received:
Friday: 6 - 8 pm Saturday: 8:30 - 10 am
Admission & Parking Free
534 Cherry Brook Road, North Canton, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=25


Echo Grange Fair
September 13, 2008
Hours: 12 am to 7 pm
Exhibits removed at 7 pm
Admission & Parking Free
483 Storrs Road (Route 195), Mansfield Center, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=30


Granby Grange Agricultural Fair
September 13, 2008
Hours: 3 pm - 8 pm
Admission & Parking Free
212 North Granby Road (Route 189), Granby, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=37


Killingly Grange Fair
September 13, 2008
Hours: 10 am to 3 pm
Exhibits accepted Friday Sept 7th from 1 pm to 6 pm
All judging starts at 6:30 pm
Admission & Parking Free
801 Hartford Pike, Dayville, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=47


Meriden Grange Fair
September 13, 2008
Hours: 10 am to 8 pm
Admission & Parking Free
540 Broad Street, Meriden, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=56


Wallingford Grange Fair
September 20, 2008
Hours: 12 noon - 10 pm
Admission & Parking Free
586 Center St. (Route 150), Wallingford, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=84


Whigville Grange Fair
September 20, 2008
Hours: 10 am - 3 pm
Admission & Parking Free
153 South Main Street, Burlington, CT,
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=92


Cheshire Grange Community Grange Fair
September 27 & 28, 2008
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm, both days
Admission & Parking Free
44 Wallingford Road, Cheshire, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=26


Beacon Grange Fair
September 28, 2008
Hours: 10 am - 2 pm
Admission & Parking Free
670 Northfield Road, Northfield, CT
www.ctstategrange.com/subgrangepage.asp?grangeid=17


And out-of-state. . .

The Big E
Yes, it's out of state, but it's still local! Don't miss Connecticut Day...
September 12 - 28 2008
Wednesday, Sept. 17 - Connecticut Day Friday, Sept. 26 - New England Specialty Food Day Sunday, Sept. 28 - Classic Car Day
Gates open at 8 am
Most exhibits and buildings are open 10 am to 10 pm
Advance Tickets: Adults $10, Children (6-12) - $8
Gate Tickets Weekdays: Adults $12, Children (6-12) - $8
Gate Tickets Weekends: Adults $15, Children (6-12) - $10
Children (5 & under): Free
Parking: Gate 9 Lot: Mon. - Fri., $5,
Sat. or Sun., $10
Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA
Phone: (413) 737-2443
www.thebige.com

Connecticut Staycation Savings

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the launch of "Connecticut – Your Staycation Destination"-- a summer program offering discounts for Connecticut residents at more than 300 attractions showcased throughout the state.

The destinations and many great discounts are featured on the state's website.

Or click here to view the list of special offers and discounts in PDF format.

Staycation Connecticut Style

Staycation – a word originally coined by Brent Butt from the hit Canadian comedy Corner Gas – has been bandied about quite a bit recently. Watch the news, the ever-rising cost of filling up your tank is The Top Story in most cases. Enter The Staycation. What is a Staycation? In Brent Butt’s case, it’s an escape from his everyday life at Corner Gas. Brent takes a deckchair and sits outside his gas station with sunglasses, shorts and a case of beer, and sends “verbal postcards” to anyone who tries to talk to him as he imagines himself in some exotic locale. In our case, Staycation is a way to save money by staying local this summer. The message is you don’t need to be a tourist to visit Connecticut.

Instead of flying somewhere or driving out-of-state you can save a ton of money by taking a look at what’s available for you to do locally. Here are some suggestions for staying local this summer.

Update (7/3/2008) Today Gov. Rell introduced the Connecticut Staycation program that includes savings at 300 locations in Connecticut. Details can be found here.



Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport
Arguably Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport are Connecticut’s top tourist attraction. Now with the Mystic Sea Everything Passcard (Over $250 in value*), $49 adults $45 senior 65+, $39 youth (6-17), $20 child (3-5) this pass includes Admission to Mystic Seaport and admission to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, a large fountain drink at both locations, a limited edition Mystic Sea Tee Shirt and multiple discounts for restaurants, shopping and lodgings in the Mystic Area. See website below for details.
Expect to pay: With the promotion Mystic Sea Everything Passcard $49 adults, $39 children.
Individually:
Mystic Seaport: $18.50 adults, $16.50 Seniors, $13.00 children
Mystic Aquarium: $23.00 adults, $20.00 Seniors, $17.00 children, Children age 2 and under are FREE
http://www.mystic.org/passcard/


Museums

Open House Day – Saturday June 14th 2008
You can visit a local museum any time of the year, but on Connecticut Open House Day, almost 200 CT attractions will open their doors to the public at dramatically reduced prices, or even free. If there’s a museum you always wanted to visit, but had put it on the back burner, here’s your chance.
Expect to pay: On Open House Day lots of bargains, or free entry. Regularly between $5 and $25 for most museums.
Click here to see the complete list of participating venues.
www.thisisct.net


Casinos

Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino
There’s something for everyone at Connecticut’s casinos. From shopping and dining, to great concerts, oh, and you might win something. Add a casino to your destination this summer.

MGM Grand at Foxwoods provides a total luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment experience.
www.mgmatfoxwoods.com Mashantucket, CT

Foxwoods is the largest casino in the world, with 340000 square feet of gaming space in a complex that covers 4.7 million square feet.
www.foxwoods.com Mashantucket, CT

Mohegan Sun covers 240 acres (97 hectares) along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut.
www.mohegansun.com Uncasville, CT



Amusement Parks

Lake Compounce in Bristol, open May – October.
Play all day on rides like Boulder Dash, Zoomerang and Thunder n’ Lightning. Chill near the lake in Anchor Bay, Clipper Cove and Mammoth Falls. Little thrill seekers will enjoy Garfield’s Circus World -perfect for ages 3-10, and families can enjoy our newest addition, Zoomer's Gas n' Go!
Expect to pay: $33.95 Regular Admission (52" and taller), $33.95 Junior Admission (Under 52" tall), $24.95 Senior Admission (Over 60 years of age), $17.95 After 5 pm $17.95, 3 years and under FREE
www.lakecompounce.com

Quassy Amusement Park in Lake Quassapaug Middlebury, open May – October.
Rides for kids and adults, Quassy Beach & Saturation Station and Family Entertainment Center.
Expect to pay: Saturday Carload - 5pm -10pm (Parking charge included! May 24-Aug. 30) $20.00
Adult (45 inches and taller) All-Day Ride & "Saturation Station" Pass $21.00
Kids (under 45 inches) All-Day Ride & "Saturation Station" Pass $17.00
Senior Citizens All-Day Ride & "Saturation Station" Pass $17.00
After 5pm Ride Pass (Excludes July 4) $9.00
Visit the website below for a printable coupon.
http://www.quassy.com/coupons.htm

Out of State, but still local:
Six Flags (Springfield, MA)
http://www.sixflags.com/newEngland/index.aspx

The Big E
For 17 days each September, Eastern States Exposition Center hosts the largest fair in the northeast and the 8th largest in North America, The Big E, in West Springfield, MA. Over 1.2 million visitors experienced the Big E last year.
This year’s Exposition is from September 12 - 28, 2008.
http://www.thebige.com/



Local Animal Parks

Action Wildlife, Route 4 in Goshen, CT
An animal haven with a petting zoo and drive-through Safari.
Expect to pay: $10 adults, $8 children under 12
www.actionwildlife.org

Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT
Over 80 years as Connecticut's only zoo.
Expect to pay: $11.00 adult (ages 12 & older), $9.00 child (ages 3 -11), $9.00 Senior (62 & older), Under 3 years FREE
www.beardsleyzoo.com

Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, CT
CT’s top attraction with Beluga Whales, African Penguins, Sting Rays, Sharks and more.
Expect to pay: $23.00 adults, $20.00 Seniors, $17.00 children, Children age 2 and under are FREE
www.mysticaquarium.org

The Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, CT
Highlight: Great White Alligator (only 44 exist)
Expect to pay: Value Pass (Aquarium + Daytime IMAX Movie + Ride Film*) $21.50 adults, $17.50 child, $20.00 Senior
Aquarium Only $11.00 adults, $9.00 child, $10.00 Senior
www.maritimeaquarium.org

Out of State, but still local:
Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org
Highlight: Flutterby: Butterflies in Bloom (May 24 – September 1)


Riverfront Recapture
From June through October there are over 20 free events on the riverfront in Hartford. Events include free concerts, ballet, Riverfest, the Riverfront Grand Prix, festivals including, a Taste of the Caribbean, Dragon Boat Races, a Celtic festival and more.
www.riverfront.org


State Parks and Beaches

More than 800 miles of hiking trails. 2,000 miles of rivers and streams. 1,300 campsites in 14 parks. 9 historic sites. 237 lakes and ponds. It all adds up to some amazing natural resources and recreational activities. And it’s all right here, in Connecticut’s 138 State Parks and Forests!


Expect to pay: Varied Parking
http://www.nochildleftinside.org/parks/map.php

Beaches
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT
Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven, CT
Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme, CT
Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, CT
Silver Sands State Park, Milford, CT
Expect to pay: Varied Parking
http://www.ct.gov/dep/


CT Wine Trail
The Connecticut wine trail is a state approved winery and vineyard awareness program complete with special directional signs, brochures and special events. No matter where you are in Connecticut there is one or more wineries open to visitors within a 45 minute drive. There are 16 wineries in CT.
Expect to pay: Varied
For a complete list please visit:
http://www.thisisct.net/2007/03/connecticut-wine-trail.html


Connecticut Fairs
From July through October there are over 50 major fairs, local fairs, district fairs and 4-H fairs all over Connecticut.
For a complete listing please click here:
http://www.ctfairs.org/fair_map.aspx


Sports
Connecticut's Summer Sports include Basketball, Baseball, Tennis and Golf.

Connecticut Sun (Basketball)
May – August, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
Expect to pay: $16
www.wnba.com/sun

Bridgeport Bluefish (Baseball)
May – September, Bridgeport, CT
Expect to pay: $6.00, $10.00, $14.00, and $20.00
All season long residents of Bridgeport will receive $2 off any WALK-UP ticket.
www.bridgeportbluefish.com

New Britain Rock Cats (Baseball)
May – September, New Britain, CT
Expect to pay: Club $12, Field Box $10, Reserved - Adult $8
Reserved - Senior / Child $6, General Admission $5
www.rockcats.com

Connecticut Defenders (Baseball)
May – September
www.ctdefenders.com

Travelers Championship, Cromwell, CT
June 16 - 22, 2008
Expect to pay: $25 online purchase, $32 at gate, kds 15 and Under Free, when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
www.travelerschampionship.com

Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament, Yale, CT
August 15 – 23, 2008
Expect to pay: $16 - $40 adult, $8 - $20 Junior
www.pilotpentennis.com

Uconn Football
August – December, Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT
www.UCONNhuskies.com


Racing

Lime Rock Park
http://www.limerock.com/

Waterford Speedbowl
http://www.speedbowl.com/

Thompson International Speedway
http://www.thompsonspeedway.com/


Ice Cream
Take an Ice Cream Tour of Connecticut
http://www.thisisct.net/