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    Dinosaur State Park

    3.7 (55 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

    Dinosaur State Park Hiking Photos

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    Jennifer A.

    Anyone under 5 is free, anyone over is $6. This museum is on the small side. I finished it in 10-15 mins. But my toddler went around the museum about 5 times. So we were there for 1.5 hours. The best part for her was the interactive sand and the interactive floor screen that you can step on. We were able to watch a short film on dinosaur tracks in their auditorium. This museum is a perfect short trip. There's a hiking trail outside but we passed on that. She loved this museum so much and kept asking to see the dinosaurs again. We will stop by again if we are in the neighborhood.

    Stefanie K.

    We were in CT for a wedding in April and unfortunately were not able to visit the park. In October we went down again for a wedding and this time made it a point to go as my son is a Dino lover (understatement) he actually thinks he's a dino.... We did the Dino track first as i figured it would be the highlight of his Dino obsession... it takes about 1hr to dry so in the mean time we went inside to see the museum which is quite small but has a few reptiles and plastic dinosaurs to entertain dino lovers. We didn't have too much time left so we did the shortest hike, i wish we could have walked more as it was a beautiful forest setting. If you're going for the Dino cast call before because we bought all items listed online and when we got there they had lots of buckets, veg oil that we could have used and not wasted money on... Overall pretty happy with our adventure and the price is super reasonable

    Fossil track area that was covered
    Christine G.

    Honestly not sure what all the negativity is all about here. Maybe they had some changes in staff/volunteers but everyone we encountered was helpful and kind. The indoor exhibit is small and probably a little outdated but the facts & history haven't changed about this place for a long time! It was cool seeing all the dinosaur tracks and sad that they haven't found any bones but there are actually a lot more tracks than you think that were re-covered for their protection because they didn't have the money to expand. I will say some of the buttons didn't work for "lighting up" the dinosaur tracks but one of them did work. Other than the inside exhibit there is a place to do "mining", some nature trail walks, and even a place to make your own casting (bring your own plaster). Having your own fossil track casting just sounds awesome. I believe the biggest casting needed 15 pounds but online lists only 10 pounds max are necessary just FYI. They also have lots of "ancient" fauna and plants listed around the property. I also liked seeing the snakes and other reptiles. They even have an outdoor time area for their tortoises/turtles! That says a lot given most places those reptiles will never come out of their enclosures. We paid $6/adult which is $12 total?? A steal for a cool experience and a shame that so many people are hating on this place.

    Sue M.

    Small but very well run and thorough museum, terrific for all ages. Affordable outing that will only take about an hour of time indoors, but lovely grounds with trails and interpretive signs and a welcoming picnic area. I don't know how I never got here before but I'll be back.

    Anju P.

    It's a good place to spend a few hours with your little kids. There's nothing much inside except a fossil and a few live reptiles. But for the older ones, I don't think there is much to keep them occupied. The place is clean and has a nice walking trail. There is no store inside to get food, I saw people bringing their own food.

    They offer a great visual display for adults and children about the earth and where footprints/dinosaur fossils come from.
    Joseph S.

    I've never been to the Dino State Park. I've always seen the signs for it on i-91. Finally my wife set up a day to go on our Sunday Funday with my daughter. We got there around 10AM. When you park and start walking on the sidewalk they have these great blocks with writing representing the age of the earth and when life started to form. We read it as we went and my daughter loved it. Right outside the entrance they have this replica sized dinosaur foot that you can sit on or take a pic next to. Inside they have a children's activity area. You can identify fossils, dinosaur bones, make bookmarks with fossils embossing on them or inspect different rocks to learn about them. Most of these rocks were all found in different areas of Connecticut. It gives you some depth to our state for our child. We went into the auditorium and watched a video about the Dino State Park and about the Dinosaur footprints here. My daughter watched most it and we left near the end of the 25 minute video. Inside the museum section they have beautiful displays of the layers of rock formations and where the fossils/footprints were found. And the grand display, the ground floor of footprints that were dug up back in the 60s. Its amazing. SO many dinosaur tracks and they use lights above to help show you the walking paths of each set of prints. My daughter thought it was cool but my wife and I loved it way more. Outside we had lunch on the benches. It was a beautiful scenery. Then we did Geo Mining. We bought a small bag inside for our daughter to do it. She really liked this. I recommend that you do this with you children. Your going to get wet from the water they have flowing but its real cool. Then we did the Fossil Cast. In order to do this you will NEED to buy and bring Plaster Paris. You can get it from Home Depot. We didnt know this but luckily there was some leftover from another family and we were able to use theirs but this is the coolest activity that you can do. So get yourself a bag and come. The volunteers are super nice and helpful. They love what they are doing and they helped us with each step of the casting for the Fossil. My daughter loved the busyness of it. Then we did a nature walk. They have 3 trails (yellow, orange and blue). We did yellow and orange. They go across various terrains and the trails arent too long so your kids should be able to last through one or two of them. The flowers and smells are so awesome. Nature is a beautiful thing. Also when your done, take a walk into the butterfly garden. There was two butterflies in the garden and it was nice for my daughter. We spent probably 2-3 hours here. So ignore the other reviews that say its a quick 1hr and that's it. The experience is what you make of it. Its relatively cheap to do and super hands on. So do it! You wont be disappointed.

    ya !
    Vidu G.

    This place was so so so fun. As soon as we entered we were greeted with a friendly staff. It was a warm and friendly feeling that made me feel sure that this was a family friendly environment. The cheap price also is unmatched for the experience. The vast amount of dinosaur facts and fossil facts that related to the area were we in was fascinating. It was so interesting how one of the most largest pieces of dinosaur history was right below our feet. The little game to find the fossils in the "sandbox" was also really fun. The dinosaurs themselves looked so epic! The sound and light effects also were really cool and made me feel immersed in the dino-world. The gift shop is also so cool, it's filled to the brim with so many dino products! I had to make sure I didn't make a dent in my wallet! This place is perfect for a family fun and educational experience!!!

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    Lots of fun for the kids. got to see some cool animals And fossils. Grade for breaking up a long trip period

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Dinosaur State Park

    Review Highlights - Dinosaur State Park

    The nature walk is very nice with prehistoric looking natural plants.

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    Wethersfield Cove - Parking lot

    Wethersfield Cove

    4.3(12 reviews)
    5.1 mi

    Wethersfield Cove is an inlet which connects to the Connecticut River. There were warehouses built…read morein the 1600s, to store goods such as food and lumber to be sent out to trade with places like the West Indies; products traded in return were rum, molasses, and sugar. The Cove Warehouse Museum still stands today and is open seasonally to the public. There is the heritage trail that runs through it, a boat ramp, rocky beach, picnic tables, porta potty, and a huge parking lot. As far as beach goes, I wouldn't advise swimming in it because of a huge sewage leak back in the 1990s. It is a beautiful spot to walk, picnic, and just enjoy the vista. I'm sure it's fun to go boating on it too. Overall, a nice little neighborhood park with tons of history.

    This little hidden spot is a gem if you're looking to get away from the busy life. It is peaceful,…read morewith manicured grass, a little stream of the Connecticut River, and some geese staying cool in the water. It is super easy to access, just an easy drive down the road from Old Wethersfield and past the dreaded DMV. You can bring your lunch here and have it on the bench. Be sure to dispose of your litter in the trash can. There was a very kind older gentleman who was working to pick up the litter of the ground, he said "it gives me something to do". There's no reason for this, as there's a substantial amount of trash cans. This is a nice place to go on a boat ride down the Connecticut River, and to try to catch some fish. The Wethersfield Cove is a beautiful place to rest your mind and your eyes.

    Photos
    Wethersfield Cove - Back of historic sign

    Back of historic sign

    Wethersfield Cove - Wethersfield Cove

    Wethersfield Cove

    Wethersfield Cove - Road to park

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    Road to park

    Cromwell Boat Launch - Iconic Aragoni Bridge bringing Portland and Middletown closer together.

    Cromwell Boat Launch

    3.5(2 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    I have launched kayaks from this location a number of times over the past seven years. Since that…read morefirst launch to now, the Park has been renovated, the parking improved, and last year the boat launch cup-de-sac significantly improved. Cromwell has been putting a notable effort forward to recapture the scenic beauty of the Connecticut Riverside. Previously, unkept and over utilized by unsavories and the desperate. Now, not perfect, but on the rise should the oversight and funding continue maintenance, promotion and safety. I like this location as a direct access to the CT River, Middletown Harbor Park area, the tail end of the Mattabassett River. If you're a boater or kayaker like me, this launch provides easy access to numerous aquatic activities. Just check the Middletown tide charts for best time to play. For a canoe/kayak, the variance of tides are okay, but craft with a draft of more than a foot will need some consideration when to best launch. This in itself is exactly why the kayaker in me likes this locale. Footnote, the Park Area, on the upper plateau, appears to have public access and facilities for rent. I personally do not know about rentals at this point, but if interested a call to the Town Parks & Rec should render an answer. There is a covered "bandstand" at grade level, picnic benches, paved parking, and non-gender neutral comfort facilities.

    Considering I don't actually boat, it's very nice. I visit this park more for viewing the…read moreMiddletown Fireworks

    Photos
    Cromwell Boat Launch - Frozen in time, rusty rotating Middletown/Portland rail bridge.

    Frozen in time, rusty rotating Middletown/Portland rail bridge.

    Cromwell Boat Launch - Daffey Duck fellow trying to decide which side to dive.

    Daffey Duck fellow trying to decide which side to dive.

    Cromwell Boat Launch - Ahh on the Flow again.  Today, low tide rising with a stiff onshore breeze carried me upstream!

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    Ahh on the Flow again. Today, low tide rising with a stiff onshore breeze carried me upstream!

    Argia Mystic Cruises - Getting ready to go past the train bridge

    Argia Mystic Cruises

    4.4(58 reviews)
    41.0 mi

    My husband and I had planned a two hour cruise in Mystic on the Argia on the day we were…read morecelebrating with our family visiting from California. We were looking for an activity that would be fun for a multigenerational group of 23 people with toddlers, seniors, and everyone in between. We had been in communication with Oliver for months in advance. About two weeks before the big day, we saw that the forecast called for showers throughout Memorial Day weekend, particularly the Sunday of our planned cruise. We monitored the weather and decided to make a decision closer to the day. Throughout the entire process of planning, Oliver was responsive, reliable, accommodating, and kind. On the morning of the trip, Oliver gave us multiple options and worked with us to make sure that we could cancel and get a full refund due to the inclement weather. He provided us with agency up to the last hour of decision making. On a day that could have been really stressful, Oliver alleviated some of that stress. That is exceptional customer service, and that is the reason we will be coming back to the Argia for another special occasion. Highly recommend working with Oliver and his team if you get the chance!

    We took a sunset cruise on the Argia, which is the last commercial sailing ship left in Mystic,…read morewhen we were visiting Mystic with a couple of friends on the Fourth of July. The boat has different seating options - wooden benches and cushion seats without backrests. We reserved two of the cushioned areas and showed up ready to check in on time (they ask you to show up about 30 minutes before boarding to check in). You board at the dock just next to the bridge in Mystic, so it couldn't be more convenient if you're exploring Mystic for a day or a weekend. The Argia allows you to bring alcohol (wine and beer) on board (although they ask that you not bring large coolers - there's no room for them), so we brought a couple of bottles of wine bought from the great wine shop down the street. The sail is partly narrated. Our sail was two hours long, and the staff narrated for some of the sailing time - pointing out historic and interesting sites along the sail (islands with an interesting history, homes with interesting architecture, etc.). Between the gorgeous scenery, some narration of fun and interesting facts about Mystic and its harbor, the great wine we'd brought aboard, and great company - it was the perfect way to spend a couple of hours in Mystic. What a beautiful way to enjoy Mystic and its harbor!

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    Argia Mystic Cruises
    Argia Mystic Cruises
    Argia Mystic Cruises

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    Aquaventuresct

    Aquaventuresct

    5.0(9 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    And we're rolling, rolling, rolling on the river Listen to…read morethe story Sooo yeah.. About that... Another yelp event which didn't include just eating but burning off the calories from other events. Service from the phone call to when we left was A++++ They set my son, ferret and myself up with two paddle board or SUP boards.. They also have canoes, and kayaks as well. Amazing rental price of 20 an hour and 10.00 for each extra hour..which is very reasonably priced. They also include a life jacket and if you would like a waterproof case for your phone at no additional charges. The staff were warm and friendly. And they just adored my ferret named Francis. We all headed out and ready to tackle the mighty CT river. Which I feel with all the wacky weather and rain that we've had the currents are a little stronger than normal. Due to my own personal health issues I gave up before the hour my son stayed out a little bit longer than I did but closer to the area where we started off. And Francis was over it too and took an swim. We did actually have Sunshine for once!! Overall we had an amazing experience. When I do go back I would most likely try a canoe or kayak. I do love supporting family owned and run small businesses here in Connecticut this is one of those hidden gems that you definitely have to try out before the summer ends!!!!

    So cool. Fun summer place to catch some awesome family experiences! I would highly recommendread more

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    Aquaventuresct
    Aquaventuresct
    Aquaventuresct - Kayaks!

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    Kayaks!

    Pedal Cruise Connecticut

    Pedal Cruise Connecticut

    5.0(1 review)
    61.7 mi

    What a fun time! Captain Frank and Erin were such great hosts to our very first expedition on the…read morenew Stamford Pedal Cruise. The name of the boat is the Pier Pressure II. I have been on the Milford Pedal Cruise before and both are just a super fun way to get together with a group of 22 of your friends and have a great time on the water. Here are some things you'll need to know: The Pier Pressure II is Stamford's only pedal powered party boat operated on Stamford Harbor and goes out into the Long Island Sound. It's a 90 minute excursion that is perfect for corporate outings and team building, as well as office, bachelorette, family, friends and birthday celebrations. It fits 26 guests at 12 pedaling stations & benches, a bar table, coolers, has a bluetooth stereo and also a bathroom. Private Cruises begin at $749 and Public Cruises are sold by the ticket, starting at $55, and seat up to 22 passengers. Guests do tip the Captain & First Mate since they rely on it to pay their bills. Suggested tip for Private Cruises: $200-300 and $10-15 per person for Group Cruises. BYOB! Drinks - beer, wine, hard seltzers, ciders, canned cocktails and the like are suggested. Please avoid bringing glass on board. Only guests 21 years of age or older may bring or consume alcoholic beverages. Don't forget some water. Bring Ice - they do not provide ice :) Bing Snacks - keep in mind it can be breezy on the boat. Cups, utensils, plates, napkins, etc - we do not carry these onboard, so please bring what you need and consider bringing reusable items to help the environment and reduce trash. Depending on the time of year and weather, don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, rain poncho or jacket. It does get cooler on the water- so bring a hoodie :) Lastly- free parking can be found at the Harbor Point Garage at 855 Pacific Street, Stamford, CT 06902 located between Washington Blvd & Harbor Point Rd. Other parking options include street parking and the lot at 200 Washington Blvd. They highly encourage using Uber, Lyft & taxi services, as well as the Metro North Train, a 15 min walk to the meeting location. Their waiting area is located at 1 Harbor Point Rd, Stamford, CT 06902 down the steps and under the blue canopy. You'll see Pedal Cruise signs along the way. Staff will let you and your group down to the boat through a locked gate when the boat is ready for boarding. Please do not enter through the gate without a Pedal Cruise staff member since it is private property. Cheers and have the best time! We sure did!

    From the owner: Sip, Cheer & Chill on the water on Stamford’s only pedal powered party boat operated on the…read moreglistening Stamford Harbor and out into the Long Island Sound for groups of up to 26 people! This relaxing 90 minute excursion is perfect for corporate outings and team building, as well as office, bachelorette, family, friends and birthday celebrations. Our custom crafted boat fits 26 guests at 12 pedaling stations & benches, a bar table, coolers, blue tooth stereo and even has a bathroom! Locations in both Milford and Stamford, CT!

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    Pedal Cruise Connecticut
    Pedal Cruise Connecticut
    Pedal Cruise Connecticut

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    Dinosaur State Park - hiking - Updated June 2026

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