This post was originally published in July 2015. It was updated in July 2018 to reflect the latest information on the destinations below. Have fun cooling off at these great Connecticut spots!
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Over the past few days, the heat and humidity in Connecticut have been brutal. If you are anything like us, you’ve been on a daily search for a great place to keep yourself and your little ones cool on those tough days. The good news is that there are many of fabulous places where families can go to keep cool when the weather warms up! And instead of making you search around on our site looking for the places we’ve been and written about, we decided to put together a list of all of the beaches, ponds, pools, spray pads, and waterparks that have been reviewed by us over the past five years.
And, of course, we know there are more wonderful Connecticut destinations that are perfect places to cool off but not currently on our list. Let us know about your favorites so we can share them with our readers and possibly visit and write about them in the future!
Let’s begin …
Beaches
Jennings Beach in Fairfield
Clinton Town Beach – We first discovered this destination before it opened for the season when Mandy and her family were drawn to its amazing playground located right on the beach! Here the kids can play on the playground, enjoy the sun and sand, and then relax in the water when they are ready to cool off. The beach offers a variety of amenities including restrooms, concessions, and lifeguards.
Beach passes are required from the third weekend in June to Labor Day from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Season passes for Clinton & Killingsworth residents are $25 per car; daily parking rates for all non-residents are $50 (Monday-Thursday) and $75 (Friday-Sunday & Holidays). Passes can be purchased from the gatekeeper.
Waterside Lane, Clinton, Connecticut
Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison, CT) – Mandy’s review of this beach was the first-ever blog post on our site! It is so strange to go back and read that post, but it’s also a lot of fun seeing pictures of Bruiser and Sparkles when they were just 9 months old. This destination offers a variety of amenities including restrooms, concessions, and lifeguards. And don’t forget to make a stop at Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale before heading home.
In 2018, Connecticut launched the Passport to Parks Program. Residents are no longer required to pay a parking fee at CT State Parks and Forest recreation areas, due to DMV collecting a $10 fee ($5 per year) on behalf of DEEP at the time of registration and registration renewals for non-commercial motor vehicles.
No charge for Connecticut residents! Parking fees for non-residents are $15 on weekdays and $22 on weekends/holidays ($7 after 4:00pm). Before you go, check the beach’s swimming water quality here.
1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, Connecticut
Harvey’s Beach – Be sure to check the tide schedule before heading to this beach, as low tide is the absolute best time to visit. Let the kids explore the sand bars and tide pools and then stop by the snack bar for lunch or a treat. Amenities include restrooms and a small playground.
Parking fees for non-residents are $10 on weekdays and $20 on weekends.
29 Plum Bank Road, Old Saybrook, Connecticut (Route 159)
Hole-in-the-Wall Beach at McCook Point Park – As of March 2016, construction of the new bridge and boardwalk is complete and visitors can once again easily enjoy this pretty and convenient beach destination. The beach has lifeguards, restrooms, and a playground. An ice cream shop is an easy walk from the beach and a variety of food options are available along nearby Main Street.
A beach pass is required from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For residents of East Lyme, parking rates are: $10 for a day pass and $35 for a season pass. For non-residents, the rates are $10 to walk in, $30 for a day pass Monday – Friday, $40 for a day parking pass on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, and $115 for a season pass.
Baptist Lane, Niantic, Connecticut
Jennings Beach – This beach is the largest of the Fairfield beaches and a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon. There are lifeguards, a concession stand, and restrooms to make for an easy and convenient beach outing. Plus, right across the parking lot from the beach is a huge playground for the kids.
From Memorial Day Saturday to Labor Day, a beach sticker is required to park in the beach lot. From 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM, vehicles without a beach sticker must pay a daily parking fee at the gate of $20.00 on weekdays and $50.00 on weekends & Holidays.
880 South Benson Road, Fairfield, Connecticut
Ocean Beach Park – Visiting the beach is just one of the many things offered at Ocean Beach Park. This destination has a boardwalk, ice cream, spray pad, pool, water slides, arcade, miniature golf, a playground, carnival rides and more. The kids will never be bored at this beautiful beach destination.
This beach is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. General parking fees are $17/car on weekdays and $23/car on weekends. There are discounted rates for evenings and special event parking. Some activities within the park are included in the price and some charge an additional fee. Check out this page for pricing for season parking passes, group rates, individual activities, etc.
98 Neptune Avenue, New London, Connecticut
Sherwood Island State Park – This magical-sounding place is a shell collector’s dream come true! Visit the nature center for lessons about sea creatures and arts & crafts, enjoy spotting a wide variety of wild life on the salt marsh trail, go for a swim in the lifeguard-patrolled water and of course comb the beach for all kinds of treasures. This is truly a family-friendly beach destination.
In 2018, Connecticut launched the Passport to Parks Program. Residents are no longer required to pay a parking fee at CT State Parks and Forest recreation areas, due to DMV collecting a $10 fee ($5 per year) on behalf of DEEP at the time of registration and registration renewals for non-commercial motor vehicles.
No charge for Connecticut residents! Non-resident rates are $15 on weekdays and $22 on weekends/holidays ($7 after 4:00pm). For discounted or free entry, check out your library’s museum pass program or look into purchasing a season pass. Before you go, check the beach’s swimming water quality here.
Westport, Connecticut
Rocky Neck State Park – Rocky Neck is another state park offering opportunities for visitors to enjoy the picturesque Connecticut shoreline. Plenty of amenities including lifeguards (West Beach), restrooms, and a snack bar (West Beach) make a visit there easy to enjoy. Plus the really cool feature is the train that runs right past the beach area during your visit.
In 2018, Connecticut launched the Passport to Parks Program. Residents are no longer required to pay a parking fee at CT State Parks and Forest recreation areas, due to DMV collecting a $10 fee ($5 per year) on behalf of DEEP at the time of registration and registration renewals for non-commercial motor vehicles.
No charge for Connecticut residents! Non-resident rates are $15 on weekdays and $22 on weekends/holidays ($7 after 4:00pm). For discounted or free entry, check out your library’s museum pass program or look into purchasing a season pass. Before you go, check the beach’s swimming water quality here.
244 West Main Street, East Lyme, Connecticut
Ponds
Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth
Chatfield Hollow State Park – This state park offers tons of fun for the whole family. From hiking trails that take you past Indian caves to a nature center which provides a variety of educational opportunities, there are a variety of things to enjoy here. But the best feature here may be swimming in the pond. When the weather warms up, this state park is the place to be.
In 2018, Connecticut launched the Passport to Parks Program. Residents are no longer required to pay a parking fee at CT State Parks and Forest recreation areas, due to DMV collecting a $10 fee ($5 per year) on behalf of DEEP at the time of registration and registration renewals for non-commercial motor vehicles.
No charge for Connecticut residents! During the week, parking is free for non-residents. On weekends, parking fees for non-residents are $15. Before you go, check the swimming water quality here.
381 Route 80, Killingworth, Connecticut
Eastbury Pond – This gem, located in Glastonbury, offers guests the chance to cool off in a relaxing atmosphere. The pond is monitored by lifeguards beginning at 10:30 am until 8:00 pm each day and it also has restrooms on site. While no concessions are available, the ice cream truck will sometimes stop by for an afternoon visit.
Glastonbury resident rates are $5 on weekdays and $8 on weekends. Car stickers can be purchased for $25 for the first vehicle and $15 for each additional vehicle. Non-resident rates are double the resident rate.
Fisher Hill Road, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Stratton Brook State Park – This relaxing venue offers an opportunity for swimming, fishing, hiking, and more in the heart of Simsbury. The park is FREE during the week and there is a state park fee on the weekends.
In 2018, Connecticut launched the Passport to Parks Program. Residents are no longer required to pay a parking fee at CT State Parks and Forest recreation areas, due to DMV collecting a $10 fee ($5 per year) on behalf of DEEP at the time of registration and registration renewals for non-commercial motor vehicles.
No charge for Connecticut residents. The park is FREE for non-residents on weekdays and $15 non-residents on the weekends. Before you go, check the swimming water quality here.
149 Farms Village Road, Simsbury, Connecticut
Wadsworth Falls State Park – Start your visit to Wadsworth Falls State Park with a viewing of the beautiful falls and a hike in the woods. Then end your visit with a dip in the pond and relaxing on the beach before you head home.
In 2018, Connecticut launched the Passport to Parks Program. Residents are no longer required to pay a parking fee at CT State Parks and Forest recreation areas, due to DMV collecting a $10 fee ($5 per year) on behalf of DEEP at the time of registration and registration renewals for non-commercial motor vehicles.
No charge for Connecticut residents! The park is free on weekdays for non-residents and $15 for non-residents on the weekends. Before you go, check the swimming water quality here.
721 Wadsworth Street, Middletown, Connecticut
Pools
Fernridge Park Pool in West Hartford
Fernridge Park Pool – The pool at Fernridge Park is one of four public, outdoor pools in West Hartford. It was remodeled in 2012 and offers a beautiful place to spend a hot summer day. The pool has a zero entry section that is perfect for young toddlers and a spray pad located right next door. Plus the park has a pond, playground, and lovely walking trails.
Rates range from $3.25 – $4.00 for West Hartford residents and $5.50 – $6.50 for non-residents. Punch cards and season passes are also available. Find details here.
567 Fern Street, West Hartford, Connecticut
Spray Pads
Spray Park in Colchester
The Dinosaur Place – Visit the largest splash pad in New England and then stay to enjoy the playground, maze, and dino-themed fun!
In-season pricing is $19.99 (plus tax) for ages 2-59 and $16.99 (plus tax) for ages 60+. Kids under two are always free! Find additional details here.
1650 Hartford-New London Turnpike, Oakdale, Connecticut
Fernridge Park Spray Pad – Located in Fernridge Park, this fully fenced-in spray pad keeps the little ones cool and entertained on the hottest of summer days. The park also has multiple playgrounds and a pool.
FREE to use!
567 Fern Street, West Hartford, Connecticut
Colchester Spray Park – This fabulous morning (or afternoon) activity can include not only a visit to the spray park but also a visit to the nearby playground.
FREE to use!
215 Old Hebron Road, Colchester, Connecticut
Rockwell Park – Another fabulous spray pad and playground destination. Be sure to check out the huge slide located in the park!
FREE to use!
Jacob Street and Dutton Avenue in Bristol, Connecticut
Watrous Park Splash Pad – Cool off in Cromwell at this fun splash pad that opened in 2016! There is even a small playground right nearby for a little extra entertainment.
FREE to use!
Greer Street, Cromwell, Connecticut
Wolcott Park Spray Pad – The nice thing about this fully fenced-in spray pad is that it is attached to a fully fenced-in playground!
FREE to use!
4 Wolcott Road, West Hartford, Connecticut
Waterparks
Quassy Amusement & Waterpark
Lake Compounce – Get wet at Crocodile Cove Waterpark and cool off in their multiple pools, at their water play area, at the beach, or on one of their many waterslides!
Single-day passes range in price from $24.99 – $45.99 and season passes are also available. Find more info here.
186 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, Connecticut
Quassy Amusement & Waterpark – Spend the afternoon at Splash Away Bay and enjoy the park’s beach, spray pad, saturation station, and water slides.
A variety of pricing options are available for your visit, but wristbands range in price from $21.99 to $28.99. While you do not need a ticket or wristband to enter the park, you do need one to enter the waterpark area. Find more info here.
2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, Connecticut
Stay cool this summer!
Shawna & Mandy
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Hi there, does anyone know of any natural springs, creeks or rivers for swimming in the area? I’m relatively new to the area, and I know there are sure to be some!