Hi everyone! I am so excited today for TWO reasons!
First of all, I have always wanted to feature a sledding destination on the blog. It’s such a quintessential New England winter activity (for kids and grownups!), and it always felt wrong that this blog about things to do with kids in CT never featured a good ol’ fashioned sledding hill.
The second reason for my excitement is that our favorite Out and About Dad, John O’Leary is back on the blog today sharing this sledding adventure!
John has been contributing to our site since waaaay back in 2018 (you can read his very first post here). He’s brought us some of our favorite hidden gems like Julien’s Farm Store in Granby and our first ever date-night edition at Playhouse on Park.
He loves adventuring around the state with his three girls, ages 6, 8, and 12. And today he’s found another hidden gem in the heart of Hartford at Elizabeth Park. Hold onto your hats, friends (perhaps literally!), because we’re going sledding 🙂
Elizabeth Park “straddles the line” of Hartford and West Hartford. It’s the botanical jewel of the city and is best known for its impeccable rose garden, lavish flower beds, summer concerts and Pond House Café in the spring and summer months.
However, Elizabeth Park is not to be forgotten in the winter. There is a marvelous sledding hill located on the East Lawn of the park, near the intersection of Asylum and Prospect avenues.
There is ample parking at Elizabeth Park on most days. There is a small lot located at Sunrise Overlook right off Prospect Avenue. Parking is also permitted on Prospect Avenue and many area side streets.
A steep embankment on the hill always draws a crowd in fresh snow and makes for an exciting run for kids of all ages. Some days there are jump opportunities from hand made hills at the bottom.
With incredible views of Hartford, it’s a great way to work up an appetite for some hot chocolate by spending an hour (or several). Especially with all the snow we’ve gotten so far this winter!
Sledding in Elizabeth Park (East Lawn)
Find directions and parking information here.
Contact the Elizabeth Park Conservancy at (860) 231-9443
Follow Elizabeth Park on Facebook and Instagram.
Hours & Admission:
Elizabeth Park is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. There is no admission charge. Find more park information here.
The Pond House Cafe
1555 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117
Phone: (860) 231-8823
Email: cafe@pondhousecafe.com
Reservations are encouraged, please call them at (860) 231-8823 or make an online reservation through open table below. Please note that parties of 5 or more need to call to make reservations.
Please visit this page for the most up-to-date hours information.
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