Connecticut
& Montréal

America's oldest continuously operating public art museum, founded in 1842 with nearly 50,000 works spanning 5,000 years. Five connected Gothic and Renaissance buildings form a castle-like complex in downtown Hartford. The collection ranges from Hudson River School masterpieces to world-renowned Surrealist paintings, plus a Cabinet of Art & Curiosity that kids love. Two massive, colorful Sol LeWitt wall murals on the grand staircases are reliably mesmerizing for young children.

A stone lookout tower perched atop East Peak in Meriden — one of the best panoramic views in Connecticut. You can drive almost all the way to the top, making it very manageable with small kids. Climb the metal stairs inside the tower for a full 360° view across central CT on a clear day.

One of the world's great library buildings — its exterior panels of translucent Vermont marble filter natural light into a golden, glowing atmosphere inside. Even young kids are transfixed by the otherworldly architecture. The sunken sculpture garden outside is a great spot to let them run around after.

Connecticut's longest public beach — over two miles of wide, clean shoreline on the Long Island Sound. Gentle waves make it ideal for kids under 7. Beyond the beach there's a boardwalk nature trail through the marshes, a nature center, and a small snack stand on site.

A beautiful resort right where the Connecticut River meets the Sound. Your shoreline home base for 3 nights — perfectly positioned for Gillette Castle, the Block Island ferry in New London, and day trips along Route 1. Indoor and outdoor pools, a full marina, and the acclaimed Fresh Salt restaurant on-site.

A genuinely eccentric stone castle perched above the Connecticut River, built by Victorian actor William Gillette (famous for playing Sherlock Holmes on stage). The interior is filled with bizarre wooden contraptions, hidden doors, and hand-carved details. Hiking trails with sweeping river views surround the grounds.

A car-free island escape off the Rhode Island coast. The high-speed catamaran from New London takes just over an hour. Rent bikes at Old Harbor, swim at Crescent Beach, explore the lighthouse, and eat fried clams with a view. One of the best day trips in all of New England.

A world-class city that's incredibly welcoming to families with young kids. Mid-July brings warm weather, long evenings, and the city's famous festival season. The Biodôme, Old Port, and Mount Royal alone fill three full days — and the food scene (bagels, smoked meat, crêpes, poutine) is half the adventure.