Are you looking for a quick and easy getaway that everyone in your family will enjoy this fall? Mystic, Connecticut is a perfect choice! It’s under two hours from Stamford and offers plenty of fun activities that you will love as much as your kids!
Where to Stay
There are a few hotel and inn options including the Inn at Mystic and Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa. But we loved the Whaler’s Inn! It’s easy to walk to restaurants, shops, the water… you name it and it’s easily accessible! Plus you can grab wine, beer or a cookie from the adorable lobby! And if the kids are being really good… Mystical Toys is located across the street!
TIP: Be sure to check out the Mallory Suite which offers two bedrooms… one with bunk beds decorated in a Mystic Aquarium theme. Your kids will LOVE playing and sleeping in the room… and it will give you a place to relax after bedtime.
Where to Play
Mystic River Park is located just down the street from the Whaler’s Inn and has a playground equipped with slides, swings and lots of other equipment that will hold the kids’ attention while you sip your coffee! There is even a large grassy area for running.
Get in the car and take a quick drive to DuBois Beach in Stonington Borough. Located at the southernmost tip of Water Street at Stonington Point, it’s a small beach with a gazebo and beautiful views of the water. It’s a perfect place to bring some sand toys and play in the water while it is still warm!
Where to Eat
Dog Watch Cafe in Stonington is a great option with kids… when you sit down they bring the kids Oyster Cracker and Wikki Stix which keeps them entertained until their meal arrives. I do recommend a reservation, especially if you want to sit outside. In the summer, there is an ice cream tent outside!
Mystic Pizza is another fun, family friendly option. It’s easy to walk to, the kids will love coloring until their pizza arrives and the pizza is good! I recommend the Seafood Delight!
AJ’s Bistro is also a good option with kids. The food is great and it’s quiet, so it’s relatively easy to find a table outside without a reservation.
Sift Bake Shop is a MUST! Whether you eat there or take coffee and pastries to go… if you have young kids you’re in luck! The earlier your kids wake up, the earlier you can get there for breakfast and avoid the line. They are open year round.
Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream is one of many delicious ice cream shops within walking distance of any of the restaurants in Mystic. It’s also fun to watch for the drawbridge to go up!
Activities
Mystic Aquarium is a must! My suggestion is to snag 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. tickets. You will arrive before the crowds and the animals seem very lively in the mornings (especially the Beluga Whales)!
Visit B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill! It’s America’s oldest steam powered cider mill. Enjoy delicious flavors of apple cider, hard cider, wine, baked goods and more. This is also a short drive from downtown.
Go apple and pumpkin picking at Holmberg Orchards.
Mystic Seaport Museum is also a lot of fun… and has an outdoor play space, as well as children’s museum with a boat to play on inside.
Argia Mystic Cruises continue into mid-October. They launch from the heart of town and are very easy to access!
Go shopping! There are so many fun shops to go into… from The Black Dog to antique shops, book stores and more, you will really love looking around!