What to do on rainy days in Connecticut
New England is known for fickle weather. But when summer showers come, there's no need to sit inside and watch TV. Here are 20+ ways to get out and enjoy summer in Connecticut even when the sun's not out.
By Lidia Ryan
Rainy days are a great time to take advantage of the many temporary art
exhibits on display in southwestern Connecticut this summer. Here are
some suggestions:
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield
The Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk
The Bruce Museum in Greenwich
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The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield
The Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk
The Bruce Museum in Greenwich
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Rainy days are a great time to take advantage of the many temporary art exhibits on display in southwestern Connecticut this summer. Here are some suggestions:
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in ... more
Photo: Bob Luckey
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in ... more
If you're going to be stuck inside all day, you might as well treat
yourself to a good meal - or maybe even the best meal. Thomas Henkelmann
in Greenwich has received numerous accolades this year including one of
Open Table's 100 Best in the country and Business Insider's list of best restaurants in America.
If Fancy French food isn't your thing, CT Bites has everything you need to know about the foodie scene in Connecticut. less
If Fancy French food isn't your thing, CT Bites has everything you need to know about the foodie scene in Connecticut. less
If you're going to be stuck inside all day, you might as well treat
yourself to a good meal - or maybe even the best meal. Thomas Henkelmann
in Greenwich has received numerous accolades this year including ... more
Photo: Bob Luckey
Connecticut has a wide variety of animal residents:
Talk to shark divers at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.
Mystic Aquarium is home to New England's only beluga whales.
Connecticut's only zoo is in Bridgeport.
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Talk to shark divers at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.
Mystic Aquarium is home to New England's only beluga whales.
Connecticut's only zoo is in Bridgeport.
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Connecticut has a wide variety of animal residents:
Talk to shark divers at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.
Mystic Aquarium is home to New England's only beluga whales.
Connecticut's only zoo is in ... more
Photo: Brian A. Pounds
Talk to shark divers at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.
Mystic Aquarium is home to New England's only beluga whales.
Connecticut's only zoo is in ... more
Connecticut is home to hundreds of museums. Whether you're interested in
art, science, history, puppets or even two-headed animals, there's a
museum for you. Check out a list of 100 interesting and unique museums here in Connecticut. less
Connecticut is home to hundreds of museums. Whether you're interested in art, science, history, puppets or even two-headed animals, there's a museum for you. Check out a list of 100 interesting and unique ... more
Photo: Lou Jones, Getty Images
There are plenty of superstars coming to Connecticut. Check out where
and when you can see your favorites on stage this summer, and for the
rest of the year. Click here for your Connecticut concert guide.
There are plenty of superstars coming to Connecticut. Check out where and when you can see your favorites on stage this summer, and for the rest of the year. Click here for your Connecticut concert guide.
Photo: Contributed Photo / ST
Your first thought on a rainy day might be "let's go to the movies." Before you check out the new releases, see what's playing at some of Fairfield County's more unique movie theaters.
The Avon Theater in Stamford plays classics, documentaries and foreign films.
Bethel Cinema shows some indie films.
Edmond Town Hall in Newtown shows movies for $2.00.
Click here for a full list of unique movie theaters in Fairfield County.
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The Avon Theater in Stamford plays classics, documentaries and foreign films.
Bethel Cinema shows some indie films.
Edmond Town Hall in Newtown shows movies for $2.00.
Click here for a full list of unique movie theaters in Fairfield County.
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Your first thought on a rainy day might be "let's go to the movies." Before you check out the new releases, see what's playing at some of Fairfield County's more unique movie theaters.
The Avon Theater in ... more
Photo: Jason Rearick
The Avon Theater in ... more
The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk is home to Southwestern Connecticut's only IMAX movie theater. Check out what movies are playing on the very big screen.
The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk is home to Southwestern Connecticut's only IMAX movie theater. Check out what movies are playing on the very big screen.
Photo: Contributed Photo
Soak up some culture at one of Connecticut's theaters for the performing arts. You can catch a play, musical, concert, dance performance and much more. Take a look at a list of theaters in Connecticut.
Soak up some culture at one of Connecticut's theaters for the performing arts. You can catch a play, musical, concert, dance performance and much more. Take a look at a list of theaters in Connecticut.
Photo: Richard Termine, Contributed Photo/Richard Termin
There are many examples of Victorian-era architecture right here in Connecticut, including Lockwood-Matthews Mansion in Norwalk, Yale Center for British Art and others. Take a look at more information on taking a Victorian tour of the state.
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There are many examples of Victorian-era architecture right here in Connecticut, including Lockwood-Matthews Mansion in Norwalk, Yale Center for British Art and others. Take a look at more information on taking ... more
Many famous authors once called Connecticut their home - Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe are just a couple. Check out some famous literary houses to tour.
You can also read books right where they take place. Here's a list of some summer reading picks and where in Connecticut they take place.
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You can also read books right where they take place. Here's a list of some summer reading picks and where in Connecticut they take place.
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Many famous authors once called Connecticut their home - Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe are just a couple. Check out some famous literary houses to tour.
You can also read books right where they take ... more
You can also read books right where they take ... more
New England is known for charming architecture, and Connecticut is no exception. Take a staycation at one of Connecticut's classic inns and bed & breakfasts.
Essex offers an escape on the river.
Litchfield County is great for a country weekend.
Click here for a full list of inns and bed & breakfasts in Connecticut.
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Essex offers an escape on the river.
Litchfield County is great for a country weekend.
Click here for a full list of inns and bed & breakfasts in Connecticut.
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New England is known for charming architecture, and Connecticut is no exception. Take a staycation at one of Connecticut's classic inns and bed & breakfasts.
Essex offers an escape on the river.
Litchfield ... more
Essex offers an escape on the river.
Litchfield ... more
Relax by the sea at one of Connecticut's shoreline spas. If you want to stay closer to home, there are plenty of places to get a massage in Southwestern Connecticut. Check them out here.
Relax by the sea at one of Connecticut's shoreline spas. If you want to stay closer to home, there are plenty of places to get a massage in Southwestern Connecticut. Check them out here.
Photo: DreamPictures/VStock, Getty Images
Grab some friends and challenge them to some indoor competition:
Bowling
Mini Golf
Laser Tag
Roller skating
Bowling
Mini Golf
Laser Tag
Roller skating
Grab some friends and challenge them to some indoor competition:
Bowling
Mini Golf
Laser Tag
Roller skating
Photo: Bowlero
Bowling
Mini Golf
Laser Tag
Roller skating
On Track Karting in Brookfield and Wallingford offers indoor go karting for kids and adults. If you've never done it before, you can even get a one-on-one lesson. Find out more.
On Track Karting in Brookfield and Wallingford offers indoor go karting for kids and adults. If you've never done it before, you can even get a one-on-one lesson. Find out more.
Photo: Tyler Sizemore
Kids should be active on their summer vacations, but that can be hard when it's raining. Luckily, Chelsea Piers in Stamford offers an array of indoor activities for kids (and adults). Check out what Chelsea Piers offers.
If your kids like jumping around, you can also try an indoor inflatable play center.
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If your kids like jumping around, you can also try an indoor inflatable play center.
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Kids should be active on their summer vacations, but that can be hard when it's raining. Luckily, Chelsea Piers in Stamford offers an array of indoor activities for kids (and adults). Check out what Chelsea ... more
Photo: Lindsay Perry
If you're into antiquing, you're in the right place. Connecticut is home to tons of antique shops, fairs flea markets and more. Click here for everything you need to know about antiquing in Connecticut.
If you're into antiquing, you're in the right place. Connecticut is home to tons of antique shops, fairs flea markets and more. Click here for everything you need to know about antiquing in Connecticut.
Photo: Stephanie Wright Hession
Outlet shopping can take up the whole day, so save it for a rainy day. Here's where you can go for bargains:
Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, Clinton: Stores include Banana Republic, Juicy Couture, Polo Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade New York and Talbots.
Tanger Outlets, Westbrook: Stores include J. Crew, Nine West, Williams-Sonoma, Eddie Bauer and even a 12-screen movie theater.
Olde Mistick Village, Mystic: Stops for kitchenware, children’s clothes, glass and jewelry, and gourmet foods. less
Outlet shopping can take up the whole day, so save it for a rainy day. Here's where you can go for bargains:
Photo: Paul Bradbury, Getty Images
Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, Clinton: Stores include Banana Republic, Juicy Couture, Polo
... moreConnecticut's two casinos offer more than just gambling. You can catch a show, have dinner, go dancing, shop, relax at a spa and more.
Mohegan Sun Casino
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Mohegan Sun Casino
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Connecticut's two casinos offer more than just gambling. You can catch a show, have dinner, go dancing, shop, relax at a spa and more.
Mohegan Sun Casino
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Photo: Bob Child, ST
Mohegan Sun Casino
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Take advantage of a rainy afternoon and go brewery hopping along the Connecticut beer trail. Check out the local beers you can try.
More of a wine person? Check out Connecticut's wineries and vineyards.
More of a wine person? Check out Connecticut's wineries and vineyards.
Take advantage of a rainy afternoon and go brewery hopping along the Connecticut beer trail. Check out the local beers you can try.
More of a wine person? Check out Connecticut's wineries and vineyards.
More of a wine person? Check out Connecticut's wineries and vineyards.
Take advantage of a rainy day and learn to cook an impressive meal that you can serve at your next summer party. Here's a guide to cooking classes in Connecticut.
Take advantage of a rainy day and learn to cook an impressive meal that you can serve at your next summer party. Here's a guide to cooking classes in Connecticut.
Photo: Alex Washburn, The Chronicle
Go out for some classic summer treats:
Best French fries
Best lobster rolls
Best hot dogs
Best burgers
Best ice cream
Best French fries
Best lobster rolls
Best hot dogs
Best burgers
Best ice cream
Go out for some classic summer treats:
Best French fries
Best lobster rolls
Best hot dogs
Best burgers
Best ice cream
Photo: Contributed Photo
Best French fries
Best lobster rolls
Best hot dogs
Best burgers
Best ice cream