5-Day Family-Friendly Summer Itinerary in Colchester, CT

Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Exploration

Colchester, CT on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Thirty Nine North

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring fresh pastries, omelets, and coffee to start the day in this family-friendly café open from 7:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Colchester Town Green

Stroll around the historic town green with its community park, playground for kids, and occasional street performers during weekends.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Colchester Historical Society Museum

Explore local history exhibits highlighting Colchester’s origins and development, open Wed-Sat 10:00am-3:00pm.
USD5 per adult, children free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Casa Mia

Family-friendly Italian dining with popular pizzas and pastas, ideal for a casual lunch; open 11:30am-2:30pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Pump House Pond Park

Enjoy an afternoon picnic or paddle boating on the pond in this scenic park perfect for kids and relaxing family time.
Free, paddle boat rental USD10/hour, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Martin’s Package Store & Cafe

Dine on local comfort food in a casual setting, open until 9:00pm, offering great family meal options.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nature and Wildlife Day

Colchester and Surroundings, CT on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Green Bean Food Truck

Grab quick and delicious coffee and breakfast sandwiches from this popular spot operating 7:00am-10:30am.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Hiking at Salmon River State Forest

Explore forest trails ideal for family hiking and birdwatching, open all day with free parking and picnic areas.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Salmon River Park

Relax with a family picnic at the designated picnic areas; bring your own or pick up sandwiches from a local deli before heading out.
Variable, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Connecticut Audubon Center at Glastonbury

Short 15-minute drive to explore interactive exhibits and trails featuring local wildlife; open 9:00am-5:00pm Wed-Sun.
USD10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Cook & The Bear

Enjoy an upscale but family-friendly dinner featuring seasonal farm-to-table dishes; open 5:00pm-9:00pm.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 3: History and Culture

Colchester, CT on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Four Seasons Family Restaurant

Classic American breakfast options with a family-friendly atmosphere; open from 6:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit The Museum of Connecticut History (Hartford)

Drive 30 minutes to Hartford to discover Connecticut’s rich history with interactive exhibits and family activities; open 10:00am-4:00pm.
USD12, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ

Enjoy smoked meats and flavorful sides in a casual setting; open until 3:00pm on weekdays.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mark Twain House & Museum

Tour the historic home of author Mark Twain with engaging family tours; open 9:00am-5:00pm.
USD18, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Colchester for Dinner

Relax with dinner at Dash-In Restaurant, known for American classics, open until 9:00pm.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 4: Family Fun and Relaxation

Colchester, CT on July 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Garden Grill

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with garden-inspired dishes in a cozy setting; open from 7:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit The Place Kids Love

Spend the morning at this indoor playground and activity center ideal for children under 10; open 9:00am-12:00pm.
USD12 per child, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at New England Burger Company

Savor gourmet burgers with family-friendly options; open 11:00am-3:00pm.
USD18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon at Lake Hayward

Enjoy swimming, kayaking or just relaxing lakeside. Public access area open dawn to dusk.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner and Fireworks at Colchester Town Green

Picnic dinner followed by the town’s 4th of July fireworks celebration starting at 9:00pm. Bring blankets and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Free, 3h0m
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Day 5: Leisure and Departure

Colchester, CT on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lighthouse Creamery

Indulge in breakfast and end your trip with their famous ice cream treats; open 7:00am-11:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ackley Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk along trails with opportunities to spot local wildlife; open 8:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Light Lunch at The Root

Casual lunch spot offering sandwiches and salads, perfect before departing; open 11:00am-3:00pm.
USD15, 1h0m

1:00pm

Return Home

Head home with wonderful family memories from your Colchester summer adventure.
Variable, Variable
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