5-Day Outdoor Family Adventure Itinerary in Colchester, CT

Day 1: Parks and Playgrounds

Colchester, CT on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Thirty Nine North

Start the day with a delicious breakfast of fresh pastries and kid-friendly options in a welcoming café open from 7:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Colchester Town Green Playground

Let children enjoy a fun morning at the playground with swings, slides and open grassy areas for games.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Pump House Pond Park Exploration

Family-friendly pond with paddle boating rentals and nature trails, perfect for an interactive outdoor experience.
Paddle boat USD10/hour, 2h0m

1:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Pump House Pond

Enjoy a casual picnic lunch with sandwiches and fresh fruit, surrounded by scenic pond views and wildlife.
Variable, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sunset Ridge Playground and Trails

Visit this local park featuring playground equipment and gentle hiking trails suitable for kids of all ages.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Casa Mia

Family-friendly Italian cuisine with a kid’s menu in a cozy atmosphere, open until 9:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 2: State Forest Adventure

Salmon River State Forest, CT on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast to-go from Green Bean Food Truck

Pick up coffee and breakfast sandwiches to enjoy on the go, operating 7:00am-10:30am.
USD10, 0h30m

8:30am

Hiking & Nature Activities at Salmon River State Forest

Spend the morning hiking kid-friendly trails, exploring the forest, and spotting local wildlife in this expansive area open all day.
Free, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch Picnic at Salmon River Picnic Area

Enjoy a packed lunch with plenty of space for children to run and play in the picnic area.
Variable, 1h0m

2:00pm

Geocaching Treasure Hunt

Engage the kids in a geocaching adventure within the forest trails, a fun outdoor treasure hunt using GPS devices or smartphones.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Place to B

Grab an early family dinner offering kid-friendly meals and relaxed vibes, open until 7:00pm.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 3: Water and Wildlife Fun

Colchester and East Haddam, CT on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Four Seasons Family Restaurant

Daily favorites and kid-friendly options served in a casual environment, open from 6:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Morning Kayaking at Lake Hayward

Rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore this calm lake, ideal for introducing kids to water sports with safety equipment provided.
USD20 per hour, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at New England Burger Company

Tasty burgers and kid favorites to refuel after water activities; open 11:00am-3:00pm.
USD18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Connecticut Audubon Center at Glastonbury

Explore nature trails and interactive exhibits focused on Connecticut’s wildlife, with kid-friendly educational programs; open Wed-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm.
USD10, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Martin’s Package Store & Cafe

Relax with comfort food in a casual, family-friendly setting; open until 9:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Festive Family Fun

Colchester, CT on July 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Garden Grill

Healthy breakfast options and a bright atmosphere welcoming families, open from 7:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

10:00am

The Place Kids Love Indoor Playground

Interactive, safe, and fun indoor play space for younger children to enjoy active playtime; open 9:00am-12:00pm.
USD12 per child, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dash-In Restaurant

Family-friendly diner with a variety of American classics and a kid’s menu, open till 3:00pm.
USD18, 1h0m

2:00pm

Early Evening Swim at Colchester Community Pool

Cool off with pool time offering kid-friendly swimming areas, open 2:00pm-7:00pm seasonally with family passes available.
USD10 per person, 2h0m

6:00pm

Fourth of July BBQ and Fireworks at Town Green

Enjoy a community BBQ dinner then settle in for the spectacular fireworks display at 9:00pm, perfect for families to celebrate Independence Day together.
Free entry, BBQ prices vary, 4h0m
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Day 5: Outdoor Exploration and Departure

Colchester, CT on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lighthouse Creamery

Wrap up your trip with breakfast plus the kids can enjoy ice cream treats; open 7:00am-11:00am.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Morning Walk and Animal Watching at Ackley Wildlife Refuge

Easy walking trails through a protected natural area perfect for spotting birds and small wildlife before your journey home; open 8:00am-6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Light Lunch at The Root

Casual café with sandwiches and salads providing a refreshing final meal before departure; open 11:00am-3:00pm.
USD15, 1h0m

1:00pm

Departure

Leave Colchester with wonderful outdoor memories and rejuvenated family bonds.
Variable, Variable
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