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

Day 1: Local Exploration

Colchester, CT on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at One Run Beef & Boards

Start your day with hearty breakfast at One Run Beef & Boards, known for their delicious locally sourced dishes in a family-friendly environment.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Colchester Green

Stroll around the historic Colchester Green, a perfect family spot to relax and enjoy local shops and historic buildings.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Colchester Historical Society Museum

Explore local history at the museum to understand Colchester’s heritage, perfect for family educational time.
USD5 adults, children free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Luigi’s Pizza

Enjoy classic pizza favorites at Luigi's, a casual spot perfect for kids and adults alike.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sunset Lake Park

Spend the afternoon at Sunset Lake Park with walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for the kids.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Carbone’s Ristorante

End the day with delicious Italian cuisine at Carbone’s Ristorante, great for families and children’s menus available.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

Colchester, CT on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Diana’s Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with classic American diner fare to fuel your active day.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

9:00am

Salmon River State Forest Hiking

Explore the Salmon River State Forest trails, great for all ages and perfect for observing Connecticut's natural beauty.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Salmon River Pavilion

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch at the pavilion, surrounded by nature, a perfect break spot after a morning hike.
Bring your own or buy from local deli (USD10 per person approx.), 1h0m

2:00pm

Salmon River Boat Tours

Take a guided boat tour on the Salmon River perfect for family to see local wildlife and scenic water views.
USD15 adults, USD10 children, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Town Park

Unwind after the boat tour at Town Park playground and open spaces, ideal for children to play.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Blue Hound Cookery

Enjoy a casual dinner offering farm-to-table dishes, with options for both adults and kids.
USD30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip Hartford

Hartford, CT on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Colchester Diner

Start early with classic diner breakfast to energize for the day trip to Hartford.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Hartford (approx 40 min)

Travel north to Hartford to explore city attractions suitable for families.
USD10 for parking, 0h40m

9:30am

Connecticut Science Center

Visit the interactive Science Center, a fantastic hands-on experience for children and adults alike.
USD25 adults, USD20 children, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at City Steam Brewery

Family-friendly restaurant downtown offering a diverse menu in a casual setting.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mark Twain House & Museum

Tour the historic home of Mark Twain, rich with literary history and engaging stories for children.
USD20 adults, USD10 children, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Colchester

Head back to Colchester to rest after a fascinating day exploring Hartford.
USD10 parking, 0h40m

6:30pm

Dinner at Oliver’s on the Green

Finish the day with upscale American cuisine with family-friendly options right in Colchester.
USD30 per person, 1h30m
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Day 4: Farm & Park Fun

Colchester, CT on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Bakery -

Treat the family to freshly baked pastries and coffee at a well-regarded local bakery, ideal for a quick breakfast.
USD10 per person, 0h45m

9:00am

Apple Ridge Farm Visit

Spend the morning at Apple Ridge Farm where kids can pick seasonal fruits and enjoy farm animals.
USD10 per person, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Farm Stand or Pack Your Own

Have a casual lunch at the farm’s stand or bring a picnic to enjoy in the farm area.
USD10 per person, 1h0m

2:00pm

Misty Acres Vineyard & Wine Tasting (Adults) / Farm Visits (Kids)

Adults can enjoy local wine tasting while children are entertained at the kid-friendly farm activities nearby.
USD20 adults, kids free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Playtime at Wopowog State Wildlife Management Area

Evening wildlife walk and playground time to wind down the day surrounded by nature.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Imperial Garden

Enjoy delicious Asian cuisine with kid-friendly menu options for a satisfying dinner.
USD25 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Leisure & History

Colchester, CT on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Beans and Greens Café

Enjoy a fresh and healthy breakfast at Beans and Greens Café, perfect for a relaxing start.
USD15 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Bacon Academy and Colchester’s Historic District

Explore historic sites and the beautiful architecture of Bacon Academy and surrounding areas, offering family-friendly historic walks.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rustica Italian Bistro

Enjoy a cozy lunch at Rustica, known for its authentic Italian dishes and welcoming family environment.
USD20 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Shopping at Town Center

Spend the afternoon shopping and browsing local stores and markets in Colchester’s town center.
Variable, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at your accommodation

Take time to unwind, pack, or prepare for departure the next day.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Julians Colchester

Wrap up your trip with a final dinner at Julians, offering American classics that are sure to please the whole family.
USD30 per person, 1h30m
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