10 Best Family Beaches in Connecticut [for 2023]
Connecticut is a great destination for family vacations, especially for those who love the beach. Connecticut boasts many family-friendly beaches, each with its own unique charm and array of fun activities. These beaches are perfect for spending a day with your loved ones while enjoying the breathtaking views, indulging in water sports, and playing beach games.
Whether you’re looking to spend a lazy day sunbathing or an active day indulging in thrilling water sports, Connecticut’s beaches offer something for everyone. Connecticut’s best family-friendly beaches include Hammonasset Beach State Park, Ocean Beach Park, and Jennings Beach.
A visit to any one of these beaches will be an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. here we have compiled a list of the best family beaches in Connecticut that you must visit.
1. Harvey’s Beach, Old Saybrook
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If you are looking for a family beach in Connecticut, Harvey’s Beach is a must-visit. This charming beach is perfect for parents with young children, as it has spacious shorelines known for building sand castles and other beach activities.
Amenities include restrooms, outdoor rinse areas, and changing rooms, making this one of the best family beaches in Connecticut. These facilities make it convenient for families to freshen up after a long day in the sun. allowing parents to relax and enjoy the views while their children swim as lifeguards are always on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. Harvey Beach is also on-site for those looking for a place to stay An excellent option. The Water’s Edge Resort & Spa is located nearby, making it an ideal place to stay for families.
The resort offers family suites that can accommodate everyone and world-class spa amenities, perfect for parents who want to relax and unwind. For an added bonus, Fridays at Harvey’s Beach Consider leaving. The beach hosts weekly Friday night concerts, which are a fun and enjoyable way to end the day with family and friends.
2. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
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Hammonasset Beach State Park is one of the best family beaches in Connecticut, it is the largest shoreline park in the state and boasts nearly 2 miles of pristine shoreline, with ne golden sand and murky waters that are sure to delight people of all ages.
Beaches It has a well-maintained boardwalk where you can take a leisurely stroll with your family while enjoying stunning ocean views. The boardwalk provides easy access to the beach for those who prefer to sunbathe or swim. Families with children will find plenty of exciting activities to do together, such as building sand castles and collecting shells.
The beach also has a playground for kids, where they can play and have fun with other kids. One of the best features of this beach is its many concessions. You don’t need to worry about food preparation as they can purchase delicious food and snacks from concession stands located throughout the beach. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this beach is a must-visit in Connecticut.
3. Rocky Neck State Beach, Niantic
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Rocky Neck State Beach is a beautiful sandy beach that caters to families and nature enthusiasts with its activities. The beach has clear, bright water perfect for swimming and playing in the waves.
You can enjoy a picnic at one of the many tables provided, or stay overnight at one of the campsites. If you are interested in fishing, there are designated spots for that too. The beach also has an abundance of wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching. You can expect to see a variety of waterfowl such as herons, ospreys, and storks.
It’s worth noting that Rocky Neck State Beach can get quite crowded, especially during peak season. To avoid the crowd, it is recommended to come early in the morning and enjoy the peace before the crowds arrive. Rocky Neck State Beach is a must-visit for anyone who loves the ocean, wildlife, and outdoor activities in Connecticut.
4. Ocean Beach Park, New London
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Ocean Beach Park is a great beach that is well-loved by locals and tourists alike. With a length of approximately 1/2 mile, the beach is equipped with a variety of activities that are perfect for families, including swimming in crystal-clear waters, building sand castles with the kids, or simply relaxing and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.
One of the most notable features of Ocean Beach Park is the oceanfront boardwalk, making it one of the best family beaches in Connecticut that opens up lots of opportunities for family fun. There’s an Olympic-sized swimming pool, arcade games, amusement park rides, a miniature golf course, and a playground, all of which make this beach the best in Connecticut for kids.
While enjoying the water, enjoy the rip currents and It is important to beware of the strong tides, which can occur from time to time. You need not worry too much as there are many lifeguards on duty and ready to assist if needed.
5. McCook Point Beach, Niantic
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McCook Point Beach is a hidden gem in Niantic, Connecticut. With its white sandy beach and surrounding copper beech trees, this beach is recognized for a serene and picturesque environment where you can relax and recharge.
The best thing here is that it is not too crowded. And this beach is the best way to escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. You can sunbathe on the beach, go for a swim in the calm waters, Or just relax with a good book while listening to the waves.
In addition to its natural beauty, McCook Point Beach also has a number of amenities that make it a great option for families. The beach has picnic tables where you can enjoy your meal, as well as playgrounds that provide hours of entertainment for the kids.
Restrooms are conveniently located nearby, making it easy to take care of your necessities while you enjoy your day at the beach. During the summer season, the beach hosts an annual music festival and dance, which attracts crowds from all over the region. This is a great opportunity to enjoy live music and dance the night away under the stars.
6. Eastern Point Beach, Groton
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Eastern Point Beach is a great destination for families looking for a fun and safe beach experience. Situated at the mouth of the River Thames, the beach boasts stunning views and an array of family-friendly facilities that every member of the family will love.
The beach is particularly ideal for families with young children. The shallow and gentle waters are perfect for kids to splash around and play in, while the soft white sand is perfect for building sand castles and other creations.
A nearby playground provides another option for kids who tire of the water. For teens, nearby basketball and volleyball courts provide a fun activity to enjoy with friends. There are also picnic tables available for families to enjoy a meal together, and concession stands selling delicious snacks.
One of the best things about Eastern Point Beach is the on-duty lifeguards who make sure you stay safe while swimming. Everybody be safe. There are also onsite restrooms and showers, making it easy for families to take care of their basic needs while on the beach. For those planning a trip, the best time to visit is from mid-June to the first week of September This is because the weather is usually at its best during this period.
7. Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport
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Pleasure Beach Beautiful and peaceful beach, this beautiful island was once a ghost town but has now turned into a popular destination. Because of its stunning coastline and pristine waters. The beach is accessible only by taking a free water taxi, which adds to the charm and exclusivity of the experience. Pleasure Beach is perfect for families looking for a weekend getaway.
The island’s isolated location means you can enjoy the beach without the large crowds that are often found in more popular destinations. The soft sand and clear water are perfect for making sand sculptures, playing sports, and swimming with your loved ones.
The beach also has amenities that enhance the convenience of a visit. There are toilets available, and there is a playground for children to enjoy. However, it is important to note that there are limited concessions on the island, so visitors are advised to pack enough food, water, and other essentials during their visit. The island’s seclusion, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters make it a paradise for families looking for a weekend getaway.
8. Short Beach Park, Stratford
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Short Beach Park, located at the mouth of the Housatonic River, is a wonderful family-friendly beach brimming with recreational activities for everyone. This beach is an excellent choice for families with young children as it has the largest sandbox in the city along with a playground on the shoreline that will keep the kids happy.
If your children are too young to go into the water, there is a small fence around the playground to prevent them from walking in the water, ensuring their safety. Short Beach offers many other facilities for you and your family. amenities such as restrooms and showers, picnic tables, and nearby volleyball, basketball, and paddleball courts.
These facilities make it an ideal place for families to spend the whole day on the sand and indulge in various activities. While the beach is usually calm with gentle waves, it is important to note that lifeguards are only on duty during peak season are on duty. Hence, it is essential to keep a close eye on your kids if you are planning a trip during the off-season.
9. Jennings Beach, Fairfield
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A hidden gem, Jennings Beach in Fairfield, Connecticut, is the largest beach in Fairfield and perfect for families who want to have a great time together enjoying the sun, sand, and ocean. Jennings Beach One of the main reasons to visit is that it is a great place for families to bond and make memories.
Parents can take their kids for a swim in the gentle and shallow waters, relax and sunbathe on the sand, or even build sand castles together. There is also plenty of space for peaceful picnics or to go for a walk and collect mussels.
One of the standout features of Jennings Beach is its excellent safety standards. The beach is well-maintained and mostly clean, with several lifeguard stations stationed throughout the area to keep visitors safe while enjoying the water.
This makes it one of the safest beaches in Connecticut, especially for children who can play and swim without worry. Another great suggestion for families is to visit the nearby Sandcastle playground, which is right next to the beach.
An excellent addition to any trip. This playscape is the perfect place for kids to run and play, offering them a fun and exciting adventure. Jennings Beach is a great place to spend the day with your family and make memories that will last a lifetime.
10. Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk
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Calf Pasture Beach is an idyllic beach located in Connecticut, which boasts a spacious and well-maintained shoreline, clear and pristine waters, and large trees that dot the landscape. This beach provides an excellent opportunity for families and friends to connect with various outdoor activities and have fun together.
The best thing about the beach is that a watercraft is available for rent. Visitors can rent a boat and explore the calm waters or try their hand at kayaking. Families with children can bring along floaties to enjoy a safe and enjoyable swim in the calm waters.
For those who prefer to relax and sunbathe, the beach has a vast expanse of soft sand where you can lie down, read a book, or just admire the stunning scenery. A great picnic area exists with several benches and tables available for beach use.
Calf Pasture Beach is available for rental and has party tents perfect for hosting social gatherings such as birthday parties, weddings, family reunions, and more. Perfect for. The tents can accommodate large groups and present a picturesque setting for any event.