The Inside Story

When the weather just won’t clear up, kids can get bored with too much of nothing to do, so here’s a Getaway that mixes things up with some of Connecticut’s best indoor points of interest.

1 day

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall

  • Pez Visitor Center
  • Dinosaur State Park
  • Connecticut Science Center
  • All Aboard RiverQuest
PEZ Visitor Center, Orange

Pez Visitor Center

It may not quite offer the strange thrills of the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, but the PEZ Visitor Center in Orange will give you true insight into the history of this venerable candy treat. There over 4,000 square feet devoted to all things PEZ, including the largest collection of PEZ memorabilia on public display in the world and a viewing area into the manufacturing floor where the candy is made.

Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill

Dinosaur State Park

At Rocky Hill’s Dinosaur State Park , see 500 authentic sandstone dinosaur tracks (one of the largest collections of preserved Jurassic tracks on the continent), explore an arboretum filled with plants from families that flourished during the Age of Dinosaurs, and touch fossils in the Discovery Room. Then head to the museum’s casting area to make a trip souvenir – a plaster cast of a eubrontes footprint. For details and tips about the casting process (a change of clothes is a good idea), check the listing page.

Connecticut Science Center, Hartford

Connecticut Science Center

In a stunning building overlooking the Connecticut River, the Connecticut Science Center offers hours of fun and learning, including many ingenious hands-on exhibits, labs, video displays and movies.

* Editor's Picks
RiverQuest, Essex

All Aboard RiverQuest

And if the sun does come out, well, get out on the Connecticut River aboard RiverQuest, departing from the Connecticut River Museum in Essex. Guests experience the River's ecology and wildlife; including osprey, eagles, and more. Enjoy each season's beauty as we cruise Spring through Fall.

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