Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Connecticut
Lisa Sammons
Author
One of my favorite things about life in New England is our four distinct seasons. Many places aren’t lucky enough to have spring, summer, fall, and winter. Winter in Connecticut can be lengthy, and while it’s typically not as cold or as snowy as some of our neighbors to the north, there’s nothing like the early days of spring, when greenery erupts everywhere, flowers begin to bloom, and wildlife grows more active after a relaxing winter. It’s such an amazing time, and there are so many fun things to do in spring in Connecticut. Springtime in the Nutmeg State is amazing, and if you’re looking for all the best activities for spring in Connecticut, we’ve got you covered with this Ultimate Guide.
Flower Blooms In Connecticut
One of the aspects of spring that is most enjoyable is all the incredible flowers. They add a dash of color to all the verdant greenery, and we’re fortunate to have a wide array of plants that thrive here. Whether you love tulips, cherry blossoms, daffodils, or rose gardens, there are plenty of great flower blooms in Connecticut to brighten up your springtime adventures.
1. Lindell Flower Farm
Lindell Flower Farm grows a stunning array of heirloom flowers throughout the year. Note that the farm itself is not open to the public, but the farm store is open from April through October. Everything sold here was grown right on-site. The cut flowers here are perfect for adding a bit of color to your home after the long winter season!
2. Wicked Tulips
Wicked Tulips has one of the best u-pick flower farms in Connecticut. A timed ticket allows you an hour's admission and you can take home 10 tulips of your own. There are a variety of different colors available here, and walking through the fields is like a beautiful rainbow in flower form.
Botanical Gardens In Connecticut
Don’t get us wrong: botanical gardens are amazing to visit in any time of year, and we have plenty of great gardens in Connecticut that we love to visit, no matter the season. But come springtime, when many of the flowers are in bloom, these places feel downright magical. These are great outing for kids and adults alike, making them some of the best family things to do in Connecticut in spring.
3. Elizabeth Park Rose Garden
We love a visit to Elizabeth Park at any time of year, but the rose garden here is honestly one of the most stunning gardens in all of America. The park is home to 2.5 colorful acres of roses that are absolutely incredible when all in bloom. There are more than 800 varieties of roses within the garden, making for a colorful backdrop that looks straight out of a landscape painting. While you're in the Hartford and West Hartford area, there are plenty of other great attractions that will make your stay fun. Why not check out the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art or the Mark Twain House? The nearby Bushnell Park carousel is also perfect for a spring day!
4. Connecticut College Arboretum
The Connecticut College Arboretum is a wonderful underrated gem that has several beautiful gardens. One of my favorites is the lovely Caroline Black Garden. In all, you'll find 750 acres of trees, plants, and greenhouses here. The gardens are open 365 days a year and one of the best free things to do in Connecticut in spring.
5. Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens
This 91-acre garden is absolutely incredible, especially when all the flowers are in bloom. Bartlett Arboretum is a sprawling natural oasis that's perfect for visiting with the entire family. The 12 gardens here house hundreds of different plant species, plus there are miles of wooded trails if you're looking for hiking opportunities.
Parks To Visit In Connecticut This Spring
There’s no better time to be outside than when March rolls around and warm weather comes calling. We’ve got so many nature centers and parks that are perfect for Connecticut spring activities. From our sprawling state parks to our smaller, but equally fun, municipal parks, there’s an endless array of activities to enjoy, from biking to hiking trails, kayaking to picnicking. Check out a few of our favorites:
6. Hubbard Park
Hubbard Park might be right within the city, but a visit here during springtime will make you feel like you've been magically transported into another world. There are more than 600,000 daffodils here, and come April, they'll all be abloom in a sea of color. The park has scenic footbridges and a charming lake, making it a photographer's dream site. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing spring day trip.
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7. Hidden Valley Preserve
The kids are on spring break and itching to go out. Sure, there are some great family adventures you can have indoors in Connecticut - I love seeing the beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium, or heading out to the Connecticut Science Center. But it's so nice to be outdoors in the spring after the long dreary days of winter! Hidden Valley Preserve is an amazingly underrated destination in Washington Depot, CT. There are 650 acres to explore here, and the park is full of trails, with a great variety of hike difficulties so that even the youngest of adventurers can have a great time.
8. Lovers Leap State Park
Lovers Leap State Park is a magnificent park nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills. It's teeming with amazing trails, and is also home to the picturesque 1895 Berlin Iron Bridge, one of the prettiest historic sites in Connecticut. The 160-acre park is divided into three sections and has areas for fishing and kayaking. If you ask us, it belongs on any list of great American state parks, especially in the springtime when it's covered in brilliant greenery!
Spring Hikes In Connecticut
Hiking in Connecticut is a blast, no matter the season, but some of our trails just seem made for the spring months. Whether you love an easy jaunt surrounded by wildflowers, a stroll along the Connecticut River, or prefer the challenge of scrambling through a rugged trail covered in greenery, you’ll find tons of spring hikes in Connecticut to enjoy as the weather warms up. If you’re an avid fan of hiking in Connecticut, consider a free trial of AllTrails+: it’ll help you find some of the state’s best trails to explore this spring.
9. Drake Hill Flower Bridge
This pedestrian crossing is undoubtedly one of the most unique bridges in Connecticut. It looks straight out of a fairy tale with its beautiful community garden filled with brilliantly colorful flowers. The bridge spans the Farmington River and is a wonderful spot for an easy, quick afternoon stroll, especially on a beautiful spring day!
10. Farmington River Trail
The Farmington River Trail is part of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, an 81.2-mile trek that runs through Connecticut and Massachusetts. Most of us aren't going to be spending a spring weekend exploring all that distance, but fortunately, you can opt to just check out a much smaller section and still have a great time. There's nothing like being out by the water on a spring day.
Spring Picnic Spots In Connecticut
Something about spring just makes al fresco dining feel right, whether you’re enjoying lunch in a park or strolling down the street with an ice cream cone. Fortunately, many of our parks (and even city centers!) have excellent picnic areas that will allow you to enjoy a tasty meal surrounded by nature. This is one of the most romantic things to do in Connecticut in spring, but it’s also a great activity to enjoy with the family.
11. Wooster Square
If you love cherry blossoms, a visit to Wooster Square is an absolute must. It's been known for its amazing spring blooms since 72 Yoshino cherry trees were planted back in 1973. The neighborhood isn't too far from Yale University, and you can easily make a visit here an extended weekend getaway. This year's Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for April 14, 2024.
12. Gillette Castle State Park
What could be more perfect for springtime than a visit to a park with one of the prettiest castles in Connecticut? Gillette Castle State Park is one of the state's most popular parks thanks largely to the castle that shares its name. It was once the private residence of stage actor William Gillette, and now the castle is open seasonally for tours. There are also miles of trails here and plenty of other opportunities for fun. A relaxing spring picnic in the grass at one of our prettiest state parks: what could be better?
Did we miss your favorite fun things to do in Connecticut in spring? Share your favorite festivals and attractions in the comments: we’re always looking for more great activities to enjoy!
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