Day Trippers
From waterfalls to waterfowl, there’s plenty for families to see ( and do) in CT
What’s more fun than watching children pet and feeding farm animals? Did you know our home state has a hidden jewel with exotic ducks? A summer hike here will reward you with a waterfall and picture- worthy views. These are just several among many great Connecticut day trips destinations for families.
Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, Litchfield
There’s a hidden jewel in Litchfield where you can watch ducks from all continents ( except Antarctica). Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy features 80 different species of birds, mostly very rare in captivity and endangered in the wild. “A walk around the property brings you around the world,” said Andrew Ocampo, director of agriculture. The flock is mostly waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans, but there are also shorebirds, cranes, pheasants, and raptors, he said. Ripley has hosted visitors from all over the world. It is open to the public from Friday to Sunday from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. from May to November. The 16- acre facility comprises open fields and ponds, as well as netted aviaries. “During the spring and summer, we are hatching various different species, so you’ll have the opportunity to see incubating eggs, and hatching ducklings, goslings, and cygnets,” said Ocampo. You can also take guided tours and hawk walks, but they must be booked in advance. Otherwise, no reservations are needed during public visiting hours. Kids are welcome but no pets. Reservations are also needed for Falconry experiences. There is also a summer camp you might look into on your visit. Ripleyconservancy.org
Flamig Farm, West Simsbury
A drive into the quaint town of Simsbury has the bonus of green countryside vistas around it from different angles. You can stop here for lunch perhaps after visiting Flamig Farm in West Simsbury, which is the kind of place you’ll make summer memories. Kids can pet and feed the animals ( and there are lots of them!). Pony rides are available on weekends. “Flamig Farm is the perfect place for kids of any age,” said Nevin Christensen, owner ( also affectionately referred to as “Farmer Nevin”). “The farm was established in 1907 and has been in the family ever since.” Visitors can expect to meet the farm’s horses, goats, llama, alpacas, bunnies, sheep, pigs, donkeys, ducks, and more. “There are lots of freerange hens, roosters, and guinea hens that will come right up to you hoping for some grain,” Christensen added. “Our dogs Dude, Trooper, and Ruby are crowd favorites that are here every day to greet our customers.” Visitors can enjoy the outdoors while walking around the farm’s pretty, flower- filled landscape. Flamig Farm is open 9- 5 everyday ( weather permitting); It is $ 6.75 a person, under two & over eighty is free, and there are pony rides on the weekends from 11- 3 pm ( also weather permitting). After your visit, you might go into town for a meal. Plan B Burger Bar ( 4 Railroad Street) is a good choice for family members of all ages. “We are located in an old train station, with a real locomotive and train caboose behind us,” said Nancy Riley, general manager for Plan B Simsbury. “The kids love to play and pretend they’re driving the train. To me that is one of the best parts of our restaurant… It’s a great spot for the whole family.” The upscale burger chain where hamburgers are the star, of course, also offers the Lil’ Tots Menu so young appetites can pick their choice of entree, side, and drink. flamigfarm. com
Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven
With most of the city’s museums closed at press time, New Haven is still a special destination thanks in part to Lighthouse Point Park, known for its lovely views of the city’s harbor, particularly at sunset. Park highlights include an excellent example of a traditional New England Lighthouse and if you go on a weekend, you can ride an antique carousel. This is housed in an indoor space used for special events as a function hall. Walk and let the children run around the park and don’t forget to bring bathing suits because a new splash pad, which is open daily through Labor Day, is fun and refreshing. Take along food for a picnic or go for lunch at Ikea, the Scandinavian chain selling ready- to- assemble furniture, plus housewares, in a warehouse- like space located at 450 Sargent Dr. ( you can see Ikea from Interstate 95/ Exit 46). The place is suitable for families to roam the large first- floor marketplace and upstairs showroom then dine in the restaurant whose most popular fare is the Swedish Meatballs in a delicious gravy. You can order mac and cheese or hot dogs too or for a quick
bite the Bistro, which is open weekends, has pizza and cinnamon buns. At press time the Ikea restaurant was open seven days a week from 11: 30 a. m. to 7 p. m. but call ahead if you go. Lighthouse_ point. htm or ikea. com.
Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
A day in the forest with hiking and two special attractions of a covered bridge and waterfall makes for a memorable outing that is touted by nature enthusiasts and photographers; at Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, the park runs along the Eight Mile River and has trails, places to picnic, smaller waterfalls, bridges, and pretty views throughout. Chapman Falls drops 60 feet overs steps in a schist stone formation. A tip here is the waterfall is close to the parking lot so you don’t have a difficult hike to get to the falls, but even in the trails near it the moderate level with a climb, rocks, and roots can be handled well by older children. The park is known as a picturesque gem and one of Connecticut’s prettiest. Devil’s Hopyard, or Chapman Falls as it is also known, has legends, including that the devil hopped through the waterfalls and his hoofs buried holes— some of which are a foot deep— in the rock. To park closest to the waterfall, take Hopyard Road about three miles to the main entrance with the park sign on the right. If you’re hankering for something cold and creamy after your visit to the falls, you can head over to nearby Salem for a visit to Salem Valley Farms, which is a window- serve ice cream parlor that specializes in hand- crafted, artisan- style ice cream ( over 80 flavors, including S’mores, Stars & Stripes, Toffee Bar, Sour Patch Kids, Double Chocolate Fudge, Milk Chocolate Raspberry, Popcorn Party, and Blueberry Cheesecake). The parlor is seasonal and open from March through the end of October but call ahead for hours. portal. ct. gov/ DEEP/ State- Parks/ Parks/ Devils- Hopyard- State- Park