Connecticut may be a small state, but it’s home to some of the best beaches in the country. With its beautiful coastline and stunning views of the Long Island Sound, Connecticut’s beaches are a popular destination for families looking for a fun and relaxing day out. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to sunbathe or a place to enjoy water sports, Connecticut’s beaches have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best family beaches in Connecticut and what makes them stand out. From hidden gems to popular tourist spots, we’ll cover it all, so you can plan the perfect family beach day in Connecticut.
Best Beaches in Connecticut for Families
1. Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, CT
Lighthouse Point Park is one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families in New Haven.
Located at the eastern tip of Connecticut’s New Haven Harbor, Lighthouse Point Park is one of the only beaches in Connecticut where you can get up close to a lighthouse. Your kids will get a kick out of seeing a real-life lighthouse (the historic Connecticut lighthouse is also called Five Mile Point Light)
Spend a day here enjoying the beach, grabbing lunch from the concession stand, and dining at the picnic tables. Kids can cool off at the splash pad, and there’s also a carousel for a change of pace.
Birdwatchers will find it to be a hotspot along the East Coast, and there’s a fishing pier and public boat launch available as well.
A lighthouse, beautiful beach, splash pad and carousel- it’s hands down one of the best family beaches in Connecticut!
2. Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk, CT
Calf Pasture Beach is one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families. Located in Norwalk, it is a popular beach for swimming, fishing, boating, and walks.
The beach also has areas for basketball, beach volleyball, skateboarding, and baseball. It’s a perfect family beach in Connecticut.
In addition, Norwalk Sailing School rents sailboats and kayaks for those who want to spend more time out on the water.
Calf Pasture Beach is free for Norwalk residents with a season pass but can be expensive for non-residents.
3. Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, CT
When it comes to the best family-friendly beaches in Connecticut, Sherwood Island State Park stands out. This historic beach is not only Connecticut’s first-ever state park but also boasts a unique feature – its three-color sand, a blend of red, black, and tan.
Spanning 238 acres, Sherwood Island State Park offers a diverse natural landscape of beachfront, sand dunes, and woodlands. Families can partake in a variety of activities here, including hiking, fishing, and swimming. For a more educational experience, don’t miss a visit to the Sherwood Nature Centre, open seasonally.
In addition to its natural beauty, Sherwood Island State Park is home to Connecticut’s September 11 Memorial, providing a poignant and reflective touch to your visit. This makes it one of the top choices for families looking to combine recreation with meaningful exploration on the Connecticut coast.
4. Sheffield Island Beach, Norwalk, CT
For the ultimate family beach experience in Connecticut, look no further than Sheffield Island Beach in Norwalk.
Go on a ferry cruise tour to Sheffield Island, where you’ll have the opportunity to get an up-close view of the iconic Sheffield Island Lighthouse. The lighthouse is open for visitors. Your kids will love the antique telescope at the lighthouse!
During your tour, you will have time to get off and run around the island. You can unwind on Sheffield Island Beach, play on the inviting lawns surrounding the lighthouse, or enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch before your return to the Norwalk Seaport Ferry Dock.
Sheffield Island isn’t just about the beach; it’s also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it’s part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.
To plan your cruise adventure, book your tickets in advance through the Sheffield Island Lighthouse Cruise Tour. The ferry departs from the Norwalk Seaport Ferry Dock, conveniently located at 4 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854. For additional information, feel free to contact them at 203-838-9444. Sheffield Island promises an unforgettable family beach experience in Connecticut.
5. Jennings Beach, Fairfield, CT
Jennings Beach is one of the best family beaches in CT. Located in Fairfield, Jennings Beach is set on 28 scenic acres of coastal land. It’s a beautiful beach with a spacious sandy beach for kids to play in and a convenient concession stand for lunch.
For those seeking more than just sun and sand, Jennings Beach provides volleyball poles and sailboat racks. Families looking for a change of pace can enjoy the nearby playground and skate park.
A non-resident day pass is required for Jennings Beach, available to the public. If you plan to drive in, you’ll need to purchase a parking pass. Non-resident beach stickers are necessary from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
6. Silver Sands State Park, Milford, CT
Silver Sands State Park is one of Connecticut’s family-friendly beaches.
The beach is over half a mile, providing plenty of space for families to play in during the summer months. While the park’s facilities are relatively basic, there’s a significant advantage that sets it apart – no parking fees whatsoever. This cost-saving perk makes it an attractive option for families seeking a budget-friendly beach day along Connecticut’s coastline.
This expansive park spans nearly 300 acres and offers a diverse natural landscape, including woodlands, hiking trails, and serene salt marshes.
If you have older kids, Silver Sands State Park offers the opportunity to explore Charles Island, a stunning nature preserve. Accessible via a sandbar that emerges during low tide, this natural wonder provides a touch of adventure and exploration, making Silver Sands a standout choice for families with older kids looking for excitement by the sea.
Silver Sands State Park is just less than 300 acres of woodland, hiking trails, and salt marshes. The beach itself has over half a mile of shoreline and is a perfect place to unwind and relax when it’s open to visitors during the summer. Facilities available here are fairly basic, but there is no parking cost at all, which is a massive bonus compared to others along Connecticut’s coastline. Visitors can also visit Charles Island, a beautiful nature preserve accessible via a sandbar that appears when the tide is low.
7. Walnut Beach, Milford, CT
Walnut Beach in Milford is an exceptional choice for families seeking the best beaches in Connecticut. Located just a 22-minute drive from New Haven and next to Silver Sands State Park, this beach offers a private and less crowded experience despite being a town beach. It’s perfect for a relaxing day of sunbathing with your loved ones.
Walnut Beach is specifically family-friendly, making it a perfect destination for individuals and families looking for a pleasant day at the beach. The calm waters create a serene and safe atmosphere, especially for families with children.
Non-residents will need to pay for parking from May 1st to September 30th, with a daily rate. Simply pay at the parking kiosk using your credit card. Alternatively, you may find street parking available at an hourly rate.
Overall, Walnut Beach is one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families. It’s the perfect spot to spend a wonderful day with your loved ones, enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.
8. Jacobs Beach, Guilford, CT
Jacob’s Beach in Guilford is one of the best family beaches in Connecticut. This hidden gem is a peaceful and tranquil CT beach that rarely attracts overwhelming crowds, making it perfect for a quiet day trip with kids.
Families can enjoy kayaking in the water, and there are several picnic areas dotted around the beach, allowing you to relax and enjoy a family picnic.
Residents can obtain a season pass, while non-residents must purchase a daily pass to access this fantastic family beach. With its serene atmosphere and various activities, Jacob’s Beach is undoubtedly one of the best family beaches in Connecticut.
9. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT
Hammonasset Beach State Park is one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families. This beach is the largest in the state and stretches for two miles along the Long Island Sound shoreline.
There are plenty of activities for families to enjoy at this beach, including swimming, renting bikes, hiking trails, boardwalk strolls, and kayaking. Non-residents are required to pay a parking fee for the day, but it’s worth it for all the fun activities available.
If you want to stay for more than a day, the state park offers over 500 campsites, making it an ideal location for a family camping trip. Additionally, the Meigs Point Nature Center has a jam-packed schedule of daily and weekly activities for all ages, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment during your visit.
Overall, Hammonasset Beach State Park is one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families, offering an array of activities and amenities for a fun-filled family day out or a longer camping trip.
10. Harvey’s Beach, Old Saybrook, CT
Harvey’s Beach in Old Saybrook is one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families. It’s the perfect beach to spend the morning.
The shoreline at Harvey’s Beach stretches for 100 yards, and the water can be shallow due to the gradual decline, making it ideal for younger swimmers. Families with children can enjoy a safe and fun swimming experience at this beach.
Moreover, the parking rates at Harvey’s Beach are lower than many other Connecticut beaches, making it a great option for those on a budget. You can enjoy a fantastic day at the beach without breaking the bank.
Overall, Harvey’s Beach is a must-visit destination for families looking for a fun and budget-friendly beach experience. With its shallow waters, beautiful shoreline, and affordable parking rates, it’s no wonder why it’s considered one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families.
11. Rocky Neck State Park Beach, Niantic, CT
Rocky Neck State Park Beach is one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families. This beach is one of the biggest and offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Families can spend a relaxing day sunbathing, swimming, hiking, or fishing for the famous blackfish found in the area. The beach is perfect for families with children who want to explore and have fun.
Moreover, many people choose to make a weekend of it and utilize one of the 160 open campsites that are available. This is an excellent option for families who want to extend their beach vacation and enjoy all that Rocky Neck State Park has to offer.
Overall, Rocky Neck State Park Beach is a must-visit destination for families looking for a fun and exciting beach experience. With its vast size and numerous activities available, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best beaches in Connecticut for families.
12. Hole in the Wall Beach, Niantic, CT
Hole in the Wall Beach, located in East Lyme, is one of the best family beaches in Connecticut. This beach is part of McCook’s Point Park, which covers 62 acres and offers plenty of activities for families to enjoy.
At Hole in the Wall Beach, families can relax and have fun with activities such as swimming, crabbing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking. During the summer months, lifeguards are present to ensure that everyone stays safe while enjoying the water.
It’s important to note that a pass is required for the beach if visiting between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Additionally, dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash, making it a pet-friendly destination for families who want to bring their furry friends along.
Overall, Hole in the Wall Beach is a must-visit destination for families looking for a fun and exciting beach experience. With its various activities, lifeguards on duty, and pet-friendly policy, it’s no wonder why it’s considered one of the best family beaches in Connecticut.