CT in June: A Guide to Must-See Attractions and Events

There are few times or places more ideal to visit than CT in June.

The weather is pleasant, the sun shines brightly, and there is plenty to see and do. Whether you are a local or a visitor this month, there is something for everyone in our beautiful state.

The list of things to do in CT in June is long, from its magnificent beaches and coastlines to its state parks and nature preserves.

June is also a busy month for Connecticut events and festivals. Something is always happening in our dynamic little state, from food and wine festivals to outdoor performances.

Are you looking to relax on a beach, explore the great outdoors, or attend some fun and festive events?

We’ve got you covered for your visit to CT in June. Just read on!

Outdoor Activities in June in Connecticut

Thanks to perfect weather, June is the time to be outside in Connecticut. From boating to hiking, to lounging on the beach, go get your vitamin D intake for the year.

Beaches Along the Connecticut Shoreline

Connecticut has some of the most stunning beaches and coastlines in the United States. And the weather in June is ideal for soaking up the rays and enjoying the waves. Connecticut has a beach for everyone, whether you want to relax on a sandy beach or explore rugged cliffs.

Some of the top beaches to visit in CT in June include:

• Greenwich Point Park (Greenwich)

• Sherwood Island State Park (Westport)

• Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison)

• Rocky Neck State Park (Niantic)

Each beach has something unique, from broad sand lengths to rocky cliffs and breathtaking views.

State Parks & Nature Preserves

Connecticut also has many state parks and nature preserves. There are plenty of possibilities for outdoor exploration any direction you head. These parks are especially gorgeous in June when the weather is pleasant, and the flowers are in bloom.

Top CT state parks and nature preserves shine in June, such as:

• Mianus River State Park (Stamford)

• Rocky Hill Meadows (Wethersfield)

• Pachaug State Forest (Voluntown)

• The Connecticut River Estuary

Each park offers something unique. From spectacular views to tranquil excursions through the woods, you’ll find it in every corner of our little state.

Hiking

Connecticut in June is ideal for fans of the great outdoors. The weather and scenery are pleasant, making it a great time to explore the state’s many hiking trails.

• The Appalachian Trail
• The Mattabesett Trail
• And the Connecticut River Greenway

Are among the greatest hiking trails in Connecticut in June. Each route provides something unique, from strenuous treks to picturesque river walks.

Boating & Fishing

In June, boating and fishing hit their prime here in Connecticut. The weather is mild, the water is quiet, and several fish are to be caught. Connecticut has something for everyone, whether you are a seasoned fisherman or looking to try something new.

Connecticut’s top boating and fishing destinations in June include:

• The Connecticut River
• Lake Waramaug in Litchfield County
• And Candlewood Lake near Danbury

Each spot offers something unique, from tranquil fishing outings to exhilarating boating adventures.

Summer Festivals in CT in June

May is when outdoor festivals start in earnest here. And yet June is when the Connecticut summer festivals are really popping.

An abridged list of summer festivals across the state, from food truck festivals to the arts, includes:

• Concours d’Elegance | Greenwich

• Norwalk Art Festival | Norwalk

• International Arts & Ideas Festival | New Haven

• Fair On The Green | Milford

• Strawberry Park Cajun-Zydeco Festival | Preston

• Rose Arts Festival | Norwich

• Danbury Street Festival | Danbury

• Southbury Strawberry Festival | Southbury

• Celebrate! West Hartford Art and Craft Show | West Hartford

• Coventryfest | Coventry

Sporting Events in Connecticut in June

If you’re a sports fan, June is a great month to catch some exciting games and events in CT. Whether you’re into baseball or soccer, there’s something for you to enjoy here. Some of the top sporting events you can look forward to in June:

Hartford Yard Goats Baseball

The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball is a popular minor league team in Connecticut, and they play plenty of games in June. With a fun and energetic atmosphere, this team is a great way to experience the excitement of baseball, even if you’re not a die-hard fan of the sport.

Hartford Athletic Soccer

The Hartford Athletic Soccer team is another popular sports team in the state, and they’re playing several games in June. Whether you’re a soccer fan or just looking for a fun day out, it’s a great way to experience the excitement of the sport and get a taste of the local culture.

Arts and Entertainment in CT in June

Hartford Stage

The Hartford Stage is the ideal venue for live theater in Connecticut. This prestigious theater company offers various productions, including plays, musicals, and dance acts. One of their productions will likely entertain you, which features a superb cast and crew.

The Bushnell

A performing arts center is another excellent choice for live entertainment in Connecticut. The Bushnell is a multi-purpose venue hosts various events, such as concerts, theatrical shows, and other live acts. Viewing your favorite performers is terrific because it has state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

Goodspeed Opera House

The Goodspeed Opera House is a historic theater in East Haddam, Connecticut. This stunning facility hosts various acts, including musicals, operas, and plays. It’s a terrific place to spend a night out with friends or family because of its pleasant ambiance and stunning setting.

Shubert Theater

The Shubert Theater, in New Haven, Connecticut, is a historic theater. This theater hosts diverse performances, such as plays, musicals, and concerts. It’s a terrific spot to see a musical or go to a show because of its outstanding architecture and beautiful design.

Things to Do in Cute Towns Across Connecticut in June

If you’re looking for an idyllic New England getaway, go no further than some of Connecticut’s quaint towns. Here, you’ll find a combination of history, culture, and outdoor activities ideal for a summer day trip.

Take a Stroll Through Elizabeth Park

Elizabeth Park in West Hartford is a beautiful rose garden spanning over 100 acres. It’s a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, ideal for a leisurely walk or picnic. Over 15,000 rose bushes, along with a lovely pond, pergolas, and a greenhouse grace the park, making it great for photography.

Explore the West Hartford Art League

The West Hartford Art League is a non-profit promoting the visual arts. This lovely gallery in West Hartford, Connecticut, features the work of local artists and crafters. Oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, and other media are among the many types and genres on display. If you enjoy art and culture, the West Hartford Art League is a great afternoon spot.

Take a Boat Tour of the Thimble Islands

The Thimble Islands are a small series of islands off the coast of Branford, Connecticut. These islands are well-known for their lovely beaches and gorgeous views of Long Island Sound. Take a boat trip to the Thimble Islands and experience the area from the water. The boat excursion is ideal for families and couples looking to experience the laid-back culture of New England.

Hike Through Tarrywile Park

Tarrywile Park is a magnificent park in Danbury, Connecticut that spans over 700 acres. Hiking, bird viewing, and picnicking are all popular activities in this park. Several pathways wind through the park, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Pay A Visit to The West Hartford Farmers Market

The West Hartford Farmers Market is a weekly market in West Hartford, Connecticut, every Saturday. The market sells fresh and locally grown produce, homemade crafts, baked products, and other items. Farmers markets across the state are terrific spots to get local picnic ingredients or find homemade goods.

Lake Compounce

Lake Compounce, located in Bristol, is the country’s oldest continuously functioning amusement park.

It is equipped with a wooden roller coaster, a 200-foot-tall drop tower, and a log flume among its thrills.

There is also a water park, live entertainment, and plenty of food options in the park.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center

The Stamford Museum & Wildlife Center is a must-see for nature and the outdoors. It has over 118 acres of natural paths, gardens, and wildlife to explore. The nature center blossoms with brilliant blooms, chattering birds, and the sound of flowing streams in June. Here, you can:

• Take a leisurely stroll along the nature trails
• Picnic in the meadow
• Or take part in one of the center’s many educational activities

Philip Johnson Glass House

The Philip Johnson Glass House is an unforgettable architectural experience. This modernist masterpiece, designed by famous architect Philip Johnson, is a remarkable work of art. Visit the house and marvel at its spectacular design. Major features include an open floor plan, glass walls, and stunning views of the surrounding nature.

Best Ice Cream Places in CT – A Sweet Guide to Summer Treats

There’s nothing like a tasty scoop of ice cream to beat the heat. Connecticut has some of the best ice cream shops in the country, with flavors and toppings to please every palate.

Aside from the top places for ice cream in Greenwich, CT, some more great spots throughout the state include:

Milkcraft

Milkcraft is available at four Connecticut locations. This ice cream is made in small amounts. It is available in milk and cereal, blue cookie butter, and strawberry balsamic flavors. It comes as a cup, a sweet-glazed “creamee bun,” or a soft caramelized bubble waffle.

Arethusa Dairy

This dairy farm near Litchfield makes cheese, milk, butter, yogurt, and even eggnog. That said, the ice cream at Arethusa Dairy is its most popular product. Year-round options include:

• Rum raisin
• Mint chip
• Strawberry, and other favorites

Along with seasonal options, such as:

• Peach
• Maple walnut
• And pumpkin with ginger molasses cookies

The farm features three locations to get your mouth-watering ice cream.

Sunny Daes

Started in Stamford in 1999, Sunny Daes has expanded to five sites throughout Fairfield County:

• Stamford
• Westport
• Trumbull
• And two locations in Fairfield

Sunny Daes established WichDay in 2015, their first foray into the sandwich business.

Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream | Mystic

Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream is in a beautiful setting. It’s only a few steps from Mystic’s famed drawbridge; customers can watch it rise and fall throughout the day. The shop offers a variety of tastes, such as Ginger Spice, Mystic Mud, Seaport salty swirl, Wild Maine blueberry, and others.

Ferris Acres Creamery | Newtown

The Newtown institution has been open since 2003, although the farm has operated since 1864. Generations later, the Ferris family is still creating varieties at Ferris Acres Creamery.

Favorites here include:

• Elvis Dream (vanilla with peanut butter, banana, and dark chocolate chunks)

• Bada Bing (chocolate almond with dark chocolate chunks and Bing cherries)

• Campfire (vanilla with peanut butter, banana, and dark chocolate chunks)

Goody Bassett’s Ice Cream | Stratford

This ice cream parlor seems like it came from the nineteenth century in the center of Stratford. The store frequently offers holiday and seasonally-themed ice cream flavors.

Mr. Frosty’s Ice Cream Shop | Norwalk

Current owner Anthony Luciani purchased Mr. Chubbies, an iconic Norwalk store, in 2007. He turned it into the now-famous Mr. Frosty’s Ice Cream Shop. Mr. Frosty’s has also grown outside its physical Norwalk site to include a mobile ice cream bar and a slider-focused food truck.

Historic Sites to Visit in Connecticut in June

If you enjoy learning about history and exploring the past, Connecticut is the place this June. Connecticut has many historical places, thank to its rich and varied past. Here are some of the better ones to look out for in CT in June.

The Mark Twain House & Museum

This Hartford residence belonged to America’s finest comedian, Mark Twain. It provides insight into the life and work of this well-known author. Many of Twain’s personal items are on show at the museum, including his writing desk, family portraits, and other memorabilia. On the guided tour, you’ll also learn about the mansion’s history, built in the Gothic Revival style.

The Mystic Seaport Museum

This museum is a must-see for everyone interested in maritime history. It is located in Mystic and provides a detailed look at American maritime history. Historic ships are displayed, including a whaling ship, a fishing schooner, and a steamship. The museum also has several interactive exhibits where you can learn about the life of a sailor in the nineteenth century.

The Nathan Hale Homestead

Nathan Hale, one of America’s most famous spies, was born in this Coventry farmstead. During the American Revolution, Hale went behind enemy lines to collect intelligence from British troops. He was eventually apprehended and put to death, but his bravery and patriotism earned him the title of an American hero. The Nathan Hale homestead is now a museum that tells the narrative of Hale’s life and contributions to the American Revolution.

Fun fact, Nathan Hale is this writer’s great-great-(etc)-uncle.

Though that’s likely an honor held by many Connecticutians.

The New England Air Museum

Anyone interested in aviation history should visit this museum in Windsor Locks. It features many antique aircraft, including some of the first to fly. There will also be exhibits illustrating the history of flight, such as early experiments with balloons and gliders. The New England Air Museum also has several interactive exhibits, such as a flight simulator, where you can feel the thrill of flight.

The Henry Whitfield State Museum

This museum in Guilford is Connecticut’s oldest house and the oldest stone house in New England. It was built in 1639 and housed several generations of the Whitfield family. The Henry Whitfield State Museum now depicts life in colonial New England. There are:

• Authentic furnishings
• Domestic belongings on display
• And exhibits about the area’s history

The Old State House

From 1796 through 1878, this Hartford structure housed Connecticut’s governmental power. It was the location of several significant events in the state’s history:

• The ratification of the United States Constitution
• And the promulgation of the nation’s first written constitution

The Old State House is now a museum that chronicles the narrative of the building and its significance in Connecticut’s history.

Best Art Museums to Visit in CT in June

What better way to spend June than visiting Connecticut’s art museums? These museums provide a one-of-a-kind experience, displaying varied collections, from contemporary to classical. Here are some of the greatest art museums in Connecticut to visit in June.

The Bruce Museum

Greenwich’s Bruce Museum is a multi-disciplinary museum that exhibits art, natural history, and science. With over 13,000 pieces in its collection, this museum provides a unique educational and entertaining experience.

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford is the country’s oldest public art museum. With over 50,000 works of art in its collection, the museum has something for everyone. There is truly something for everyone here, from ancient antiquities to contemporary marvels.

The Yale University Art Gallery

The Yale University Art Gallery, one of the country’s oldest art museums, is a must-see for everyone interested in art and history. The gallery has a broad collection of European and non-European works. It also features an excellent collection of American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The New Britain Museum of American Art

The New Britain Museum of American Art is a hidden Connecticut gem. It houses a significant collection of American art dating from the colonial period to the present day. This museum celebrates American ingenuity, focusing on American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The Lyman Allyn Art Museum

The Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London is a tiny but powerful museum dedicated to displaying the greatest American and European art. This museum, which houses work by Rembrandt, Monet, and Degas, is a must-see for anybody interested in classical art.

The Hill-Stead Museum

The Hill-Stead Museum is a lovely museum housed in a spectacular turn-of-the-century country manor. This museum close to the Farmington River, focuses on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. A visit here is a unique, relaxing, and uplifting experience.

The Mattatuck Museum

The Mattatuck Museum of Waterbury is a one-of-a-kind museum. It celebrates Connecticut’s history and culture. This museum hosts a collection focused on life in ever-changing Connecticut. The collection ranges from fine and decorative arts, to historical items.

Where to Discover Even More Things to Do in CT in June (And All Summer)

While June is beautiful, there is much more to do in the state during the summer.

Among my own favorite Connecticut summer activities are:

• Visiting a Connecticut outdoor park or two, whether a state park or an amusement park

• Having a bottle or two of wine at one of Connecticut’s best wineries

• Enjoying the sand and waves at one of Connecticut’s nicest beaches

• Hiking the trails of Connecticut (thanks to the advent of DEET)

• Attending a match at the Greenwich Polo Club while dressed for a summer party

Download a free copy of the Connecticut Travel Guide to view all of Connecticut’s most unique sights, activities, and things to do.