18 ways to own your summer in Connecticut

1. Go to a music festival or summer concert

Some very popular music festivals are Governors Ball, Panorama, Xfinity theatre and Meadows. They are only a train ride away! Student’s and graduates enjoy these festivals throughout the school year and summer.

The crowd get hyped up at the Chance the Rapper concert at Xfinity theatre. Photo contributed by Audrey Adl

“I went to an Xfinity concert in Hartford with some friends. It was lot’s of fun and the music was great”- Audrey Adl

Distance from New Canaan: 45 minute train ride

2. Rent a paddleboard with some close friends

Rowayton, Connecticut has an amazing paddle board company called DownUnder where you could rent one for the day. Whether it’s friends, families, or a significant other, it’s easy to enjoy a sunny summer day.

Address: 157 Rowayton Ave, Norwalk, CT

3. Go to Brendans 101 ice cream in Rowayton

Brendans 101 is one of the most popular ice cream places in Rowayton because of the countless number of seasonal flavors and the fantastic location.

Junior Josie Matyszewski paddle boards through the town of Rowayton at DownUnder. Photo by Matthew Pelli

Address: 101 Rowayton Ave, Norwalk, CT

4. Go to a nearby beach and tan for the day

Some popular beaches are Bayley Beach in Rowayton, or Compo Beach in Westport. Grab a towel and some sunscreen and head on down to these wonderful beaches of Connecticut.

Addresses: Bayley Beach: 11 Pine Point Rd, Norwalk, CT, Compo Beach: 60 Compo Beach Road, Westport

5. Go to 7/11 on 7/11

On this historic day, it is BYOC! You can bring your own cup and fill it up with any flavor slurpee for free in Norwalk!

Address: 247 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT

Take a trip to New York City and go to a free Good Morning America Concert!

People such as Halsey, Camila Cabello and G-Eazy are performing these warm couple of months. Located outside Times Square, people line up all hours of the night to see these performers.

Distances from New Canaan: 45 minute train ride

Go strawberry picking at Silverman’s Farm
Students enjoying some nice refreshing ice cream at the popular Brendans 101 in Rowayton. Photo by Matthew Pelli

Grab your siblings and head over to superstate Connecticut for some summer strawberry picking. Take advantage of these sunny summer days by picking some refreshing fruit.

Distance from New Canaan: 33 minute car ride, Address: 451 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT

Go to Kent Falls Waterfall

Kent Falls has a great waterfall for exploring and swimming with some friends. Grab some friends and go for a swim in upstate Connecticut.

“Last summer I went river rafting in Deerfield with some of my friends and it was so much fun”- Cait Mccarthy

Distance from New Canaan: 1 hour and 25 minute car ride, Address: 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT

Go to Pepe’s Pizza!

Located in Fairfield Connecticut, this restaurant has some of the best pizza places in the world. With the countless number of toppings, this place has great sentimental value.

Distance from New Canaan: 39 minute car ride, Address: 238 Commerce Dr, Fairfield, CT

Sit in the back of a pick up truck and watch a movie with some friends

You could drive anywhere with some good music, friends and a great movie to do this! All you have to do is pick out a good movie and grab some food with a couple of friends

Juniors Kara Fahey and Bridget Cleary enjoying a movie on a pick up truck while eating some refreshing watermelon. Photo contributed by Kara Fahey

“Me and my friends drove to Rowayton and sat in the back of a pick up truck and watched a movie while eating Watermelon”- Kendall Patten

11. Go to an outdoor yoga class!

Bayley Beach in Rowayton offers amazing yoga classes right on the beach on Thursday’s, Saturday’s and Sundays. If you feel like relaxing, head on down to Bayley Beach on these beautiful mornings.

Address: 11 Pine Point Rd, Norwalk, CT

12. Go mini golfing with some friends

Norwalk Cove Marina Mini Golf is one the most popular places to play. With the course right on the water, people of all ages can enjoy this wonderful course.

Address: 44 Calf Pasture Beach Rd, Norwalk, CT

Visit Candlewood Lake

Located in Fairfield/Litchfield Counties, grab a towel and some sunscreen and head down to this beautiful lake for the day. Rent a boat, jet ski or go tubing with some pals on a sunny day at Candlewood Lake.

Bayley Beach on a warm summer day. Photo by Matthew Pelli

Distance from New Canaan: 1 hour car ride

Visit Quassy Amusement Park

Located in Middlebury CT, this amusement park offers tons of rides and food for the whole family.

Distance from New Canaan: 1 hour and 6 minute car ride, Address: 2132 Middlebury Rd, Middlebury, CT

Go to Beardsley Zoo

This zoo located in Bridgeport offers lots of fun for people of all ages and some interesting animals. It is a great activity for the family.

Distance from New Canaan: 45 minute car ride, Address: 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT

Go ziplining at Foxwoods Casino

Foxwoods offers more than just gambling. Grab some friends and head over to Mashantucket, CT for some ziplining.

Distance from New Canaan: 1 hour and 59 minute car ride, Address: 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT

Day trip to Block Island

Get some friends and some sunscreen and take a day trip to the beautiful Block Island located in Rhode Island. Soak up these sunny days at one of the most beautiful beaches around.