15 Creative Ways to Kick Off Summer in Greater Hartford
Ready to make this summer one to remember—without packing a suitcase? Whether you’re a stay-at-home summer planner or just looking for fun weekend ideas, this list is your low-stress, high-fun starter pack for family adventures right here in Greater Hartford.
Here are 15 creative, locally-inspired ways to kick off your family’s summer:
🌼 1. Go on a Splash Pad Tour
Cool down at Fernridge Park in West Hartford, Mill Pond Park in Newington, and Paderewski Park in Plainville.
💦 Rate them with your kids on “splash factor.”
📖 2. Story Time Crawl
Hit different library story times each week—Avon, Canton, and Simsbury are favorites.
📚 Pair each with a stop at a local bakery or coffee shop.
🍓 3. Pick-Your-Own with a Twist
Strawberry season means visits to Rose’s Berry Farm (South Glastonbury) and Lyman Orchards (Middlefield).
👩🍳 Bonus points for making shortcake afterward!
🎭 4. Catch a Sunset Show
Free outdoor concerts at Elizabeth Park or Simsbury Meadows make the perfect PJ picnic nights.
🚗 5. Take a “Mystery Day Trip”
Surprise your kids with a secret destination like Dinosaur State Park or The Children’s Museum in West Hartford.
🌸 6. Visit a Lavender Farm
Take a scenic drive to Lavender Pond Farm in Killingworth—go during peak bloom for photos and relaxation.
🎨 7. Paint Rocks & Hide Them
Decorate kindness rocks at home and hide them around Westmoor Park or your favorite trail.
🥾 8. Take a Family Hike
Try Talcott Mountain for older kids or Stratton Brook State Park for stroller-friendly paths.
🎢 9. Ride the Carousel at Bushnell Park
A classic summer moment—pair with a picnic on the Capitol lawn.
📦 10. Build a Summer Fun Box
Fill a bin with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, water balloons, and scavenger hunt cards. Let kids choose one each day!
🍕 11. Do a Friday Night Pizza Crawl
Try a new pizza place each week: Harry’s Bishops Corner, Frisbie’s, or Da Capo—what’s your family’s winner?
🐐 12. Visit Flamig Farm
Goat petting, tractor rides, and “The Big Pink” barn—what more could a kid want?
📷 13. DIY Summer Photo Shoot
Visit Elizabeth Park or Wickham Park with fun outfits or props and take some silly family shots.
🧺 14. Host a Backyard Movie Night
Use a sheet and projector (or borrow one!) to watch a classic like Moana or The Sandlot under the stars.
🍋 15. Set Up a Lemonade Stand
Let the kids practice their entrepreneurial skills—set up in your driveway or at a neighborhood tag sale.
✅ Save or Share It!
Want this list on hand all summer? Save our Instagram carousel or tag a mom friend to start planning.
We’ll be sharing our full 20+ idea Summer Bucket List next week—including printable versions and age-specific recs. Stay tuned!
📍 Follow along on Instagram @greaterhartfordmoms
📸: Sharon Leger Photography
