Harkness Park

8/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

275 Great Neck Rd

Waterford, CT 06385

https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Harkness-Memorial-State-Park

Harkness Park is great for the whole family. It offers a beach area to play in the sand and enjoy the ocean views of the Long Island Sound, open fields for the kids to run and fly kites and exquisite formal gardens to get lost in.

It was early spring when we visited so, the daffodils were in full bloom but, the other flowers weren’t. Groundsmen were steadily tending to the shrubs and setting up a tent off the backside ( ocean view ) of the mansion. We weren’t sure what events were coming up but the idea of attending one on this lovely property was a dream!  On a nice sunny day with the garden in full bloom, I can just imagine how magical it would look.

My son did fly his kite here and run in the field. He enjoyed looking out into the water and pretending he saw big sharks 🦈, his favorite.

Although there is a beach here, there are posted signs not to swim because no life guards are on duty. The long walking bridge out to the sand is really nice. It sets the scene for the beautiful view ahead. Once on the shore, we saw several families with young kids enjoying a picnic and sand play.

 

The Skinny:

• Weather :  A dry day that is warm is ideal.
• Pricing & Admissions : Since I am an out of state resident I paid on the self-pay app less than $20 for the day.  CT residents are FREE.
• Location : A state park with gardens, a mansion that normally provides tours, a beautiful coastline, open fields, picnicking, fishing and relaxing.  Swimming is not permitted.
• Parking : There was ample parking in the morning around 9 but in the afternoon visitors were parking in the grass due to lack of space.
• Hours : Sun rise to sun set
• Duration : We stayed here about 2 hours.  We also visited the Niantic Children’s Museum this day or we would have stayed longer.
• Tips and Recommendations :  Take a kite because it’s perfect for this windy open coastal field.  Also if you want to see the garden in more of a bloom visit in late spring.
• Cons : The Mansion Eolia was closed when we visited.  They offer tours 10-2 the last Sunday of the month.  Note that June 26th is historic garden day and extremely busy.  Check their website for the most up-to-date information.  Tea times, weddings and other private functions are also held at Eolia.

Jewel – did not go to this park with us.  I’m sure she would have loved flying here kite if she did

Jamison Approved 👍🏼

Be sure to Check out Niantic Children’s Museum when in the area.  It is close and fun for all the kids due to it’s hands-on play.  Another location fairly close by is Mystic Aquarium which my kids always enjoy!  Rocky Neck State Park is yet another close park that is very architecturally and historically interesting.