7/10😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 Mommy Approved Smiling Faces
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Rocky-Neck-State-Park
244 West Main Street
Niantic, CT 06357
(860)739-5471
What can the kids do at Rocky Neck State Park?
Rocky Neck State Park is big and beautiful with numerous picnic tables, grills, the beach and a walking path. There are numerous bridges and “tunnels” to pass under. I think that’s what makes it so interesting -because it’s nothing like any other park I’ve ever seen!
My kids loved the beach. The water was so cold on this early spring day but that’s to be expected. If it were a bit warmer though I swear my kids would have gotten all the way in-they just love swimming so much. Therefore, the beach is always a win with them. Finding shells, walking the shoreline, searching for critters and just exploring can go on for hours. It was a blessing that the weather was kind of nippy so we could explore the rest of the park without too much fuss.
There are plenty of people here fishing from the jetty and blue crab catching in the estuary. The kids loved watching others successful catches.
Things to see at Rocky Neck State Park:
Since this was our first time here, we didn’t know what was in store for us. It was a pleasant surprise to find the big rock shelter and the bridges. These were the nuances that make this place special. There was no playground that we saw but I always think these are big draws for kids.
Scenic views were all around us with strategically positioned benches to relax while you take in the beauty. The path was well-kept so no boards were lifting and this made it easy to walk on. Which is great for when my 3 and 5 year old put their shoes on the wrong feet and try to run faster than their bodies can manage. ; ) This is a dog-friendly park so you can bring them as long as they are leashed. We saw several people out exercising and walking their dogs. It felt amazing to get some fresh air after several rainy days we were ready to crack being shut in!
The Skinny:
- Location : Rocky Neck State Park is a 720-acre beautiful state park with camp grounds and a small but magnificent beach, trains run by behind the beach which is new to me…I’ve never seen anything like that before! Here you can camp, bird, crab, fish, swim, hike and bike.
- Recommendations : no kites or bikes are allowed on the beach, bring your own food unless it’s “in season” concession stands aren’t open, bring a bag for trash as there are no garbage cans on the beach. There are dumpsters and porta potties nearby the seasonally opened restrooms. Bring walking shoes and a towel for cleaning up that sand so you can put socks on after walking the shoreline 😝 (we did not have one and our feet felt yucky after the beach with our socks and sneakers on) This park is definitely worth the visit for its ornateness. It is not too far from Mystic Aquarium if you want to try to tackle both of these on the same day💪🏽 I personally would not but just saying in case YOU do!
- Hours : Sunup to sundown
- Parking and Admission : FREE and plentiful parking here for Connecticut residents but in-season out of state vehicles are $22.
Jewel Approved 👍🏼
Jamison Approved 👍🏼
If you are looking for another Connecticut location to take the kids, I like Bluff Point State Park. It offers some swimming and hiking. For those wanting more activities, try Hammonasett State Park offering nature exploration at Meig’s Point and a bike path too.
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