Afternoons are a great time to get the little ones outside for some fresh air. Connecticut has hundreds of great hiking trails, but not all of them are suitable for children. Little legs and feet have a harder time when there are jutting roots and big rocks to traverse. If you have little ones, you’ll want a trail that is relatively flat and well-groomed. We’ve uncovered the 10 best hikes in Connecticut for kids and families. Adventure awaits!

1. Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury
149 Farms Village Rd, Simsbury, CT 06070, USA
Google Images/John Carter
There are a good amount of trails crisscrossing this state park. You can walk for as little as 1/10th of a mile on the linear trail or take a longer excursion into the wooded areas. The scenery is delightful with the covered bridge, white pines, and pond. There is a picnic area and swimming is permitted in the summertime.

You'll find Stratton Brook State Park at 149 Farms Village Rd., Simsbury, CT.
2. Lake Mohegan, Fairfield
Lake Mohegan, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA
AllTrails/David Orrell
Lake Mohegan has some great nature trails and you can choose to do short or longer hikes. The surroundings are beautiful and there are small waterfalls, bridges, and other things along the way to keep young ones interested. Lake Mohegan also has a swimming area, picnic area, and small splash pad that makes it the perfect afternoon getaway during the summer months. No matter what time of year, the trails are well maintained and dogs are welcome to join you.

Visit Lake Mohegan at 960 Moorehouse Hwy., Fairfield, CT
3. Tarrywile Park, Danbury
70 Southern Blvd, Danbury, CT 06810, USA
TripAdvisor/Lynne P
The 1-mile hike around the pond is a short stroll that anyone can enjoy at Tarrywile Park. There are additional trails if you are looking for a longer trip. The kids will love the restored silo and barn and there is even a garden for the young ones. The mansion is magical and beautiful to look at along with the other scenery at this amazing park.

There's so much to love about Tarrywile Park. You'll find it at 70 Southern Blvd., Danbury, CT.
4. Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
244 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, USA
TripAdvisor/introspectionx
There are quite a few trails tucked away at Rocky Neck State Park. You can hike for as little as 1/10th of a mile or combine multiple trails to extend the length of your journey. In addition to the hiking trails, you and your kids will want to explore the fantastic sandy beach. Make a day of it and bring along a picnic lunch that you can eat at the stone pavilion.

You'll find Rocky Neck State Park at 244 West Main St., East Lyme, CT.
5. Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center, Bristol
175 Shrub Rd, Bristol, CT 06010, USA
Facebook/Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center
People of all ages just love the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center. It has interactive exhibits, live reptiles and amphibians, as well as birds of prey. There is a short hiking loop through the woods near the nature center, as well as longer wooded trails to explore.

Spend an afternoon at Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center. You're sure to have a blast. It's located at 175 Shrub Rd., Bristol, CT.
6. Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton
70 Gracey Rd, Canton, CT 06019, USA
Google Images/Lauren ljomah
There are five different trails under one mile to hike at Roaring Brook Nature Center. Explore the woods and wildlife before stopping by the nature center. There are also outdoor gardens, a beaver wetland exhibit, a small collection of live animals, and a nature store. There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy at this spot.

Check out the website for Roaring Brook Nature Center to learn more. You'll find this awesome attraction at 70 Gracey Rd., Canton, CT.
7. Westmoor Park, West Hartford
119 Flagg Rd, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
TripAdvisor/Courtney B
Best known as a small working farm with animals, Westmoor Park also has four hiking trails that are under one mile. Explore forests, ponds, meadows, and more as you explore one of the best hikes in Connecticut. A visit to the animals will surely delight children. This gem of green space is a blessing in a very populated area.

You'll find Westmoor Park at 119 Flagg Rd., West Hartford, CT.
8. Wharton Brook State Park, North Haven
175 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Morrowlong
The trail around the pond at Wharton Brook State Park is a flat, short hike. There are picnic tables available and the pond is open for fishing year-round and swimming in the summertime. This scenic property is mostly shaded which is great during the warmer months.

Check out Wharton Brook State Park at 175 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT.
9. Northwest Park, Windsor
145 Lang Rd, Windsor, CT 06095, USA
TripAdvisor/Dr_Bill_Corcoran
The trails at Northwest Park are very easy on the little ones' legs. You can walk for as long or as short as you wish. In addition, this spot also has a nature center and live animals. Visit the sheep, cows, chickens, and more at this little gem of a park. This is easily one of the best hikes in Connecticut.

Northwest Park is located at 145 Lang Rd, Windsor, CT.
10. Kent Falls State Park, Kent
462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
TripAdvisor/Karla G
This last hike is only 1/4th of a mile, but it is steep. We've included it on our list of kid-friendly hikes simply because the views of Kent Falls are well worth the steeper climb. Wander across the covered bridge and hike along the falls for a wonderful experience. This hike will bring all your senses to life as you hear the roaring of the water and feel the mist on your face, children will be enchanted by this natural wonder.

Kent Falls State Park is located at 462 Kent Cornwall Rd., Kent, CT

Do you have any more kid-friendly hikes that should be added to this list? Have you taken any of the best hikes in Connecticut? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

For more easy walking and biking spots, check out these scenic rail trails in Connecticut.

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best hikes in Connecticut

Elisa Regulski | March 07, 2022

Which state parks should I visit in Connecticut?

There are so many amazing parks full of scenic hikes in Connecticut. If you want to experience the great outdoors, visit Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. This place isn’t just beautiful – it’s like walking through a fairy tale. The whimsical botanical gardens will make you feel like you’re a million miles away from it all. For more fun, visit Kent Falls State Park. Some even say it’s the most beautiful place in Connecticut! For more travel inspiration, check out our list of the best state parks in Connecticut.

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Connecticut?

Young ones love nature, but they can’t always hike long distances. But, that doesn’t mean they need to stay home! There are so many amazing kid-friendly hikes around Connecticut like the Ice House Ruins Trail in Litchfield. This area is home to fascinating ruins and gorgeous scenery. Plus, it’s not very long or difficult! Families also love taking their kiddos to The Red Trail inside Kent Falls State Park. This journey is only about a mile long, but the sights are top tier.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Connecticut?

If you’re searching for the best easy waterfall hikes in Connecticut, we know just where to go. Hike to Blackledge Falls in Glastonbury and soak up the astonishing sights. This 15-minute hike won’t wear you out, but it will leave you in awe. Chapman Falls, located inside Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, is another fantastic place to visit. Everyone loves this short and sweet hike!

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