Connecticut is located in the country’s Northeastern corner, It is part of the six New England States.
The northeastern state of Connecticut shares a boundary with Massachusetts in the North. In the west, it borders the State of New York. In the east, it borders Rhode Island and Long Island in the south.
There are myriads of things to do in this New England state. It has many exciting locations, entertainment venues, historic landmarks, famous places, and indoor activities for those rainy or sunny days.
However, in this article, we have the best indoor activities in Connecticut to make your experience even more worthwhile during your vacation in Connecticut.
Here are the top indoor activities in CT.
Indoor Activities in Connecticut
1. The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, also called Yale Peabody Museum, is one fascinating place to check out in Connecticut.
The Yale Peabody Museum has been in operation for a long time. It is part of the largest and richest college natural history museums globally.
Through the request of Othniel Charles Marsh, an early paleontologist and nephew to a philanthropist, George Peabody, the museum was founded in 1886.
The museum is famous for its Great Hall of Dinosaurs, which contains the Age of Reptiles (a 110-foot-long mural) and a mounted juvenile Brontosaurus.
There are permanent exhibits devoted to human evolution, Egyptian arts, Indian artifacts, wildlife dioramas, minerals, birds, and dinosaurs. It also has temporary exhibitions.
Address: 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06511-8902, United States
2. The Mark Twain House & Museum
Mark Twain House & Museum
History enthusiasts will have the best experience ever during their trip to Connecticut by visiting the Mark Twain House & Museum. It is a must-see destination for everyone, not only for history lovers.
This historic landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, was the home of one of the best American authors, Samuel Clemens, who goes by the pen name Mark Twain. He also lived with his family in the house. 1974 to 1891.
Mark Twain also resided in this house when he penned down some of his most celebrated works, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Pauper and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
The building is famed for its Gothic architecture; it contains 25 rooms with a beautiful grand hall, a luxury glass conservatory, a deluxe library, and a lovely billiard room where Mark Twain penned his famous books.
Visitors can get firsthand knowledge of the life of Mark Twain, the writer’s legacy, and the historic house, all at the Webster Bank Museum Center in The Mark Twain House & Museum.
The ultra-modern facility comprises the ticket desk and the Aetna Gallery, which features a permanent exhibition about the life and works of Mark Twain, the Hartford Financial Services Theatre, The Mark Twain Store, and others.
Address: 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105-6400, United States
3. Mohegan Sun
Mohegan Sun
Experience top-flight entertainment when you visit Mohegan Sun. The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority owns this facility. It offers the country’s most outstanding gaming, dining, shopping, and entertainment experience.
This franchise is located beside the Thames River in beautiful southeastern Connecticut. Mohegan Sun offers a broad selection of gaming in three casinos.
It is also an abode to a 34-story, 1200 deluxe hotel rooms, over 75 shops, a full-service bar, restaurants, a high-standard spa, a golf course, three entertainment locations, and a 10,000-capacity arena.
Mohegan Sun can easily be accessed from Boston, New York, Providence, and Hartford. It is fifteen minutes away from the antique stores, the waterfront of Mystic Country, and museums.
Address: 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT 06382-1372, United States
4. The New England Air Museum
New England Air Museum
If you are intrigued by things that relate to aviation, then check out the New England Air Museum.
The New England Air Museum contains eighty aircraft housed in three large hangars and an outside display area coupled with a vast collection of engines, aircraft parts, equipment, memorabilia, and uniforms.
To give you a more authentic aviation experience when you visit, the air museum has well-trained, knowledgeable staff to show you around the area.
The New England Air Museum is the perfect place to enjoy the most unique aircraft experience ever with its spectacular plane displays, workshop, and exhibition. The museum is open to people of all ages.
Address: 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT 06096, United States
5. Yale Center for British Art
Yale Center for British Art
Paul Mellon founded the Yale Center for British Art, the largest museum dedicated to British Art that is not within the United Kingdom.
Yale Center is housed in the last building architect Louis I. Khan designed a central focus of modern architecture. The building was open to the general public in 1977.
The art collection housed in the museum includes over 2,000 paintings, 20,000 drawings, 40,000 prints, 250 sculptures, and 35,000 rare books and manuscripts, which date back from the era of the fifteenth century to this modern day.
There are over 40,000 volumes of research materials in British art and other related fields, which can be found in the Reference Library.
This collection is filled with historical works by Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable, J. M. W. Turner, George Stubbs, and Joshua Reynolds, including works done by prominent artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
These artists include Cecily Brown, Hurvin Anderson, Yinka Shonibare, Francis Bacon, Vanessa Bell, Barbara Hepworth, and others. In addition, the museum features a robust calendar of programs and events throughout the year.
Address: 1080 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510-2302, United States
6. Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
Since its inception in 1998, this tribally owned and run museum has been committed to sharing the unique history of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
The museum also presents itself as a primary resource on the great history and traditions of the Native American tribes in the Northeast and the region’s remarkable history.
Pequot Museum and research center is a 308,000-square-foot complex that comprises the Mashantucket Gallery (where temporary exhibits are displayed), a museum store, a restaurant, offices for administrative purposes, a 320-capacity Auditorium, and a classroom.
The Research Center also contains archives, archaeology collections, and conservation laboratories. There is a whole lot to learn about the Pequot Tribe when you visit, so do well to stop by.
Address: 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06338, United States
7. Sunset Meadow Vineyards
The Sunset Meadow Vineyards was initially a working farm whose history goes far back as the 1800s and is situated in the Central area of New England.
The Motel Family established the vineyard in 2001. With their wealth of farming experience, they have been committed to cultivating high-quality grapes for excellent wines.
This vineyard is currently amongst New England’s most extensive producing vineyards, as it has more than 170 acres of arable and rich soil.
They have vines planted on over fifty acres of untapped land, and these vines are trimmed by hand, harvested, and assiduously preserved by their staff.
The Sunset Meadow Vineyard grows fifteen different types of grapes, including St. Croix, Lemberger, Cabernet Franc, Concord, Chambourcin, Landot, Merlot, Frontenac, Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Frontenac Gris, Riesling, Cayuga White, Vidal Blanc, and Chardonel.
Wine tasting is available in their tasting room which is open throughout the year. There are twenty-one different wine options for you to choose from. They have a gift store where guests can buy local products made in Connecticut and wine-related products.
Address: 599 Old Middle St, Goshen, CT 06756-2205, United States
8. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
“It is chiefly through books that we enjoy great intercourse with great minds.” If you enjoy reading books, one of the ideal ways to enjoy your vacation in Connecticut is by visiting The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library.
In this library, visitors will have the opportunity to gain access to one of the world’s most extensive collections of rare books, manuscripts, research materials, and others.
Annually, this library welcomes about 3,000 researchers in their reading room, more than 7,000 students are received in their classrooms, about 350,000 online visitors, and over 150,000 people in their exhibitions.
The library offers an unmatched experience when it comes to its services courtesy of its over 140 talented and knowledgeable staff members.
Address: 121 Wall St, New Haven, CT 06511-8917, United States
Also, check out the best of attractions and activities in Essex, Greenwich and Old Saybrook for a fun vacation in Connecticut.
9. Rock Climb Fairfield
The Rock Climb FairField was before now called the Carabiners Fairfield. It is the best and largest indoor climbing fitness facility in Western Connecticut.
They have the region’s finest top rope climbing, auto belays, plus lead climbing for any skill level type of climber and bouldering. Their amenities include auto belays, locker rooms, showers, a cardio center, and free weights,
Challenge yourself to learn something new when in Connecticut by visiting this facility. Whether you are an amateur climber or new to this sport, these faculty have professional trainers to guide you.
However, whether you are a skilled or inexperienced climber does not matter. This facility offers various fitness programs and clinics to help you augment your skills and knowledge about climbing.
Address: 85 Mill Plain Rd Building T, Fairfield, CT 06824-5001, United States
10. The Maritime Aquarium
The Maritime Aquarium
Another exciting place to check out in Connecticut is the Maritime Aquarium. You can easily reach this Aquarium from either I-95 or Metro-North Railroad. Exploring this Aquarium is one of the fun indoor activities in Connecticut.
The Maritime Aquarium has a covered parking area nearby, a four-dimensional theater, a gift shop, and two cafes on-site. The Aquarium is an idyllic location for a family trip, a couple’s date, or even a solo trip.
Visitors will enjoy a close-up experience of different types of marine life, such as sharks, harbor seals, stingrays, jellies, mollusks, crabs, fame fish, sea turtles, and others.
Apart from the marine life exhibition, the Aquarium provides education programs, camps, special events, and cruises throughout the year on its 64-foot research vessel.
Address: 10 N Water St, Norwalk, CT 06854, United States
11. Mohegan Sun Arena
Mohegan Sun Arena
This multi-purpose Arena has a seating capacity of 10,000 people. It is located within the Mohegan Sun casino resort in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The Arena covers 30,000 Square feet of exhibition space that can be configured and a clear span measuring 400 feet. The facility was constructed by Perini Building Company and opened in 2001.
The seating in the Arena can be configured into five well-known sports settings, including boxing, bowling, table tennis, rodeo, lacrosse, and basketball.
The seating act is also configured to suit the setting for full-house, half-house, regular and centerstage concerts. It has won various nominations and awards for itself as well.
This multi-purpose Arena has played host to various events, such as the American Kennel Club, classical concerts, metal, pop acts, jazz, and sporting events like NCAA games, Bellator, PBR events, early UFC matches, the World’s Strongest Man Super Series tournament, and PBA competitions.
The Barrett-Jackson collector car auction was launched in 2016 with 90,000 tickets sold, which is on record as the largest event to have been hosted in this Arena.
Many big broadcasting firms, such as CNN, FOX, CBS, ESPN, ABC, and NBC, have hosted their events in this facility.
Address: 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT 06382-1372, United States
12. Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is open to the entire public. It is located in the central area of Hartford, Connecticut. If you are an art enthusiast, this art museum is a must-visit.
This art museum houses practically 50,000 artworks that have lasted for 5,000 years. It was founded in 1842 by Daniel Wadsworth and had been opening its doors to the public since 1844. The museum has been consistent in its operations for a long time in the country.
Wadsworth Atheneum, Museum of Art has more than 50,000 square feet of gallery rooms filled with a fantastic collection that ranges from popular Surrealist and Baroque paintings, a unique collection of Hudson River School landscapes, Roman and Greek antiquities, an exceptional collection of European and American Impressionist paintings, and others.
The art museum also has a lovely cafe where guests can eat lunch. We highly recommend a guided museum tour for a much better experience. The staff here are welcoming and friendly.
Address: 600 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103-2911, United States
13. Yale University Art Gallery
Yale University Art Gallery
The Yale University Art Gallery is an exciting place to check out when you visit Connecticut. Exploring the Gallery is no doubt one of the best indoor activities in Connecticut. Art lovers will find this place fascinating, as it has many amazing things to make their visit a unique experience.
This art museum has been committed to acquiring, preserving, and showcasing art from various media sources worldwide.
The outstanding collection of the art gallery, which is about 300,000 items, is an essential part of its status. These collections range from ancient times to modern-day objects, displaying civilizations worldwide.
In 1832, the Yale University Art Gallery was founded. It is America’s oldest art museum, a center for educational purposes, and a leading cultural asset for the community of Yale University.
Address: 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06510-2301, United States
14. Mission Escape Games
One of the ideal ways to have a great time in Connecticut is to check out the Mission Escape Games for an unparalleled Escape Room Experience.
Mission Escape Rooms is ideal for friends, families, thrill seekers, and students. This facility features adventurous-themed escape rooms that accommodate about 2- 6 players.
The players will be locked inside these themed rooms with the challenge of finding clues, using various elements in the rooms to solve puzzles and accomplish their tasks within 60 minutes.
Mission Escape Games is an idyllic location to hold your corporate events. You can strengthen the teamwork amongst your colleagues by visiting this place, as you work together to accomplish various tasks.
Address: 76 LaSalle Rd, Unit 403, 2nd Floor, West Hartford, CT 06107, United States
15. Foxwoods Resort Casino
Since its opening in 1992, Foxwoods Resort Casino has been providing its patrons with the best services. It is a top-class resort located in the Northeast.
Foxwoods Resort Casino has seven casinos featuring various gaming options, restaurants, famous spas, modern theaters, top-tier golf, and AAA Four-Diamond hotels.
The resort has a land area of 900,000 square feet. Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation owns this hotel and casino complex and runs this franchise.
The casino has over 250 gaming tables for craps, roulette, poker, and bluejack, with over 5,500 slot machines. It is an idyllic location for business and recreation purposes. It is also a perfect location to hold events or meetings.
Address: 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT 06338-3830, United States
Meet the top attractions in Connecticut, here is a guide on the top things to do in Norwalk, things to do in Milford, and the best things to do in Hartford.
Plan Your Trip to Connecticut
Connecticut is a fantastic place to visit. With its many fine locations, you are sure not to run out of ideas for things to do whenever you visit.
Ensure to explore this list to enjoy some of the best indoor activities in Connecticut with your friends and family. A lovely time awaits you.