1. Travel Through Time at the American Clock & Watch Museum
The American Clock & Watch Museum was established in 1952 and was initially called The Bristol Clock Museum. It is one of the handful of horology museums in the United States and one of the best in the world, meaning that it solely dedicated to the history, science, and art of timekeepers and timekeeping. You can see several American industrial-made clocks from the 19th and 20th century; there are other exhibits for watches, Connecticut clockmaking, and an exhibit specifically dedicated to Eli Terry, a Connecticut inventor and clockmakers who received a U.S. patent for a shelf clock mechanism. The displays are marvelous, and the knowledgeable team is dedicated to sharing as much information and fun facts with visitors as possible.
100 Maple St, Bristol, CT 06010, Phone: 860-583-6070
2. Ride, Splash, and Play at Lake Compounce - America’s Oldest Amusement Park
Lake Compounce is one of the best amusement parks and waterparks in the state. It is going on its 172nd season, making it one of the oldest continuously operating amusement parks in the United States. There are several attractions which you won’t find anywhere else in New England including their popular wooden roller coaster, Boulder Dash. Other attractions include the blood-chilling Phobia Phear Coaster, Zoomerang, and Rev-O-Lution where you’ll feel like you’re floating on air. The Crocodile Cove water park is filled with twisted tunnel slides, a giant 300-gallon water bucket, and a designated wave pool for younger guests. Other features include restaurants, shows, and events such as their holiday lighting festival.
185 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, CT 06010
If you are traveling with kids:
3. Marvel at Craftsmanship at the New England Carousel Museum
The New England Carousel Museum was founded in 1990 as a nonprofit educational organization. The museum portrays the art and history of carousels through a number of exhibitions, hands-on interactive displays, shows, programs, and other special events. Their extensive permanent collection can be seen throughout the 33,000 square foot building and includes the works of renowned carvers such as Herschell Spillman and Dentzel. There are different tours for adults and children, both of which provide the opportunity to enjoy and learn about the well-loved ride. You can explore their collection of over 100 antique wooden horses, visit the restoration department, or take a ride on their amazing indoor carousel.
95 Riverside Ave, Bristol, CT 06010, Phone: 860-585-5411
4. Inspire Young Minds at Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center
Imagine Nation, which was established in the early 2000s, comprises three sections: an interactive museum, the Early Learning Center, and their NAEYC accredited preschool. Though each of these plays a unique role, all of them are committed to inspire and assist in the development if young children through inquisitiveness and imagination. The museum studios is one of the main attractions which is popular with visitors. It is designed for children ages 2 to 8 and is filled with different interactive exhibits and activities which intrigue kids. You will find studio workshops dedicated to art, water, design & engineering, wellness, wildlife, farm to table, playbox theater, outdoor learning, and much more.
1 Pleasant St, Bristol, CT 06010, Phone: 860-314-1400
5. Read, Learn, and Relax at the Historic Bristol Public Library
Though it has had many homes since it opened in 1892, the Bristol Public Library can now be found in the renowned Potter building, which is a Colonial Revival style structure which was designed by New York architect Wilson Potter in 1907. It started off with less than 4,000 books during its first year; today, the library’s collection includes over 200,000 books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and other material. The library also has a computer lab, quiet study rooms, and a research center filled with a history room, WWII scrapbook, databases, genealogy line, yearbooks, and much more. There are several programs for children, teens, and adults, such as Baby Story Time, book discussions, and a Coffee House Music program.
5 High Street, Bristol, CT 06010, Phone: 860-584-7787
6. Catch a Game or Soak in History at Muzzy Field
Found adjacent to Rockwell Park, Muzzy Field is a popular stadium in Bristol that is commonly used for baseball and football games. It was built in 1939 and is the home of many high school and collegiate teams including Bristol Central High School, Saint Paul Catholic High School, and the Bristol Blues of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. One of its most popular features is the ring of tall pine trees which can be seen lined on the outside of the outfield wall. The stadium, which was renovated in 2015, can hold up to 4,900 people, has a new grandstand enclosure, new lighting, and much more.
Muzzy St, Bristol, CT 06010
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
7. Picnic, Hike, or Cool Off at Rockwell Park
Rockwell Park is a public park which is located in a U.S. Historic District and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It spans 104 acres, was built in 1914, and includes several features and amenities such as woodlands, open spaces, hiking trails, a swimming pool, a playground, sports fields, and more. You’ll be able to see panoramic views of the Pequabuck River as well as many of the park’s gorgeous buildings which are built out of rustic cobblestone. You can have a great time enjoying the outdoors, feasting on a picnic lunch, or throwing around a frisbee at Rockwell Park.
238 Jacobs St, Bristol, CT 06010, Phone: 860-584-6100
8. Explore Wildlife and Trails at the Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center
The Harry C. Barnes Memorial Nature Center was built in 1972 and is a place for visitors of all ages to learn about and appreciate nature and all it offers. There are several exhibits and activities available, as well as an array of experienced staff who are willing to share their love and knowledge of nature with you. The interactive exhibits are dedicated to a number of things including local flora and fauna; you can also see live animals such as birds and exotic reptiles. You can participate in crafts activities, buy a souvenir at the gift shop, or even attend a scout badge workshop.
175 Shrub Rd, Bristol, CT 06010, Phone: 860-583-1234
9. Enjoy Recreation and Family Fun at Page Park
Page Park is a wonderful outdoor space where the entire family can spend time together. The park was donated to the city by DeWitt and May Rockwell Page in 1933. It has several features and amenities including a playground, seasonal splash pad, a disc golf course, five lighted tennis courts, a hardball diamond baseball field, a lighted softball field, a lodge building, a pavilion, and the Page Park lagoon. You can bring a picnic and enjoy it in one of the many designated picnic areas or rent out the upper playground shelter to get together with friends and family.
Bristol, CT 06010, Phone: 860-584-6100
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