We’ve had a busy start to the year and we were in desperate need of a break. Some time away from our everyday chaos. We had talked of taking a big trip over April vacation, but well. The chaos!
We never got around to organising anything.
Thankfully we have some wonderful, far more organised than us, friends. When they suggested a couple of days away in Mystic, Connecticut, we jumped at the chance. It was somewhere we’d never been, and having a quick Google, there is plenty to do there.
It takes a couple of hours to drive to Mystic from Boston. So, not too far, but far enough to feel that we were really going on holiday.
We set off early in the morning, stopping for breakfast along the way, and arrived in Mystic with the best part of the day ahead of us. We headed straight to the historic Mystic Seaport.
We had not realised quite how extensive this living museum is. So much to see and do; boats, exhibitions, events, children’s activities, a planetarium, a 19th Century village! We only scratched the surface while we were there, and are already planning a trip back over the summer. So, look out for a more detailed post on everything that the Seaport has to offer soon.
This time we simply took in the surroundings, saw a show at the planetarium, climbed aboard a whaling ship, completed a navigation quest, learned about whaling, sailing and lighthouses and soaked up the atmosphere.
We had a brilliant day.
Climbing the please-do-not-climb anchors was far too tempting.
The boats were beautiful.
We were able to explore a whaler, and when we came back on deck we commented that the cabins were nicer than we were expecting, they weren’t too cramped and dark. We then found out that sailors would be on board for THREE years at a time. They didn’t seem quite so nice after that! Rather excitingly the Amistad is currently docked there too for restoration work, and we watched them raising a new section of mast.
There was plenty of green space to run around, as well as opportunities to get silly! There is a lovely little Children’s Museum (an interactive and imaginative play space), which my little girl loved. My 8yo really enjoyed learning about different shapes of sail, using models to experiment. And we all enjoyed the show in the planetarium.
The 19th Century village has lots of interesting buildings and displays, but I have to admit we only ventured into a couple on this trip. The new exhibition centre is stunning!
As the day drew to a close, with the sun low in the sky and the chill seeping into the air, we took a last look at the lighthouse before heading into Mystic itself for dinner.
We loved the Seaport, and we will definitely return. As a family of five we have found that family membership of places like this is often only slightly more expensive than the cost of five tickets. So, we will be able to go back over the next year and discover everything else that it has to offer.
Such a fun trip! I haven’t been in ages! Must plan a summer trip.
It was our first visit, and we loved it. My husband particularly! We’ll be back :)
This looks like a great way to spend the afternoon after a long journey, so much to see and explore! The kids seem to be having a wail of a time from all the pictures, it’s clear they had a good time as family. I can see why you would want to go back and get exploring some more, I can’t wait to see what you discover next time you visit.
Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
They had a great time – we were there with friends which was an added bonus (although meant fewer photos to share as they all had other kids in them!!). We’ll definitely head back over the summer and explore some more.
What a wonderful trip you had….
It looks like there was plenty to do and see. Those boats look amazing!
#CountryKids
It was such good fun, and the boats were amazing!
Three years!!! Oh my!! It looks a fantastic place and great to be heading back to do some more of it #countrykidsfun
I know! That’s a long time to be stuck on a boat!
This looks great, I love living museums, so much to get involved with and immersed in. Mich x #Countrykids
Exactly, there was so much going on to engage the kids, it was great!
Wow, it looks like a really amazing and interesting place. Just the name draws you in as well #countrykids
The name does draw you in, doesn’t it :)
Lovely post – this place looks like a great day out :) #countrykids
Wow those boats really are beautiful. Sounds like a gem of a place to explore with kids #CountryKids
It really was wonderful. Can’t wait to go back and have more of a wander.
This sounds like a really fun-filled day out, so much to see!
What a fabulous place to visit. I love the boats – although I wouldn’t fancy spending three years on one! The photo of your wee girl and 8yo on the anchor is such a fun one. The 19th century village looks really interesting – I’d love to visit somewhere like that. Looks like you all had a wonderful time :-) #countrykids
It’s good you have got an annual ticket to return. I don’t know why they put don’t climb signs on things linked anchors they are pretty heavy duty! Love the lighthouse #CountryKids